A 69-year-old Dutch woman who died from hantavirus on April 26 had spent time aboard a KLM jet at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo airport the night before.
The crew removed her before the plane departed, and the GGD is now notifying every passenger on that flight, reports AD.
The flight in question was KLM service KL592, scheduled to leave Johannesburg at 11:15 PM on April 25, bound for Amsterdam.
After assessing the woman’s condition, the crew decided she was too ill to travel and had her removed before take-off. The plane continued to the Netherlands without her.
She passed away in a Johannesburg hospital the following day.
GGD contacts travelers
The RIVM (Netherlands’ national public health institute) notified KLM of her time on board on Tuesday evening. The GGD has since moved to contact everyone who was on that service, according to AD.
Anyone feeling unwell or anxious is advised to call their huisarts (GP) or the GGD in their region.
According to the RIVM, the window between infection and the onset of illness averages two to four weeks.
How did she end up on that flight?
After her husband died on board the Dutch cruise ship, MV Hondius, on April 11, his body was brought ashore at Saint Helena on April 24. The woman left the ship to accompany his remains on the journey back to the Netherlands.
Somewhere along the way, she became seriously ill herself.
She had flown from Saint Helena to South Africa on April 25 with 82 other passengers and six crew members. From there, it was planned that she would fly back to the Netherlands.
However, her condition had deteriorated by the time she boarded the plane to Amsterdam.
The WHO has announced it is tracing all of these passengers as well. Authorities on Saint Helena are also conducting contact tracing, and a small number of residents have been advised to self-isolate as a precaution.
Everyone’s heard of Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District. Maybe you’ve been there as a tourist, or perhaps you’ve been there to… purchase a service.
But have you ever wondered why the lights are red?
The answer to this question dates back decades — even centuries. To cover that, let’s quickly examine some of the Red Light District’s history.
A short and sweet history of the Red Light District
Back in the 13th century, when De Wallen first came to be, it was a time when buying a house would cost you one sheep.
We didn’t have the immediate distraction of modern technology, so the city’s entertainment options were limited, to say the least. So what could sailors do? Park their boats and head straight to the “ladies in red,” as they were called!
Amsterdam’s Red Light District today is very different to its past. Image: Depositphotos
The sailors would have fun with the ladies, grab some drinks (hydration ✅), and then head straight to the Oude Kerk (Old Church) to ask for forgiveness for their sins. That’s why the church is there, so sailors could act as if nothing had happened.
Apparently, hedonism is as old as organised religion.
So, why is Amsterdam’s Red Light District red?
Entertainment wasn’t the only thing lacking back in the day. Have you ever heard of this little thing called “healthcare“? Well, that was a part of life that didn’t really exist yet.
Naturally, working as a sex worker exposes someone to all kinds of people. Sailors were getting illnesses at sea, and the ladies were, well, exposed in all the wrong places.
You’ll never look at these lights in the same way again. Image: Depositphotos
Alright, we won’t sugarcoat it: the lights are red because they hid the symptoms of STIs like syphilis: skin rashes, oozing sores, and even hair loss. Umm….yikes.
The lights are just bright enough that people could find their bearings, but dim enough to hide anything… unseemly.
Out of sight, out of mind, apparently. (Perhaps a solid time to remind people to wear protection and get tested regularly. It’s better for everyone!)
Misconceptions about the Red Light District
Now that we’ve broken the ice, why not debunk some flimflam while we have you here?
First, there’s not just one Red Light District in Amsterdam. These streets are found not only in the Netherlands but around the world! The main difference is that in the Netherlands, sex work is legal and regulated, which gives the Netherlands this mythologised, touristic appeal.
Secondly, these districts are not only focused on female street prostitution. For example, the big, famous Red Light District in Amsterdam (the one you know about) also has bars, sex museums, and theatres. As you now know, you can even go there for your Sunday Service. 🙏
The third and most important point we want to clarify is that these sex workers deserve the same treatment as any other workers.
The commercialisation of this district created a weird, product-focused view of these women. But sex work is still work.
Why legalise sex work?
Sex workers are employees, and they deserve the respect of any other. The upside of legalising sex work is that it offers at least a little more protection for sex workers.
For example, regular inspections are carried out, and healthcare and social service organisations help sex workers who need it, says the Municipality of Amsterdam.
It also means that if anything goes wrong during their work, sex workers can report this to the police without worrying about being punished themselves.
Generally, the municipality acknowledges any legal work, so sex workers get benefits and assistance like any other legal business.
Clearly, this is a service that people have always pursued. Luckily, we have STI tests now! 🩺
Did you know this is why the lights are red? Do you have any more interesting facts about the Red Light District? Tell us in the comments below!
We all know by now that the Netherlands has more bikesthan people. But what we definitely don’t want to know is the number of mice sharing the land of tulipswith us.
If you have ever lived in the Netherlands, you probably noticed that the number of mice per apartment is way higher than in most other countries.
Why is it such a problem?
First of all, it depends on how you look at it. There are quite a few people in the Netherlands who are way too used to the fact that we share our little gezellige homes with mice.
