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12 realisations every expat in the Netherlands can relate to

Shaakira Vania
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19
12 realisations every expat in the Netherlands can relate to

There’s a saying that goes, “celebrate the little moments because one day you’ll look back and realise they were big moments.”

It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, and when I first read this quote many moons ago, I rolled my eyes at the tragic Instagram-ness of the quote.

Ironically, since that very first eye roll, I’ve come to realise how very true that simple thought is. If you don’t take the time to reflect and celebrate the small moments, who will?!

My recent small moment of significance is my one-year anniversary of moving to the Netherlands. So, in honour of my first 12 months in the lowlands, I’m sharing 12 realisations, opinions, and tidbits about the Netherlands that I have gleaned over my time here.

1. Cyclists rule the roost

And that’s all there is to it. Most cyclists are impatient, and some like to take their time, but all are in it for themselves. It’s just the lay of the land (pun intended) here in the Netherlands.

A-large-group-of-cyclists-in-an-Amsterdam-street
Seeing people riding their bikes from every direction is normal in the Netherlands! Image: DepositPhotos.com

2. Dutch people like to pretend they are very healthy people

I say “pretend” because some of their typical foods include: stroopwafels (I’m biased, I think these are just delicious), bitterballen (hello, high cholesterol), frikandel (whatever the hell that is) and kaassouffle (another fave, so no comment 🤐).

They also call a ham and cheese sandwich a broodje gezond — a healthy sandwich, for some reason.

But, I kid. All that cycling around keeps them fit as a horse!

Bitterballen-in-the-Netherlands
I mean, look how good those bitterballen look! Image: DepositPhotos.com

3. All Dutch people can speak English

That is something every modern tour guide, book, person, and website will tell you, and it is indeed the truth. What they fail to elaborate on is the fact that “Dunglish” is also spoken by many Dutch people.

READ MORE | Where to read Dutch news in English: the best outlets

For example, who a Dutch person’s cousin and their niece/nephew are can only be understood if you get a short family history first. Neef means cousin AND niece/nephew, but is fully dependent on context.

4. A “normal” cup of tea is black

That means no milk. It’s a personal tragedy that so few Dutchies understand why on earth I would drink milk with my tea — and even fewer Dutchies would ever do so themselves.

READ MORE | Here’s the tea: Dutchies have no idea how to drink it

Earl Grey tea and hot milk. Is there any greater combination?! I think not, but apparently, the Dutch think otherwise.

Black-tea-in-the-Netherlands
Black tea is the norm here! Image: Pexels

5. Going Dutch is the way to go

It may seem silly at times, but who doesn’t like a good bargain?

I have heard some crazy stories of Dutch people being cheap, like insisting on showering at the gym to save on water costs at home, but the benefits of this phenomenon are also that splitting the bill at a restaurant is a breeze.

READ MORE | What’s Tikkie? How to use this popular Dutch payment system

If you’ve ever had a group dinner, you’ll understand why it’s such a relief that you can pay only for the water and broodje you had, and your mate Jelle can settle his steak, frites, and red wine on his own account.

Photo-of-a-large-group-of-people-eating-and-chatting-at-a-Dutch-restaurant-where-they-will-easily-split-the-bill
Going Dutch is the way to go. Image: Unsplash

6. Never trust Apple weather

Ironically, even though I know this, Apple Weather is still the only weather app I have on my phone.

Dutch people swear by Buienradar, but based on personal experience, this is also not the most reliable (I can practically hear you forming your argument as I type this.)

READ MORE | Why does it rain so much in the Netherlands?

But here’s my top advice for being fashionable and weather-ready, despite what your choice of app says: just wear whatever, pop on a jacket, and take an umbrella.

7. Never trust the weather in general

You rise in the morning and see a welcoming, sunny day.

Yet what that sunny day will fail to reveal is that its sneaky master plan is to pour buckets on you all afternoon, leaving you stranded at work with no umbrella or jacket because you were gullible and let yourself be lulled into a false sense of security.

Wet-bicycles-on-rainy-day-in-Leiden-why-does-it-rain-so-much-in-the-netherlands
Rain, rain, go away. ☔️ Image: DepositPhotos.com

8. The Dutch limit overseas vacations to a small number of areas

When you ask Dutchies about their valuable vakantie tijd, the destinations will include Bali, Thailand, South America, and occasionally a bit more Asia (Japan, China, Singapore).

This is a gross generalisation based on a sample of my many Dutch friends, but I don’t think it’s too far from the truth.

Also, the norm here is to take about six weeks of solid vacation time. It’s appealing, but how do you survive the rest of the year without a break? It remains a Dutch mystery, I suppose.

9. The Dutch healthcare system leaves a lot to be desired

Am I wrong? Seriously, I want to hear if I am. I have heard really tough stories from friends who have struggled to see specialists and get adequate medication to alleviate their symptoms.

Dutch doctors are notorious for prescribing paracetamol for every ache and pain. Menstrual cramps? Back pain? Headaches? Just pop paracetamol, and you’ll be good — not what most expats expect.

