Page 247 – DutchReview

This is the most expensive parking space in the Netherlands (and you’ll never guess its price)

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺

-

May 2, 2024

This is the most expensive parking space in the Netherlands (and you’ll never guess its price)

What would you do if you suddenly came into half a million euros? You could buy your very own home in the Netherlands, TWO Bentleys, or maybe… a parking space in Amsterdam?

Yes, you read that right.

Conveniently located right at Amsterdam’s stunning Vondelpark, the Netherlands’ most expensive parking space is listed for sale on Funda for a whopping €495,000. That’s what RTL Z‘s financial journalist Eric Rezelman found in his research.

“Absolutely not worth half a million”

Despite its fabulous location, Rezelman believes that a parking space is “absolutely” not worth this exorbitant price.

(… Especially if we consider the fact that it’s right next to a park where it is legal to have public sex. 👀)

In the area where this parking spot is located, homes go for — brace yourselves — up to €7 million. However, the rising housing costs around the country are not the only reason for such a shocking listing, as Rezelman explains.

To discourage car use, parking costs in city centres such as Amsterdam and Utrecht are also increasing rapidly, with hourly rates for parking reaching up to €7.50 per hour. 😳

The most expensive in the country

Though this is the most expensive parking spot in all of the Netherlands, it’s not the only one of its kind.

Neuwegein, a municipality near Utrecht, is home to the second-most expensive parking space, listed at €350,000. Meanwhile, a happy owner in Utrecht is selling a spot for €300,000.

How much would you be willing to pay for a parking space? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Today, you can get PAID to use your electricity in the Netherlands

Economy
News

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪

-

May 1, 2024

0

Today, you can get PAID to use your electricity in the Netherlands

Nope, we’re not joking. Believe it or not, sometimes you can actually help energy suppliers by using electricity — and instead of charging you, they’ll pay you for it.

Today is one of these magical days. Specifically, this afternoon between 1 PM and 3 PM, nu.nl reports.

However, before you crank on your dryer, boil multiple cups of tea, and blow dry your cat’s hair, let’s clarify a few things.

You need to have a specific energy contract

Firstly, you must have a dynamic energy contract. Under a dynamic energy contract, the rates for your electricity use vary from hour to hour.

These rates are determined by the supply and demand for energy.

However, on certain days, like today, the rate will actually turn negative, meaning you will receive money instead of being charged.

Note: The true rate today will be -20 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) used. However, suppliers will include taxes and surcharges, bringing the amount you earn to nine cents per kWh. This amount may vary slightly between suppliers.

Put simply, today, you will receive nine cents per kWh of electricity used between 1 PM and 3 PM.

So, if you have an electric car, this is the time to charge it!

Why today?

Two glorious circumstances have converged to cause this unusual shift.

Firstly, it’s going to be sunny and warm, which means solar panels will generate a lot more power than they have over the past few days.

This will produce a lot of extra electricity. However, it’s also Labour Day.

You know, the day the Netherlands might not celebrate by having a day off from the office, but many other European countries do?

With fewer office buildings switching the lights on today across Europe, the Netherlands will feel it.

“When companies shut down, there is less demand for electricity. We also benefit from that,” Frank Breukelman of Zonneplan explains this to nu.nl.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

Temperatures will reach 27 degrees in the Netherlands today — but will it last?

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧

-

May 1, 2024

0

Temperatures will reach 27 degrees in the Netherlands today — but will it last?

Don’t get us wrong — we were lucky with the King’s Day weather. But today’s temperatures will have us wishing we could do it all over again, with more orange shades and fewer orange coats.

Well, that is until the storms begin this afternoon.

It will be a truly sizzling summery day across the Netherlands today, with temperatures ranging from a casual 20 degrees to a blissful 27 degrees, NU.nl reports.

It will even stay in the double figures overnight with temperatures as high as 14 degrees, so sunny terrasje evenings feel more of a reality than they have for a while. 🌞

But don’t get too excited yet.

Temps off the scale, but hail will prevail?

Of course, this weather comes with lots of dangers. Burning, exhaustion, overheating… but what about the whiplash caused by how much it changes?!

From freezing temperatures last week to this morning’s soaring sunshine, however, it’s set to turn again.

