Dreaming of trading the Dutch winter chill for some Spanish sun? A borrelplank for some Tapas? Well, you better get ready to share some of your personal information with the Spanish government.
In a push to enhance safety, Spain could soon require each of its 85 million annual tourists to answer over 40 personal questions before stepping foot in the country.
This new rule would also affect the 4 million Dutch travellers who flock to Spain every year, writes RTL, adding a little paperwork to our packing list. 🧳
Doing too much? Probably
Although the Spanish government is convinced this new questionnaire will boost national security, the country’s travel industry isn’t so sure.
Many have slammed the plan as “out of all proportions” and “an invasion of travellers’ privacy” — and they might be right.
Here are just some of the questions Spain could soon ask incoming travellers:
Will you pay for your accommodation in cash or by card? With a physical card or with a smartphone or watch?
How long ago did you book your trip? Last minute or far in advance?
How much internet do you plan on using in your hotel room?
Travelling with a minor? Are you their parent, teacher, or maybe football coach?
If you’re thinking, “Jeez, that sounds like a pain” — you’re entirely right. Frank Radstake from the Dutch trade association ANVR took his time to fill out the questionnaire himself.
And it took him… *drumroll please*… a whopping 45 minutes. 😀
But… why exactly?
Great question. By collecting this data about its tourists, Spain believes it will be easier to catch terrorists and criminal gangs coming into the country.
This is especially relevant for the south of the country, where there is a lot of organised crime, as well as more than a hundred international drug gangs, including Dutch ones.
The catch? Not only does the list of questions add a lot of prep work to something that should be enjoyable, but the Spanish government also plans on storing all the answers for three years.
If everything goes according to the government’s plan (and it looks like it will), the questionnaire could be introduced as soon as December 2 of this year.
What are your thoughts on this new measure? Share your thoughts in the comments.
The Dutch government’s plans to revamp the asylum system are not even official yet, and they’re already being criticised by various parties — including immigration policy experts.
According to migration history professor Leo Lucassen, the proposed plans are “very stupid short-term politics” which will only achieve the goals of dehumanising refugees, reinforcing negative sentiments about them, and complicating integration.
“The message is: we are going to make it as difficult as possible for you because you are people we do not want here,” he tells RTL Nieuws.
He’s not the only concerned expert: asylum lawyer Maartje Terpstra also expressed doubts about the reform’s soundness.
Between the two of them, the experts took issue with nearly every point in the coalition’s plan. 👇
Shortening residence permits
If the coalition’s plans become law, being granted asylum in the Netherlands will be much harder and, even then, the residence permit will only be valid for three years (instead of five).
For Lucassen, these measures will prove to be expensive mistakes.
When people expect to be deported from the country or only allowed temporarily, they can’t invest as much in building a life in the Netherlands, complicating their integration into Dutch society and economy.
Terpstra, in turn, calls shortening the permits a “non-measure”.
As most unsafe countries owe their status to deep-rooted issues, forcing immigration services to re-evaluate the safety of each refugee’s home country every three years will do little more than increase the IND’s paperwork volume.
That is because, according to international law, as long as a country is considered unsafe, “you cannot send a status holder back.”
Declaring parts of Syria safe
Speaking of safety, the coalition’s measures include unilaterally declaring parts of Syria safe.
However, Terpstra points out that this decision is not up to the coalition — it is actually the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s job, and it must be done through a thoroughly researched report.
Who’s stealing jobs now, huh? 🫣
Restricting family reunification
The coalition is also considering preventing (adult) children from joining their parents in the Netherlands.
Judging from past EU Court rulings, however, that won’t fly: “Newcomers have the right to family reunification,” says Terpstra.
Will the plans still turn into law?
Regardless of whether or not the cabinet will decide to take into account the concerns of immigration experts, the plans still have a long way to go before becoming effective.
For starters, they need the backing of the entire government coalition. So far, they’re just an informal compromise between the PVV and NSC.
While BBB’s leader Caroline van der Plas seems open to the reforms, the VVD is yet to express itself.