READ MORE | What the Dutch are getting right: antibiotics in the Netherlands

For any expat, it’s enough to make you take a trip to your birth country for all the procedures and meds you might need — but then you consider how expensive basic insurance here is, and you figure you may as well try to make the best of what you’ve paid for. 🤷

photograph-of-a-doctor-consulting-files-while-talking-to-their-patient
Paracetamol is the way to go. Image: Magnific

10. Schiphol bag scanners are the best thing since sliced bread

No joke.

There’s no hassle about trying to fit all of your toiletries into a tiny plastic bag. At Schiphol, I’m just told to “Keep everything in your bag”. Simple. It’s about time the rest of the airports join us here in the Dutch lands.

11. Spreek jij Nederlands? (Do you speak Dutch?)

This one is for the expats: When you are coming in, or out of the Netherlands and you hand over your residence card at passport control the question they will undoubtedly ask is: “Spreek jij Nederlands?”

It’s like a trick question, a test to see how much you truly deserve that residence card and if you really should be in this country.

The answer is always: “Een beetje, maar ik leer”. Even as my Dutch improves, there’s always that split second (okay, multiple split seconds) when I think in English and get too shy to speak Dutch, so I just pretend I don’t know.

women-laughing-learning-dutch-in-the-netherlands
My tip? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, just speak! Image: DepositPhotos.com

12. The strangest Dutch word

Magnetron. It means “microwave”, but it sounds like the name of the newest Transformer movie that I’ll be able to catch in my local Pathé next month at the “Unlimited Night” screening.

READ MORE | 11 untranslatable Dutch words (yes, gezellig is there)

There are more strange Dutch words than you’d imagine, and getting to the point where you can overhear a Dutch conversation without letting out a chuckle may take some time.

What realisations did you come to after living in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below!

Your bol and de Bijenkorf parcels may be delayed for weeks, due to a data breach

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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0
Your bol and de Bijenkorf parcels may be delayed for weeks, due to a data breach

If you’ve ordered online from bol, de Bijenkorf, Ace&Tate, and Ajax, or picked up a gift through ING’s Points shop, your name and delivery details may have been caught up in a data breach.

While none of these companies were hacked directly, cybercriminals were able to breach their logistics company, CEVA Logistics, which packed and shipped their online orders.

Here’s what to know about the data breach, and why your deliveries might take longer than usual.

What data has actually been leaked?

If you’re stressing about your banking info finding its way onto the dark web, you can rest easy.

All the affected companies stress that no payment details, IBANs, or credit card numbers were leaked, as the logistics firm only processes the payment method (i.e. whether you’ve paid through iDeal or credit card), not your actual bank details.

Similarly, your account information is safe; no usernames or passwords were involved in the breach.

However, cybercriminals have managed to get their hands on the information found on your shipping label. According to de Bijenkorf and bol, this may include:

  • your name and contact details (including your mobile number and email address),
  • your address,
  • track and trace information,
  • company name and VAT information (if you’ve included this in your order),
  • your order number,
  • and what specifically you’ve ordered.

Let op: If you’re a zzp’er with a very old VAT number (btw nummer), that figure may contain your BSN.

Meanwhile, if you’re an ING customer, the data breach only affects those who’ve ordered physical products via ING Punten (Points).

And were you ever banned from an Ajax stadium? Ajax warns that your name, address, and date of birth may have been accessed. As of August 13, the club has personally informed all individuals whose data has been leaked.

Will my orders be delayed?

Unfortunately, deliveries are the hardest hit.

While de Bijenkorf still allows online ordering, the shop notes that “processing of orders, returns, and refunds may take longer than customers are used to.”

This is echoed by bol, with the Dutch webshop warning that “some orders have been cancelled or may experience delays.”

Similarly, if you bought something via ING points between August 1 and 5, your order has likely been cancelled. According to the bank, your “purchase amount and ING Points will be refunded within 10 working days.”

Planning to reorder? At present, you won’t be able to make any orders with ING’s points, so you’ll have to hang tight for now.

If you’ve placed an online order from Ace&Tate, you’ll likely only be able to pick it up at a physical store — at the moment, the only home deliveries being made are for contact lenses.

What should you do?

In general, you’ll only hear from the companies if your data has actually been caught up in the breach. However, as investigations are currently still ongoing, your data may still have been leaked — even if you don’t receive any email.

The real danger, however, is in phishing attempts.

Ajax warns customers to “be extra vigilant about suspicious emails and never to simply click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.”

De Bijenkorf also stresses that you “never share your password, payment details, or personal information via email or phone.” None of these companies will request that information from you via email or phone.

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Code yellow (again!): Netherlands set for 37-degree heat and thunderstorms

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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0
Code yellow (again!): Netherlands set for 37-degree heat and thunderstorms

From tomorrow (August 13), the whole country will come under a code yellow weather warning, with “tropically hot” temperatures of up to 37 degrees Celsius expected.

