Bike riding, bike commuting, bike delivering, bike… fishing?
It’s no news that the Netherlands is a bike country. It is one of the main forms of transport and virtually every household owns at least one bike â but usually more like 10.
People go to work, carry their groceries, bike with their children, move furniture and basically live with their bike, all while (mostly) abiding by an unspoken list of do’s and don’ts while cycling.
Enter: water đ§
On the other hand, the Netherlands is also a country where water is part of life and there are hundreds of canals all over the country.
So with this many bikes and this many canals around them, ever wondered “what happens to the bikes once they end up in the water?”
Well, that’s why there is such a thing as bike fishing! If you are clueless about what we’re talking about, here is all you need to know about this pretty awesome job.
Bike fishing: what the heck is it?
It’s not fishing while riding a bicycle (although we wouldn’t put that past those Dutchies). Instead, bike fishing is the process of literally fishing for bicycles.
The rough number of bikes in Amsterdam is a whopping 881,000 (you heard that right) and eachyear Amsterdam’s water authority fishes between 12,000 and 15,000 bicycles from the canals.
Why are there bikes in the canals, anyway?
Well, mostly drunk people, to be honest. Visit any major Dutch city late on a Saturday night and you may get to witness the incredibly annoying drunkards throwing bikes in canals.
Of course, it’s not just beer that leads to this event. Often weather (like that crazy wind and rain) also forces bikes to slide into canals. It’s one reason why you probably shouldn’t swim in most Dutch canals.
Bikes must brave the weather even while we’re cosy indoors. Image: Pixabay
Introducing… bike fishermen!
So as a result, the profession of “bike fisherman” was born. Their job is to keep the canals clean and safe for the boats.
The job consists of going through the canals with a pretty awesome looking boat with its own hydraulic claw, connected to a crane that sits on the front of the boat, looking for bikes!
Once they pull the bikes from the water, they end up at a recycling center to be turned into beer cans â and the cycle of drunk bike throwing continues.
See it in action
Did you know that “bike fisherman” is a job? More importantly, have you ever seen one in action? Share with us in the comments!
It’s been a few years since I moved to the Netherlandsas a lovepat, and, boy, has it been an emotional roller coaster.
Even more so when you move for love and not because you were offered a shiny new job, as is often the case for most expats living in the Netherlands.
It’s been a very steep learning curve and uphill struggle â wait, who am I kidding? I don’t feel I’ve even made it halfway up the Dutch hill yet! Culture shock is far too real.
There are quite a few things I’ve learned about Dutch life and Dutch people since moving here, but, for now, I’m going to share five things that surprised me when making the move to the Netherlands for love.
1. Being a lovepat is not the same as being an expat
Believe me, there’s a difference between being an expat and a lovepat. Image: Pixabay
The Dutch have a word for those of us who move not for work, but for love: a lovepat.
It sounds romantic, but in reality, the lack of a social circle is real. Especially in those first few months when you’re looking for work, setting up a new home, and not speaking the language.
My partner had lived in the Netherlands for a whole year before I joined him. He at least had some work colleagues to see every day, even if those relationships hadn’t cemented into friendships yet.
For me, I wanted to go out and meet people, but that meant travelling into Amsterdam as the majority of meetups took place there. Which was an 80 minute round trip by train every week.
I went and did make a few connections, but none of them lasted. Perhaps because they felt travelling the 80 minute round trip to mine every once in a while was too much, or they simply found it easier to connect with lovepats that lived locally.
My saving grace was finding a church to attend. I connected with people there. Although, 10 months in, I still struggled to follow the sermons as they were all in Dutch.
2. Finding work is not easy
Finding a job in the Netherlands as an expat isn’t as easy as eating apple pie with slagroom (whipped cream)! Image: Magnific
The first thing I wanted to do was find a job. Having taught English as a second language, I figured it’d be an easy transition from one country to another. But every country and culture is different, and English is widely spoken in the Netherlands already.
On top of that, being out in the sticks, the general consensus was, “why speak English? We live in the Netherlands, so you should speak Dutch.â It’s a fair point.Â
When I moved to Italy as an expat I threw myself into my new job, work colleagues, and language classes. Being a lovepat, on the other hand, often means no work at the beginning, which leads to very slow monotonous days.
So, I decided to reinvent myself. I’ve thrown myself into my writing, which was a passion I had let fall by the wayside for a while, and now I can work remotely from home, the library, or even a little coffee shop somewhere.
It also means I can explore the Netherlands during the day, which combats some of the loneliness that is part and parcel of moving as a lovepat.
3. Learning the language is no piece of cake
Dutch is by no means an easy language to learn. Picking up Italian, some Polish, and learning enough Slovak to speak to my mother-in-law didn’t make me a language expert.
If you are someone who took German at school, then you might just about get by and make a connection between the two languages. I took French, and Latin languages did not help me here.
It is a case of persevering and taking it one day at a time.It really does help if you are able to make some Dutch friends, as they will speak to you in Dutch until you at least understand some of what they are saying to you.
That’s if you can make Dutch friends… which brings me to my next point.
4. Making friends doesn’t come with the territory
Making Dutch friends to go borrelen with isn’t as easy as it sounds! Image: DepositPhotos.com
I’m a British-born Caribbean woman. Brits are notoriously polite (some would even say overly polite).
The Dutch, not so much. They are abrupt and brash and can come off as downright rude to those who, at the beginning (myself included), simply don’t understand that it’s just their way.
