Ever felt like throwing a plate at a wall just to see your stress fly away with it? Welcome to THE RAGE, a place where that’s not only allowed, it’s highly encouraged.
We recently headed to Eindhoven to check out this iconic rage room, and honestly? It’s as cathartic as it sounds.
From the moment we arrived, Hara, the owner, made us feel right at home.
For anyone unfamiliar, a rage room is exactly what it sounds like: a controlled environment where you can smash and destroy objects to release stress, frustration, or just to have fun. Think of it as a mix of cathartic workout and complete chaos.
What to expect
Once inside, the building revealed a surprisingly cosy resting space, complete with comfy seating. This area sits just aside from the smashing room and is mainly for decompressing after a session.
After choosing the best outfit for us, we finally got handed our weapons of choice.
Exactly like the Mario Brothers, we’re also destroying everything. Image: DutchReview/Supplied
Once we stepped into the smashing room, it was like a candy shop for chaos lovers.
The smashables
One of the things I loved most about THE RAGE was the incredible variety of things you can smash.
Tables were stacked with plates, bottles, glass cups, old keyboards, TVs, monitors: basically, anything that can be smashed. Even furniture.
You want to smash the exact copy of the phone that keeps ringing at the office? At THE RAGE, you can do that. I picked up my first bottle, swung, and watched it explode into a spray of glass.
Hara goes out of his way to keep the smashables collection diverse and interesting, and it really shows. One moment, we were shattering plates into tiny shards; the next, we were hammering an old monitor like rock stars with guitars.
Sustainable smashing
While we were there, one question kept popping into our heads: where does Hara get all these smashable treasures?
Turns out, there’s a great story behind it. When he first started, Hara would visit local kringloop (second-hand shops), asking for spare items.
At the beginning, most of them said no. But with a bit of persistence and a lot of friendly charm, he built strong relationships with shop owners.
Now, thanks to those connections, THE RAGE has a steady supply of breakables.
So who knows? If you finally ditched Oma’s dreaded silverware at a kringloop in Eindhoven, there’s a good chance it might meet its glorious end in Hara’s smashing room.
A safe space to let go
After more than 40 minutes, we were exhausted, happy, and oddly zen. And the best part? There wasn’t a scratch on us.
The safety gear instantly put us at ease. Because the first thought in the room should be, “Time to imagine my boss on this plate!” And not “Will this thing smash into my eye if I swing too hard?”
Great for after a stressful day of work. Video: DutchReview/Supplied
The concept behind THE RAGE is beautifully simple: sometimes the best way to reset is to break something — but not yourself.
Hara and his wife made sure every centimetre of us stayed completely safe.
We got a very thick suit, safety goggles and on top of that a safety helmet that completely protects your face, head and ears. And of course gloves, in different sizes, even very small ones!
Over time, this place has grown into a full-fledged venue for controlled chaos, perfect for anyone in need of a little release.
Who is it for?
Pretty much anyone who’s ever wanted to hurl a plate or swing a hammer at a TV. THE RAGE welcomes:
👩💻 Corporate teams swapping trust falls for sledgehammers
🕺 Groups of friends seeking a chaotic night out
😮💨 Solo visitors in need of instant stress relief
💊 Even therapy-goers whose doctor prescribed a little smashing
The only rule? You must be at least 14. Teens up to 18 need an adult chaperone, but after that, it’s open season on breakables.
Ready to break something? Plan your visit
Curious to try it for yourself? Whether you’re looking to smash a few plates, hammer a TV, or go full-on destruction mode, THE RAGE in Eindhoven has you covered.
Packages start at just €50 for solo sessions, and larger group experiences for up to 20 people can last as long as two hours.
For packages, pricing, and details, you can check out THE RAGE’sfull list of options.
Got a bike in the Netherlands? Congrats, you’ve just entered the national sport of bike theft. With nearly 86,220 bikes registered as stolenin 2024 alone, protecting your two-wheeled pride and joy isn’t optional. It’s survival.
Whether you’re enjoying a night out in Amsterdam or parking at your local Albert Heijn, bike thieves are lurking. And honestly? You’re probably making their job way too easy.
Here are five rookie mistakes that scream “steal me!”, and how to avoid becoming another statistic.