While you may enjoy sunshine this morning, you can expect thunderstorms and hail later today. 🌩

We have a saying here in the Netherlands related to the weather in April that can be translated to roughly mean "April does whatever the fuck it wants"

That + Climate Change = probably the reason why
— Rin 🐾 | vTuber | commissions open (@mochirinmusic) April 30, 2024

The southwest of the country will have its worst before it gets better, with a showery morning and spells of thunder until the sun breaks through.

Then, across the rest of the Netherlands, the familiar strong winds, thunderstorms and possibly even hail (yes, HAIL) will develop in the late afternoon and evening.

This is especially likely in the southeast and northern coastal areas.

We can’t keep up, and we’re not sure if it’s the heat making us dizzy or the April weather’s mood swings. 🤯

How are you spending today’s sunny weather? Let us know in the comments below.

Rent for 300,000 homes in the Netherlands is set to decrease: here’s how to qualify

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭

-

April 30, 2024

4

Rent for 300,000 homes in the Netherlands is set to decrease: here’s how to qualify

Great news! Last week, the Dutch House of Representatives passed the Affordable Rent Act, aiming to prevent renters from paying exorbitantly high rents.

This means that starting July 1, 2024, rent for more than 300,000 homes in the Netherlands will be reduced.

Typically, rents will only decrease when a new tenant moves in, but current tenants can still ask for a rent reduction, reports NU.nl. Here’s how. 👇

Determine your maximum rent

The Netherlands has a point system and calculator (available in English) to determine the maximum rent a home can have based on factors like square metres, the presence of a kitchen, garden, or shower, the energy label, and the value of the house.

There are two main types of rental housing in the Netherlands: social housing, with up to 142 point and rental limits of €879 per month, and free-sector housing, where landlords can determine the price they want to charge for a room, house, or apartment.

However, thanks to the Affordable Housing Act, rental homes with up to 186 points and a rent of €1,123 will also soon receive a maximum rent.

@dutchreview Its been three months 🥲 #fyp #fypシ゚viral #dutch #dutchreview #nederland #netherlands #renting #landlords #expatlife #housing ♬ original sound – DutchReview

Rent reductions for current tenants

As Mathijs ten Broeke of Woonbond tells NU.nl, the new rental law could benefit around 163,000 current tenants.

The question lies in whether you’ll get a rent reduction this year or next:

If your home is worth less than 142 points and you pay less than €879 but more than what your home is worth, the landlord must reduce the rent to the limit by July 2024.
If your home is worth less than 142 points but you pay more than €879 based on a free-sector contract, your landlord will have to adjust your rent within a year. You can expect a rent reduction by July 2025.

Rent reduction for new tenants

For the remaining 157,000 homes with point totals between 142 and 186, rent reductions will only apply once new tenants move in.

That means if you belong to that group and pay too much rent, you’ll only receive the full rent reduction if you move to a similar property.

On the bright side, you could still receive a rent reduction, says Ten Broeke, as “the new rental law allows you to enter discussions with your landlord.”

“Your landlord has no interest in you moving because of the high rent. He wants certainty of income […], and the new tenant will pay less. So if you now pay €200 too much per month, you may be able to get a partial rent reduction.”

Will you be able to apply for a rent reduction in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments!

Total shutdown: This Dutch train station is cancelling ALL trains for two weeks

News
Traffic

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺

-

April 30, 2024

0

Total shutdown: This Dutch train station is cancelling ALL trains for two weeks

Thinking of travelling to, through, or from Tilburg in the coming weeks? Think again.

As ProRail begins a “monster job” at Tilburg station, ALL train services have been cancelled until Monday, May 13.

Sounds annoying? Well, it is. But as ProRail tells Omroep Brabant, it’s necessary to bring us closer to “the end of 10 years of renovation of Tilburg station.”

What can we expect?

As the construction workers work hard on renovating platforms and renewing rail rods and overhead lines, the NS is deploying a total of 150 buses to transport passengers.

