Following the discovery of asbestos-contaminated play sand last week, toy manufacturer Toi-Toys has tested and recalled their Pufferz toy line.
These toys, which come as innocent-looking stretchable and colourful puffer figures, also have a compromised sand filling.
This news comes after multiple Dutch labs found both white and (more dangerously) grey asbestos in children’s play toys last week.
Toi-Toy’s in trouble
As AD reports, the company tested all its sand-related products following the earlier news that asbestos had been found in children’s ‘magic’ kinetic play sand.
Unfortunately, these puffer toys also came back positive.
These Pufferz toys have a colourful, stretchable coating with a fun-to-squish sand filling. However, if torn or punctured, the filling can spill out and cause damage.
In addition to this, AD confirms that last week, seller Action also stopped selling a separate sand-filled toy known as Stretcherz after asbestos was found.
First Australia, now the Netherlands
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) launched their investigation into children’s play sand last month following a major scare and recall of these products in Australia.
The investigation down under resulted in over 70 school closures, according to RTL Nieuws. In response, Dutch authorities began testing similar sand-based products.
Findings showed widespread contamination of multiple sand products.
While the asbestos levels were low (0.1%), any amount is illegal in children’s products, leaving manufacturers and retailers scrambling.
One can only hope that from now on, these products will be examined more carefully before reaching the shelves.
Have you been affected by this? Let us know in the comments!
The Dutch job market is already dire. Now, employed people are scared too.
In a bid to stay competitive against disappointing revenues, economic uncertainty, artificial intelligence (AI), and inflation, a lot of Dutch companies turn to “reorganisation.”
Translation: widespread layoffs. Companies need to cut costs, and according to economists, slashing the workforce is the quickest fix.
Employers warn that this is just the beginning, reports NU.nl.
Time to update your resume, perhaps?
From beer to banking: no one’s safe
By the end of last year, benefits agency UWV received reorganisation notices from 355 companies: the highest number in a decade.
“We’re in the middle of a round of reorganisation that began two years ago,” says a spokesperson for the employers’ association AWVN.
The spokesperson cites layoffs and bankruptcies across the industrial and chemical sectors, as well as in education, business services, and the financial sector.
Called for an employee review? Your fear is justified. Heineken plans to cut between five and six thousand jobs over the next two years.
Thousands of jobs are expected to be slashed across these companies.
But why?
Contrary to the popular belief that AI is nabbing our jobs, the reality is quite complicated.
Olaf van Vliet, an economics professor at Leiden University, points out that cost savings are still the main driver.
During the tight labour market following the pandemic, companies were reluctant to reorganise. Now, after delaying too long, the cuts are coming all at once.
While companies love citing the “threat of AI,” van Vliet says there’s little proof it’s replacing workers. The reasons vary: ASML is changing management structures, while Heineken is facing declining beer consumption.
Another approach
Labour market economist Ronald Dekker from TNO takes it a step further.
In his view, reorganisations at listed companies are mainly about keeping shareholders happy.
He questions the idea that rising wages are to blame, pointing out that wage growth in the Netherlands has been modest for decades.
Instead, companies may be trying to prove they can do the same work with fewer people, inflating their “productivity” metrics. Rich investors, after all, stay rich by cutting costs.
Despite this grim article, the silver lining is that the Dutch market is still doing pretty well, as many sectors continue to struggle with staff shortages.
So if you do lose your job during the great cut of ’26, you might have a decent chance of finding a new one.
The Netherlands has landed in first place in Numbeo’s Quality of Life index for 2026, one step up from last year.
Sitting at a score of 213.6, the Dutch have overtaken Denmark (212.2) and Luxembourg (211.9) by a narrow margin, according to Numbeo.
All those obligatory borrels and paid vacation days? Apparently, they count for something.
The ranking combines a range of indicators, including purchasing power, safety, healthcare, cost of living, property affordability, commute times, pollution, and climate.
While the top of the list is mostly dominated by European countries, bigger economies fare worse. The US ranks 15th, and the UK falls further behind at 22nd. Reconsidering that Brexit, are we?
Quality of life comes at a high price
On paper, the Dutch numbers look solid: a Safety Index of 74.5, a Health Care Index of 81.5, and a low Pollution Index of 20.9.
But when you find yourself crying in the shower at the end of the month, the cost of living leaves you wondering, “Do they do toeslagen for groceries yet?”
So natuurlijk, the Netherlands performs rather poorly on the Cost of Living Index, with a score of 75.38. In other words, the cost of living is 8.6% higher than in the United States of America.