While meteorologists may have warned us of an upcoming hot spell, we certainly didn’t expect to see the entire country painted bright yellow on the map.

Helaas, the KNMI warns that it’s soon going to be hot enough to warrant the Nationaal Hitteplan (National Heat Plan).

Here’s what the weather has in store for us this week.

Get ready for 37 degrees this Friday

If you’re already sweltering at the office, it’s not just you; the KNMI warns of temperatures up to 32 degrees Celsius in the southeast today (August 12).

After consulting with meteorological experts at the KNMI, the RIVM announced that it will be switching on the National Heat Plan for four provinces in the south:

  • Limburg,
  • North Brabant,
  • Gelderland,
  • and Overijssel.

From August 13, the National Heat Plan will extend to all remaining provinces, while temperatures soar to 30 degrees in most places. If you live in the southeast, you can expect regional temperatures to hit 35 to 36 degrees, with a heat index of 7 to 8.

Come Friday, things will only get hotter. Nationwide, temperatures will range from 33 degrees in the north to a blazing 37 degrees in the southeast.

@dutchreview

And it’s mostly ice #fyp #dutchreview #amsterdam #netherlands

♬ original sound – Chief Green Screens

Expect “some cooling” from Saturday onwards

Don’t shelve those weekend plans just yet, because there’s some small relief on the horizon. The KNMI reports that Saturday (August 15) will bring “some cooling”, with tropical heat only affecting the southeast.

If you live in the southeast, you’ll have to endure the tail end of this week’s blaze: 32-degree weather, with a heat index of 6 to 7.

Depending on the weather, KNMI notes a “chance of severe thunderstorms” on Saturday, but warns that the forecast is still uncertain. Either way, with a 70% chance of precipitation, you’ll want to pack your umbrella or rain jacket.

How are you weathering the current hot spell? Share your tips in the comments below.

Learning Dutch and sick of people switching to English? This app would never

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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2
Learning Dutch and sick of people switching to English? This app would never

One of the plagues of learning Dutch is rehearsing something in your head, working up the nerve to say it — and being met with the inevitable response in English.  

We get that the Dutch speak great English and are just trying to simplify communication. But seriously: how are we meant to learn Dutch if we never get a chance to speak it? 

Well readers, boy do I have a solution for you. A new app has launched that lets you practise your Dutch skills and talk as much as you like. 

Meet PraatMet: the app that mimics a normal Dutch conversation

Picture this: an app asks you how you feel today. You respond. The app responds. You respond back! It’s a whole conversation! In your new language! 

Say hello to PraatMet, the new app to learn Dutch that harnesses the power of AI to give you a Dutch conversation partner in your pocket. 

And best of all? There’s no social pressure if you forget a word or mess up your sentence structure. The app is there to understand and help out. 

Try PraatMet free

Conversations that mimic real life

Want to practise inviting someone for coffee? Ordering at a restaurant? Buying groceries at a supermarket? PraatMet is loaded with real conversations you’ll experience in your day-to-day Dutch life. 

From healthcare, to housing, to transport and emergencies, PraatMet is ready to let you practise those conversations again and again. 

graphic-of-praatmet-app-practise-options
The intuitive interface gives you a choice of conversation topics. Image: DutchReview

Prefer to go with the flow instead? Dat kan! The Free Conversation option lets you talk about whatever is on your mind, whether it’s your job or how your housemate forgot to feed his goldfish again. 

Get instant feedback

So you can speak — but will you improve? Natuurlijk! At the end of each conversation is a full report of your conversation. 

In the Feedback section, you’ll see a score and a quick overview in English of what you did well. You’ll also receive areas to work on: my initial conversation picked up that I used “baan” when “werk” was a more natural word, that I missed a bijzin, and that I didn’t use the plural form of gids. 

I found it especially useful that the areas to work on were given alongside real examples from my conversation, so I could see exactly where I had to improve. 

There is also a full transcript of the conversation available, so if I didn’t know a word the AI said, I could go back and check it later. 

graphic-of-praatmet-app-feedback-options
Extensive feedback identifies exactly which areas to improve. Image: DutchReview

AI that listens AND adapts

But say you’ve only just started your Dutch learning journey? Or you’re basically fluent but want to practise your business Dutch? 

Well that’s the power of AI, baby. The app carefully listens and analyses your speaking patterns and word choices and will automatically slow down, speed up, and change the level of Dutch used to make sure you’re being challenged — but not so challenged you want to throw your phone at a wall. 

Whether you’re A1 or C2, PraatMet will find a level that you can work with. The goal isn’t to replace Dutch classes, but support them by giving you the regular conversation practice you need. 

Use PraatMet free!

If you’re living in the Netherlands, you’ve probably taken on a few Dutch characteristics by now — so you’ll love knowing that you can use PraatMet absolutely free. 

The free version comes with ten minutes of conversation per month. Want more? Upgrade to 200 minutes for as little as €5 a month when taking an annual contract. 

Try PraatMet free

Have you tried PraatMet? Share your experience in the comments below!