They think of mice as an inevitable part of Dutch households, sometimes even considered as family members. For them, they are just tiny furry friends with a nickname and complex identities — not a problem.
However, there’s also another group of people (me!) who are less comfortable with the appearance of these furry friends. Many of us come from countries where it’s not common to share our bedroom with a mouse, and we are not ready to give that up.
Felt sorry for my daughter waiting on delayed flight from @Schiphol to Dublin last night. 👀 She was braver than me, lots of mice everywhere, I’d be found standing on a seat! pic.twitter.com/eR4F2SXR73
Screaming people at home, in restaurants, airports and basically anywhere in the country often ask the question: why are mice obsessed with the Netherlands? And that’s a very valid question.
Why are there more mice in the Netherlands than in other countries?
That’s a tricky one. You would think that the number of mice parallels the number of garbage trucks, but the answer is not that easy.
The Netherlands is definitely on the tidy side when it comes to public spaces. While it is not the cleanest country in Europe, in 2025, it was ranked as the 12th cleanest country in the world, just after Greece.
Everyone loves Dutch cheese, especially mice! Image: Depositphotos
However, humans are not the only creatures on planet Earth who love the historic Dutch canals and architecture.
In fact, old Dutch houses, with their many holes and cracks, offer the mice a place to stay warm and cosy, while those gorgeous non-salty canals are the perfect refreshment for a thirsty lil’ mouse.
And, of course, where there are people, there is food — and where there is food, there will be mice. Overall, Dutch cities are an ideal environment for mice. 🐁
What’s their relationship with the Dutchies?
As mentioned above, some locals are pretty chill about having visitors in their kitchen. Those who are less comfortable sharing their house with mice try several methods to kick them out of their homes.
A strange custom in the Netherlands is that the Dutch find it perfectly normal to borrow their neighbour’s cats if a mouse shows up.
This is one of the reasons why so many Dutch households have cats — they are handy players in the circle of life and are famous for getting the job done.
So, enough is enough; it’s time to just rid your house of them, right? Ambitious thinking! Let’s see what you can do to prevent or get rid of your creepy little intruder!
Buy some poison — while you still can
Many people can quickly turn into heartless serial killers when it comes to dealing with mice. The tool can be poison, a trap or your bare hands; only the result matters. 🪤
For those who are on the poison side when it comes to killing mice, we have bad news: In the Netherlands, it’s illegal to kill mice using poison.
Yup, in 2023, the Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (CTGB) deemed that mouse poison is too harmful to birds of prey and therefore, must be banned.
Eet smakelijk! Mice are smarter than we think. Image: Depositphotos
Alternative methods
The web is full of life hacks on how to build the perfect animal-friendly traps and what to use to make them disgusted by us. (The same way as we are by them. 👀)
Here are a few things that can help make your home less charming for mice:
peppermint essential oil
clove essential oil
moth balls
ammonia
soap detergent and tabasco sauce
Get the big guns in — call an exterminator
If you’ve done all you can and you’re still hearing those little peeps and squeaks, it’s time to turn to the professionals.
Several companies in the Netherlands organise well-planned mouse murders, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty.
They claim that they will help to get rid of the mice, and you won’t get any diseases they can spread. If that sounds like your kind of method, here’s a list of Dutch rodent control companies:
Older houses often have holes in their walls. Mice think of them as tunnels for their import-export business trips. (Well, mainly export.) It can be a good solution to find these holes, plan a raid, and shut down the shop.
For mice, the plaster and the foam in the wall are considered a starter before the big feast. Make sure that you close the walls with a material that they can’t eat, such as steel wool.
If you want long-term help, you can also try to adopt a cat and create a Tom and Jerry situation in your home. Most cats will happily help you out, and they will do the dirty part of the job. At the end of the day, you will only need to clean up the remaining lumps and guts…
One final preventative technique is to keep your food in closed, airtight boxes, so they’ll have one less reason to choose our home as their place of business, leisure, and foodly pleasures.
How to get used to mice in the Netherlands
Let’s face it. Ultimately, we can pack our whole kitchen into airtight boxes, close all the holes in the walls, commit murder in multiple ways, and adopt all the cats in the neighbourhood.
But at the end of the day, sometimes you’re going to have a mouse in the house. It’s about as inevitable as having your bike stolen. Some of us simply won’t ever be comfortable with that pitter-patter sound across your floorboards — and that’s ok.
However, you can get used to expecting them. And you can get used to adopting the above mouse-prevention habits.
named it Logan & thankfully my friend said it looked too small to be a rat but yeah I am NOT killing ANY rodent, I think they’re so cute, especially mice look at this mouse I saw in Amsterdam 🥺 pic.twitter.com/wjkmiq28Mk
Motherhood in the Netherlands can be quite different from what you might anticipate. Here are some things you can expect if you’re an international parent in the Netherlands.
I always knew that I wanted to be a mother, and at the age of 32, I was blessed with my son, Louie.