According to Numbeo’s data, a family of four spends an estimated €3,647 per month excluding rent, while a single person spends around €1,020 before housing costs even enter the picture.
For anyone thinking of relocating, the Netherlands makes a pretty compelling case. Top of the world on paper. Just don’t ask your bank account.
Dutch cities claim the first 5 places for quality of life
And if you’re still questioning how the Netherlands could land itself in the top spot, simply take a look at Numbeo’s best cities for quality of life rankings. Dutch cities dominate the top five.
And which city takes the top spot for quality of life? That honour goes to The Hague.
Home to the royals, the International Court of Justice, and parliament, the city had better be orderly and liveable.
Utrecht follows with 221.6, then Eindhoven with 219.4, Groningen with 216.1, and Rotterdam with 213.1.
Despite the lure of Amsterdam, it lands in 8th place in Numbeo’s rankings, with a score of 209.4. Triple X is largely weighed down by higher living costs and property prices.
See if you can spot your country!
Numbeo ranked a total of 89 countries. Though the world still goes on, here are the winners and losers.
Top 10
Ranking
Netherlands
1
Denmark
2
Luxembourg
3
Oman
4
Switzerland
5
Finland
6
Austria
7
Germany
8
Iceland
9
Norway
10
Bottom 10
Ranking
Vietnam
80
Peru
81
Indonesia
82
Iran
83
Philippines
84
Egypt
85
Venezuela
86
Bangladesh
87
Sri Lanka
88
Nigeria
89
But for now, the Netherlands sits at the top. Just don’t expect that top-ranked quality of life to come cheap.
Ever been in a hot and cold relationship? Well, get ready to experience the same whiplash with Dutch weather this week.
Snow is possible in the south on Thursday morning, but by the weekend, temperatures could hit 13 degrees Celsius.
With some of us experiencing hail on this fine Tuesday, it’s hard to imagine.
First, showers and freezing temperatures
According to RTL Nieuws, showers will linger in some parts of the country tonight, specifically in the south.
As skies clear overnight, temperatures inland will drop toward freezing, so expect a sharp chill if you’re heading out late.
Wednesday offers a welcome breather: a largely dry day with regular sunshine. Don’t be fooled into thinking spring has arrived, though.
Temperature differences across the country will be striking. The northeast of Groningen will barely creep above freezing, while central areas reach around 4 degrees, and the south reaches up to 6 degrees.
That being said, an easterly wind will make those temperatures feel closer to freezing.
And then we have snow again
Thursday morning will be the most wintry moment of the week.
According to RTL Nieuws, south of the “grote rivieren” (the major rivers that cut across the Netherlands), there’s a chance of snow.
Those of us in the north, meanwhile, will see sunny spells and stay dry throughout the day.
Even if you don’t get snow, you’ll still be feeling the winter. Thursday and Friday both remain cold, with afternoon highs ranging from around just 1 degree in the northeast to 5 degrees in the southwest.
Overnight between Thursday and Friday, light to moderate frost is expected inland (so watch for icy footpaths and cycle paths on Friday morning).
Friday itself starts sunny before clouds roll in from the west. It stays dry until the evening, when rain moves in.
The weekend flips the script
After a week of frost, snow, and wind chill, the weekend is set to be a completely different story.
Temperatures are forecast to climb to between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius (meaning yes, you can show off your new spring coat).
Just make sure it’s waterproof, perhaps. Clouds and some rain are expected, but the winter cold looks set to fade into the background for now.
Will you be hoping the snow sticks on Thursday, or are you already counting down to the weekend warmth? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’re travelling through Utrecht Centraal or the Amsterdam region between now and March 1, the NS has a heads-up for you: expect busier trains, longer journey times, and some routes replaced entirely by buses.
ProRail is widening platform 3 and rerouting track 5 at Utrecht Centraal, and the effects of this will be felt across the national timetable for the next two weeks.
What’s happening this weekend?
From Friday evening (February 20), at 11 PM, fewer trains will run between Utrecht Centraal and Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal and Schiphol Airport, and Utrecht Centraal and Arnhem Centraal.
Many trains will also depart from different platforms than usual, so keep an eye on the boards.
The most severe disruption this weekend is between Ede-Wageningen and Arnhem Centraal, where no trains will run at all on Saturday, 21, and Sunday, 22 February. Replacement buses will operate instead.
There will also be no Sprinters between Utrecht Centraal and Utrecht Overvecht this weekend. The NS recommends travelling via Bilthoven as an alternative.