Also, it’soften very difficult to break into Dutch circles, as the Dutch simply don’t feel like they need to invest in more friendships. Especially because the likelihood that an expat friend will move on in a few years is high.
But if you are living in a smaller town, like myself and my partner, making Dutch friends is a must as the expat community becomes little to non-existent.
5. The Netherlands may never be your home (and that’s okay)
You’re in a different country, life is not going to be the same. Image: DepositPhotos.com
It doesn’t matter how many places we move to; England will always be my home.I grew up there, my family is still there, and my friendships are there.
I knew I’d see less of my friends and family when making a permanent move, but I guess I figured a one-hour plane journey would be easy to do more frequently. I’ve managed to see my mum just three times this year, only one friend has made the journey to visit.
I have to realise that just because I moved doesn’t mean I could press the stopwatch on life in England. Life goes on. My friends have their lives to get on with, and my family get busy and forget to call me once in a while.
Christmas here is strange, it has been the smallest Christmas I’ve ever had, and there wasn’t any traditional Boxing Day madness with the whole family. So, I’m set on making new traditions with just me, my partner, and our new dog. đś
Yes, moving for love and being a lovepat in the Netherlands is hard. Many sacrifices must be made, and you take for granted all the things you’ll miss and how much harder it is to make friendships as an adult.
But, on the plus side, I never thought I’d embrace the cold, wet and windy weather and still be smiling whilst pedalling full speed on the fietspad(bicycle path). I’m embracing new adventures and taking the ups with the downs.
Are you a lovepat in the Netherlands? What did you take for granted when moving to the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below!
A 19-year-old man who hit and killed a pregnant woman while driving a BMW in Rotterdam last year has finally received his sentence: eight months in prison.
In March 2025, the man was driving at 115 km/h on the Toepad in Rotterdam â which has a speed limit of 50 km/h. He told the court that he wanted to try out his BMW X1.
According to NU.nl, before the fatal accident, the driver was also driving on the wrong side of the road and almost caused a head-on collision.
Irreparable suffering
The man is then reported to have driven into the driver’s side of the pregnant woman’s car as she was turning left. He was on the wrong side of the road and didn’t hit the breaks. Both she and her unborn child lost their lives.
According to the verdict by the Rechtspraak, “during the hearing, it was expressed in a poignant manner how the unexpected loss of the victim and her unborn child caused much grief, anger, and a sense of loss.”
Cannot be determined whether he was under the influence
According to the Rechtspraak, before the crash, the victim had purchased anti-dust spray, which can be inhaled for an intoxicating effect.
The man reportedly threw away the can after the accident, and his blood sample from the hospital was destroyed.
He denies that he was using the spray, and without any blood samples, the court cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he used it.
The Rechtspraak writes that “The court finds a prison sentence appropriate and punishes in accordance with the requirement of the public prosecutor.” Alongside the eight month prison sentence, he is banned from driving for five years.
Do you think the sentence is appropriate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
As of September 22, a ban on imported goods from illegal settlements on the West Bank and the Golan Heights has been in place. As a result, some passengers at Schiphol arriving from Israel have had their baggage checked.
And it’s safe to say, it’s caused quite the stir.
After a flight from Tel Aviv to Amsterdam last Wednesday underwent such checks, Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel took to X, writing that “A nativity scene from Bethlehem can land you behind bars!”
There were some people from Netherlands in our church this morning who are flying back tomorrow & have to check their souvenirs to make sure they arenât from Judea/Samaria-possible 6 yr prison term. A Nativity set from Bethlehem could put you in prison! Insane! https://t.co/rGQM7PFajE
And it’s not just Huckabee who is sharing his outrage. The Israeli government has responded to the checks at Schiphol, writing that “The Israeli government considers this measure to be very serious and has taken retaliatory measures.”Â
According to AD, on Sunday evening, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar revoked the diplomatic accreditation of Dutch diplomats in Ramallah.
This comes shortly after Dutch representatives were made to leave a Gaza aid centre. The opening of the new Dutch embassy in Tel Aviv was also cancelled.
Of course, Geert Wilders also had to weigh in on the ban, writing on X that “It is entirely justified that the Israeli government cracks down hard on this cabinet’s hatred of Israel.”
But customs has something to say about all this commotion
According to Dutch customs, everyone is overreacting a little bit.
Spokesperson Oscar van Elferen, tells Het Parool that “A new sanctions measure indeed came into effect on September 22. It instructs us to check for goods originating from territories unlawfully acquired by Israel.”
However, he adds that carrying out such a check on every flight coming in from Israel simply isn’t possible with all the other jobs customs has to complete.
“We have about a hundred tasks, from drug checks to e-commerce surveillance and the levying of import duties. This import ban is added to that. We really cannot inspect every plane; we simply do not have the manpower for that. We conduct checks based on samples and data.”
And customs are supported by the Central Jewish Council (CJO), Het Parool reports. According to the CJO, the picture being painted around the flight from Tel Aviv to Schiphol on Wednesday has been blown out of proportion.
“Based on information gathered by the CJO over the past few days, that picture is incorrect,” they write. Based on the information they found, only 15 travellers from the flight were actually checked by customs, however, they were given the impression that all passengers were being checked.
The Netherlands isn’t the only country with such a ban
While the Dutch may be in the spotlight for now, the Netherlands isn’t actually the only country imposing this ban. Ireland, Belgium, and Spain have also introduced restrictions, with Canada, France, and the UK also preparing measures.
This all comes after the International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that countries may not help contribute to illegal settlements by supporting them through trade or investments.