Motherhood has certainly been a wild ride! Especially since I am raising my child in a country that I didn’t grow up in myself (I’m from Australia). However, since becoming a mummy, I can say that I am very happy to be raising my child in the Netherlands! 🇳🇱
With the help of some other international mothers living in the Netherlands and my own personal experience, I have put together a list of nine things to expect as an expat mother in the Netherlands.
1. Post-Maternity Care (Kraamzorg) in the Netherlands
What is this? It’s something international mothers who have given birth in the Netherlands are completely amazed by and grateful for.
It’s an incredible service that shows the Netherlands is forward-thinking when supporting new parents.
After birth, a nurse comes to your house and offers you all the help and support you need (for up to seven days).
As a first-time mother, I had no idea what I was doing, so having all the help I needed around the house was brilliant.
I delivered my son through a C-section, so after my first major operation, I appreciated this help even more. My husband and I could enjoy the first days with our baby boy without worries, feeling nothing but kindness, support, and love. 💖
2. A strong sense of Dutch community
Many other international mothers I have spoken to said this was a big reason they were happy to be mothers in the Netherlands.
Having friends or neighbours who step in helps ease the load on new mothers. Image: Depositphotos
In the Netherlands, it’s not a problem to let your children ride their bikes in the neighbourhood as it feels safe, and it’s even common to see school-age children walk home from school alone.
There is a big feeling of support from neighbours, which is important to me. My neighbourhood has a number of swings and many other things I can do with my son, which makes me glad I live here.
I may not be in my home country, but I know my son is surrounded by a good, strong, and safe community. 🧡
3. Boven woning and my big pram
This is my silly rant, but it has proven to be a challenge for me many times!
I live boven woning (living above ground floor), and when I open my front door, I am confronted with steep stairs.
I would say these stairs are “typical” Dutch steps; you’ll come across them all the time in the Netherlands.
But look how pretty it is! Image: Vanessa Hope van Engelen/Supplied
When I became pregnant, I read that choosing your pram is an important part of having a baby. Therefore, I decided to buy a pram that was beautiful, but quite large, so practical!
Trying to get my huge pram up and down these stairs while keeping my baby entertained has been quite challenging (yes, this is completely my fault! 😅 ).
4. Discovering local speeltuins (playgrounds)
I didn’t even know speeltuins (playgrounds) existed in my neighbourhood before I had a baby. They are often hidden but amazing — now I regularly have playdates with other mums.
Walking through the small entryways dotted around can lead you to discover an amazing playground for kids (I’m lucky enough to have three speeltuins near my house, so check your area too)
Better than a beach day, am I right? Image: Vanessa Hope van Engelen/Supplied
On warm days, you may even find one with “water fun” (a shallow pool with a water sprinkler).
Or what about finding ones with cute animals? Or even veggie gardens? There’s lots to choose from! 🐖
5. The Netherlands is baby-friendly
I truly feel like I can bring my baby wherever I go! That means most cafés, bars, and restaurants have no problem if you bring your baby along.
If you look around some terraces, you may notice the surrounding parade of prams, with so many babies (and sometimes furry friends) to adore.
The mysterious workings of this purring cushion. Image: Vanessa Hope van Engelen/Supplied
I recently even attended a child-friendly festival, which was fantastic! Just because you have a baby, you shouldn’t feel like you have to stay at home.
6. Bilingualism
One of the questions I am asked frequently since having a baby in the Netherlands is: What language do we speak at home?
Great question! As an Australian with a Dutch husband, I speak English to my son, and my husband speaks Dutch. My son also attends bilingual daycare.
Even though the Dutch start learning English at a young age, I wanted my son to start learning Dutch and English from birth. 🇳🇱🇬🇧
Louie is registered in a bilingual school, which he will start at age four. I love that my son has the advantage of learning both our (mother tongue) languages so early in life.
7. Upgrading your bike
Pre-baby, I owned a classic granny bike (oma fiets). My situation means I don’t need a car. And even now, as a mother, my bikes (together with public transport) take us everywhere we need to go.
When my son was eight months old, I purchased a mummy bike (mama fiets), equipped with a baby seat at the front.
Who needs leg day at the gym? Image: Vanessa Hope van Engelen/Supplied
My son absolutely loves it; there’s nothing better than biking with him in the fresh air and hearing him chuckle.
After admiring strong Dutch mothers and their stylish bakfiets (cargo bikes) for so long, I finally got one of my own and am finessing the skill it takes to ride.
8. Flexibility with working in the Netherlands
I am fortunate enough to work part-time, two days per week, and my husband works one day a week from home, a work-life balance widely accepted in the Netherlands.
The Dutch also have “papa dag” (daddy day), a fixed weekday off when fathers can look after and spend precious time with their children.
This helps give flexibility and options for both parents when it comes to work and their child.
With more work flexibility, parents have more time to spend with their kids. Image: Unsplash
Also useful are the government’s daycare subsidies. If you want to work, you can afford to send your child to daycare without breaking the bank.
Of course, all family situations are different, and some may argue they don’t have this flexibility.
However, the Netherlands has many more options compared to other countries.
9. Missing my Mum
By far the most challenging thing for me, being a mum in the Netherlands, is missing my own mum. Of course, technology is amazing and allows us to maintain great content, but her help and support are still from afar.
