There are some things the Dutch don’t talkย about that they really, really should. What on earth is in bitterballen? And why is the Netherlands a tax haven?
From the absence of curtains to the unspoken presence of colonialism, the Dutch really have some things to address.
That said, we won’t talk about Sinterklaas and his problematic helper, as that’s a whole other conversation.
1. Curtains: Why don’t they close them?
Listen. In most countries, people close their curtains when night falls, because the darkness outside means that everything you do inside your house can be seen from outside.
Completely wide open? Just like that? For all to see? Image: Depositphotos
For better or worse, Dutch people tend to keep their curtains open in the evening, especially in their living and dining rooms.
You can see families chatting, eating together, or watching TV as you stroll through the city, which is lovely. But also… unique. Why don’t we talk about this more?
2. Bureaucracy: Never a topic at the Dutch dinner table
There’s no doubt that a little bit of bureaucracy is great. Even a lot of bureaucracy is great. But the Netherlands goes way too far on this front, and many internationals, especially, struggle with it.
It seems like a bad joke at first when you realise, OK, I need a fixed address to get a BSN, which I need for my job, which I need to afford… the fixed address.
Dutch people might not talk about bureaucracy, but we internationals sure do. Image: DutchReview/Supplied
Alas, it is true, and it is a struggle. Dutch people, though, don’t ever talk about this! Presumably, those of us from somewhat disorganised countries just aren’t used to this level of organisation.
Or maybe it’s because the Dutchies have been indoctrinated since birth to tell the government everything about themselves…
3. Feminism: The Netherlands is not top-ranking
The Netherlands prides itself on its gender equality and, more generally, on its progressive values. However, discussions on feminist issues in the Netherlands regarding gender equality do not happen very often.
There is a real danger in being too complacent and self-satisfied with past progress on these issues. The Netherlands still has room for improvement, and talking about feminism is just the beginning.
4. We’re sinking! Does anyone want to address this? No?
Look, we understand why you’d want to ignore this one. No one wants to think about being accidentally underwater, but science has shown that the Netherlands is slowly sinking. Will we survive? Maybe.
With sea levels set to rise due to climate change, it’s weird that most Dutchies don’t talk about the distinct possibility of, well, being underwater soon.
We’re confident that the Netherlands, famed for its innovation and sustainability, will come up with a great solution when they eventually start talking about this.
5. Dutch colonialism: The historical elephant in the room
As is the case with most former colonial powers, the Dutch don’t talk about colonisation nearly enough.
That’s one way to look at it, sure…But what about the negatives?
Standing in the shadow of the VOC Image: Depositphotos
Of course, on closer inspection, these eras were as full of exploitation and racism as art, trade, and nationalism.
But this makes the Dutch go rather quiet, even in museums like the Rijksmuseum, which won’t stop using the term “Golden Age”. ๐
6. The Netherlands is a tax haven: Shhhh!
Another awkward one: the Netherlands is an internationally renowned tax haven, which is not something that we ought to shout about proudly.
But talk about it? Sure, if it’s ever going to change.
The Netherlands has developed an effective strategy to attract foreign investment: offering multinational companies an enticing package of subsidies and tax breaks if they choose to locate here.
Is this out of grief? Perhaps. But it may also be because there is a dark secret behind the ingredients of the nation’s favourite snack โ bitterballen.
We wouldn’t study their content too closely, but we also can’t stop eating them! Image: Depositphotos
Usually eaten alongside a few drinks (so you forget to wonder what you’re eating), Dutch people point-blank refuse to tell you what is in these salty, fried, vaguely meaty snacks. ๐
OK, we admit it. This might be one thing we’re kind of glad that Dutch people don’t talk about. No one REALLY wants to find out and have to say goodbye to these (potentially snail-filled) snacks.
What other things do the Dutch not talk about that you think they should? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
As one of the most important cities in the Netherlands (Amsterdammers, fight me), itโs no wonder The Hague has a culture full of old traditions and history.
One of the lesser known aspects of life in stork town, however, is that its inhabitants have been called by two different names for as long as anyone can remember.
The city has been starkly divided in more ways than one throughout centuries. As a foreigner, there is one sticking point that is particularly confusing: what should you call a person from The Hague?
Today, The Hague is characterised by its interesting mix of old and new. Image: Depositphotos
This is a short tale about class, geography, and stereotypes, and (as with any good story) nobody is ever 100% sure about whatโs fact, whatโs fiction, and whatโs a convenient coincidence.
In short, it goes like this: rich people are called Hagenaars, and poor people are called Hageneezen. Well, thatโs one version at least, and itโs the one weโre going to focus on here.
Hagenaars: the Dutch elite
Have you ever heard the saying โa wise man builds his house on the rocks, a foolish man builds his house on sandโโ? Thatโs usually true. Well, except if you live in The Hague.