1. Using a flimsy lock (or worse, no lock at all)
Think that cable lock from the Action will do the trick? Think again.
Cable locks and cheap chain locks are basically gift wrapping for thieves. They can be cut through faster than you can say gezellig.
If you want to keep your bike, invest in a proper lock. Look for one with an ART-2 certification or higher (that’s the gold standard in the Netherlands).
Make sure you invest in a decent lock for your bike. Image: Dreamstime
For electric bikes, many insurers actually require two locks, with at least one being a chain lock. Yes, two locks.
If that sounds excessive, ask yourself: “Would I rather lug around an extra kilogram, or lose €2,000?”
Don’t cheap out here. A decent lock costs around €30 to €70, but replacing your bike? That’ll hurt a lot more.
2. Locking only the wheel
Here’s a fun fact: bike wheels are removable. Shocking, we know.
Yet people still lock just their front wheel to a bike rack and act surprised when they return to find… well, just a wheel.
Thieves can easily remove wheels or entire frames when bikes aren’t properly secured to fixed objects.
The golden rule? Always lock your frame to something solid and immovable, such as a bike rack, fence, or lamppost. Bonus points if you loop the lock through the back wheel, too.
This isn’t just good practice; many insurance companies require it. If your bike is stolen and it wasn’t locked to a fixed point, your claim could be rejected.
Even with the best locks, theft can happen. That’s why Univé’s bike insurance covers theft and vandalism. Highly rated by the Consumentenbond, Univé offers affordable coverage starting at just €2.27 per month.
3. Parking in dodgy locations
Not all bike parking spots are created equal.
Entertainment areas, shopping centres, student complexes, train stations, and metro stops are prime hunting grounds for bike thieves.
In 2024, 10,810 bikes were reported stolen in Amsterdam (that’s about 30 per day). Meanwhile, The Hague scored even higher with 11,710 bicycles reported stolen.
So what’s an international to do? Park smart:
Choose well-lit, busy areas (take it from someone whose bike was stolen from an alley)
Use monitored bike parking when available (many train stations have them)
Avoid leaving your bike in isolated spots overnight
We’ve all experienced it at this point. Image: Depositphotos
Theft occurs more often at night and in the evening than during the day. But don’t get too comfortable, because even daytime isn’t safe if your bike isn’t locked properly.
4. Leaving your bike in the same spot for too long
That bike that’s been chained to the same rack outside your flat for three weeks? Yeah, thieves have noticed.
Bikes that look abandoned become easy targets. University campuses and transport hubs are especially bad for this, as are other locations where students or commuters might leave bikes for extended periods.
If your bike starts collecting cobwebs, it sends a clear message: “My owner doesn’t care about me.” And neither will anyone else when it mysteriously disappears.
The fix? Move your bike regularly, even if you’re not using it much. And if you’re going on holiday, bring it inside or store it somewhere secure.
Fun fact! Eventually, even your municipality might notice your abandoned-looking bike and take it away to a bike depot. You’ll have to pay a fine to get it back. (Yes, this has also happened to me.)
5. Having a bike that screams “steal me!”
Here’s the thing about the Netherlands: the most thief-proof bike is often the ugliest one.
Snazzy electric bikes are increasingly targeted by organised gangs, with e-bikes, fatbikes, and electric cargo bikes experiencing high theft rates.
That shiny new e-bike with all the bells and whistles? It’s basically a neon sign saying, “I’m worth thousands of euros!”
However, Dutch cycling culture has a solution: embrace the omafiets (granny bike). You know, the heavy, slightly rusty city bike that looks like it survived both world wars. They’re functional, reliable, and thieves won’t give them a second glance.
Of course, if you do have an expensive bike (we’re not judging), just be extra vigilant with security. Use multiple high-quality locks, park strategically, and most definitely consider insuring it.
Sometimes, you do everything right. Two locks, perfect parking spot, the works. And still, your bike vanishes. That’s where Univé’s bike insurance comes in.
Whether it’s your daily commuter or that expensive e-bike, you can ride confidently knowing you’re covered. Check out their flexible plans.