Those moments when I need her the most are challenging, especially being a new mum.
So, there are some advantages and challenges I have experienced since becoming a mother in the Netherlands. Overall, I love being a mummy, and I am glad I get to do it in the Netherlands.
If you are thinking about having children in Holland and you aren’t Dutch, keep calm. It’s a great place to experience motherhood! 🤰
Are there any other positives or negatives to being a parent in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to join our Facebook group!
While most Dutch student bank accounts have no monthly subscription fees, there may be some extra costs and conditions to consider.
So here’s what to expect from a student bank account in the Netherlands, the eligibility criteria for one, and what extras or hidden costs might come with it.
Many Dutch student accounts have no monthly fees
Good news: if you study in the Netherlands, you can likely strike monthly banking fees off your long list of expenses.
This is because most major Dutch banks charge zero monthly fees for their student accounts — helping you avoid the costs that come with standard current accounts.
Student accounts are designed to help students manage their money effectively, without breaking the bank in the process. However, this also means that your access to some premium banking features may be limited.
With a lot of Dutch banks offering student accounts, it can be hard to choose the best. Thankfully, ING makes that decision easy with its Student Account — offering you a quick and easy sign-up process, a plethora of financial tools, and an English-friendly mobile app.
Here’s what you’ll get with a Dutch student bank account
Typically, most student bank accounts in the Netherlands come as part of a banking package.
Student bank accounts in the Netherlands offer many perks for quick and stress-free transactions. Image: Freepik
This package often includes:
a Dutch IBAN,
a debit card,
a savings account,
access to a free mobile banking app, and
options to activate extra features (such as an investment account, credit card, or even insurance).
Some student packages will offer products like credit cards or insurance at much cheaper rates than if you opted for a regular bank account.
However, be sure to keep your eye on the terms and conditions of your account, because some features may incur monthly fees (or be unavailable) once you’re no longer eligible for a student account.
The small print: extra banking costs and conditions to know
While a lot of Dutch banks offer “free” student accounts, there are still some hidden costs and important considerations to be aware of.
Most importantly, you’ll need to be enrolled at a Dutch university, college, or MBO school to qualify for a student account. Depending on your bank, they may ask for yearly proof of enrolment, so be prepared to post or email these documents.
In addition to this, many Dutch banks have age limits for their student accounts. These can vary from bank to bank, so be sure to read the fine print when registering for your account.
Be sure to check the small print, because student bank accounts often come with extra requirements. Image: Freepik
Well, what if you’ve already opened a student account and you’ve just passed the age limit? In many cases, your Dutch bank may automatically convert your student account to a regular current account and start charging you monthly fees.
But these aren’t the only fees to look out for.
Although a standard debit card and savings account might be free additions to your student banking package, you may be required to pay for extras like a credit card or an investment account.
Have you ever used a student bank account in the Netherlands? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Meeting your partner’s parents can be nerve-racking at the best of times. However, meeting them in a foreign country where you don’t know the language and local customs is a whole other ballgame.
As an international, you might feel nervous about meeting your significant other’s Dutch parents. What will you say to them? Will you be able to communicate? Will they like you?
If you’re feeling a little lost and unsure, we’ve been there, so we gathered some tips to help you prepare!
The practicalities of meeting your Dutch partner’s parents
Introductions can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it concerns the (potential) love of your life. Here are the main things we think you should be prepared for:
How to nail the Dutch greeting
First things first, the greeting. If your partner’s parents lurch forward and try to plant a kiss on your cheek upon arrival, never fear — this is a normal part of Dutch culture.
In the Netherlands, people typically greet each other with three kisses on the cheek (left-right-left). If you don’t get a kiss, you can expect a firm handshake.
Should you bring a gift?
A gesture is appreciated but isn’t mandatory. If you’d like to bring something, flowers, chocolates, or biscuits are always a good bet.
While no gift is expected, mastering a few basic phrases in Dutch scores you some major brownie points! Image: Freepik
If you’re holding the meet-up at your own home, make sure to provide everything — unlike in some cultures, it’s not customary to bring a dish, dessert, or wine to lunch or dinner at someone’s house.
That’s not to say it never happens, but play it safe and don’t assume.
What should you call your Dutch partner’s parents?
In most cases, Dutch people are quite casual. Therefore, you can expect to be addressing them by their first names pretty quickly.
Married or not, the Dutch regularly refer to their partner’s parents as their “in-laws” — weird, right? So your mother-in-law is your schoonmoeder, and your father-in-law is schoonvader.
To make things weirder, the Dutch translations are literally “clean-mother” (schoonmoeder) and “clean-father” (schoonvader).
What will you talk about with your Dutch parents-in-law?
You can be sure that your partner’s parents will be curious about their child’s international partner.
Dutch people are known for being pretty open-minded and tolerant, so if you’re concerned about your cultural background, it’s probably not necessary.