As a Dutch coastal town, thereโs no shortage of sandy ground in The Hague, but also squishy, moist peat soil. In other words, when building a house, sand ground is the lesser of two evils.
Fancy folks have been strolling around Hofvijver for centuries. Image: Nationaal Archief
Traditionally, the fancy folks living here wanted to build their houses on the best possible land they could find, which in this case meant dune soil.
Thatโs how the rich, snobbish elite of The Hague came to live mostly (if not only) on the sand ground. That is also how the cityโs social divisions became strengthened and entrenched in its culture and geography.
So, if you find yourself living on sandy ground, chances are youโre a real Hagenaar.
TIP: If you walk through one of the fanciest parts of town, Lange Voorhout, you can see a statue of a typical Hagenaar (Dutch columnist Eduard Elias) just outside the Swiss embassy. Read the sign, and youโll see it says: โI look around, and smileโ, like the gentleman that he is.ย
Hagenezen: the real ones
You can probably foresee where weโre going next: to the Hagenezen, of course! And just like all other underdogs ever, the Hagenezen tend(ed) to view themselves as the โrealโ face of The Hague.
Markt, you can find the very image of the Haagenes: Haagse Harry. Image: Pixabay
With their houses built on the unstable peat soil, the less fortunate of The Hagueโs inhabitants had to settle for the second best.
Typically portrayed as poor-ish, working class, down-to-earth folks, the Hagenezen are just as big of a part of The Hague as the rich and political upper class.
Imagine white tennis socks in sandals, biertje in hand, chilling in a rusty camping chair, and naturally, rocking the infamous The Hague Mullet.
TIP:ย If you walk through one of the historically less fancy parts of town, to the Grote Markt, you can see a statue of a typical Hagenees: Haagse Harry. Take a peek around to the back of the sculpture for a vulgar surprise โฆ ๐
The Hague today
Today, the explanation of how people from The Hague got their names can (according to some) mostly be reflected in the cityโs flag.
You’ll spot many flags in The Hague. Image: Dreamstime
Some say the yellow colour represents the sand of the dunes, and the green represents the peat soil โ binding together both parts of the divided city.
When it comes to the actual names, it might be a relief to hear that most people donโt care very much about the labels anymore (just in case you were about to go into an existential crisis over which name you should take on).
A slightly newer interpretation of the two names is characterised by the international nature of The Hague: Hagenezen are the people born and raised in the city, and the Hagenaars are the ones who only moved there later on.
In the end, The Hague still has a distinct divide between the internationally oriented, well-off, highbrow political elite in the fancy areas of town (you know where weโre talking about) and the slightly less fancy-schmancy folks.
The United States wants to dismantle the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and this time it says it is willing to go further than ever before.
That is the message from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who used a Wall Street Journal opinion piece and a video on X to announce a campaign against the court, known as the ICC.
The Dutch government has responded with concern, but some experts say concern alone is not enough.
So what exactly does the US want?
The ICC, based in The Hague, can prosecute people anywhere in the world for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
In hisย opinion piece, Rubio wrote that the US would take the court apart brick by brick if necessary,ย according to NOS.
He framed the court as an attack on the US, saying America is being targeted not with bullets, but with so called international law.
According to Reuters, the options being weighed include travel bans and visa suspensions for ICC staff, plus pressure on other countries to abandon the court altogether.
Rubio struck the same tone in a video message posted to X:
The International Criminal Court seeks to become the unaccountable arbiter of a new global law โ empowered to prosecute and arrest our citizens at will and existentially threaten American sovereignty.
Why is the US so bothered by a court it never joined?
The US has never been a member of the ICC. Even so, Americans can still be prosecuted for crimes committed in the 125 countries that are members.
That is exactly the sticking point, according to Alette Smeulers, professor of international crimes at the University of Groningen. She says the US essentially wants a free pass to break international law in countries that have signed up.
The criticism itself is nothing new, she notes, but the country is now going further with a certain shamelessness.
Where did this fight come from?
The bad blood goes back years. The Trump administration was furious when the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Israeli prime minister Netanyahu over the Israeli warcrimes in Gaza.
Not long after returning to the White House last year, Trump lashed out at what he called the court’s baseless actions against America and its ally Israel. He then imposed a range of sanctions on ICC judges.
Smeulers calls that an upsidedown situation. Sanctions like these are normally aimed at terrorists, she says, and are now being used against judges instead.
What is the Netherlands saying?
The Netherlands is both the ICC host country and a treaty member, and its foreign ministry says it stands behind the court and its staff. Independent international courts, it says, must be able to do their work without obstruction.
As host nation and State Party, the Netherlands stands behind the International Criminal Court and its staff. International courts must be able to carry out their mandate without interference.