Right, let’s wrap this up with a quick recap of your anti-theft game plan:
🔐 Lock it right: Use at least one ART-2 certified lock (two for e-bikes). Always secure your frame AND wheel to a fixed object.
🤔 Choose your parking wisely: Well-lit, busy areas are your friend. Avoid theft hotspots like train stations if you can, or use monitored bike parking.
🚶🏼♀️ Keep it moving: Don’t leave your bike in the same spot for days on end. Thieves notice patterns.
🤫 Embrace the shabby look: The fancier your bike, the bigger the target. Sometimes ugly is beautiful (at least in the Netherlands).
🤝 Get insured: Because even with all these tips, you’re guaranteed to experience bike theft at least once in this country. Better safe than sorry.
Got any other anti-theft tips, or a tragic bike theft story to share? Let us know in the comments below!
Several of the account holders have been unable to make meaningful contact with Meta to have their bans reversed. Meta is legally required under European law to provide explanations for removals.
Clubs are home to vital resources
For groups that are already marginalised, social media can be a community lifeline.
Tillatec founder Samuel King, whose official account lost 40,000 followers as a result of the suspension, said to NU.nl that the club’s younger clientele “use the platform to stay up to date on events. This has a major impact on us.”
The Club Church account had to restart from scratch after last year’s removal of its 19,000-follower profile. Now, having built a 6,000-user following, that’s gone, too.
In response to NU.nl’s article, Meta has said they are investigating the accounts in question. In their own words, “no system is perfect.”
Why?
That’s the real question, and there’s been no meaningful answer.
Some question whether AI moderation is at fault, including Repro Uncensored, an NGO that tracks social media censorship worldwide.
Spokesperson Martha Dimitratou stated that “It could be a word, a message, or an image that gets picked up,” which can lead to a removal.
This could explain the arbitrary nature of the decisions. As Club Church account administrator, Caspar Pisters, told NU.nl, “there are also many queer accounts that are allowed to remain on the platform.”
On November 14, while our community was dancing at our event with Striptopia, our Instagram account was permanently deleted by Meta’s automated systems. We never received a warning, nor had a post ever been removed. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms are required to provide transparency and meaningful explanations. We did not receive one.
It seems being cautious doesn’t help, either, says Micklin Korsuize, co-founder of The Queer Agenda. After successfully reversing their previous suspension, the group “didn’t post anything anymore, but we were removed again anyway.”
Objections to the suspensions have also been rejected without explanation, leaving the groups stranded and unable to move forward.
As Carolina Are, fellow at Northumbria University’s Centre for Digital Citizens, told the Guardian last year, “It wouldn’t be as much of a problem if platforms’ appeals actually worked, but they don’t.”
For now, it seems, the groups will have to keep fighting.
What do you think of these removals? Let us know in the comments.
The Dutch may be famous for keeping water out, but Vitens — the country’s largest drinking water provider — is now warning that it’s struggling to keep enough water in.
While businesses and households across the Netherlands grow more water-conscious, Vitens warns that total demand is still climbing, driven by a growing population and growing economy.
The company sounded the alarm in a new report, in which they anticipate “shortages in the drinking water supply.”
Vitens supplies drinking water to around six million people across Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Utrecht, Overijssel, and parts of Drenthe and Noord-Holland. If you live in any of those provinces, you’ll be affected.
According to NOS, the company has already begun telling some businesses they can’t guarantee a new water connection or an expanded supply.
New build homes could also face supply issues and delayed connections, adding yet another hurdle in the Dutch housing market.
Climate change is just making things worse
If the core issue isn’t irresponsible water usage, then who’s to blame? Given that Vitens is owned entirely by Dutch municipalities and provinces, there’s no private operator to point the finger at here.
Instead, experts point to climate change, particularly long dry spells hitting the areas where groundwater is extracted. Water contamination is also adding pressure, making it harder and more expensive to process what’s available.
Vitens CEO Tjeerd Roozendaal didn’t mince words.
In the company’s annual report, he highlighted that a “water transition” is needed, and it requires governments, water managers, and the company to work together.
At present, Vitens is exploring a multi-source approach — purifying water from several different sources at a single location — to reduce dependence on any one supply.
This shortage warning comes as water bills across the Netherlands have already been rising in 2026. If you’re not already paying close attention to your water use, now is a good time to start.