The Dutch are known for being quite open-minded. Image: Depositphotos
When you sit down for your meal or refreshments, prepare to be bombarded with questions: Where are you from? How long have you been in the Netherlands? What brought you here? What do your parents do? Have you learnt any Dutch yet?
At first, the conversation might be a bit laboured. But as you each become more comfortable with each other, you’ll find common ground and be chatting away in no time.
As an international, being able to communicate effectively with your partner’s parents and family is a great incentive and reward for learning Dutch.
Speaking the language will also help you to feel more comfortable and integrated into the family, especially if you’re in it for the long term.
At the very least, you’ll all have something to laugh about when the family inevitably asks you to demonstrate what you’ve learnt so far at the dinner table.
There’s also a strong chance that your partner’s mom will offer you her kid’s old storybooks to help you practice your Dutch — Jip en Janneke here we come!
What to expect when meeting your new Dutch in-laws 🔮
The Dutch are very family-oriented. If you’re in a relationship with a Dutchie, you’re likely to spend quite a lot of time with their parents, and will probably be obliged to attend many family events — so you’d better get comfortable.
Truth be told, meeting your Dutchie’s parents may not all be smooth sailing.
We’ve heard some horror stories of people struggling with cultural differences, awkward small talk, and being forced to eat food that they’re not comfortable with — likeboterhammenfor breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
When you’re with a Dutchie, you can expect to be invited to many family gatherings! Image: Freepik
Nevertheless, we hear far more stories of great kindness and hospitality.
Besides, in all likelihood, you’ll get to see cute and/or embarrassing child and baby photos of your partner — and who doesn’t love that?
Overall, it’s good for both you and your partner’s parents to get to know each other and learn about your different cultures.
Some of the horror stories you hear about the Dutch healthcare system could hospitalise you. However, my one-week whirlwind from being unregistered to sitting in emergency care completely changed my outlook.
In a very short space of time, my experience made me question (almost) everything I’d heard about the Dutch huisarts, hospitals and the hugely reluctant attitude towards antibiotics in the Netherlands.
Dutch doctors, I owe you an apology
My first nine months as an international student living in Utrecht were going happily and healthily, boosted by biking and fresh air.
The stories I’d heard about healthcare here were troubling but hard to believe, so mostly, the warnings went in one ear and out the other.
Then, during a bleak week in February, something made its way into my ears for real. Unfortunately, it was a nasty infection. 🙃
I was “all ears” when it came to the doctor’s advice. Image: Depositphotos
You don’t need the details, but while I lost hearing, sleep and appetite, I gained great respect for the Dutch healthcare system.
So, here’s my entirely personal, gratitude-driven, myth-busting experience of Dutch healthcare, minus the gross stuff.
Warnings I heard vs my experience with Dutch healthcare
OK, some things are closer to the truth than you’d hope. But since the diagnosis for the system seemed terminally bad, I was actually pleasantly surprised by my own experience.
“You’ll never get prescribed antibiotics”
It’s well known that asking for antibiotics in the Netherlands is like asking the Dutch clouds to hold off on the rain for a few days. The chances are slim.
However, it’s true that you only get them if you really need them (i.e. you have a fever that lasts a few days, a bacterial infection, and symptoms that won’t go away on their own).
In my experience, I received an antibiotic prescription during my second appointment at the huisarts when my ear infection had worsened.
❌ Accuracy check: Not true!
“Prepare for paracetamol and a pat on the back!”
Don’t ask, and you shall receive. Ask, and you shall receive extra. 💊
Paracetamol is popular in Dutch medical units, and they’re quick to pass it over. One pharmacist handed me some after I simply nodded in response to the question, “Are you still in pain?”
The little box of 20 blister-packed pills was whipped out without hesitation, for a small fee.
✅ Accuracy check: Pretty much (minus the patting).
“You’re just a number in the system as an expat”
As an international, you might expect to be treated differently when interacting with healthcare workers outside of your home country.
I was told Dutchies resent dealing with the foreign afflictions of terrible cycling and overeating.
But, ear infection aside, if being English was my main affliction, then the staff must have been immune — or just looking on the “Brit” side. 😉
Everyone I encountered was extremely friendly and professional. They asked questions about my student experience, showing interest in what I thought about life here.
In my experience with Dutch doctors, I didn’t feel like a number or a time slot.
❌ Accuracy check: Not at all. 🤷♀️
“You’re not registered? Good luck”
OK, confession time. I didn’t register with a huisarts when I first moved to Utrecht last year. 😬
There is absolutely no excuse for this rookie error — so, without further ado, here’s my excuse.
I arrived after a long visa battle, so I think I developed a temporary allergy to paperwork. A good dose of common sense would’ve cured this allergic reaction.
BY NO MEANS do I condone such foolishness, but I do have to say that my local practitioner was very receptive (and kind!) to my situation.
I called them to ask for a registration form and sheepishly explained that I would need medical attention sooner than the two weeks it normally takes to process. 😳
They explained that it would not be possible, apologised, and said they’d be in touch soon. The rumours were true — or so I thought.
To my surprise, I received a call the following morning to let me know my details had been processed, and I could now arrange an appointment.