The European Commission also condemned the American attacks, calling threats against court officials unacceptable and describing the ICC as a cornerstone of the international justice system.
Is the Netherlands actually doing enough?
Warm words are one thing, but concrete action is another, and critics say the Netherlands is doing very little to actually protect the court on its own soil.
International criminal lawyer Tamara Buruma says the Netherlands, as host country, has a duty to defend the ICC. She argues the Dutch government could push within the EU for a so-called blocking law,ย as reported by BNR.
Such a law would mean US sanctions do not apply inside Europe. Right now, American companies operating in Europe have to follow two legal systems at once.
A blocking law would stop a firm like Mastercard from being forced to freeze someone’s bank account because of US rules, since European law would protect the company instead.
What happens if it works?
The stakes reach beyond any single arrest warrant. ICC rulings help national judges in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden approach cases from a shared starting point, Buruma explains.
The worry is that if the US peels enough countries away, the court loses its authority. Last week, three African countries announced they would formally withdraw from the ICC.
Buruma thinks the American anger is telling. If the US is not even a member, why worry so much about the court? Her reading is that they are afraid of an institution they still quietly respect.
Do you think the Netherlands should do more to defend the ICC, or is quiet diplomacy the smarter play? Let us know in the comments.
Driving lessons can be pricey, but apparently the Netherlands has an alternate payment plan available: a ride for a ride.
In a country where prostitution is legal, it shouldnโt come as a shock that driving instructors are allowed to accept sex as payment for driving lessons.
Now, donโt go offering yourself up on a silver platter to any old driving instructor, because itโs only legal if itโs the instructorโs idea.
Like, really the Netherlands? Thatโs taking progressiveness to a whole new level.
A legal ride for a ride
In 2015, the Dutch government confirmed that this type of transaction was legal, when Gert-Jan Segers of the Christian Union (CU) party, tabled a question in parliament, reports CNN.
While prostitution in the Netherlands is legal, certain qualifiers need to be met to keep it legal.
One of them is having an escort license. Segers argued that any driving student would not have such a license making a situation like this โillegal prostitutionโ.
However, then Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Environment, Melanie Schultz van Haegen, and then Dutch Minister of Security and Justice Ard van der Steur, said that โa ride for a rideโ is not against the law.
Netherlands is a good country. I can smoke weed and offer driving lessons for sex. WOW.
Basically, if the driving student proposes sexual acts in return for lessons, then the transaction is illegal.
However, if both parties are over 18 and the instructor suggests it, then itโs completely legal. Uhmmmโฆ are we the only ones who would find that beyond bizarre? ๐ณ
It certainly makes a good point to ask your driving instructor how they would like to be paid before lessons start.
So does it really happen?
Alright, you might be reading this thinking, โHey, itโs legal, but it doesnโt really happen, right?โ
Wrong.
On an online Dutch sex marketplace (that we had to access for research, please tell our companyโs WiFi administrators! ๐), there are ads from driving instructors offering a โserviceโ.
On the website, tens of driving instructors are offering their knowledge in exchange forโฆ well, you know. ๐
Entirely problematic
Needless to say, this has created problems. In 2020, a 23-year-old driving instructor was arrested after having sex with a minor, reports Hart van Nederland.
To stop this, the trade association has spent years pushing driving instructors to have to provide a Statement of Good Conduct (VOG) before being admitted to the protected profession.
“Today, you can take driving lessons from the age of 16.5. You want to know who you entrust your child to,” said Paul de Waal of the trade association BOVAG at the time.
“You also have to deal with an unbalanced power ratio and you sit one on one in a car with the instructor. That makes it vulnerable and a dependency relationship.โ
What do you think of driving instructors accepting sexual acts as payment? Tell us in the comments!
A single Microsoft data centre in Noord-Holland gobbled up roughly 1% of all the electricity used in the Netherlands last year, newly published government figures reveal.
That figure comes from the RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency), the government body that hands out permits and subsidies to businesses.
The agency now keeps tabs on power-hungry warehouses full of servers too. And for the first time, we can see in black and white how much juice one of these giants draws.
So how much power are we talking about?
Picture a cluster of connected sheds along the A7 motorway, near the village of Middenmeer. Last year that one site burned through 1.17 terawatt hours of electricity.
The whole of the Netherlands got through a little over 112 TWh in 2025, based on preliminary CBS (Statistics Netherlands) figures reported by NOS. Meaning, this one data centre accounts for roughly 1% of the national total.
However, Microsoft isn’t the only giant with data centres in the Netherlands. In fact, it’s not even the largest.
Why can we see Microsoft’s number but not Google’s?
Google runs two enormous data centres here, one near Middenmeer and one in the Eemshaven up in Groningen. However, it refuses to publish what they use.
A Google spokesperson tells the NRC that the company treats the power draw of individual sites as competitively sensitive information it would rather keep to itself.