Travellers can expect their commute to take longer and include more stopovers. 👇

The NS will deploy:

Express buses between Breda – Tilburg – ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch)
Bus stops between Oisterwijk – Tilburg – Tilburg University
Stop buses between Boxtel and Oisterwijk
Stop buses between Tilburg – Tilburg University – Tilburg Reeshof – Gilze-Rijen – Breda

Passengers travelling between Breda and Eindhoven should take the express bus to Den Bosch and switch to the train there.

As always, the NS advises travellers to plan their trip using the NS travel planner.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

LinkedIn revealed the best companies to work for in the Netherlands — so we checked their language requirements

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧

-

April 26, 2024

0

LinkedIn revealed the best companies to work for in the Netherlands — so we checked their language requirements

Finding a job in the Netherlands is hard, especially as an international. LinkedIn’s overview of the top Dutch companies to work for in 2024 is a great place to start, however. 😉

The professional networking platform compiles an annual list ranking companies’ opportunities for career development, promotions, and new skills.

Top of everyone’s job-hunting wishlist, right?

Whether you need flexible working options or are looking for an employer that actually cares about their workers, read on.

Oh, and we checked whether they offer English-speaking roles, so you don’t have to. 👇

You will recognise the top three

If you’ve made a coffee, opened your computer, or checked your bank balance already this morning, then you’ve probably already encountered the company at the top of the list. 🥇

Claiming the number one spot is household appliance giant Versuni, previously part of Phillips. You know, THE coffee machine makers and air fryer aficionados.

Next up is computer chip manufacturers ASML, followed by multinational banking and financial services provider Rabobank.

The top two, Versuni and ASML, commonly offer tech-based opportunities in similar roles, such as Software Engineers, while Rabobank is the place for Financial Advisors and Business Analysts.

Which of the 15 can I work for as an English speaker?

You can’t just narrow down your job hunt to these top performers without considering the important stuff like location and, y’know, if they’ll actually hire you without speaking Dutch.

Let’s take a closer look at exactly who these top 15 companies are and what they can currently offer international workers:

Company name	Locations in the Netherlands	Current English-language opportunities
Versuni	Brabantse Stedenrij, Randstad, Groningen	✅ Some
ASML	Brabantse Stedenrij, Randstad, Eindhoven region	✅ Many
Rabobank	Randstad, Brabantse Stedenrij, Enschede	✅ Some
SAP	Randstad, Brabantse Stedenrij, ‘s-Hertogenbosch	❌ Most roles require both Dutch and English
EPAM Systems	Randstad	✅ Some
Nike	Randstad, Amsterdam	✅ Many
Kraft Heinz	Randstad, Arnhem-Nijmegen, Amsterdam	✅ Some
ServiceNow	Randstad, Amsterdam	❓ Not clear
Medtronic	Brabantse Stedenrij, Randstad	✅ Some
AP Moller – Maersk	Rotterdam	❌ Most roles require both Dutch and English
KPMG	Randstad, Brabantse Stedenrij, Amsterdam	❓ Some, but not always clear
Coty	Randstad, Amsterdam	✅ Multiple
Miro	Randstad, Amsterdam	❓ Some, but not always clear
Deloitte	Randstad, Brabantse Stedenrij, Amsterdam	❓ Not clear
Uber	Randstad, Amsterdam	❌ Mostly roles require both Dutch and English

You can find more information about the current vacancies for each company in the top 15 by checking out LinkedIn’s official list.

What do you think of the job market in the Netherlands for internationals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

An expat asked Reddit about Dutch toilet design — and the comments don’t disappoint

News
Weird

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧

-

April 25, 2024

1

An expat asked Reddit about Dutch toilet design — and the comments don’t disappoint

Dutch toilets have been making a splash in a recent Reddit thread, where an exasperated expat questioned their infamous “poo shelf“. Which, as the Dutchies hilariously pointed out, saves you from splash.

As an international, it’s quite taboo (or should we say, ta-“poo”) when you first encounter the strange Dutch toilet design with its flat area and small hole. 👇

My husband is Dutch and the first time I saw their toilets I thought I’d gone to the other type of coffee shop by mistake. Wtf is this. Why is there a shelf?! Why is it backwards?!? pic.twitter.com/ubWIxyoegK
— Asphodel Denning (@AzzyDenning) December 13, 2022

And the confusion was real for this expat, who took to Reddit to question the baffling bog. More than happy to explain their quirky invention, the comments were a-flush with knowing Dutchies.