Pillarisation: Why the Dutch have big windows

Marianne Chagnon
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5
Pillarisation: Why the Dutch have big windows

Pillarisation (verzuiling in Dutch) is one of the most distinctive (and fascinating) characteristics of Dutch history and society. Yet, it’s not very well known by foreigners.

The idea behind it is quite simple: Dutch society is divided into pillars, and each is characterised by a unique system of political and social organisation.

Ultimately, a pillar fuses people together around a shared ideology and common values.

Instead of relating to their fellow Dutch countrymen, Dutchies end up identifying themselves with their pillar.

Does this sound confusing? Don’t worry, we’ll explain it more below!

The history of pillarisation

Let’s go back to the end of the 19th century, when the division between the different religions in the Netherlands led to the development of pillarisation.

Catholics, conservative Calvinists, and the (non-religious) socialist and working class, in particular, rivalled to preserve their unique identities and values.

oil-painting-portrait-of-jean-calvin
French theologist, Jean Calvin developed the system of theology known as Calvinism. Image: Anonymous/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

They began to create their own social and political institutions, forming a number of parallel societies that lived next to — but with their backs turned — one another.

This division into pillars was also a way for the elites to resist modernisation and secularisation, and to maintain control over the population for as long as possible.

The entire society was divided, with each pillar having its own institutions: schools, hospitals, shops, political parties, media, you name it!

The role of media

Having their own media was particularly important. Through their own broadcasting companies, it was very easy for the elites to disseminate a cultural identity that people could then reproduce.

1931-cartoon-from-de-groene-amsterdammer-newspaper-showing-pillarisation-broadcasting
Man refuses to listen to a radio station not belonging to his pillar. Image: Johan Braakensiek/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Consequently, Dutch society was completely divided into different groups. People from one pillar rarely mixed with people from another — they didn’t really have to.

It wasn’t only socially unacceptable, but doing so could be strictly forbidden.

As with most things, pillarisation in the Netherlands wasn’t black and white.

There was an overlap between the different pillars. For example, many members of the working class were both political socialists and practising Christians.

Some strict Calvinists, however, live in separate communities to this very day. Check out our article on the Dutch Bible Belt.

Societal changes shake up the pillars

Even though it lasted for some decades, the pillars started to break down in the 1960s.

Firstly, the economic growth of this period allowed the development of the Dutch welfare state, meaning that people didn’t rely as much on their pillar members.

Image-of-a-1960s-automatic-washing-machine-in-the-netherlands-
Following the economic growth of the 1960s, everyone began to innovate technology. Image: Nationaal Archief/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Medicine, money, and support were now controlled by higher levels of governmental organisation rather than being provided by people’s immediate community.

The welfare state also allowed more Dutchies to access higher education and to own television sets. In this way, people no longer relied on their pillar to know what was happening in the world.

Secondly, the pillars started to fall around this time because of the free spirit of the 60s.

dutch-hippies-in-vondelpark-amsterdam-black-and-white-photo
Hippies chillin’ out in Vondelpark. Image: Hans Peters / Anefo/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

As you can imagine, the peace-and-love mantra didn’t match well with people telling you how to behave and who to interact with.

The effects of pillarisation on freedom of expression

Before this time, the identification with a pillar was so strong that it altered the freedom of expression.

In the pillarised society of the Netherlands, freedom of speech was effectively limited because you were supposed to follow the rules and values of the pillar to which you belonged.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #87: Invest way too much in window decorations to announce a new baby

The elites told you not only how to behave but also what to do if you wanted to belong to the group and reap its benefits.

Yes, the social control in the pillarised system was extremely strong, but you couldn’t just leave it behind — unless you like to be completely on your own.

Today, it seems crazy to think that this was happening in the Netherlands, famous for its tolerant and forward-thinking culture.

Pillarisation nowadays

To all the future internationals in the Netherlands: breathe in, breathe out. The pillars indeed broke down, and Dutch society is no longer pillarised.

If you pay attention, however, you can still see some remains of it today.

Take, for example, the big, curtainless windows the Dutch have. You can easily see inside people’s homes. This is something that new internationals often find very strange.

READ MORE | Why don’t the Dutch like to use curtains?

But why do they do it? Because of pillarisation! With the very strong social control, one had nothing to hide, and the idea was that people could even check that.

It makes more sense now, doesn’t it?

Have you heard of pillarisation before? Tell us in the comments below!

This Dutch far-right party now runs a school in Almere, and you’re paying for it

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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3
This Dutch far-right party now runs a school in Almere, and you’re paying for it

A primary school founded by the far-right Forum voor Democratie (FVD) has opened in Almere this month, funded by government subsidies.

According to its website, the so-called Renaissance School offers education “inspired by the values, beauty, and excellence of European civilisation”, built on the philosophy that “old Europe was better than the new.”

Undeterred by several failed attempts to secure government funding in the past, AD reports that the school will now receive a subsidy “to keep going for at least a few years.”

Needless to say, not everyone’s a fan.