For years, the Netherlands had no idea how much these places consumed, because operators simply kept the numbers quiet.
But a European rule has cracked that open. Since 2024, the EED (Energy Efficiency Directive) requires data centre operators to be upfront about their energy and water use.
Microsoft is the first big American player to actually disclose meaningful details, which is why we know its number and not Google’s.
Guzzling more and more power
What we do know, however, is that data centres already made up 4.6% of national electricity use in 2024, according to CBS. Grid operators expect that to climb towards 15% by 2030.
The Netherlands is already running out of room on its electricity network, a problem known as netcongestie (grid congestion).
Every megawatt handed to a server hall is one that can’t go to a new home or business.
Do you reckon the Netherlands should cap how much power these data centres can guzzle, or is this just the price of the internet age? Tell us in the comments.
So, you just moved to the Netherlands. Congratulations! Be prepared to be confused.
Navigating the, erm, labyrinth, that is, the world of the Dutch can be difficult. So many new words, new places, and new people offer ample opportunity for moments where you just have to say, โWait, what??โ
Here are just a few surprising things you might notice during your first week in the Netherlands โ and the explanations behind them!
1. Public transport is a maze โ so get your maps (and wallets!) out
One thing anyone new to a country might notice is the public transport. Whether itโs the bus, tram, train, or metro, youโre going to need two very essential things: tickets and cards.
In the Netherlands, the public transport system can seem very confusing to newcomers.
There are multiple carriers for the different modes of transport, and sometimes it feels like the number of different tickets, cards, and prices would make your head explode. ๐คฏ
With so many options, it can be hard to choose the best way to get around! Image: Depositphotos
The cost of public transport can also seem extortionate to many internationals.
For most, a return day train ticket can cost up to โฌ20, while a 90-minute fare ticket for bus and tram services can cost โฌ6.50. Money better spent in places such as coffeeshops and vintage stores, we think.ย ๐
Also, itโll take a while to figure out which exit to take
Another really fun (!) aspect of Dutch transport, and Dutch trains specifically, is how large the train stations are. As a newcomer, you might find it impossible to navigate them.
Most of the larger stations have multiple exits, one leading in towards the city and the other leading out of the city.
In such a big station, it’s understandable to get lost in Amsterdam Centraal. Image: Despositphotos
So, if you find yourself spinning in circles trying to get your Google Maps to align, maybe check to see if youโve taken the correct exit!
2. Bathroom out on display? Yep. Thatโs a public urinal
Picture this: itโs your first week in the wonderful city of Amsterdam. Fresh out of the chaos that is Schiphol airport, youโre enjoying the sights, the wonderful canals, and the hordes of tourists until you smell something a bitโฆ off.ย
Donโt be shocked because what youโre looking at (and smelling) is a public urinal. Gross! ๐คข
Due to the high charges for using public bathrooms in the Netherlands, where most are charged a fee of โฌ1 per use, a solution to the rogue-peeing issues has been to install public urinals.
And, if youโre a tourist who happens to be under the influence in Amsterdam, maybe you might misidentify public urinals as water fountains (thankfully, we’ve never actually heard of that happening). ๐
A common public urinal in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos
Previously, Amsterdam has attempted to prevent tourists and locals alike from publically urinating by installing hemp urinals.
You might notice that lots of buildings and alleyways in Amsterdam have odd curves to them โ these oddly curved buildings are built to pee back, so watch out! ๐ฆ
Public urinals are a saving grace for the people who can use them, but for those of us who need to crouch, the challenge is finding somewhere to go. ๐ฌ
Perhaps you could try asking a friendly Amsterdammer? Otherwise, prepare a purse of euro coins to keep yourself in the clear.
3. You came to get high, but youโre leaving low
Itโs your first week in the Netherlands, and the prospect of getting high is seeming more and more appealing.
But, youโre out and about, and youโre noticing something; there are not very many Dutch people in the coffeeshops.
On top of that, youโre getting odd looks for the suspicious lollipop youโve been sucking on while walking down the street. ๐
It might be a shock, but Dutch attitudes towards drug use might not be what you expect. In fact, itโs very much a tourist activity to even partake in it at all.
Don’t expect to get many happy looks for smoking on the streets of Amsterdam. Image: Magnific
Less than 25% of Dutch people smoke. So, donโt expect to make many Dutch friends when high.
Do, however, expect to find yourself clinging to the ground in Amsterdam for fear of falling into the canals because you made the rookie mistake of splitting the high-strength stuff with your bestie.
Note: Beware of edibles outside of Amsterdam; theyโre a lot stronger and might leave you in a bit of a state for a while afterwards. (No, we havenโt learned from experience. Thank you.)
4. Cities in the Netherlands are so close!
If youโre new to the Netherlands, you might not have realised just how compact (and flat!) the country is.