The Dutch have a reputation for keeping a tight grip on their euros, so you’d be forgiven for assuming that borrowing money here is practically forbidden. In reality, it’s common, well-regulated, and a lot less scary than the stereotypes suggest.
Whether you’re eyeing a second-hand car, planning a kitchen renovation, or just trying to understand how your Dutch colleagues think about money, borrowing is a normal part of life in the Netherlands.
It just comes wrapped in more rules (and a bit more guilt) than you might be used to back home.
But just a quick heads-up before we dive in: we’re a friendly team of writers, not financial advisors. Think of this as a helpful starting point, and always do your own research before signing anything.
The Dutch attitude towards debt
To understand borrowing here, you have to understand the national mood around it. The Dutch are famously debt-averse, and it goes deeper than simple thriftiness.
The Dutch word for debt is schuld, which also happens to mean “guilt”. For many Dutchies, that double meaning carries real cultural weight, as owing money isn’t just inconvenient â it feels a little shameful.
Needing to repay money isn’t just inconvenient; it’s culturally shameful. Image: Magnific
That mindset shows up everywhere. The classic Dutch approach is “save now, buy later”, rather than the “buy now, pay later” habit common elsewhere. If they can’t afford it yet, they’ll simply wait.
Some trace this attitude back to Calvinism and its emphasis on living simply and within your means. Whatever the root cause, the result is a culture that treats debt with caution rather than as a normal financial tool.
Lending between friends often involves a Tikkie
On the informal side, the Dutch have turned splitting costs into something of an art form. Enter Tikkie, a wildly popular app for sending quick payment requests.
Covered someone’s coffee? Expect a Tikkie. Fronted âŹ4.50 for a round of bitterballen (deep-fried savoury snacks)? You’ll get a Tikkie for that too, down to the last cent.
It can feel blunt if you’re new here, but there’s a certain honesty to it. Debts between friends get settled quickly, and nobody’s left quietly resenting anybody else, which is arguably healthier than the alternative.
The same principle applies to bigger informal loans between family or friends. They happen, but there’s usually a clear, unspoken expectation that the money comes back promptly.
When you need an actual loan
Sometimes saving up simply isn’t practical, and that’s where formal loans come in. Common reasons include buying a car, funding home improvements, or covering a large one-off expense.
The good news is that Dutch borrowers are well protected.
Lenders are regulated by the AFM (the Dutch financial markets authority), and by law every loan advert must carry the warning let op, geld lenen kost geld, meaning “watch out, borrowing money costs money”.
Even though taking out a loan might feel uncomfortable, Dutch borrowers are actually well protected. Image: Magnific
You’ll spot it everywhere once you start looking.
There’s also the BKR, the national credit registration office in Tiel. It keeps a record of nearly every loan and credit agreement in the country, which lenders check before deciding whether to approve you and how much they’ll lend.
The two loans you’ll come across
When shopping around, you’ll mostly bump into two options:
Personal loan (persoonlijke lening): You borrow a fixed amount, at a fixed interest rate, repaid over a fixed term. You know exactly what you’ll pay each month and precisely when you’ll be done. This is now the standard, go-to choice.
Revolving credit (doorlopend krediet): A flexible credit limit you can dip into as needed, usually with a variable rate. Thanks to stricter rules, it’s largely been phased out and is now hard to find.
For most people, the personal loan wins on simple, predictable peace of mind. You’re never left guessing what a rising interest rate might do to your monthly bill.
Don’t forget mortgages and student debt
For all their debt-aversion, the Netherlands actually ranks among the highest in the world for private debt. How? Mostly mortgages.
Dutch homeowners can deduct mortgage interest from their taxable income, which nudges plenty of people towards large home loans. So a nation that hates debt is, on paper, remarkably indebted, just in a very deliberate, tax-savvy way.
While the Dutch are usually credit-averse, they rank highest in the world for private, mortgage-related debt. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Student debt is the other big one, though it looks tame next to the eye-watering figures you’ll hear about elsewhere.
According to CBS, the average student debt sat at around âŹ18,200 at the start of 2025, and roughly half of borrowers owe less than âŹ10,300.
Since the return of the basisbeurs (basic student grant) in 2023, fewer students are borrowing at all, though those who do tend to take on larger amounts. All in all, it’s a far cry from the crushing student loans seen in countries like the US.
How to get started
Ready to explore your options? A few practical pointers:
Work out what you can genuinely repay, and never borrow more than that.
Check your BKR registration so there are no nasty surprises when a lender runs the numbers.
Compare before you commit. Rates and terms vary between providers, so it pays to shop around. A comparison site like Independer is a handy place to start weighing up your choices.
Read the small print, especially around early repayment. Most personal loans now let you pay off early without penalty, but always double-check.
Take your time, do the maths, and there’s no reason borrowing in the Netherlands should feel overwhelming. Approached sensibly, it’s just another tool, one the Dutch happen to use more carefully than most.
Have you borrowed money, or taken out a mortgage, since moving to the Netherlands? Share your experiences (and your best Tikkie horror stories) in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. DutchReview accepts no liability for any decisions made based on this content. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before taking out a loan or entering into any credit agreement.
Dutch girls are tough, direct, and financially smart. They stay busy and look gorgeous doing it. Sure, French girls are fab â but if you ask us, we think Dutch girls are the new French girls.
Historically, French girls have been all the rage. Theyâre the cover girls for natural, effortless beauty, timeless, classic fashion, and, of course, the red lip.
But as much as we love the French girl, itâs time the Dutch girl got her time in the spotlight. They have that instantly recognisable style and that enviable toughness. We all have something to learn from them.