“Concerning,” says State Secretary Tielen

MPs from VVD (Arend Kisteman) and D66 (Ilana Rooderkerk) have both filed parliamentary questions over public money funding a school founded by the far-right FVD.

While State Secretary Judith Tielen hasn’t formally responded, AD states that she finds the situation “concerning”.

Helaas, she can’t do much about it. Under Article 23 of the Dutch constitution, anyone can set up a school around their own religious, philosophical, or educational beliefs, and apply for funding — provided they meet certain legal requirements.

“The requirements are strict: sufficient interest, a positive assessment from the Inspectorate in advance, a Certificate of Conduct for board members, and an invitation to schools in the region,” Tielen tells NU.nl.

For her part, Rooderkerk questions whether Article 23 leaves room for schools to practice “discrimination, exclusion, anti-democratic education or party political indoctrination.”

Meet the school your taxes are paying for

Everything at the Renaissance School, in its own words, revolves around the “Old European World”. In practice, that involves teaching boys and girls separately, which the school says reflects biological differences between the sexes.

Meanwhile, FVD founder Thierry Baudet has been open about the school’s wider aim, which is meant to help train people to carry the party’s ideology forward.

The school qualified for funding through a 2020 law that loosened the rules for founding new schools, one that the governing coalition of D66, VVD and CDA has now agreed to revise, saying it caused “unforeseen problems”.

That law has driven a wave of new schools, reports the NOS, with one in three approved since 2023 being Islamic.

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Heading to Schiphol this summer? Passport queues have now doubled, thanks to EES

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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0
Heading to Schiphol this summer? Passport queues have now doubled, thanks to EES

Schiphol’s passport queues can now waste up to two hours of your time, thanks to the EU’s new border control system (EES).

If you’re unfamiliar with the EES, it’s the European Union’s new Entry/Exit system, which registers the biometric information of all non-EU nationals travelling through the region. (Think: your fingerprints and a facial scan.)

While it’s designed to replace the old passport stamp with a digital record, digital progress hasn’t exactly resulted in shorter queues at the airport.

Note: If you have an EU passport, none of this applies to you. EES registration is for non-EU nationals, so you will not be affected by these passport queues.

How much longer are waiting times?

According to the travel analytics group Qsensor, maximum waiting times at Schiphol rose from 80 minutes in 2025 to a whopping 120 minutes this July.

With daily maximum waiting times averaging around 77 minutes, the group notes that “long queues are not an isolated incident”, but something travellers will have to factor into their plans.

READ MORE | What can you actually take in your hand luggage? A guide for flying from Dutch airports

And Amsterdam isn’t alone in the struggle, either. As reported by the Financial Times, both Frankfurt and Munich saw their peak waiting times double — hitting 120 and 60 minutes, respectively.

Time and day are the “biggest factors”

If you’re looking to avoid the worst queues, you’ll want to avoid travelling on a Friday, where you’ll be faced with an average wait time of around 14 minutes. Instead, opt for a midweek flight, with Tuesday being the least busy option.

Similarly, try booking flights that depart before or after the airport’s peak time, between 8 AM and 9 PM. In general, evening flights tend to be the least busy.

Your waiting time will also vary depending on the passport control area you use, with Qsensor reporting that:

  • Passport Control 4 tends to be the slowest overall, with a peak wait time of 110 minutes and an average of 18 minutes.
  • Passport Control 2 and 3 have a maximum wait time of 80 minutes, with averages of around 13 and 11 minutes, respectively.
  • While Passport Control 1 also sees maximum wait times of 80 minutes, it’s generally the swiftest overall, with an average wait time of just 8 minutes.

Most people will still breeze through (for now)

While peak waiting times might sound a tad alarming, Qsensor states that for the majority of travellers, “the experience has been much smoother.”

In fact, 68% of people flying via Schiphol are processed in under 15 minutes, with July’s average waiting time sitting at just 12 minutes. Annoying, but certainly not a two-hour wait!

However, that may be subject to change come September.

Right now, the Dutch Marechaussee (border police) has the flexibility to temporarily pause EES registration if passport queues grow too long. When September rolls around, that flexibility ends.

It’s uncertain whether future extensions to EES registration are planned, so it’s worth factoring wait times into your travel plans — or opting for flights when Schiphol is least busy.

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The Netherlands is about to see a solar eclipse AND a meteor shower (all in one night)

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
The Netherlands is about to see a solar eclipse AND a meteor shower (all in one night)

If you’re an astronomy nerd, it’s time to dust off your telescope and talk your friends into joining you in a field at 3 AM. And if you’re not an astronomy nerd, you should listen to them anyway.

On the night of August 12 to 13, the Netherlands will experience not one, but two astronomical phenomena: a partial solar eclipse, and a meteor shower.

And nope, they have nothing to do with each other. You could just say the stars happen to be aligning perfectly.

Let’s start with the solar eclipse

The excitement will kick off on the evening of August 12, 2026. Starting at 7:16 PM, the solar eclipse will begin, with 88% of the sun becoming eclipsed by 8:11 PM, according to KNVWS.