Plus, even if the whole coalition comes to an agreement, the plans will still need to get past the Council of State, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.
Do you think the cabinet should listen to the asylum experts’ concerns? Let us know in the comments below.
The Dutch House of Representatives has just voted to ban “buy now, pay later” schemes in physical stores, due to worrying increases in debt accumulation.
Online shoppers are probably already accustomed to seeing it — the enticing “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) option at the checkout section of your favourite webshop.
However, whilst delayed payment schemes might seem like flexible options when you’re short on cash, the Dutch government and the Netherlands’ Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) have zeroed in on many hidden dangers.
Worrying debt accumulation trends
Speaking to the NOS, AFM’s Teun van der Velden stressed that the “accumulation of debt and also the habituation of taking on a debt every time” was the most worrying aspect of “pay later” schemes.
He mentions that customers who frequently use BNPL options “no longer have [an] overview” of how much money they’re actually spending.
The dangers of debt accumulation make “buy now, pay later” schemes a far less enticing choice. Image: Depositphotos
And this issue is even more problematic offline, where van der Velden states that “there is much more of a financial necessity: I don’t actually have the money, so I press the ‘pay later’ option.”
Evidently, the Dutch government agrees with the AFM’s view — as shown by last Tuesday’s motion to ban BNPL schemes in physical stores.
Stricter laws for online delayed-payment schemes
Whilst BNPL plans are still allowed for making online payments, European regulations will subject postpay providers to far stricter rules.
From November 2026 onwards, providers will also face supervision from the AFM.
In the meantime, the AFM has also offered several pointers to help you stay on top of these payments if you’re buying things online. 👇
Ensure late payments don’t add up: Failure to pay on time will often incur additional charges, making your initial purchase even more expensive.
Check your mailboxes: As most payment reminders are dispatched via email, it’s best to keep a close eye on your email inboxes.
Familiarise yourself with postpay providers: Very often, your postpay provider is responsible for sending you payment reminders — so make sure you recognise the name in your email inbox.
Know that you may not be able to make returns: Postpay options for expenses like flight tickets and fancy dinners can’t be returned, so you’ll be obligated to pay for them.
Don’t opt for BNPL plans if you’re already in debt: A lack of funds might lead to your account being transferred to a collection agency, which will harm your credit score and may even incur collection costs of up to €40.
What do you think of “buy now, pay later” plans? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
As part of a series of strict new asylum measures, the Dutch government plans to reintroduce border checks by the end of November.
Yes, you read that right. This decision was reached following negotiations between the PVV, NSC, and Prime Minister Schoof, and was detailed in a draft letter which was seen by the NOS.
The reintroduction of border controls is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at revamping the Dutch asylum system, which Schoof has called “unsustainable” in its current form.
Efforts to reduce illegal immigration
The goal of reintroducing border checks in the Netherlands is to reduce the number of asylum-seeking migrants entering the country.
The plan is especially targeted towards migrants who have already applied for asylum in other European countries like Germany or Belgium.
By invoking Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code, the Dutch government aims to return this category of asylum-seekers to the countries where they first submitted their requests.
This move is part of the government’s plan to curb asylum applications amid what Prime Minister Schoof has called an “asylum crisis” — but how exactly these border checks would be handled is unclear.
Far-reaching asylum rules
The reintroduction of border controls is just one part of a broader set of reforms, and other proposed measures could have far-reaching consequences.
One of the proposed changes would abolish indefinite asylum permits and reduce temporary permits from five to three years, bringing the Netherlands more in line with other European countries.
The law also proposes blocking adult children and unmarried partners of asylum seekers from joining them in the Netherlands.
Other measures include reducing the intake of UN refugees, simplifying deportations after criminal convictions, and scrapping the requirement for municipalities to provide housing to refugees with residency permits.
The coalition parties are discussing these ideas today at the Catshuis (the official residence of the Dutch prime minister), under Schoof’s leadership. If the BBB and VVD agree to the plans, the cabinet is expected to decide on them next Friday.