Are you actively trying to cut down on your water use in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below.
A police officer is facing rape charges for assaulting a teenager in the backseat of a car at the McDonald’s parking lot in Nieuwegein.
The allegations were reported by the crime program Het Misdaadbureau on NPO Radio 1 on Wednesday. The Public Prosecution Service later confirmed the incident, reports AD.
The 45-year-old suspect, identified as Walco B, is expected to appear in court on June 9.
Told the victim he was a police officer
According to the radio program, WB met the victim at a cafe in IJsselstein about six months ago. She was aged between 16 and 18.
The girl was drunk, so WB offered to drop her off at home. Outside working hours, WB reportedly told the victim that he was a police officer.
Along with an unidentified co-suspect, the two men instead drove the teenager to a McDonald’s car park in Nieuwegein. The assault took place in the back seat of the car.
According to prosecutors, the men allegedly continued despite her protests that she wanted to go home.
The girl later filed a report that triggered a criminal investigation.
The consequences
The two men were detained for approximately three months. However, the suspects roam free while awaiting their trial in June.
The Openbaar Ministerie confirmed to Het Misdaadbureau that one of the two suspects was employed by the Central Netherlands Police at the time, which is a police unit patrolling the entire province of Utrecht.
According to the NOS, Walco B has since been dismissed. However, he can appeal the dismissal.
Colleagues told Het Misdaadbureau that they were shocked by the allegations. Somehow, Walco had built a reputation within the unit as a tenacious investigator.
Do you think it’s fair for this police officer to roam free until his trial? Tell us in the comments.
In the latest data disaster for yet another Dutch company, Rituals user information, including email addresses, phone numbers, names, and more, has been stolen.
As reported by AD, the company released information about the incident on Wednesday, though the exact number of customers impacted remains unclear.
For an internationally established business (spanning 33 countries), the scale of the leak could be substantial.
Who is affected?
Rituals has confirmed that the affected customer data originates in Europe and the UK, AD says.
According to the Rituals website, “the situation is now contained,” and the company has taken measures to further protect user details.
They also confirm that passwords and payment details were not leaked.
In the meantime, customers are being warned to look out for phishing emails, calls, or text messages, and to remain “extra vigilant,” reports NOS.
Add it to the list…
Rituals is just the latest company to be hit with a data breach: from Odido to Booking.com and BasicFit, these thefts appear to be commonplace nowadays.
The worst of these incidents, the Odido breach, has led to the release of over six million Dutch people’s personal information to the darkest corner of the web.
While cybercriminals may seem like they’re on a rampage, there’s no evidence that these attacks are connected, reports NOS.
For now, the only thing these breaches have in common is that your data keeps ending up somewhere it shouldn’t.
Have you been impacted by the latest leaks? Let us know in the comments!
After you’ve fought your way through the Dutch housing market and somehow sweet-talked a viewing out of a landlord with 200 other applicants, the last thing you need is to spend €500 getting your stuff from one apartment to another.
Yet that’s exactly where most people end up — paying a fortune, or begging every friend they have for help and owing them all dinner forever.
Moving as an expat is wildly overcomplicated for no reason
If you’re an expat or recent arrival, the traditional moving company model just doesn’t make sense for you.
You’re not moving a four-bedroom house full of heirlooms. You’ve got a mattress, a few boxes, and a lamp that probably won’t survive anyway. Yet most moving companies charge as if everyone’s relocating an entire household!
When you only have a carload of stuff, big moving companies don’t make sense! Image: Mihai Tulbure
That means €350 to €800-plus for full-service moves with large crews and a price tag that assumes you’ve got a proper Dutch salary to match.
This is the awkward moving gap so many students and expats fall into: too much stuff to carry yourself, not enough to justify a full moving company.
That’s why founder Mihai Tulbure created MoverMate, a moving service built specifically for this middle ground.
MoverMate was born out of personal experience
MoverMate has humble beginnings. Unlike many big moving companies, it didn’t start in a boardroom. It began with a smart student at the University of Twente who owned a van.
After a few dozen rounds of helping friends stuck in that same transport gap move between rooms and apartments, he thought: Why isn’t there a proper service for this?