Not convinced? Buckle down and listen up. Hereâs why the Dutch girl is the new French girl. đ
They have that effortlessly perfect makeup
No, we donât mean a âno-makeup-makeupâ look that takes 27 products and an hour to achieve.
Much like French girls, who often opt for a more minimal, classic look, Dutch girls love simplicity.
It’s simple, it’s beautiful, Dutch women know how to rock a light look. Image: Magnific
But Dutch girls approach this look from a different angle. Rather than classic simplicity (which can take some elbow grease), they go for that light, subtle makeup that takes 10 minutes at most and still manages to leave them glowing.
Itâs not trying too hard, and itâs accentuating their natural features rather than trying to attain the standard of a âclassic beauty.â
Dutch girls donât do anything to try and fit a specific (and often unattainable) mould of beauty, which leaves them with this gorgeous, attainable, natural look that reminds us we are humans, we have pores and blemishes, and we are still hot as hell. đĽ
But thatâs just the Dutch girls who do wear makeup. In the Netherlands, wearing no makeup at all is very common. Itâs not expected in social or professional settings. Grabbing a drink with your friend? No need for concealer; just come as you are!
Plus, waking up early for work is hard enough, so you might as well enjoy those extra 15 minutes of sleep and go to the office au naturel.
The Dutch apply their no-nonsense directness to their beauty routine, too. You get what you get, maybe sometimes with some mascara, lip balm, and a tiny eyeliner wing if theyâre feeling particularly crazy.
We all love the glamour of French girl makeup, but it’s great to know that you can also rock a simpler look in the Netherlands.
They rock laid-back but put-together outfits
We all know those people who show up looking perfect at any social event, and when you compliment them, they say, âOh, this old thing? I just threw it on.â
Much like the French, they bring that extra oomph to comfort wear: maybe a scarf, Chelsea boots that arenât like the ones youâve seen everywhere, or the inescapable oversized blazer.
When we try to do it, we look like we havenât showered in a month, but when Dutch girls do it, they just look cool.
Itâs the perfect balance between comfort and, for lack of a better word, slaying. Their low-key style doesnât rely on being overly embellished to look great. The beauty is in how they carry themselves: confident, tough, and glowing. đ
They somehow always have flawless hair
Maybe the secret to their stunning appearance is in their Dutch hair. Can anything look good with the right hairstyle? No, that doesnât make sense because Dutch girls look perfect whether their hair is loose and messy or slicked back in a fierce bun.
Seriously, how do they do it? Image: Magnific
Itâs mesmerising, honestly. How do they do it? They crawl out of bed, maybe run a quick brush through their hair and bam. They could be in a Head & Shoulders commercial. Done. Perfect.
If itâs not how they like it, geen probleem. They bring out the classic claw clip, and in three seconds, they achieve that signature hairstyle that we have tried our whole lives to achieve.
Maybe itâs a result of a lifetime of facing Dutch winds on their bikes. Itâs like their hair has developed a tolerance to the world, and however they wear it â bun, loose, clip, braids, curly, straight â it always looks good.
This is something that Dutch and French girls have in common: the ability to have perfect hair in any situation. We need to find out their secrets.
They know how to save money â but also how to spend it
Letâs get to the real stuff. The Dutch are notorious for being stingy, frugal, and just a bit intense about money. Dutch girls arenât so different (because they are, after all, Dutch), but they also know how to spend.
Letâs start with the saving. Itâs not that Dutch girls spend no money. Itâs that Dutch girls know how and where to shop.
Dutch girls really understand the value of a second-hand shop. Image: Magnific
Like the French, many Dutch girls get their goods at markets or local bakeries rather than giant overpriced supermarkets (ahem, Albert Heijn). And it doesnât stop at the groceries.
How? Youâll find your classic Dutch girl frequenting markets (online and in person), antique shops, and kringlopen (thrift shops).
Aside from this, theyâll source their friendsâ old furniture and sometimes even grab something cute thatâs just been left out on the street. One (wo)manâs trash is another (wo)manâs treasure, right?
What sets them apart from us mere mortals is what they do with all that money theyâre saving. Thereâs no point in having this money collecting dust in your bank account, waiting for a rainy day.
After all, almost every day in the Netherlands is a rainy day! So they treat themselves: a terrasje drink, a dinner with the girls, train tickets for a weekend away, a coupon for a spa day (even when planning to splurge, always check for a coupon first!)
The Dutch girl truly knows where to save so they can live lavishly â and look stunning while doing it.
Theyâre not just gorgeous â theyâre also tough
Our admiration isnât just because of their beauty and their financial literacy. Another reason why Dutch girls are the new French girls is their thick skin.
Sure, you donât want to mess with a French girl and her perfectly manicured nails â but the Dutch girls arenât afraid to get some dirt under those French tips.
But donât mistake their kindness for weakness, and donât go thinking Dutch directness means you can say whatever you want. Treat these ladies with the respect they deserve (or suffer the consequences!)
The best part? They do the same for their friends. If youâve ever told a Dutch girl a story about something unpleasant that happened to you, they will react with such disbelief that it reminds you: you donât have to deal with that.
Your Dutch friend will always have your back. Image: Magnific
They encourage you to stand up for yourself and applaud you when you do. But if youâre not ready to confront a bad situation, theyâll often do it for you. In short, Dutch girls look out for their friends! đŻ
Sometimes, they can be a bit intimidating while doing it. And theyâre often not scared of telling you some hard truths. If youâre wrong in the situation, they will let you know. But it comes from a place of, well, love.