Why toilets have this design here? Kind of long plateau with small hole , is that efficient? 💩
byu/DiamondVegetable4967 inNetherlands

Their sarcasm took Dutch directness to a whole new level, and it did not let us down. Their responses ranged from the practical thinkers:

Comment
byu/DiamondVegetable4967 from discussion
inNetherlands

To the practical jokers:

Comment
byu/DiamondVegetable4967 from discussion
inNetherlands

Do you think this confused expat was prepared for the world of shit talk they opened them-shelf up for with such an innocent question?

READ MORE | 11 gross things Dutch people do

The comments not only helped them discover the reasons for the multifunctional toilet design but also familiarised them with some toilet terms.

The splash-back when you drop your deposit? That’s known as “Poseidon’s kiss”. And the shelf itself? That’s the snoeptafel in Dutch, AKA the candy table. 🥴

Who knew this was such a cultural artefact of not only Dutch pride but also Dutch hobbies? The art of inspecting their business is clearly not something to, um, sniff at:

Comment
byu/DiamondVegetable4967 from discussion
inNetherlands

So, the next time you visit a toilet in the Netherlands that exhibits this poo-fectly normal Dutch feature remember not to question; just appreciate it. It might even be one for the scrapbook (or “crap book”, as one user helpfully suggested). 💩

Do you have anything to add to the thoughts on this Dutch invention? Let us know in the comments below.

This Dutch city just ranked second most attractive in the WORLD for international workers

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺

-

April 25, 2024

1

This Dutch city just ranked second most attractive in the WORLD for international workers

Are you an international who loves working in Amsterdam? Or would you like to become one? Well, you’re not the only one!

In fact, Amsterdam ranks second in the list of most attractive cities for potential expats in the WORLD.

According to a recent study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group, The Network, and The Stepstone, more than 150,000 professionals from 188 countries were surveyed to find out where they would like to work if they ever needed to move abroad.

London dominates the top ten

According to Business Insider Nederland, London has once again been named the most attractive city for international workers — a title it has held since 2014.

Is it because people prefer fish and chips over raw haring? Maybe. But the most plausible reason is the English language which, despite Dutchies’ impressive proficiency, makes London overall more international-friendly.

Curious to see what other cities are popular with potential expats? Check out the top ten:

Rank	City
1	🇬🇧 London
2	🇳🇱 Amsterdam
3	🇦🇪 Dubai
4	🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi
5	🇺🇸 New York
6	🇩🇪 Berlin
7	🇸🇬 Singapore
8	🇪🇸 Barcelona
9	🇯🇵 Tokyo
10	🇦🇺 Sydney

Source: Boston Consulting Group

The factors that may influence someone’s decision to work abroad are diverse, including the following:

Quality and types of jobs,
Quality of life and climate,
Taxes and cost of living,
Safety and stability,
An inclusive culture,
A family-friendly environment,
Citizenship opportunities,
Healthcare.

What about the rest of the Netherlands?

Although the Dutch capital shines in second place for most popular cities for international workers, the Netherlands itself is not so popular.

The land of tulips and clogs didn’t make the top ten as a country this year, dropping one spot down to 16th place.

That being said, most Dutch workers in the survey indicated that they are less likely to move abroad for work, partly due to their intense emotional connection with the Netherlands. 🧡

Among the most popular countries, Australia is at the top, followed by the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, France and Spain.

Where in the world would you most like to work? Tell us in the comments!

Schiphol has just revealed a new security system, and it’s very… simple

News
Traffic

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪

-

April 24, 2024

1

Schiphol has just revealed a new security system, and it’s very… simple

When we think about airport security, we imagine chaos: you walk through the machine and — BEEP — you forgot some keys in your pocket. You walk again — BEEP — maybe it’s your hair tie!? BEEP — some stranger is patting you down.

It’s stressful, you’re sweating, and a lovely long queue of people is forming behind you.

However, if there’s one thing Schiphol Airport doesn’t like, it’s queues. Especially given all the drama over the past few years.