✅ Accuracy check: Should be true, I just got lucky. 👀
“They don’t care about your mental health”
There’s a slight pattern emerging in dispelling these myths about Dutch healthcare; it’s like they stand true until you speak to someone.
This was especially the case when it came to taking care of my mental well-being in the Netherlands. But I’m aware that’s not the case for everyone. 👇
I don’t know the whole story but I do know for a fact that mental health care in the Netherlands in the recent years is all about saving money. They try to get rid of patients as soon as possible, whether they are doing better or not.
— The Blunt Psychologist (@blunt_the94119) April 22, 2024
Despite not being the primary concern, your mind always takes a knock when you’re ill.
On one particularly rough, sleep-deprived, anxious night, I called the out-of-hours emergency care team at 4 AM.
Intended to assess the need for an ambulance, they soon realised my condition hadn’t exactly worsened — I just wasn’t coping well with the fact it hadn’t improved either.
But they didn’t hang up. The voice at the end of the line kept me company until I felt calmer.
That’s what I found so personable about my healthcare experience: everyone treated me with the care that I was someone who was suffering rather than someone taking up their time.
❌ Accuracy check: Completely the opposite.
“It’s too expensive for a Brit to be sick here”
Ahh, post-Brexit life without an EHIC.
It’s like an ex keeping a favourite T-shirt. You miss it, and you’ll never get it back. You try to adapt to life without it, but some outfits just never fit the same.
I have Dutch insurance, but it just wasn’t recognised for upfront coverage anywhere.
TIP: If you’re an international, non-EU student, check the full coverage details of your insurance and the information you need to have on hand when providing insurance information to medical staff.
The pharmacist was shocked that I had to pay myself and later submit a claim. Then they actually apologised for the cost of the prescription, which is higher overnight.
It’s been two months and I’m still waiting for €380 in reimbursements.
✅ Accuracy check: Yup… 😅
“You’re bottom of the list, you’ll be waiting a while”
I called the GP, arranged an appointment, attended said appointment, and got diagnosed in the space of one morning.
This might be down to what had become a pretty desperate situation and the earful (😉) of sniffly panic that I was giving to any professional who would listen.
It’s a completely different experience from the insane queues back home in the UK, where you have to wait weeks to be seen by the overworked, underpaid NHS services.
❌ Accuracy check: False (crazily so).
In my experience, if you test the Dutch healthcare system, the results seem to be all clear — at least, that’s how I feel!
But with all our laughs about how direct and stingy the Dutch can be, it’s important to recognise the care and support in my experience and give some credit to the hardworking folks in healthcare.
Is your experience with the Dutch healthcare system more positive or negative? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The Netherlands is known as the country of biking. So why is it that some of their bike lanes contain the one thing that isn’t supposed to be there — cars.
Well, calling them cars is a bit of a stretch. Sure, they have all the basic elements of one — four wheels, a roof, a steering wheel and a motor.
But somehow, they’ve managed to compress these machines down to the smallest size that still allows the tallest people on earth to fit inside.
And so, it might happen that you find yourself innocently cycling one day when you’re suddenly stuck behind a tiny red contraption, just wide enough that you can’t pass it and just narrow enough that it still fits into the bike lane.
After experiencing a traffic arrangement like this (which will undoubtedly annoy the hell out of you and the driver), you might ask yourself: What exactly are these silly-looking cars, and why are they in the bike lane?
Is it a moped? Is it a bike? No, it’s a… car?
Technically speaking, there are two types of these tiny cars that you may encounter on the busy Dutch streets.
The moped car
The first one is a moped car. It looks exactly like a small car, but don’t make the ridiculous mistake of assuming that it actually is a car — it’s a moped with more than two wheels, of course!
It may look like a car, but looks can be deceiving! Image: Dreamstime
You can only drive a moped car on the road at a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour, and you need at least a moped driver’s license to drive it, although a regular driver’s license is also okay.
This isn’t true for its close relative which you are much more likely to encounter: the Canta.
The Canta
Cantas are those tiny cars that probably pop into your mind when thinking about cars that occupy Dutch bike lanes.
You’re likely to encounter these tiny cars on the bike lane. Image: Dreamstime
What do you need to drive them? Well, somewhat functioning arms and eyes, I suppose.
Besides that, absolutely no driver’s license is necessary, and very relaxed rules apply in general. For example, you can park them in the middle of a sidewalk.
In a lot of ways, they are almost indistinguishable from moped cars: they have the same speed limit and are only very slightly narrower.
But while the moped car is constrained to the road, Cantas have free reign, you can drive them on the bike path.
But wait, they can be pretty important!
If you’re wondering what on earth prompted an otherwise organised and rules-based country to come up with such an anarchical traffic system, there was a good reason behind it.
Cantas officially count as disabled vehicles and were created to make getting around easier for those with mobility issues.
So these cars are only driven by disabled people? Sounds like there’s no issue, then!
Well, not quite. Even though the original idea behind the Canta was noble, its current form is often anything but.
You don’t have to be disabled in order to drive a Canta — and you also don’t need to know how to drive.