They know how to balance work and play
Just like they know how to save and spend, Dutch girls also know how to work and play. They apply their mental toughness to the task at hand, focusing on it and not complaining in the process.
Yep, they do what needs to be done. But at exactly 17:00, they clock out, head home, let their hair down, grab a glass of wine, and stop.
But they also know how to make work more enjoyable. All it takes is a stroll down the street on a sunny day. Youâll see them sitting in the park, with their laptop at a table outside, or working on their windowsill with wide open windows to get some sun while they type up a storm.
This is a characteristic they share with their French counterparts. Itâs also not rare to see a French girl enjoying coffee on their own French terrasje.
Theyâre always on the go
Donât mistake their leisure for laziness. Dutch girls are often busy even when they unwind (although theyâre only human, so every once in a while, they do just sit and stare at a screen. But, like, in a cool way).
Ask a Dutch girl what she will get up to after work, and theyâll likely tell you that theyâre about to head to a hot yoga or pilates class in a snazzy gym.
Ok, fine, sometimes Dutch girls do just sit and chill. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Maybe theyâll have a drink by the canal regardless of the temperature. Maybe theyâll bring a book to the park and sit alone on the grass. Or maybe theyâll have dinner with a friend at home.
Meanwhile, French girls often unwind by walking around the city or enjoying a meal with their friends, withstanding any adverse weather thrown their way and looking amazing while doing it â you see the parallels?
However, while the French girl might be a bit more casual with her time, Dutch girls schedule their free time.
Maybe they can squeeze in a coffee with a friend between their Tuesday hockey practice and the dinner with their family that has been scheduled three months in advance (but if itâs going to happen, it has to be put on the agenda).
Feeling very called out. Image: DutchReview
They rest daily and yet, somehow, are always busy. Whether itâs just leisure and socialising or blowing off steam playing field hockey, they found the perfect way to unwind.
They love cigarettes and coffee, like the French girls
French girls may have claimed the whole âblack coffee and cigarettesâ vibe (which, by the way, feels somewhat reductive), but Dutch girls also dabble.
When you inevitably go to a lekker koffie with a Dutch girl on a cute terrasje, prepare to be caught in a cloud of cigarette smoke. The pack with someoneâs very gruesome health issues sitting on the table is almost part of the aesthetic of this little coffee date.
We would look plain unhealthy smoking a ciggie, but not the Dutch. Much like the French, it somehow adds to the glamour of the look.
The only difference? Dutch girls trade in the red lipstick for milk in their coffee.
Much like how we all love the French girl, we hope you share our admiration for the Dutch girl. We will spend the rest of our days trying to dress, save, and relax like them. Whereâs our oversized blazer?
Do you think Dutch girls are underappreciated? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Living abroad teaches you lessons, and Amsterdam hands you a test before youâve even found a place to live.
This city doesnât come with instructions, just a steep learning curve, a stubborn attitude, and more personality than should be legal.
Itâs unpredictable, occasionally absurd, and somehow still impossible not to love.
Here are 13 things Iâve learned while living in Amsterdam. đ
1. If it has a roof, it will leak
Amsterdamâs buildings are charming, but did you know they also have surprise indoor water features?
Imagine this: itâs a rainy evening after work, youâre finally enjoying what you think is a quiet night on the couch, halfway through your favourite show, when your boyfriend says, âWe donât own a fountain, do we?â đ
Amsterdam rooftops: gorgeous in photos, leaking in real life. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Suddenly, youâre deploying salad bowls like sandbags while your neighbour battles the rain with a broom on the roof.
Living here teaches quick thinking, and that a pretty home doesnât always mean a waterproof one. đ
2. Shared housing teaches you more than therapy ever could
Sure, this could happen anywhere in the Netherlands, but Amsterdam takes it to reality-TV levels.
Maybe itâs the housing crisis or the fact that rent costs more than your degree, but something about this city turns shared living into an endurance test.
One day you move in, the next, your roommateâs mum (who also lives with you, apparently) is collecting your shower hair and serving it to you on a plate. đ˝ď¸
Forget therapy. THIS is where you truly study human nature. Itâs character-building⌠or soul-crushing. đŹ
3. If you can navigate a maze of sand, you can navigate anything
Amsterdam trains your reflexes better than any boot camp. đ
A simple grocery run turns into an obstacle course â dodging cranes, sidestepping sandpits, and squeezing past six bakfietsen.
Trams vanish, buses reappear three blocks over, and sand in your shoes becomes your new keepsake.
But eventually, you adjust. You learn the streets by heart and master detours like no app on your phone ever could. You can troubleshoot, adapt, think outside the box â add that to your CV. đŞ
4. You should fear fatbikes
Endless construction might build your sense of orientation, but the real test is the 14-year-old on a fat bike who nearly flattens you, and then has the nerve to call you clumsy (if theyâre being polite).
These kids ride like traffic laws are vague ideas, and the sidewalk is their personal highway. Nearly 100 people learned what happens when you get in their way in one week.
Forget ClassPass, weaving around them is a full-body workout (cardio included) and an unexpected lesson in urban survival.
Youâll walk away with nerves of steel, unshakable instincts, and no fear of anything⌠not even death by handlebar. đ§ââď¸
5. Youâre not as scared of tetanus as you thought
Swimming in an Amsterdam canal sounds like a terrible idea, until your Dutch friend dares you on Kingâs Day and the orange chaos makes it feel like a rite of passage.