And yes, 88% is significant. In fact, this is the largest partial solar eclipse the Netherlands has seen since 1999 — and we won’t see another one of this magnitude until 2081!

The eclipse ends at 9:03 PM, so make sure to catch a glimpse (with the proper eyewear).

Want to know when exactly you should try to take a look based on your location? There’s a calculator for that.

And if you’re wondering whether there’ll be some clouds to obscure your view, fret not. The forecast is clear skies with the occasional cloud (high cirrus clouds, to be specific). However, even if these do happen to waft through your field of vision just in time for the eclipse, you should still be able to see through them.

But that’s not all; then there are the meteorites

Once you’ve finished your gawking at the eclipse, it’s time to grab a bottle of wine, some blankets, and a good patch of grass to settle down on for the night.

In the early hours of August 13, the Perseid meteor shower will put on quite the show. This meteor shower is quite popular among the astronomy kids due to two things: the meteors are super bright, and its high hourly rate.

Just make sure you’re caffeinated; the best time to view the meteor shower from the Netherlands is around 3:45 AM on the morning of August 13, with 40-55 meteors expected to be visible during the hour.

Will you be looking to the skies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

5 weird things Dutch landlords do that are somehow completely legal

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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0
5 weird things Dutch landlords do that are somehow completely legal

While renting in the Netherlands generally comes with tenant protection, there’s still plenty of legal wiggle room for landlords to do some utterly bizarre things.

If you’re actively looking for a flat to rent in the Netherlands (or you’ve just been here a while), you’ve probably had your fair share of “Wait, that’s LEGAL?!” moments.

Needless to say, some of these practices are genuinely dodgy and illegal. Others are perfectly legal, albeit incredibly perplexing from an international’s POV.

Let’s run through five of the weirdest things we’ve either personally experienced (or had our wonderful readers complain to us about).

1. They can rent you a flat with no floor

Forget renting a flat with no furniture; have you ever tried renting a flat with no FLOOR? And no, we aren’t talking about some bare patches on your laminate…

Dutch rentals are frequently handed over kaal (bare), which under Article 7:224 of the Dutch Civil Code, means that a tenant must hand the property back in the same condition it was received, minus normal wear and tear.

While it isn’t awfully common, some tenants will recover everything they’ve put into furnishing their accommodation — flooring included.

@aliiikleit

#stitch with @Krys Tha Sis i was gagggggeedd when I found out #netherlands#apartments#amsterdam#floors#flooring#rent#nederland#fyp#foryou

♬ original sound – Ali

If you’ve already signed the rental contract on one of these flats, don’t look to your landlord to provide some laminate before you move in. As my best friend learnt while navigating the Dutch rental market, more often than not, you’re in do-it-yourself territory.

2. They can ask you to buy the last tenant’s ratty sofa

Fancy buying a sofa older than your entire bloodline, that may or may not host a happy family of mice? Nee? Well, too bad, because your prospective landlord may forcefully… err, we mean “gently”, coax you to buy it.

READ MORE | 11 things that will surprise you about renting in the Netherlands

Welcome to the wonderfully weird world of overnamekosten (takeover costs), where the previous tenant can offer to sell you their furniture, curtains, or half-dead potted plants before they leave.

international-tenants-being-encouraged-to-buy-old-tenants-furniture-by-their-weird-dutch-landlord
While this may be a major pro if the previous tenant kept their furniture in pristine condition, that’s not always the case. Image: Magnific

As Woonbond notes, you are “not obliged to take over these items, whether for payment or not”, but that doesn’t stop some Dutch landlords being pushy — especially if the previous tenant is in a hurry to leave.

3. They can hold a deposit worth two months’ rent

Before you’ve even spent a night in the place, you can be asked to hand over a deposit worth two months’ rent.

It’s a lot of money upfront, especially for the kind of accommodation that would make Harry Potter’s room under the stairs seem palatial in comparison. And the weirdest thing is, it’s completely legal.

Since July 1, 2023, the Dutch government has capped the waarborgsom (security deposit) at a maximum of two months’ basic rent, which must be repaid to you “within 14 days after the end of the lease.”

confused-international-looks-through-paperwork-for-renting-in-the-netherlands
Between paperwork, Dutch bureaucracy, and weird landlord shenanigans, renting in the Netherlands isn’t for the faint of heart. Image: Magnific

In theory, the landlord is “permitted to use (part of) the security deposit to offset unpaid rent or damage caused by you”, and deduct cleaning costs if you haven’t “left the property in a tidy condition.”

READ MORE | Rental deposits in the Netherlands: how to get your cash back

In other words, legally, there are four main costs your landlord can deduct from your deposit:

  • rent arrears,
  • service charges,
  • damage to the rental property for which the tenant is responsible,
  • and an energy performance fee.

This legal wiggle room often makes getting your deposit back harder than drawing blood from a stone, because some landlords can (and will!) negotiate for every euro.