That insight grew into a reliable van-and-driver operation built for student and city life. And now, you can use it too!
What you actually get — and what you save
MoverMate keeps it simple: a van, a professional driver, and an hourly rate of €49. Fuel is calculated separately, but most local moves come in between €110 and €140 total.
Keep it simple (and affordable) with MoverMate! Image: Mihai Tulbure
Compare that to traditional movers charging €80 to €120 per hour with a minimum of three or four hours, and you’re looking at savings of up to a whopping 40%.
The service covers 24+ cities across the Netherlands — Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Leiden, Delft, and more — with intercity moves typically wrapping up within half a day.
A few things to keep in mind:
MoverMate is transport-focused. The driver loads and unloads; packing and disassembly are on you. For most studio moves, that’s a non-issue.
Preparation saves you money. The clock starts when the driver arrives — boxes by the door mean fast loading, which means a lower bill.
There’s same-day availability. Last-minute move? MoverMate often has slots the same day or next.
The process is entirely English-friendly. Booking, communication, and the move itself — no Dutch-language websites required.
For students, expats, and anyone who’s done the maths on a studio move and quietly wept, MoverMate is the option that should have existed all along.
Just message +31648852148 with your pickup address, destination, date, and a brief description of what needs to be moved. You can also book via the MoverMate contact page.
Have you ever paid way too much to move to the Netherlands? Tell us your moving horror stories in the comments.
The end of a relationship is never easy. However, it can be especially difficult when there are children involved — and you’re in a foreign country.
That said, you can rest easy knowing that multiple legal procedures are in place in the Netherlands to ensure that this transition is as seamless as possible for your children.
To find out more, we turned to Sophie Vermeule from GMW lawyers. Sophie has experience in complex international divorce cases, approaching each with knowledge, detail, and an understanding of the complex emotions involved.
Here’s what you need to know about children during divorces and separations in the Netherlands, straight from the expert.
Separating in the Netherlands with children: a step-by-step breakdown
Sophie walked us through the steps parents will need to take for their children during a separation.
1. Determine if the children fall under Dutch jurisdiction
One question that always arises when tackling legal matters is jurisdiction. This means whether the court has the legal power to make rulings over your case.
Jurisdiction is especially important when internationals are involved. However, when it comes to your children, things are actually very simple.
“In principle, it can be assumed that when the children reside in the Netherlands, a Dutch court is authorised to make decisions regarding their care and upbringing,” Sophie explains.
There are several steps you must take in the divorce process if your child falls under Dutch jurisdiction. Image: Freepik
Put simply, regardless of whether your separation or divorce falls under Dutch jurisdiction, if your children live in the Netherlands, they will fall under the Dutch legal system.
“For example, the Dutch court will determine a care and contact arrangement,” Sophie explains.
The best approach is for parents to draw up a parenting plan in mutual consultation, in which they agree on topics such as the care and contact arrangement (indicating when the child will be with each parent).
“In cases where parents are unable to reach an agreement on the parenting plan, they have the option to seek a decision from the Dutch court. The Dutch court will then (for example) establish a care and contact arrangement,” Sophie adds.
If the Dutch court does have jurisdiction over your children, you can rest easy knowing that their welfare is paramount.
“Children have priority in the Netherlands in case of divorce or separation,” Sophie tells us.
In general, the court establishes its jurisdiction over children at the time of the petition.
However, Sophie tells us that when children move abroad during ongoing proceedings, the Dutch court may lose jurisdiction. In this case, parents would not need to prepare a parenting plan.
We were never married. Does this change things?
Whether you and your ex were legally married or just cohabiting, the process regarding children is treated the same in the Netherlands.
“In principle, there is no difference between a divorce and separation when it comes to the children,” says Sophie. “Parents generally have to make agreements regarding visitation and child support.”
2. Specify who has parental authority
First of all, you may be wondering what parental authority even is, good question!
As soon as you and your partner become legal parents in the Netherlands, you automatically share joint parental authority over your biological children.
Parental authority means that you are responsible for raising and caring for these children until they are at least 18 years old.
“Since January 1st, 2023, unmarried and unregistered partners automatically obtain joint parental authority with the mother when the child is legally recognised,” Sophie tells us.