One shout of âOranje boven!â later, youâre marinating in mystery soup: beer cans, questionable bubbles, a guy peeing off a bridge, and rats minding their business.
Itâs gross, ridiculous, and weirdly empowering â your immune system is in overdrive. Even tetanus took one look and said, nah. đŚ
6. Your social life is at the mercy of a booking system
You think, âWeâll just grab dinner somewhere.ââ Adorable. In Amsterdam, every trendy restaurant is booked till July.
And the ones that donât take reservations? Youâll be queueing like itâs a Taylor Swift concert, except no oneâs singing, and youâre just hoping to score a pistachio cruffin.
This city hones your planning skills fast: if you want to eat, you need an agenda, a backup plan, and possibly divine intervention.
Spontaneity is cute, but in Amsterdam, strategy gets you fed. đââď¸
7. Kalverstraat and Leidsplein are where hope goes to die
Walking in Kalverstraat tests your patience, wallet, and will to live. Image: DepositPhotos.com
They lured you in when you were a lost tourist, still figuring out the city, thinking a stroll through Kalverstraat counted as cultural immersion. No judgement, weâve all been there. đ
Then you moved in and realised that those streets are just neon signs, sugar bombs, and a mild sense of existential dread.
Leidsplein? Only tolerable if thereâs a concert â and even then, proceed with caution.
You learn fast: real Amsterdam lives elsewhere. Peace begins one street over, where locals sip oat lattes and roll their eyes at anyone still stuck in the waffle vortex.
8. One manâs trash is your new sofa
This city trains your eye. Blink, and youâll miss a vintage armchair lounging next to three broken bikes.
Yesterdayâs garbage? Todayâs chic sofa. In Oud-Zuid, the curb is a showroom: velvet couches, designer lamps, a coffee table that whispers trust fund.
Soon youâre judging your friendsâ interiors like, âUgh, retail?ââ Because in Amsterdam, taste isnât bought â Itâs recycled two streets over on a collection day. đ
9. You are paying hipster prices for basic human needs
Living in Amsterdam teaches you that basic needs like bread and coffee can become a fashionable, minimalistic experience.
You walk in craving something simple and end up in what looks like a Scandinavian concept store. The menu is barely readable, except for the prices, which practically scream.
At first, âŹ5.20 for a coffee with milk and âŹ7 for sourdough feels outrageous, especially from a painfully angular chair.
Next, youâre chatting with the barista about vanilla bean notes and calling it all aesthetic. â
10. Date too many people, and this city will haunt you
This city might be international, but the dating scene? Tiny.
You go on a date, it fizzles, maybe you ghost⌠Itâs a classic scenario. Then you hit a bar and boom: theyâre there, on a date with someone else, staring right into your soul.
A bottle of rosĂŠ later, youâre wishing them good luck while casually plotting your escape⌠through the restaurant window (yes, thatâs actually happened). đŤ
It doesnât take long to grasp: social circles here are tight. Shame? Honestly, itâs not even part of the vocabulary anymore.
You learn to embrace the awkwardness and always scan the room before you sit down.
11. You can master the art of saying what you mean
Maybe you arrived in the city saying âsorryâ and âplease,â all soft-voiced and overly polite. But a few years in Amsterdam has changed you.
When a friend suggests a techno night, you tell them, âIâm saving my heartbeat for something with melody.â
Make a Dutch friend and suddenly youâve got lifelong honesty insurance. Image: DepositPhotos.com
And if you get invited out on a Sunday, but your soulâs craving incense and a quiet evening with your book, you simply say so.
No drama, no guilt. Just the Amsterdam way: honest and unapologetically direct. đ
12. You will get randomly stopped, and itâs never boring
Walking in Amsterdam is rarely just walking. Itâs an experience.
You might be on your way to meet a friend when a woman stops you mid-step to say she loves your hair. And just like that, your day is made. â¨
Slowly, you learn the art of complimenting strangers, too â maybe itâs a jacket, maybe an exceptionally handsome dog.
Of course, itâs not all warm and fuzzy; this is Amsterdam, after all. Donât be surprised if the compliments come with a side of unsolicited life advice (usually about your biking technique).
13.When the sun goes down, Amsterdam glows up
Amsterdam sunsets always hit like a feeling you werenât ready for. Image: DepositPhotos.com
One thing you figure out in this wonderful stad is that no matter how often you tell yourself this is the last one, youâll never get tired of Amsterdam at sunset.
You swear off canal photos (again), but then golden hour hits the grachten just right, and suddenly youâve taken 47 pics with no regrets. đ¸
âJust one moreââ becomes a mantra. Spoiler: it never is.
Some lessons never stick. But you’re happily failing whenever it comes to this one.
From murky canal swims to near-death bike rides, this city throws you into a crash course in resilience, unexpected confidence, and the fine art of brutal honesty.
And at some point, without even noticing, you realise: you donât just live in Amsterdam â you’ve become part of it. đ§Ą
Got your own stories or lessons? Share them below, because in Amsterdam, everyoneâs got at least one. đŹ
If youâre moving to the Netherlands for work, you might be wondering if having a Dutch bank account is necessary.
While itâs not mandatory to open a local bank account as a working professional in the Netherlands, having one can make your life much easier.
Letâs dive into why!
Am I legally required to have a Dutch bank account to work in the Netherlands?
No, youâre not legally obligated to open a Dutch bank account if you work here.
On paper, if youâve got a European IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and your bank supports SEPA transfers, youâre fully equipped to make transactions within the Netherlands.