You can easily get from one major city to another, usually in just under an hour โ and sometimes less. (Especially if youโre living within the Randstad.)
The Randstad has some of the Netherlands’ most iconic cities, such as Amsterdam, The Hague, and Haarlem. Image: Depositphotos
For example, if you were looking to make a quick trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam for the day, you can get there in a speedy 39 minutes.
Or, you could go to Eindhoven and almost cover the distance of the entire country in less than an hour and a half!
Though to us newcomers, the distance seems negligible, for most Dutchies, a trip from Amsterdam to Utrecht might seem like a long journey.
That being said, itโs not unusual for Dutch people to work in cities other than where they live due to the frequency of transport between cities. Itโs just a hop, skip, and a jump from home to office, if you think about it! ๐ฆ
5. Whatโs a BSN, and why do I need it for everything!?!
One thing youโll soon realise about life in the Netherlands โ youโre going to need some very important numbers. Theyโre attached to three letters: BSN.
What is a BSN? A Citizen Service Number (BSN) is a unique personal number used to register every citizen in the Netherlands in the Personal Records Database (BRP).
For you to do most things in the Netherlands, such as being paid or signing up for a job, youโre going to need a BSN.
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The good thing is youโll automatically get a BSN once you register at your local municipality. But, if youโre staying for less than four months, you can also register for a temporary BSN and still be able to get a job. Hip-hip-hooray! ๐ฅ
6. Help! My card wonโt work
Ah, yes, the quite universal experience of heading to your local Dirk, doing your weekly bout of shopping, only to realise, verdorie! (gosh darn it!), My cardโs been declined!
Thereโs nothing more humiliating than your card being declined. Image: Depositphotos
The unfortunate thing for lots of us internationals is that many Dutch stores donโt accept Visa or Mastercard, only Maestro. Which means many of us are left surprisingly stranded and ashamed at the till.
However, itโs fairly easy to get a Dutch bank account and, therefore, a usable card if you are moving over. ๐
But, if youโre stuck in the danger zone (AKA that in-between moment when you havenโt quite gotten around to getting a bank account just yet), some places still accept cash.
7. Youโre getting stared at in the queue โ why?
Youโre wearing your favourite bright red puffer jacket, holding a litany of post-work snacks and a cheap mug you found on a discount, and you notice youโre getting odd looks.
Roughly translated, the phrase means โact normalโ and perfectly encapsulates the Dutch attitude of staying part of the crowd and not sticking out.
Try not to stick out like a sore thumb in Dutch society. Being average and humble is the respected thing, rather than being a show-off with your red puffa. ๐โโ๏ธ
8. And now youโre being looked at weirdly for strolling into a restaurant
Another aspect of Dutch culture and attitudes is strict adherence to their agendas โ basically, everything is planned!
Itโs very common for Dutch people to call ahead and book a restaurant for a meal out rather than just walking in because they feel a bit peckish.
Lots of Dutchieโs will have an agenda they stick to and will have made advance plans to hang with friends and eat.
This can be unusual for many internationals, who might have come from cultures where the norm is to stroll in, no previous plan needed! And if you do, you can expect some confused frowning at you and the restaurantโs agenda.
9. Wall food? Food from a wall?
So, youโre walking down the streets of Amsterdam. Youโre a little peckish, and youโre on the lookout for food places.
Well, that, our dear friends, is a food wall! And trust us, it will become your best friend eventually.
Our friends at FEBO are a great example of food walls in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
A very Dutch conception, the food wall is a brilliant invention for nights out. You can simply buy your meal from one of the little windows in the wall, usually paid for by card (but, again, be careful if you donโt have a Dutch bank account!).
But if the wall makes you a little shy, you can always go up to the counter inside and order directly there.
Otherwise, itโs a great idea for us introverts whoโd like to avoid as much social interaction as possible. ๐
10. Cycling isnโt all you think it is
Now, there you are in the Netherlands, your brand-new bike in hand. Youโre ready to hop on, have a lovely cycle around the major Dutch cities, and generally have a good time.
Haha. No. Not-a-happening, boys, girls, and thems. ๐ โโ๏ธ
When cycling your bike around the Netherlands, the first few tries will most likely start full of excitement but quickly descend into chaos, panic, and overwhelming frustration.
Cycling in Amsterdam may not be the relaxing activity you expect. Image: Pixabay
Firstly, you made the mistake of bringing a bike helmet, but you donโt have a bell on your bike โ rookie mistake.
Secondly, there are so many rules when riding a bike. There are many things you can be fined for doing while cycling, such as using your phone or not indicating the direction youโre going to turn.
Plus, cycling in the Netherlands can be a dangerous game. In 2021, 207 people were involved in fatal crashes on their bikes, and the bike was the most dangerous form of transport for that year. Unfortunately, itโs not all relaxing cycles!