With the May holidays quickly approaching, the airport is bracing itself for a wave of up to 80,000 travellers per day, according to Nu.nl.

While it does warn of longer waiting times at check-in desks and security, it doesn’t expect the same scenes as in previous years.

This is thanks to new equipment at security which should make the process of passing through much simpler.

Simpler? But how?

According to AD, Schiphol has brand new scanners at all of its security gates — 53 in total.

With these scanners, you no longer have to adopt an awkward stance like you’re imitating one of your Sims characters in order for the machine to scan you.

Instead, all you do is, well, stand there.

“You can just keep your hands and arms next to your body. That’s a lot easier,” airport operations director Patricia Vitalis tells AD.

According to Vitalis, the new scanners can scan a person’s body for dangerous items within three seconds and are less prone to errors.

What this means for you as a traveller is this:

Fewer people will have to be stopped and checked, fewer people will have to carry out a Vogue photo shoot while trying to pass through the machines, and ultimately, queues will be less long.

But does it actually work?

You may be thinking, hmmm, but is this perhaps too simple? Will the machines actually pick up on danger?

Schiphol already had this thought themselves, so they sent in two men to try pass through the machines with dangerous items.

Schiphol’s coordinator at the Royal Military Police, Colonel Jeffrey van Horn, attempted to pass through the machine with a knife in his sock, while his colleague wore a fake explosive.

Both men were immediately picked up by the machines, and the unknowing staff did everything by the books.

Through with queues

Great, so the machines work — but do they actually help with the queues?

According to Vitalis, yes! “We are already seeing that passengers are going through security significantly faster,” she tells AD.

Say no more, if it means we get to our holiday destination faster and safer, we’re happy. 🏝️

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

What will the weather be like for King’s Day 2024? It’s loo-KING good!

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧

-

April 24, 2024

0

What will the weather be like for King’s Day 2024? It’s loo-KING good!

It’s the difference between wearing your orange shorts or digging out an orange scarf, hat and gloves. Well, good news! King’s Day will feel the warmest it has in a while.

The freezing weather recently makes it hard to believe Saturday’s royal celebrations will be anything more than a mass of shivering crowds turning blue, not orange. 🥶

But while it certainly doesn’t feel like spring just yet, come Saturday it will be a lot warmer, reports Weeronline.

King’s Day brings the rays…

Don’t let the festivities go to your head too early, however.

While it will get warmer throughout the day, the street sellers setting up at 8 AM will have a chilly start, with temperatures sitting around 6 degrees.

Knowing the King’s Day crowds, it’s not long after that the activity is truly underway with beer flowing, people dancing, music blaring — and temperatures rising!

In the afternoon, temperatures will reach 17 or 18 degrees, with sunny spells.

There might be some short showers, but just pretend it’s beer spray, and the party won’t stop.

@dutchreview Mentally, I’m there 🧡🇳🇱 #dutchreview #kingsday #kingsday2024 #thenetherlands #visitnl #learndutch #dutchculture #expats #expatsinthenetherlands #meme #memecut #CapCut ♬ original sound – DutchReview

So, if you’re celebrating in Eindhoven, the Hague or Amsterdam, you can expect some good weather to keep you company (and many, MANY people). 🧡

…but King’s Night still has a bite

When it comes to the better weather this weekend, it’s not exactly a royal flush. 😉

You’ll still need a coat if you plan to be out on King’s Night this Friday, as temperatures will fall between 4 and 8 degrees.

And, as always in the Netherlands, expect a few showers throughout. But go for an orange umbrella to truly embrace the practical and the patriotic. 🌂

How will you be celebrating King’s Day? Let us know your plans in the comments below.

DutchReview

DUTCHREVIEW

DutchReview

“Absolutely not worth half a million”

The most expensive in the country

You need to have a specific energy contract

Why today?

Temps off the scale, but hail will prevail?

Determine your maximum rent

Rent reductions for current tenants

Rent reduction for new tenants

What can we expect?

You will recognise the top three

Which of the 15 can I work for as an English speaker?

London dominates the top ten

What about the rest of the Netherlands?

Simpler? But how?

But does it actually work?

Through with queues

King’s Day brings the rays…

…but King’s Night still has a bite