There’s nothing cosier than staying inside on a cold day with a cup of tea while reading a book. ✨
But how do you go about finding your new literary adventure in the Netherlands, when you can’t read Dutch, and you feel like delving into something international?
Of course, you can always order online. Buuut then you have to pay for shipping, and to be fair, there’s nothing better than touching, feeling, and looking at a book before deciding to take it home.
With that in mind, we’ve made a list of international bookshops in the Netherlands where you can find some foreign literature in different languages.
1. Broese Boekverkopers in Utrecht
Time to get cosy in bookstores! Image: Pexels
Dating back to 1753, this quaint bookshop has a very long history. It has changed owners and names several times but is still standing and has now gone back to its original name: Broese Boekverkopers.
It recently moved to a new location in Utrecht‘s old post office, and it’s really, really, nice — trust us.
While Broese isn’t technically an international bookshop, you can find small sections dedicated to a bunch of different languages.
2. Stanza Bookshop in The Hague
Reading books is always in season! Image: Freepik
Stanza is one of those cosy little bookshops that are always a delight to find when you’re strolling through the centre of a city.
It’s an independent bookshop, owned by Karina, who will always make you feel at home and give you personal recommendations according to your needs.
She has a background in international law, so if that’s your jam, she will be more than happy to advise you. She also facilitates cultural events like poetry readings, debates, book presentations, and children’s storytelling in different languages.
Browsing the shelves of Stanza, you’ll find mainly English, Spanish, and French books, but there are also smaller German and Italian sections.
3. Serendipity Libros (online and mobile)
What better way to let your kid practice their native language than by giving them a book? Image: Pexels
If children’s literature is what you’re after, Serendipity Libros is the place to go. It’s an independent online and mobile bookshop with a very carefully curated selection of picture books and literature for the youngest members of the household.
They specialise in Spanish, French, and Italian books. You can buy the books online, but they also arrange home visits, or you can meet in the city or at one of their events.
What’s also interesting is that, in the spirit of promoting bi- or multilingual development, they organise meetings between children and parents of similarly culturally diverse backgrounds, such as free readings and storytelling evenings.
This takes place in different locations in The Hague and Voorburg in all three languages.
Browse through all the Spanish books at the El Rincón del Libro bookstore in Amsterdam. Image: Freepik
Specifically for Spanish books, there is El Rincón Del Libro in Amsterdam. It is one of the only bookshops in the Netherlands that carries only Spanish books for adults and children.
They have books of all genres, but have an especially great selection of Latin American literature and Spanish-related books.
In addition to the lovely bookstore that’s existed for more than 10 years, they now have a website to easily order your books online if you already know what you want.
5. Le Temps Retrouvé in Amsterdam
Nothing quite like reading a book in a nice bookstore! Image: Pexels
When on the hunt for French books in Amsterdam, you should definitely visit Le Temps Retrouvé.
The bookstore sells all kinds of books in French for both adults and children.
Besides selling books, they also organise interesting debates and cultural work with the foundation for promoting French culture in the Netherlands L’echappée Belle.
6. Bookstor in The Hague
The Bookstor in The Hague is one of the cosiest places in the Netherlands to find and read English books. Image: Freepik
Another must-visit for book lovers is this café and bookstore, appropriately named Bookstor, in The Hague. It’s such a beautiful place to sit and have good coffee or a bite.
They have a great selection of English books at the store — both old and new. It’s not unusual to find some interesting ones in different languages as well in the second-hand book section. You just have to look!
As you walk through the café, towards their small garden, you’ll enter a room with a huge mural by the renowned Dutch children’s book illustrator, Marije Tolman.
Did we miss anything? What are your favourite international bookshops in the Netherlands?Tell us in the comments below!
“Beauty is pain”? Nee, the Dutch House of Representatives disagrees: they just voted to ban the trading and keeping of three genetically modified pet breeds with congenital health issues.
The motion, presented by the PVV and Party for the Animals (PvdD), was voted in yesterday by a large majority, reports the NOS.
Which pets are affected?
The ban would stop people in the Netherlands from selling, buying, and keeping pets that have been bred for aesthetics that cause health problems.