That being said, your first week in the Netherlands wonโt be all doom and gloom. With endless things to offer, youโll soon be familiar with all things Dutch, such as having weird birthday traditions or carrying emergency snacks.
What are some things you noticed during your first week living in the Netherlands? Tell us below!
Managing your finances can be tricky, but when youโre an expat, it becomes even more complex.
With bank accounts, investments and financial commitments spread across different countries, keeping everything in order can be overwhelming.
Thatโs why having a solid financial plan is crucial โ not just to stay on top of your money but to make the most of it.
To help you overcome these challenges, ING is offering expats in the Netherlands a completely free, no-commitment consultation to give you expert guidance on the topic you need help with.
Why should you book a free ING consultation?
If the fact that itโs free doesnโt already convince you, itโs good to know that ING is also the largest bank in the Netherlands โ so their experts know what theyโre doing.
But besides that, there are heaps of reasons why you shouldnโt say nee to a free financial consultation. Letโs get into them. ๐
Gain an understanding of your financial situation
Not exactly sure where you stand financially? Or whether youโre on track to meet your financial goals? Thatโs where an โInsight conversationโ with ING comes in.
During this meeting, a financial expert will help you assess your current financial situation โ reviewing factors like your income, expenses, savings, and debts โ to identify areas for improvement.
Know where you stand โ and where you’re going. Image: Depositphotos
Together, youโll figure out where you stand financially and create a plan for your next steps, whether that means cutting unnecessary costs, increasing your savings, or exploring better investment options.
Explore your investment options
Investing is popular amongst expats and can help grow your money over time. But I get it โ it can be intimidating to get started or know where to go next.
During a financial consultation with ING, you can ask all the questions you may have about investing, including whether you might be in a good position to get started and how to do so.
Naturally, there are also risks associated with investing, and a financial consultation can help you understand them and determine your risk tolerance.
If youโre considering investing โฌ50,000 or more, INGโs personalised Portfolio Management may be a great choice. Determine your strategy together with an Asset advisor and review it periodically, if necessary, in consultation.
Plan for major life events
Are you starting a family? Buying a home? Starting a business? How exciting! These major life events often come with major financial decisions, and itโs normal to want some guidance in making them.
If homeownership is on your radar, INGโs mortgage consult can help you understand what you can afford and what mortgage options are available for you.
Life changes come with financial responsibility. Image: Depositphotos
After the meeting, you can even get an orientation certificate that tells you how much you can borrow, so you are well prepared when you put in an offer on a property or register for a new build.
Thinking of launching your own business? Then an ING expert can help you determine how to get started with their business banking services. They can also provide insights on managing cash flow, securing funding, and establishing a solid financial foundation.
Get expert guidance and personalised advice
Do you have any other questions regarding your Dutch finances? Great! The whole point of INGโs financial consultation is to get personalised advice tailored to your situation.
As Dutch economy experts, ING can guide you through the ins and outs of Dutch finances, ensuring you make informed choices that align with your goals.
Whether you’re looking to optimise your budget, start investing, or ensure you have the right insurance coverage, an insight conversation provides valuable guidance tailored to your situation.
Ready to book a free consultation with ING? Each conversation lasts 45 minutes and can be done either online or in an ING branch near you.
Note that insight conversations are only available to ING customers โ luckily, ING has a whole range of banking solutions for internationals in the Netherlands. Take that as a sign. ๐
We all hate to see it: your train pulls in and passengers already looks like sardines in a can. An even more aggravating sight? Spotting a free seat among the hoards of people โ occupied by a bag.
Now, we’ve all been the ones seething, but we’ve also all (at least once) been the owner of said chair-hogging bag.
However, the NS is putting an end to this common practice. From now on, you must either keep your bag on your lap or in the overhead compartment.
And that huge suitcase that you’re taking to Schiphol? It’ll have to squeeze into the space between two four-seat compartments.
According to the National Consultation on Consumer Interests in Public Transport (Locov), the NS has let this new decree be known: it doesn’t matter if it’s a quiet train, bags may not be kept on seats under any circumstances.
How are they even going to enforce this?
If the scathing looks of others aren’t enough to encourage someone to sheepishly remove their bag from a seat, how does the NS expect to actually enforce this new policy?
According to NOS, NS has said that conductors will speak with passengers, however they won’t go so far as to issue any fines.
They will also raise awareness using posters (which you may have already spotted in some Sprinters.)
A big pet peeve
While you may be groaning at this news, the research shows that bags on seats are a serious annoyance among train travellers in the Netherlands.
Speaking with NOS, Daan Zieren, director of passenger organisation Roverย confirms this.
“It ranks in the top three of travellers’ biggest annoyances. Previously, people would remove their bags when the train was crowded. But now they increasingly pretend not to see the crowds, for example by staring out the window. Or people simply refuse to remove their bags.”