What about same-sex parents?
In the Netherlands, when two women are married, or in a registered partnership, they have made use of an unknown donor, and one gives birth, the partner automatically shares joint parental authority.
If the mothers conceive with a known donor, only the birth mother of the child will automatically become the legal parent and will have parental authority over the child. The donor will not (automatically) be the legal parent, nor will the donor have parental authority. The co-mother can obtain parental authority if she acknowledges the child herself at the registry.
If two men are married or in a registered partnership, they will only obtain joint parental authority after a court decision. However, if two men adopt a child, they automatically both obtain parental authority.
Parental authority is not the same as visitation, Sophie explains.
“Parental authority is not linked to the right to visitation. A parent without parental authority also has the right to have contact with the child.”
Both parents will have the right to visitation, unless it goes against the child’s best interest.
Visitation can be negotiated between the parents if things remain amicable.
Sometimes it’s difficult for things to remain amicable. Image: Freepik
However, if an agreement can’t be reached, even with the help of a mediator, the Dutch courts will step in and consider each parent’s role in the children’s upbringing to reach a decision.
For example, say you and your partner lived together with the children you had together before you broke up; however, you never married.
As we’ve explained above, in the Netherlands, your marital status won’t play a major role when it comes to your children.
Case in point: parental authority.
GMW lawyers are the experts when it comes to dealing with international families and separation. You can contact them to speak with someone about your unique situation.
As long as your children live in the Netherlands, you and your partner will be obligated under the Zorgvuldige Scheiding Act to draw up a Parenting Plan (ouderschapsplan).
“In the Parenting Plan, parents make agreements about the division of care, how often information is shared, how important matters regarding the children are decided upon and about child support,” Sophie tells us.
You should sit down with your partner and draw up a parenting plan if you are getting divorced in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
Parents are legally obliged to draw up a parenting plan during a divorce (or termination of a registered partnership) when they were cohabitating, and both have parental authority.
However, Sophie explains that it is highly recommended that a parenting plan also be drawn up if the parents are not cohabitating.
And yes, it can be about as difficult as it sounds, which is why there are mediators who specialise in helping parents draw up these parenting plans.
4. Involve your child in the process
Anyone who lives in the Netherlands knows that the Dutch believe in raising children to be confident and independent.
This makes it no surprise that the Dutch court will not only encourage you but also require you to include your child in the process of separating, in a way that is appropriate for the child’s age.
It’s always good to speak with your children about the Dutch divorce process and what this means for them. Image: Depositphotos
As Sophie explains, “In the parenting plan, it should also be included how the children are involved in the drafting of the parenting plan.”
Of course, if your child is three years old and would much rather shove crayons up their nose, they’re not going to be expected to do much.
“This naturally depends on the children’s age,” Sophie says.
Again, some parents may find this aspect of the separation difficult, which is why a mediator can advise you on the best way to approach this.
5. Determine who pays child support
Who pays child support when separating in the Netherlands will be determined as part of the Parenting Plan.
“As a general rule, the parent with whom the children do not reside primarily pays child support to the other parent,” explains Sophie.
A mediator can help you determine who should pay child support. Image: Freepik
The two of you will make these decisions together, but what if you and your ex aren’t seeing eye to eye?
“If the parents are unable to reach an agreement, they can bring this issue to court. The judge will then determine the amount of child support.”
When finances and children are involved, it’s sometimes best to have an objective person at the table, which is why many people in the Netherlands hire a mediator to help negotiate the terms of child support.
Splitting from your ex is never easy, especially when you’re trying to share a life with your children.
However, if there’s one thing the Netherlands does well, it’s look out for your kids during this turbulent time.
Sophie says it like a true lawyer: “In short, there are sufficient safeguards in place in the Netherlands to protect the interests of children during divorce.”
And ultimately, that’s what you both want.
Do you need a lawyer when separating with kids in the Netherlands? GMW lawyers are the experts. To speak with someone about your circumstances, get in touch.
Have you experienced a separation with kids in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
Anyone who has lived in the Netherlands for more than a month knows that buying groceries here can be expensive.
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, getting things from your local Albert Heijn can feel like a splurge, even with all the nice deals you can get with your trusty bonus card.