Specifically, the ban will concern one dog and two cat breeds, all of which are already subject to a breeding ban. 👇
Pugs
Was this pug sent to the seaside to restore its health like an 1800s feeble aristocratic lady? / Image: Dreamstime
Yes, pugs are adorable. Their big, round head with a flat nose and protuberant eyes make them super cute — but also give them breathing problems, eye ulcers, and dental issues.
Hairless cats
A cat that doesn’t turn your entire apartment into one big ball of fur, doesn’t make you allergic, and looks like a beautiful alien? No wonder hairless cats have become a sensation.
This hairless cat said, “Skin cancer? Nee, dankje” Image: Dreamstime
However, their fascinating appearance comes at a cost: the lack of hair makes them much more likely to develop skin, eye, and teeth infections — shortening their life expectancy.
Scottish Fold cats
Scottish Fold cats, taking their name from their adorably folded ears, make for great family cats — but unfortunately, they don’t have as much of a good time as their owners.
Actual footage of a Scottish Fold upon learning that its joint pain is lab-made. Image: Dreamstime
The genetic modification that makes their ears fold also makes them susceptible to degenerative joint diseases, which can make moving very painful for them.
So, what happens to the pets?
If your pet belongs to one of these breeds, geen paniek — you’re allowed to keep it.
Once the ban is enforced, however, it will effectively prevent people from adopting these pets in the future, especially considering that their breeding is already illegal in the Netherlands.
Turning this motion into law, however, might prove quite tricky.
The ban can only be imposed “if these characteristics always cause serious suffering in each individual animal,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) tells NOS.
“For a large part of the external characteristics, this is not the case, so this must be assessed per characteristic,” they add.
Therefore, the laws will only be written after careful consideration of each modification’s health hazards, and will outlaw certain characteristics, rather than specific breeds.
What do you think of the ban on pugs, hairless cats, and Scottish fold cats? You can tell us in the comments below.
New research on the Dutch rental market has revealed the best (and worst!) cities for your wallet. 🏘️💸
Housing website Pararius reports that the Dutch rental market has got even pricier, with average prices per square metre skyrocketing by nearly 74% in the third quarter of 2024.
However, despite prices seemingly rising everywhere, there are a few cities where the opposite is true. 👇
Rent in three major Dutch cities has got cheaper
Whilst their rents certainly aren’t cheap, these cities did see a decrease in the average price per square metre of their rental properties.
Amsterdam recorded a price dip of 1.7% to €26.96 per square metre
Utrecht had a smaller reduction of 0.2% to €20.32
Eindhoven, meanwhile, saw the biggest drop — of 3% to €17.65
With gorgeous terraces like these and a charming city centre, who wouldn’t want to move to Eindhoven? 😍 Image: Dreamstime
With rent prices per square metre at €17.65, Eindhoven was the only major Dutch city with prices below the national average of €19.28.
Smaller Dutch cities that also saw a dip in rental prices include Hoorn (-2.1%), Alkmaar (-2.8%), Assen (-3.2%), Zoetermeer (-3.7%), Diemen (-11.3%), and Veenendaal (-15%).
Which Dutch cities are the cheapest (and most expensive!) for renting?
If you’re looking to save your precious euros (and wouldn’t mind ditching Amsterdam’s hustle and bustle), then these are the most affordable Dutch cities for you to rent in.
Almelo
Hengelo
Sittard
Heerlen
And how about the most expensive overall? Well, to no one’s surprise, Amsterdam leads the pack — and the city’s closely followed by:
Amstelveen
Zandvoort
Haarlem
Hoofddorp
With the exception of Amsterdam (at €26.96), the rental prices per square metre of these Dutch cities range from €22.39 to €21.23 — over a euro above the national average.
What are your thoughts about the current situation in the Dutch rental market? Sound off in the comments below!
With low prices, flexible plans, and a whole host of handy add-ons, Simyo’s eSIMs offer valuable perks for internationals in the Netherlands.