While setting up a Dutch bank account might initially be a hassle, it’ll save you a headache further down the road. Image: Magnific
However, like riding a bicycle around Amsterdam during rush hour, thereâs a difference between whatâs legally allowed and whatâs accepted.
For example, IBAN discrimination, or the inability to make transactions between banks in EU member states, is technically illegal. Unfortunately, in practice, some Dutch employers and payroll services may refuse to accept your non-Dutch bank IBAN.
If an employer or service refuses your non-Dutch IBAN, that’s IBAN discrimination, and you can report it to the relevant national authority via the European Commission.
In addition to this, certain popular Dutch payment systems, such as iDEAL, just arenât equipped to deal with foreign bank accounts. (Though, with iDEAL in the process of being replaced by the pan-European Wero, this may not be an issue for much longer.)
Why itâs handy to have a Dutch bank account for work
If you want to avoid the digital headache of having your foreign IBAN or bank card rejected, opting for a Dutch bank account is a great idea.
First and foremost, a Dutch IBAN ensures that you get paid quickly and reliably. Many other work-related essentials, like a local mobile number and a public transport card, may also require a local IBAN.
Need to get around using Dutch public transport? You’ll probably need a Dutch bank account. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Most importantly, however, your Dutch bank account will come in handy when tax season rolls around.
Whether youâre setting up payments with the Belastingdienst, receiving a tax refund, or going over things with an accountant, having a local account simplifies the process.
When it comes to international-friendly banks with powerful banking options, ING is one of the best options. Whether youâre freelancing or working for a Dutch company, INGâs easy sign-up process and integration with local payment systems help you get paid promptly.
Fancy an extra âŹ100 in your savings? With ING’s latest welcome bonus, new customers are rewarded for saving at least âŹ250 and making 5 payments within 8 weeks.
And hereâs the real tea: even if Dutch employers can make transactions to your foreign bank account, they may not always want to.
Many employers tend to use payroll systems that are optimised for local bank-to-bank transfers, and foreign IBANs may get auto-rejected.
Payments to non-Dutch banks can also take much longer to process, especially if your bank is outside of the Eurozone or doesnât support SEPA transfers.
In addition to this, payments to non-EU banks may also involve additional fees and require extra information for tax compliance, which can be a real administrative headache.
While it might initially seem more convenient to use your foreign bank account while working in the Netherlands, dealing with a non-Dutch IBAN might be more hassle than itâs worth.
What has your experience of using a foreign bank in the Netherlands been like? Share your experience in the comments below!
For months now, the US has been making its opinion of the International Criminal Court in The Hague very well known. In a speech, Prime Minister Jetten has made something else known: “Hands off the ICC.”
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, just one day after Trump referred to the ICC as a “rogue organisation” and “a malicious group of people,” Jetten discreetly fought back.
While he didn’t mention the orange thing or the US by name, it was pretty clear who Jetten was addressing when he said “How can you be against prosecuting the very worst crimes?”
Hoe kun je tegen het berechten van de allerergste misdrijven zijn? Handen af van het ICC en alle andere instituties die de internationale rechtsorde beschermen. pic.twitter.com/4YxdSIU6aD
Of course, we all know the answer to that question: when you’re the one committing the crimes, you’re pretty reluctant to get penalised for it.
And of course, the Americans had something to say
However, one things for certain in this day and age: if an American politician feels slighted, you can guarantee they’re going to take to social media.
In this case, US Ambassador to the Netherlands, Joe Popolo, took to X, writing that “To our Dutch allies I say, we are happy to keep our hands off the #ICC… if it keeps its hands off the United States.”
I have a tremendous amount of respect for @MinPres Prime Minister Jetten. To our Dutch allies I say, we are happy to keep our hands off the #ICC… if it keeps its hands off the United States. Our objections to the Court are bipartisan. Presidents of both parties have declined to⌠https://t.co/eb8edmCEC8
Also claiming that “Our troops, tens of thousands of which are guarding Europe as part of an 80+ year security commitment, and the rest of our citizens, should not be subject to a politicised Court.”
Apparently, whether or not someone should be prosecuted for their war crimes is now simply a matter of political opinion.
A number of things to answer for
The reason why the US is coming for the ICC is pretty clear: they’re in a lot of trouble.
According to NOS, not only has the ICC launched an investigation into the American soldiers and CIA personnel in Afghanistan.
But the court has also issued arrest warrants for some of Trump’s buddies: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Gallant. Does it matter that they’re responsible for a genocide? Nope, not to Trump at least.
In recent months, US Secretary of State Rubio took to the Wall Street Journal to explain why the US wants to dismantle the ICC “brick by brick.”
Jetten’s message has clearly been received, but whether it will have any impact on the US’ plans to become the world’s antagonistic force, is another question.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, itâs a wielrenner. 𼴠Although, seeing as theyâre decked out in skin-tight spandex from head-to-toe, âSupermanâ might be what they were going for.
Letâs just say, it takes a special kind of person to wriggle into a full-body lycra suit every morning (which probably also requires lying down and asking for the assistance of a family member) and then mount an athletically superior, two-wheeled machine designed to intimidate teenagers on their oma-fiets.
Weâre not talking about motorcyclists, no â weâre talking about wielrenners in the Netherlands: lycra-clad hobby cyclists zooming around on âŹ3,000 race bikes.
In the bike-friendly Netherlands, cyclists speed down the road without fearing cars. For an American, the prospect is thrillingâand terrifying. https://t.co/Xn1F2Ma8zU
Who are the real men beneath the masks/helmets? In their normal lives, theyâre dads, husbands, grocers, cops, or bankers. But once they put on that suit and step into their alter-egos, itâs as though they become one with their racefiets.