Anyone who has experienced a train through the Randstad after 4 PM knows this is true.
According to the NS, we could do with the help of conductors to fix this because travellers are less and less likely to confront each other.
Also true.
What do you think of this new policy? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Whether you want to try on traditional Dutch klederdracht or taste fresh seafood along the historic De Dijk harbour,here are11 iconic things to do in Volendam to unleash your inner Dutchie.
The historical fishing town of Volendam offers so many underrated experiences to make you feel like a true Nederlander. ๐ณ๐ฑ
From eating some lekkerharing on the townโs famous dike to visiting an old ship of the Dutch East India Company, there are many iconic things to do in Volendam.
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What’s a better way to familiarise yourself with Dutch culture than by dressing up in classic Dutch farmer attire?
At Fotostudio Volendam, you can do precisely that. Whether you’re with a friend or an entire group, grab a traditional-dress costume along with some wooden clogs, and โSay cheese!โ (Yes, another very Dutch thing!) ๐ง
Pro tip: You can request to have your picture in a classic Sepia filter for that old nostalgic effect! ๐
Your pictures will be printed and ready within just an hour after taking them โ an unforgettable souvenir and a top thing to do in Volendam.
๐ฐ Price: Prices vary depending on the size of the picture and the number of people โฐ Openinghours: Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM ๐ Location: Haven 92, 1131 ET Volendam
2. Stuff your face with herring on the dike
A delectable plate of herring. ๐ Image: Depositphotos
If slipping a fresh, onion-topped herring in your mouth doesn’t make you feel like a true Nederlander, we don’t know what will.
Herring, a small oily fish, has long been part of Dutch tradition. Today, it’s bought from street kiosks and fish stores, served with chopped onion, and eaten all in one go. Eet smakelijk!
On its famous dike, Volendam offers several shops and kiosks with fresh haring to satisfy your taste buds. ๐
๐ฐ Price: About โฌ2 for one serving โฐ Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Monday to Saturday ๐ Location: Haven 82, 1131 EP Volendam
3. Get in touch with Volendam’s history at Experience Volendam
The traditional and elegant Dutch attire. Image: Depositphotos
Become acquainted with some local towny culture and experience what Volendam looked like 100 years ago!
Experience Volendam lets you look at the city circa 1916 via virtual reality glasses, and itโs so realistic you can almost smell the fish at the harbour. ๐
๐ฐ Price: โฌ8.75 per person (minimum two people) โฐ Openinghours: Daily from 11 AM to 5 PM ๐ Location: Haven 154, 1131 EW Volendam
4. Soak up the rays at Volendam’s beach
So serene; it almost looks like a painting! Image: Depositphotos
When compared to other Dutch towns, Volendam is quite small, and so is its beach. But, it’s definitely worth taking a dip in the freshwater of Lake Marker (A.K.A Markermeer). ๐
While the lake used to be made up of salt water, after the closing of the Afsluitdijk in 1932, the water became completely fresh.
Usually, the beach is busiest between 9 AM and 1 PM, but you’ll only have to consider that during warm summer days when the sun is shining and the water isn’t freezing.
5. Look inside an old Dutch VOC ship at Volendam’s harbour
The Halve Maen in Volendam’s harbour! Image: Depositphotos
As an old harbour city, it seems almost essential to check out the true-to-history replica of the old Dutch VOC ship that dates all the way back to the 17th century.
The original ship, called Halve Maen, is best known as a discovery ship and a freighter in the bulk trade, and is currently open to the public as a museum!
On board, you can learn about all the adventures the ship has had and get some lekker dinner on board afterwards. ๐ฅ
It doesn’t serve as a fish auction anymore, but you’ll find great handmade products there! Image: Weefemwe/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
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In this historical building, built as a trade office in 1934 and later used as a fish auction hotspot, lies Volendam’s rare and intact monument: St. Vincentius’ Fish Auction Cooperative.
Since April 2017, it has acted as a shop where you can buy local products that are handmade in Odion’s day activity centres.
You can visit the monument at Volendam’s harbour. It’s built in the style of expressionism, and while the superstructure is made of wood, it rests entirely on concrete beams and legs.
Miss the fish? You’ll be happy to know that the fish auction is often re-enacted during school outings and popular festivities, so keep your eyes on the calendar. ๐
๐ฐ Price: Free entrance, but the rest depends on what you buy there ๐ โฐ Opening hours: April to November, 9 AM to 4 PM from Tuesday to Thursday ๐ Location: Haven 43, 1131 EP Volendam
7. Indulge in Dutch cheese at the Cheese Factory Museum
There’s no cheese like Dutch cheese. Image: Depositphotos
Here, you can indulge in melt-in-your-mouth cheese tastings, discover how Dutch cheese is produced, explore the museum, or grab a tasty souvenir in the gift shop.