Good to know: If your landlord deducts any amount from your deposit, they’re legally obliged to inform you in writing and provide you with a full breakdown of the costs. No letter and cost breakdown? You can contact Het Juridisch Loket for free legal advice.

4. They can rent you a flat and make you the handyman

Have you ever awoken to the steady drip-drip-drip of a water leak from a broken showerhead? Or stumbled home after a night out and flicked on the light switch… only to be greeted by pitch darkness?

If you’re renting a flat, surely handling a broken showerhead and a burnt out lightbulb are your landlord’s responsibility, right? Well, not quite.

photo-of-man-under-sink-fixing-minor-plumbing-issue-in-his-dutch-flat
Minor repairs are solely your responsibility. Image: Magnific

Under Dutch law, the small, everyday repairs are yours to sort and pay for, while the landlord handles groot onderhoud (major maintenance) like the roof, the boiler, or a burst pipe.

Helaas, this means you’ll need to whip out the elbow grease when it comes to minor, fiddly stuff, such as replacing a showerhead or lightbulb. Not super handy? You’ll need to pay for a handyman to come over and fix these for you — on your own dime.

5. They can move back in whenever they’re done travelling

While the diplomatenclausule (diplomatic clause) might have a wonderfully dramatic name, you don’t need to be a diplomat for it to apply to you.

If you’re subletting a room or flat in the Netherlands, your rental agreement very well may have a diplomatic clause built in. But what exactly is this clause, and why does it sound like something born in the deepest depths of Dutch bureaucracy?

READ MORE | 9 kooky things about renting in the Netherlands

In simple terms, it covers a situation where a landlord wants to rent their property out for the short-term (such as a summer abroad), and have it back when they return. It’s not uncommon to see sublet listings for one to three months, typically during holiday periods.

dutch-landlady-calling-the-tenants-currently-subletting-her-flat
Want to extend your tenancy? If there’s an end date baked into your contract, helaas pindakaas, you’re out of luck. Image: Magnific

The Rijksoverheid lists the diplomatic clause as a legitimate reason to end a tenancy, so long as the term was baked into your contract from day one.

Agree to that clause, and you’ve agreed to hand the keys back on cue — yes, even if you’re desperate to extend your lease.

Which of these caught you off-guard when you first moved to the Netherlands? Do you have any weird-but-legal things to add to our list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

eSIMs in the Netherlands: how they work, who they’re for, and when to consider one

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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eSIMs in the Netherlands: how they work, who they’re for, and when to consider one

Dutch eSIMs have vastly simplified the process of getting connected — and if you haven’t considered making the switch yet, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Getting a Dutch SIM card used to mean waiting three business days for a tiny piece of plastic to arrive in the post, then attempting to decipher activation instructions written entirely in Dutch. eSIMs have quietly made that process feel unnecessary.

But are they actually better than physical SIM cards? And are they right for you? Let’s get into it.

What is an eSIM (and how is it different from a regular SIM card)?

A traditional SIM card is a small, plastic chip that you physically insert into your device.

Instead of inserting a SIM card, you simply download your eSIM and activate it in your mobile’s settings.

There’s no need to take your phone apart, making it easier to switch between mobile carriers, update your mobile plan, or switch between phone numbers on the same device.

As the underlying technology is identical, you can still call, text, and surf the web as you normally would.

international-in-the-netherlands-holding-phone-with-dutch-esim-sim-card-as-she-waits-for-the-bus
In essence, an eSIM functions the same way as your physical SIM card. Image: Magnific

However, they do have one big catch: eSIMs aren’t compatible with all devices.

If your device is an older model, it may lack the ability to use an eSIM. Similarly, if you bought your current mobile through a Dutch phone subscription, your device may be carrier-locked. This means that you’ll be unable to switch providers until your SIM lock is disabled.

Always check your device compatibility before purchasing an eSIM plan.

With all Simyo’s plans available in eSIM format, you can get access to an award-winning service without waiting for a physical card in the post. Whether you’re after a flexible prepaid plan or a longer-term SIM-only deal, you can get set up entirely online.

Sign up with Simyo

How to purchase and activate an eSIM in the Netherlands

While the process can vary by provider, it’s generally consistent across Dutch carriers and international eSIM platforms.

Your first step is purchasing an eSIM, either through a provider’s website or app. Instead of waiting for a physical card to arrive in the post, you’ll typically receive a QR code by email.

Once you have your QR code, your activation process might differ slightly, depending on your device’s OS:

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add More.

Simply scan the code, and your phone will “handshake” with the network. Within a minute, you’ll see the signal bars appear at the top of your screen.

Good to know: If you can’t download your eSIM via the QR code, you can also request a manual activation code (also known as an “SM-DP+ address”).

To insert this, just head to your device’s SIM settings (typically under “Cellular” on iOS, and “Network & Internet” or “Connections” on Android). There should be an option to add eSIM details manually — just paste your activation code in the field there.

man-uses-a-dutch-esim-as-he-stands-in-a-train-station-with-a-train-passing-by
You can take your Dutch number on a trip across the globe with you. Image: Magnific

Can you keep your existing Dutch number?