Picture this: you’ve just landed in the Netherlands, tried to buy your first SIM card, and been told that you need a Dutch bank account and BSN before you can get the tiny piece of plastic. 😬
Sounds hectic, but… what if we told you there’s an alternative to the hassle of buying SIM cards in-store and dealing with Dutch bureaucracy?
Let’s dig into how Simyo’s eSIMs make your journey to connectivity a whole lot simpler!
First things first: what’s an eSIM?
An eSIM (or embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that allows you to connect to a cellular plan of your choice.
Thanks to their general affordability, mobile connections, and flexible global/regional plans, eSIMs have long been a favourite of tourists and digital nomads.
Getting connected is a breeze with Simyo’s affordable plans and excellent customer service. Image: Freepik
However, if we’re being as direct as the Dutch, eSIMS’ dual SIM capabilities and ease of usage also make them a major asset to internationals living in the Netherlands. 😉
5 powerful benefits of Simyo’s dual eSIM capabilities
Don’t just take our word for it — here are five ways Simyo shines as the master of mobile multitasking. ✨
1. You can keep your home SIM connected — even when abroad
Take it from someone who learnt this the hard way: most carriers will deactivate your SIM card if you haven’t used it in a long while.
And, horror of horrors, this process may even involve reassigning your old number to a new user. (New number, who dis? 😬)
However, with an eSIM, you needn’t worry about removing your existing physical SIM card — and risk losing or misplacing it — to use a Dutch SIM.
What I also find especially handy is that Simyo offers free number portability. This means that if you’ve already got a Dutch mobile number but are looking for a better deal, Simyo will port your number for free.
2. Calling, texting, and double data bundles: Simyo offers you absolute flexibility
When it comes to getting a second SIM card, you’re likely to have a different list of requirements to your existing SIM.
For example, as someone who already has a relatively cheap unlimited data prepaid subscription with another provider, I was looking for an affordable eSIM plan that offered unlimited calling and texting.
Simyo’s €7 Unlimited Calling option scratched that itch for me — but it’s certainly not the only flexible package they offer.
From their business SIM-only plans to double data bundles for users with KPN home internet packages, Simyo has a range of handy and affordable choices for internationals in the market for a Dutch eSIM.
3. Keeping your work and personal lives separate is easier than ever
Do you feel like you’re struggling to balance work and play in the Netherlands? You’re not alone — we’ve all felt the urge to catch up on a few unread emails after work hours, too.
But if your boss has a habit of badgering you after you’ve clocked off for the day and you’d rather live without the hassle… Simyo’s dual eSIM functionality could just be the saviour you need.
Signing out at the end of the day is as simple as turning off your ‘work’ eSIM, which can be done via your mobile’s network settings.
Once deactivated, you’re effectively unreachable by mobile — and able to say ‘doei’ to those annoying out-of-hours phone calls.
4. You can use multiple numbers on the same device
With tech advancements popping up faster than celebrity gossip on Instagram, it feels super 2010 to still be lugging around separate phones for your different numbers.
Thankfully, Simyo moves with the times and their eSIM functionality makes it as easy as pie to use several numbers on the same device.
Juggling different physical SIM cards for when you travel? Nee hoor, just get an eSIM instead. 😉 Image: Freepik
Here’s how! 👇
For users of mobile phones with active dual-SIM capabilities, up to two SIM cards (or eSIMs) can be active at the same time, but any number of eSIMs can be installed on your device.
For users of mobile phones with dual-SIM standby capabilities, you can only have one SIM card (or eSIM) active at once — but, once again, there’s no cap on the number of eSIMs you can install.
If you’ve noticed a trend… it’s true: with eSIMs, you can use as many numbers as you’d like on the same device!
5. Installing and activating your eSIM is easy and stress-free
Who likes fiddly, boring user guides? Not us — and, evidently, not Simyo!
Their step-by-step installation and activation guides are detailed enough to get the job done, but not so overwhelming that you feel you’ve tried to read the entire Game of Thrones saga. And, even better — you don’t even need a Dutch bank account to apply for an eSIM!
I also like that Simyo offers customers various other options for additional support — because, let’s face it, setting up an eSIM or switching one’s plan isn’t always intuitive.