Whether you’re a frugal student, held back by soaring inflation, or simply trying to pinch pennies where you can, you’re probably wondering: What are some cheaper alternatives that won’t have you spending half of your monthly budget on groceries?
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The cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands
In the time since I first moved to the Netherlands, I’ve uncovered many cheaper alternatives to that inviting blue Albert Heijn sign that greets most internationals once they’ve set foot here.
If you have a Nettorama near you, you’re in luck — even though their presentation isn’t the best, they have a great selection of products at rock-bottom prices.
This place calls itself a “brand discounter” and sells many well-known brands for a fraction of their normal price (often if you buy in bulk).
If you’re looking for affordable groceries, you can’t go wrong with Dirk! With well over a hundred stores around the country, you can probably find one close to you.
It also has some great promotions, and it’s not uncommon to find food products for as low as €1 from their house brand. Plus, pro tip: Dirk also has great bread (we confirm this from DutchReview’s daily lunch experiences).
Aldi is a classic when it comes to cheap supermarkets, with weekly promotions that shave even more off your grocery bill.
What I really like about Aldi is that it’s great for covering all your basics, ike bread, pasta, cheese, and general household items. While it might not be fancy, it puts food on the table.
Lidl is essentially Aldi’s slightly more expensive sister, with a very similar layout, a comparable price range, and the same no-nonsense approach to shopping.
I’ve found that Lidl usually has a wider range of products and generally better quality, especially if you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you’re looking for high-quality products and items that budget supermarkets may not carry, Jumbo is a more affordable alternative to Albert Heijn.
They also carry their own house brand (Jumbo), which offers your everyday essentials at a more accessible price than those by popular brands.
Alternatives to big-chain supermarkets in the Netherlands
Okay, so we’ve covered the most popular supermarket chains here in the Netherlands, but what about off-brand, smaller shops and stores?
Family-run or small grocery stores in the Netherlands
Your socialist leanings might lead you to avoid big chains, which pollute the environment and give questionable pay to their employees. Or you just want a cheaper alternative.
Small family-owned businesses are a fair and great choice.
Almost every Dutch city has a local Asian supermarket. Image: Depositphotos
They can be much cheaper than regular supermarkets, with some local stores being in the same price range as budget supermarkets like Aldi.
Because the Netherlands is such a multicultural country, the advantage of going to local stores is that you can find a wide range of food from other cultures.
For example, you can go to Indian, Asian or Surinamese stores to get more flavour than you’ll find in all Dutch stamppotcombined.
Heck, if you are looking for cheap alcohol, then a Polish store will definitely do the job.
Farmers’ markets in the Netherlands
Another great alternative to supermarkets is going to a farmers’ market. You can get a kilo of veggies for as little as €1, but the only problem is using them all up before they go bad. Fresh produce at a great price, what’s not to love?
So when you’re at a farmers’ market, don’t go overboard because odds are you might commit some food waste if you over-buy.
These local markets usually have very cheap, fresh produce! Image: Depositphotos
There is a good variety of farmers’ markets in the Netherlands. Some lean towards more organic and eco-branded offerings, while others resemble butchers and greengrocers.
We strongly recommend the Haagse Markt in The Hague, which is one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe. It not only sells food, but you can also find clothes, electronics, and a range of household items.
No matter what you’re shopping for, it’s almost guaranteed that you can save some money by not going to AH. So, find your nearest cheap store, and let the savings begin. 💸
Do you have any other recommendations for those who want to get groceries for cheap? Tell us in the comments below!
If you’re looking to up your financial game, there are plenty of digital banks in the Netherlands ripe for the picking.
Digital banking has changed the financial landscape, offering all kinds of convenient and innovative features — but choosing the best bank for you can be difficult.
We’ve tried and tested plenty of these banks, considering features such as global accessibility, money transfers, investment options, and savings accounts.
Here are the top digital banks in the Netherlands. 👇
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With services in English, an easy sign-up process, and sustainable banking options, bunq is arguably one of the most popular digital banks in the Netherlands.
We particularly liked having up to 25 accounts with separate Dutch IBANs, scheduling direct debits, and the Autosave feature, which rounds up payments into savings.