If you’re worried about losing that Dutch number you’ve spent ages memorising, you needn’t be.

Provided you’re switching to another provider in the Netherlands, number porting works exactly the same for eSIMs as it does for physical cards.

When you order your eSIM, you simply indicate that you want to keep your current number. Your new provider will coordinate with your old one, and on the switch-over day, your eSIM will automatically take over the old number.

The pros of opting for an eSIM in the Netherlands

Are you still on the fence about eSIMs in general? Here are some benefits that might just sway you.

You can get connected in a matter of minutes

If you’re a tourist or a new international, an eSIM offers you a quick and simple connection — often as soon as your plane touches down at Schiphol.

There’s no hunting for a SIM kiosk at the airport, and no potential for losing your original SIM card while swapping it out; you’re just connected.

There’s nothing to lose, damage, or accidentally snap

This is a biggie, given that physical SIM cards get lost, broken, and — ask any long-term expat — quietly deactivated by providers when they haven’t been used in a while.

friends-navigating-around-dutch-city-centre-via-their-travel-esim-on-a-orange-mobile-phone
With no physical parts, you won’t need to remove your existing SIM card to use an eSIM. Image: Magnific

With a Dutch eSIM plan, you can keep your original SIM in your device, as there’s no reason to swap out SIM cards.

You can keep your original number active

For internationals juggling their home mobile number and a Dutch one, an eSIM can be a genuine game-changer.

Both lines run simultaneously — meaning your family can still reach you on your old number while your Dutch landlord, GP, and DigiD account all have access to your local one.

Everything is managed digitally

If you need to purchase an eSIM, top up your mobile data, or switch plans, you can handle things via your provider’s app.

You needn’t visit a brick-and-mortar mobile store or provide your BSN to get connected, making the entire process far less exhausting for new internationals.

New to the Netherlands? Getting connected shouldn’t be a bureaucratic hurdle, which is why we love how simple Simyo’s registration process is.

Their website walks you through each step in English, assesses your device compatibility, and sends your eSIM whizzing straight over to you.

The downsides of opting for an eSIM in the Netherlands

Of course, no piece of technology is perfect, and this maxim extends to eSIMs, too. Here are a few drawbacks worth considering if you’re planning to purchase an eSIM plan.

Not every mobile supports eSIMs

If your device is an older model, it’s likely to be incompatible with most eSIMs on the Dutch market. And, sadly, there’s no workaround.

man-frowning-at-his-old-model-mobile-which-is-not-compatible-with-esims
If your mobile is an older model, it likely won’t be compatible with an eSIM. Image: Magnific

Even some newer budget models from less mainstream brands skip eSIM support entirely, so always remember to check your device’s eSIM compatibility before purchasing a plan.

Not all eSIM plans include a Dutch phone number

Some eSIM providers (especially international travel-focused platforms) offer data-only eSIM plans with no local number attached.

While that’s perfectly fine for tourists, it’s a real headache for anyone settling down in the Netherlands long-term.

Many services, including GP offices and DigiD, will require a Dutch mobile number for registration or SMS verification.

You’ll need Wi-Fi to activate your plan

Setting up an eSIM requires an active internet connection at the point of installation.

If you’ve just landed and want to activate your eSIM, you’ll need to find public Wi-Fi first. While this might seem like less of a hassle at the airport, not all public Wi-Fi is secure or stable.

eSIM vs physical SIM in the Netherlands: which is better for you?

The honest answer is that it depends almost entirely on your situation.

If you’ve just landed in the Netherlands, are managing two mobile numbers, or simply want the least stressful setup experience possible, an eSIM is probably the better choice.

The ability to get connected before you’ve got a BSN and bypass the hassle of hunting down a mobile store makes a real difference when you’ve already got a mountain of Dutch admin ahead of you.

eSIMs are also especially handy for tourists and other short-term visitors.

man-using-mobile-connected-to-dutch-esim-at-the-airport
With an eSIM, you needn’t rely on dodgy airport WiFi. Image: Magnific

Since you can activate your eSIM online, you don’t have to waste time looking for a SIM kiosk at Schiphol Airport — which, frankly, isn’t how anyone wants to spend their first hour in Amsterdam.

However, there are also a handful of scenarios where opting for a physical SIM makes sense.

They work on virtually any mobile device, including older models that predate eSIM support entirely. If your phone is from before 2018 or 2019, a physical SIM is likely your only option.

Physical SIMs are also easier to move between devices if you regularly swap phones, and some budget Dutch providers still don’t offer eSIM alternatives.

For most internationals with a relatively recent smartphone, though, the eSIM wins on sheer convenience.

It’s faster to set up, easier to manage, and one less physical thing to lose in the chaos of moving to a new country — and, if you’ve ever experienced moving to the Netherlands, you’ll know that’s already chaotic enough.

Have you made the switch to an eSIM in the Netherlands, or are you holding onto your physical SIM? Tell us in the comments!

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