For some, a hip and happening mode of transport
Despite its original purpose, the car (and its four-wheeled moped cousin) gained a sort of hip urban reputation at one point. As a result, it started getting very popular amongst trendy city dwellers.
The Canta and the moped cars had the exact same rules when moped cars first entered Dutch roads (and bicycle paths).
However, when moped cars started to cause too much chaos on bike lanes and sidewalks, the rules around them got stricter.
Now, having a moped car is less popular. But since Cantas are available to everyone, many people are opting for them as a moped car alternative.
For many, they’re just tiny red menaces
So, if you feel annoyed the next time you’re awkwardly stuck behind a toy-looking car on your bike ride, feel free to acknowledge how silly of a situation you’ve found yourself in.
Maybe some people just need to accept that they yearn for a car instead of a bike, even if that sounds blasphemous to Dutch ears.
Of course, for some, it’s not a matter of yearning, it’s a matter of needing. 91-year-old Hetty notes how she can do less every year when talking to AARP International.
Her tiny car helps her live the way she’s used to. “I am very glad for the Canta. I could do all the things I’ve wanted to these past years.”
But not all drivers are as gracious as Hetty. Amsterdammers are taking to Reddit to complain about Cantas, giving them the title of “‘menaces in Vondelpark and bike lanes.”
The complaints range from ranting about blocked-up cycling paths to obnoxious honking, with one poster calling them “worse than scooters.”
When it comes to Dutch modes of transportation, that’s about as low as you can go. However, we have to admit that they look pretty iconic sometimes.
A phenomenon mostly found in Amsterdam
But much like many other unorthodox things you’ll come across in the Netherlands, these confusing modes of transportation are mostly found in the capital.
There could be practical reasons for this: most roads in Amsterdam have a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour, and the roads themselves tend to be too small to fit anything more substantial than a tiny car anyway.
Add the fact that there’s nowhere to park (especially if you’re not willing to pay an arm, a leg, and seven gold bars per hour), and you can see why these tiny cars have Amsterdam in a chokehold.
Of course, Amsterdam is also the biggest Dutch city, so it makes more sense that disabled or elderly people would opt for a tiny car there compared to other, smaller places in the Netherlands.
On the other hand, as many of us have already noticed, these cars are also a way for some people to show that they’re cool, urban, and all the other annoying things residents of the Dutch capital love showcasing.
So, what is up with those tiny Dutch cars? They’re not really cars, for starters. And they annoy the hell out of many people.
But we’re choosing to focus on the positives. The next time you find yourself stuck behind the infamous menace, just imagine it’s Hetty going about her day in the way that she deserves to!
What do you think about these tiny cars? Let us know your thoughts!
The Dutch job market is entering 2026 in a slightly different mood than in the past few years.
For the first time since 2021, job seekers now outnumber available vacancies — even as employers remain surprisingly optimistic about hiring, based on recent labour market insights.
Confusing? A little. But there’s no cause for alarm.
Think of it less as a downturn and more as a reset after years of unusually high demand. For internationals, that means opportunities to find a job in the Netherlands are still there — but you’ll need to be sharper about how you approach them.
Looking for a job in the Netherlands? Specialist recruitment agency Undutchables has been helping internationals find roles in the Netherlands for decades — particularly in sales, customer support, and multilingual positions. Explore current vacancies.
The big picture: a market cooling down, or just levelling off?
At the end of 2025, the Netherlands had around 380,000 job vacancies, while unemployment rose to roughly 4%, the highest level in four years.
But here’s the twist: 37% of Dutch employers still expect to expand their workforce in 2026, placing the Netherlands among the most optimistic hiring markets globally, according to the latest employment outlook.
So what’s going on?
In short, the labour market is restabilising. During the post-pandemic years, companies were scrambling to hire, often lowering requirements and speeding up recruitment processes just to fill roles.
That extreme shortage is easing, so employers are becoming more selective again.
For expats, this means the “walk into a job” era is largely over. But a strong, stable job market remains firmly in place.
Where the jobs actually are (and aren’t)
Not all sectors are moving in the same direction — and knowing where demand is strongest can make a huge difference.
Sectors still hiring heavily
Some industries are still actively looking for talent.
According to the latest outlook, the top hiring industries are:
Hospitality, with around 64% of employers planning to hire
Construction and real estate, at roughly 56%
The public sector and healthcare, which continue to face structural shortages
These sectors are driven by long-term demand, from housing shortages to pressure on healthcare systems.
Jobs in hospitality are still easy to come by. Image: Freepik
Another key trend? Language skills are gold.
Many Dutch companies operate internationally and are actively looking for people who speak other languages, especially German and French, particularly for roles in sales, customer support, and market-specific positions — something consistently highlighted in international recruitment trends and expat job market guides.
For internationals, this is a major opportunity. Being multilingual or having specific knowledge of and experience with markets outside the Netherlands can give you a serious edge over local candidates.
Sectors slowing down
At the same time, some industries are cooling.
According to the latest employment outlook, hiring intentions are softening in:
Trade and logistics
Business services
Financial services
Parts of the tech sector
That doesn’t mean there are no jobs, but competition is increasing, and employers are raising expectations.