Here are seven reasons why an intervention is truly needed:
1. They bike too fast
Picture this: youâre cruising through the bike lane, minding your own business, birds are twittering, and your thoughts are in a peaceful, meditative state.
âŚUntil the scene is rudely interrupted by a spandex-coated flash of lightning whizzing past you, very nearly severing your arm.
Wielrenners cycle at dangerous speed levels that never really seem justifiable. Seriously, 150 kilometres per hour on a normal bike path? And for what?
Sorry, but you breaking your personal fitness record canât be more important to you than everyone else keeping their limbs intact⌠right?
Every encounter with a wielrenner feels like a âclose shaveâ that had a high chance of causing a crash, one that would entirely be their fault.
The way they lean forward makes it seem like theyâre always bracing for impact. WhichâŚcan and does happen, apparently đŹ
2. They shout at everyone because… no bell
If your peaceful biking session isnât cut off by the abrupt presence of an unwanted spandex-clad pest â I mean, guest â maybe youâll hear them first.
Ah yes, the sound all other bikers and pedestrians have come to recognise. Piercing the harmonious silence of nature, the sound of a grown man 15 metres behind you shouting:
âPAS OP!â
âWatch out!â heâll say. Hah! Good one.
Only you physically canât watch out, because if you turn around to investigate the source of this noise, you run the risk of being decapitated.
Also, his ticked-off tone implies that youâre the one whoâs a nuisance to society for calmly trying to make your way to work.
Seeing as a lycra bikerâs skimpy racefiets usually doesnât support a bell, their preferred method of alerting others to their unpredictable presence is, you guessed it, screaming at the top of their lungs.
At best, itâs just a bit anti-social. At worst, itâll induce cardiac arrest for the faint of heart.
Lycra bikers, we know you mean well, but please just tone the volume down a notch â itâs not as if weâre all wearing noise-cancelling headphones.
3. Theyâre often on roads they shouldnât be on
Whether youâre on a horse trail, driving through the motorway, or walking, a wielrenner can manifest himself. They are omnipresent, and nobodyâs safe.
Try as you might, you can never entirely manage to escape the wrath of wielrenners.
People on road bikes wearing lycra are probably closer to the speed of drivers than others on the bike path. Here in the Netherlands they’re trialling letting those cyclists use the road (it’s mandatory to use the bike path, unlike in the UK), because speed diff can be dangerous.
Remember, these people are shapeshifters, godlike entities existing outside of space and time, and normal traffic rules seem to evade them.
If you wanna work out your glutes and hamstrings, thatâs cool and all, just please donât subject the rest of us to it everywhere, constantly.
Itâs a very dangerous sport, and maybe people should find a different way to blow off steam on weekends with buddies or take out their (potentially marital) frustration.
4. They have visible nether regions that no one asked to see
Riddle me this: whatâs more frightening than a wielrenner on a fiets?
As it turns out, the answer to that is a wielrenner off of a fiets. Specifically, one whoâs strolling around a shopping street just wheeling his bike beside him.
The children, think of the children! Image: Magnific
A word of advice: if you want to spare your retinas from being scarred, avert your eyes. Pretend to be fixated on something thatâs a 45-degree angle above their head.
Whatever you do, donât look down. Lycra is unforgivingly revealing, probably doesnât allow room for boxer shorts, and leaves very little to the imagination.
5. They feel way too self-important
We get it, you own a racefiets, are among the only people in the Netherlands to wear helmets, and donât have many other hobbies. But please come back down to Earth.
The satisfied expression on their faces always seems to suggest, âMove, Iâm a wielrenner. Iâm better than youâ.
Not only are they convinced their legs have developed a superhuman strength that could out-pedal anyone â and to be fair, it is a little impressive â but they also expect to be given the right of way in any circumstance.
Anecdotally speaking, Iâve seen them refuse to stop for even a sweet, old granny crossing the road.
They believe everyone should also respect what they see as a profound art form, but it is truly just a recreational sport that needs to be taken less seriously.
Seeing how they aggressively dominate other bikes and pedestrian spaces makes you wonder if theyâre not just in need of a thorough psychiatric evaluation. đ¤ˇââď¸
6. They creep up on you silently
Silent but violent. Like a jaguar stalking its prey in complete stillness before it’s ready to pounce.
The tires of a wielrennerâs bike are very thin, to improve the vehicleâs aerodynamics, rolling resistance⌠yeah, who cares.
The bottom line is that as the wheels of the bike go round and round, you wonât hear a sound.
On the one hand, this means they take up less space (luckily), but on the other hand, the ambush is made all the more petrifying, like a horror-movie jumpscare.
7. They often come in large groups
Itâs basically a cult. Think dadâs fantasy football league but on wheels.
That means if thereâs one, thereâs bound to be several more, following in sudden succession. A full-blown herd stampeding through the clear, with smoke blowing out behind them.
The hive mentality of the sport also means theyâre trapped in an echo chamber of mutual encouragement. And that is why theyâll never stop.
Then again, weâre not sure life would be the same without them. Maybe the fabric of reality would disintegrate if we didnât have to hold our breath anytime we make a turn while biking or hear the familiar sound of voices screaming to âget out of the wayâ.
In all seriousness, itâs fine, we get it, theyâre just doing their thing. But maybe they could invest in a nice bell from HEMA?
How do you feel about wielrenners? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