For basic “How do I do X?” questions, Simyo’s helpful and super-engaged support forum really shines. It’s the best place to get advice from genuine users, who won’t treat your queries with the same flippancy as Yahoo Answers or Quora.
For the more complex requests, Simyo’s customer support is more helpful than most — and fully reachable by mobile, WhatsApp, or a chat box on their website.
Despite all the controversy of the past edition, it looks like the Netherlands will still participate in Eurovision 2025 — and might even be represented by the eye of the storm himself, Joost Klein. 🎤
The Dutch delegation’s management and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) seem to have smoothed out their disagreements, reports Het Parool.
Eurovision 2024 was… rocky
The last edition of the beloved European singing contest, held in Malmö (Sweden), was already mired in controversy due to Israel’s contested participation, when the Joost Klein debacle happened.
Following a backstage incident where the Dutch artist allegedly made “threatening movements” at a camerawoman, making her drop her camera, Joost was disqualified — effectively eliminating the Netherlands from the competition.
It was a first: Klein was the first Eurovision contestant ever to be disqualified after the contest had started and, naturally, this sparked a heated debate.
The turning point came last August, when the Swedish Prosecution authority dropped its investigation against Klein — a move that many interpreted as proof of his innocence.
A fresh start (with an old face)
In the wake of last year’s events, the rift between EBU and the companies behind the Dutch delegation, broadcaster Avrotros and umbrella organisation NPO, seemed unlikely to be bridged in time for Eurovision 2025.
However, after months of negotiations, it looks like the Netherlands will, in fact, send a contestant to Basel, Switzerland — this edition’s host city.
What’s more, that contestant might be… Joost Klein. 🤯
After all, EBU’s internal rules say nothing about formerly disqualified artists not being given a second chance.
And, with Eurovision requesting participants to finalise their songs before March 1, there might not be time to hold auditions and prepare another artist anyway.
The air is not 100% clear
All well’s that ends well, then? Not quite.
While the Dutch delegation still feels that Klein’s punishment was disproportionate, EBU stands by its decision to disqualify the “Europapa” singer.
However, complaints that the incident was partially due to the high media pressure imposed on artists on and off stage seem to have been heard.
EBU has pledged to give artists more privacy, and has appointed a new festival director, Martin Green, to act as a buffer between the delegations and the festival’s top management.
Will this be enough to fend off new controversy, or will the atmosphere at Eurovision 2025 be chillier than a Swiss glacier? 🤔 We’re going to have to wait until May 13 to find out.
Who will represent the Netherlands at next year’s Eurovision? Place your bets in the comments below!
If you’re planning on commuting between Rotterdam and The Hague over the coming weeks, the NS has issued some important travel information for you. 🚆
According to a news release, ProRail will be working on the tracks between these two stations from today (October 22) to November 3.
As a result, there’ll be no trains between Rotterdam Centraal and Delft Campus until November 1, and none between Rotterdam Centraal, Schiedam and Den Haag (The Hague) HS from November 2 to 3.
Thankfully, there are still ways for you to reach your destination. 👇
Here’s the latest travel advice
If you’re travelling between Den Haag (The Hague) Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal, you can take a detour via Gouda
The NS will be providing buses if you’re travelling along the Rotterdam-Delft and Delft-Den Haag Hollands Spoor lines
In addition to this, if you’re travelling from Rotterdam Centraal to Delft Campus, you can take the train to Rotterdam Blaak and then hop on the metro to Schiedam Centre, where you’ll find an NS bus that’ll take you to Delft Campus
Lastly, the Metro Line E between Den Haag Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal can also be taken
Let op: If you’re taking the Metro between Den Haag Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal, your NS ticket will not be valid.
Taking the Metro is also an option — but you may have to pay additional travel costs. Image: Dreamstime
Naturally, the NS warns that you’ll have to factor in longer commuting times for these routes.
Taking the NS bus to Delft Campus will add roughly 27 minutes onto your overall travel time, and a detour via Gouda will add around 20 minutes.
Have you chosen your alternative route? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