No reservation is necessary, so pop on in and have a cheesy time! ๐
๐ฐ Price: Free entrance โฐ Opening hours: mid-March until November, daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM; November until mid-March, daily from 10:30 AM to 5 PM ๐ Location: Haven 25, 1131 EP Volendam
8. Sail on the incredible Marken Express
A view of the Marken harbour from the Marken Express. Image: Depositphotos
This 30-minute cruise sails across the water from Volendam to the still and peaceful island of Marken. โด
With a bar on board, you can enjoy a drink while taking in the serene atmosphere as you look out onto the still lake water.
Once you arrive at the Marken peninsula, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the island’s beautiful coastal sights, visit the Marken Museum and gaze at its harbour.
The Volendam Express has been sailing for almost 100 years, which truly makes it an unmissable piece of Volendam history! ๐ฅ
๐ฐ Price: โฌ16.50 โฐ Opening hours: Daily departures from Volendam every 45 minutes from 9:45 AM to 6:30 PMย ๐ Location: Haven 39, 1131 EP Volendam
9. Watch how clogs are made at Alida Hoeve Clog Factory
Dutch culture wouldn’t be the same without the iconic clogs. Image: Depositphotos
While this factory calls for a trip outside of the main city of Volendam, it’s always worth a visit to watch the traditional production process behind a pair of Dutch clogs. ๐ณ๐ฑ
Luckily, you don’t need to pay a single cent for entrance, parking, or to watch the demonstration, which lasts a bit less than one hour.
Alida Hoeve also doubles as a cheese farm, where you’ll find the world-famous Edam, sheep, and goat cheese. Lekker! ๐
With an exhibition on Volendam’s music history, the museum offers a look into 100 years of the city’s music, made by “ordinary” Volendammers who put the city on the map. ๐
Where do eels come into play? Well, it’s a nod to Volendam’s maritime economy and a reference to the type of music made by Volendammer artists, a smooth and relaxing melody, which they have come to call “eel sound”.
So, sorry to the aquatic lovers, there are no eels on display! But you can reserve lunch or dinner at the restaurant after the tour, where you might just find eel on the menu. ๐
๐ฐ Price: โฌ1.75 for admission โฐ Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays) ๐ Location: Slobbeland 19, 1131 AA Volendam
11. Take in the sights at Marina Volendam
Who wouldn’t want to spend a day here? Image: Depositphotos
Last but definitely not least, Volendam has a wonderful marina with a gorgeous view of Lake Marker. ๐
With various restaurants and cafรฉs on Volendam’s famous dike, you can grab a glass or a snack and stroll around the marina, enjoying the aquatic winds. ๐ฌ๏ธ
As you’ve just read, there are so many iconic things to do in the city of Volendam. And, since it’s quite a small city, you can easily make a day trip out of it! ๐
Did you like this list of things to do in Volendam? Have other things to add to it? Tell us in a comment below! ๐
The US wants to charge 20% on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump announced on Monday.
And Dutch prime minister Rob Jetten has already made it clear that the Netherlands will have nothing to do with it.
If that sounds like a lot of money for a stretch of water, that’s because it is. And the fight over what happens next involves The Hague, Brussels, and quite possibly your energy bill.
So what exactly is Trump proposing?
Alongside a reinstated naval blockade of Iranian ports, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the US should be paid 20% of the value of all cargo shipped through the strait in exchange for protecting it.
“From this moment on, the US will be known as the protector of the Strait of Hormuz,”ย he claimed.
Exactly how anyone would collect this money is not something he addressed, according to NOS. The blockade itself takes effect at 10 PM Dutch time.
The Dutch reaction was blunt
Jetten’s response has been direct. “A toll is out of the question,” he told ANP. “That’s a view we really hold Europe-wide.” He called the plan a very bad proposal, and said the Netherlands absolutely won’t cooperate with it.
He added that further escalation serves nobody, and that the warring parties need to get back to negotiating a peace deal.
The same message came out of Brussels. Speaking after Monday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers, Kaja Kallas put it plainly:
“Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz was open to shipping without tolls. After the end of the war, the Strait must be open to shipping without tolls.”
How will this affect you?
Roughly a fifth of the world’s oil normally moves through this strait, and the market reacts instantly. Oil posted its biggest single-day gain since April, with Brent closing above $83 a barrel.
That feeds straight into petrol at the pump and the energy bill landing in your inbox โ something we’ve already seen play out this year as Dutch shipping struggled to get through at all.
Is a toll even legal?
Put simply, nee. The UN’s International Maritime Organisation said there’s no legal basis for mandatory tolls simply to pass through a strait used for international navigation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said much the same thing in late June, when it was Iran floating the idea. So, Washington is now proposing the exact thing it recently called illegal.