With a generous 2% interest rate and a range of powerful investment features, Trade Republic is also a stellar option for internationals who want to dip a toe in the world of stocks, ETFs, and crypto.
However, let op: Trade Republic doesn’t offer traditional banking services like making card payments or providing loans.
Revolut is another digital bank in the Netherlands that offers easy international transactions, free ATM withdrawals, and the best investment opportunities of any digital bank in the country.
Whilst the bank has a slightly higher monthly fee than its competitors, its multi-currency accounts and overall flexibility made up for it.
In addition to giving you access to soaring interest rates at banks across Europe, Raisin also offers you the freedom to shop around for banks that best suit your needs — with no registration required.
The only downside? Raisin only focuses on savings, so you won’t find any traditional banking services or investing opportunities here.
N26 is jam-packed with convenient features, like an intuitive mobile app for on-the-go banking, affordable monthly fees, and access to all these features from across the globe.
Making an international money transfer is a breeze without hidden costs or extra fees — handy if you have family or businesses abroad.
Consider digital banks with a strong track record of protecting customer data, using advanced security measures, and monitoring fraud to ensure your money and personal information are protected from any threats.
💸 Transaction fees
Transaction fees can significantly change your overall banking cost.
You’ll need to assess what transaction fees your digital bank charges and see whether important features like tap-to-pay are available. Image: Freepik
If you’re concerned about hidden costs and fees, consider digital banks in the Netherlands, which have transparent fee structures and low to no fees for common transactions like ATM withdrawals and bank transfers.
🌍 Global accessibility
Global accessibility is another important factor when choosing a digital bank in the Netherlands, especially if you travel frequently.
If you want to bank worldwide, choose a digital bank that allows you to access your accounts from anywhere and partners with international ATMs for each cash withdrawal.
🗺️ International money transfer availability
If you need to send or receive money internationally, consider a digital bank that supports international transfers with low fees and competitive exchange rates.
Some digital banks in the Netherlands specialise in international transfers and offer faster, more affordable transfer options than traditional banks.
💲 Access to multiple currencies
Similar to global accessibility and international money transfers, you may want a bank that offers access to multiple currencies.
In addition to determining how globally accessible your digital bank is, it’s important to find out if you’ll be able to open multi-currency accounts. Image: Freepik
A digital bank in the Netherlands that allows you to hold multiple currencies can help you avoid costly transfer and withdrawal fees, especially if you travel often.
☎️ 24-hour customer support
Having access to all-day customer support is a plus, whether it’s a problem with transactions, security, or withdrawals.
To reach customer support easily, look for a bank that provides round-the-clock support through different channels.
🏦 High interest on savings accounts
If you’re looking to save money for emergencies, retirement, or a rainy Dutch day, consider a digital bank with high interest rates on savings accounts.
Digital banks in the Netherlands offer different rates for fixed-rate and flexible savings accounts depending on your needs.
Ultimately, picking a digital bank in the Netherlands isn’t difficult if you know your needs and priorities. Now, get ready to open a bank account and make sure your finances are healthier than ever!
Do you have any tips for digital banking in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
Best digital banks in the Netherlands: frequently asked questions
What is the best digital bank in the Netherlands?
Picking the best bank in the Netherlands can be a daunting task, but it depends on what you want from your digital bank.
Each one has different pros and cons, so consider which factors are important for you and pick accordingly.
We recommend bunq as the all-around digital bank in the Netherlands, as it has a combination of the most affordable monthly fees, savings account interest rates, banking services, and access to innovative features.
Do I need a BSN to open an account at a digital bank in the Netherlands?
It depends on the bank! For a traditional bank like ING, you need a BSN (burgerservicenummer or citizen service number).
Which digital bank in the Netherlands has the best interest rate on savings accounts?
Trade Republic currently offers 2% interest on deposit savings accounts. Raisin also offers access to banks with high-yield savings accounts across Europe.
Dutch digital bank bunq also offers 2.01% interest on savings accounts.
Can I bank in English in the Netherlands?
Yes, most digital (and traditional) banks in the Netherlands offer their services, customer support, and apps in English, which means you can still bank without worrying about the language barrier. Although we certainly encourage learning Dutch anyway!