AI: your new colleague, your competition, or both?
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend. It’s already reshaping how work happens in the Netherlands.
Around 61% of companies are already using AI in areas like hiring, onboarding, and training, according to the latest workforce insights.
Research suggests that AI is more likely to enhance jobs rather than replace them entirely, particularly in sectors like healthcare, logistics, and customer support.
AI fluency will be vital in the future. Image: Freepik
In practice, companies are taking different approaches:
Some are experimenting with fully automated recruitment processes
Others are using a hybrid model, combining AI with human recruiters
The takeaway?
AI isn’t replacing you — but candidates who use AI effectively will likely outperform those who don’t.
The end of the easy freelance life: what the Wet DBA means for ZZP’ers
If you’re freelancing in the Netherlands, 2026 comes with some important changes.
The Wet DBA is now being actively enforced. Essentially, the government wants to prevent false self-employment, where someone works like an employee but is technically hired as a freelancer.
From 2026, enforcement is tightening further. Companies and individuals can now face fines, not just back taxes.
On top of that, upcoming legislation like Wet VBAR introduces stricter rules, including a presumption of employment for lower-paid freelancers.
For expats, the message is clear: freelancing is becoming more regulated, and compliance matters more than ever.
Another big shift in the Dutch job market is how employers evaluate candidates.
More companies are moving towards skills-based hiring, focusing on practical ability rather than formal qualifications.
This is particularly good news for internationals.
Degrees don’t always translate neatly across borders, but demonstrable skills and digital literacy are becoming more universally valued.
And then there’s LinkedIn.
In the Netherlands, recruiters actively use LinkedIn to find candidates — meaning a strong, optimised profile can significantly boost your chances, especially if you highlight your transferable skills.
Tips for expat job seekers in 2026
So, how do you actually land a job in this more competitive landscape?
Learn Dutch — even a little
You don’t need fluency, but reaching B1 level can significantly improve your chances.
Network like it’s your job
Cold applications often have response rates below 1%, while warm introductions can reach 20–30%.
Don’t be afraid to follow up
A simple follow-up message or call can make a strong impression and show initiative — something Dutch employers value.
Focus on expat-friendly sectors
Sectors that consistently welcome international talent include:
Pharma and life sciences
Tech (especially backend and AI roles)
International organisations
Multilingual customer-facing roles
These trends are widely reflected in Dutch labour market reports and expat hiring data.
Watch out for dodgy recruiters
Red flags — like upfront fees or vague contracts — could be a sign of a scam listing or a company that doesn’t value its clients or employees.
Check to see if the recruiter appears legitimate on LinkedIn, is listed on the company’s website, or, for employment agency recruiters, is listed with the ABU or NBBU.
Highlight transferable skills
Employers increasingly value:
Communication
Problem-solving
Cross-cultural experience
Digital literacy
These often matter more than local experience alone.
So… what does this all mean?
The Dutch job market in 2026 isn’t worse — it’s just different.
There are still hundreds of thousands of vacancies, and companies are still hiring. But the days of easy wins are fading, replaced by a more balanced and competitive environment.
For expats, that’s not bad news.
It just means being more intentional:
Choosing the right sectors
Building the right skills
Approaching your job search strategically
Do that, and you’ll find that the Netherlands remains one of the most accessible and opportunity-rich job markets in Europe.
Have you noticed changes in the Dutch job market in 2026? Share your experience in the comments below!
Donald Pols, director of the Dutch environmental organisation Milieudefensie, has left the group to begin work at Tata Steel.
According to NOS, he has accepted the role as Director of Sustainability, starting on June 1.
Internally, his decision has caused frustration within the organisation. Under his leadership, the Milieudefensie led the charge against polluters such as Shell, Vattenfall, ING, and many others.
His decision is a significant break with the group, which lists Tata Steel as one of 28 major polluters with which Milieudefensie is at odds.
Tata Steel’s link to multiple health hazards
As confirmed by the RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), Tata Steel’s emissions have been linked to a myriad of public health and safety issues.
From noise, dust, and odour to more serious issues like high nitrous oxide levels, the company has faced scrutiny for years.
Residents of the IJmond, a coastal region of the Netherlands where Tata Steel operates, are “concerned about the health effects of Tata Steel’s activities,” according to the Province of North Holland.
The Milieudefensie has also criticised the company in the past for receiving climate subsidies despite having an improper climate plan.
Critics dub Tata one of the “largest polluters”
Pols’s decision to accept the position has been fraught with controversy.
Marty Smits, chairman of the Supervisory Board for the Milieudefensie, said in a statement that the group is “surprised and deeply disappointed by his decision to join Tata Steel, one of the largest polluters in the Netherlands.”
Pols, on the other hand, argued in a press statement that his previous experience with putting “external pressure” on polluters is exactly what qualifies him for the new role.
“At Tata Steel, I have the opportunity to demonstrate that industrial sustainability is not only enforceable but can also be driven from within,” he said.
What do you think of Pols’s decision? Let us know in the comments!