Meanwhile, travellers between Utrecht Centraal and Hilversum are advised to reroute via Amersfoort Centraal.
What about next week?
Let’s start with Utrecht. Firstly, the reduced frequency on the Utrecht–Amsterdam, Utrecht–Schiphol, and Utrecht–Arnhem routes continues through to Friday, February 27.
On top of that, from Monday, February 23, through to Thursday evening, February 26, buses will replace Sprinters between Utrecht Centraal and Maarssen.
From 9 PM, evening buses will serve the Utrecht Centraal–Bunnik route Monday to Friday that same week.
Now, what about Amsterdam commuters? From Monday, February 24, through to Sunday, March 1, no trains will run between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Haarlem. Replacement buses will run instead.
However, alternative routes are available.
Those going between Haarlem and Amsterdam Centraal can travel via Uitgeest, while travellers between Leiden Centraal and Amsterdam Centraal can detour via Schiphol Airport. Anyone travelling between Haarlem and Utrecht Centraal is advised to reroute via Leiden Centraal.
And the weekend after that?
From Saturday, February 28, to Sunday, March 1, no trains will run between Amsterdam Zuid and Schiphol Airport, or between Amsterdam Zuid and Amsterdam RAI.
Instead, travellers on these routes can use the metro between Amsterdam Zuid, Amsterdam Lelylaan, and Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
Anyone needing to get from Utrecht Centraal to Schiphol during this period should reroute via Amsterdam Centraal.
The NS advises checking the NS travel planner shortly before departure, as travel advice can change at short notice. The planner is already showing updated journey options for the full disruption period.
Are you catching a train through Utrecht or Amsterdam over the next two weeks? Share your route in the comments, and let us know if those replacement buses actually turn up on time.
eSIMs are a handy option for travellers to the Netherlands, saving you data roaming fees and offering seamless connectivity.
I’ve done the whole “frantically scour the airport for a SIM vendor” thing before, and it definitely wasn’t the smoothest start to my trip. Wiser this time around, I decided to spare myself the headache and opt for an eSIM.
What is an eSIM — and how does it work?
An eSIM (also known as an ‘embedded SIM’) is a virtual SIM card that allows you to connect to a mobile network.
Saving you the hassle of fumbling with a tiny plastic card, eSIMs have to be downloaded to your phone — ensuring that you can keep your regular SIM while also connecting to a new network upon arrival.
Why I opted for an eSIM instead of a regular Dutch SIM card
Honestly, while I might love travelling, the last thing I want to do after a long international flight is hunt down a little airport kiosk selling prepaid SIM cards.
I’m also a bit scared that my original SIM card might get lost in the chaos of inserting a prepaid SIM, making my way through immigration, and picking up my luggage.
As eSIMs can be bought and installed before you travel, you needn’t worry about scouring the airport for a kiosk selling prepaid SIMs. Image: Freepik
And what about SIM-only plans, you might ask? Well, given that SIM-only plans in the Netherlands often require you to have a Dutch bank account, they aren’t an accessible option for tourists or internationals who’ve just landed.
With an eSIM, things are just… easy. All I need to do is activate my plan once I land, and I’m sorted. 💅
What made me choose Holafly
Like flavours of Dutch drop (liquorice), there are oodles of eSIM providers out there.
However, I had a very specific list of requirements that I wanted from an eSIM: unlimited data, customisable plans, a speedy and stable connection, and excellent reviews.
The only provider that 100% fit the bill? Holafly.
🤳 Want to try Holafly yourself? Use our discount code ‘DUTCHREVIEW‘ to knock 5% off your order!
What I liked about using an eSIM in the Netherlands
I’ve already touched on the convenience aspect of using eSIMs, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of why I opted for one.
I found my new eSIM surprisingly easy to set up
As a self-professed tech dinosaur, lengthy instruction manuals are the bane of my existence, and I was dreading the process of setting up my eSIM.
In reality, however, the steps were quite simple:
I purchased my eSIM on the Holafly website, specifying my location (the Netherlands) and the number of days I needed data for (35),
Received a QR code via e-mail and scanned it on my mobile phone,
Installed my eSIM via the code, and
Followed some instructions to set it up.
I also appreciated the fact that the instructions were thoroughly uncomplicated — and that Holafly offers 24/7 support for the rare occasion when (or if 😉) you run into any issues.
I didn’t need to rely on dodgy public Wi-Fi
Although public Wi-Fi might seem like an absolute lifesaver when you’re on the road, it’s the equivalent of walking to a tourist trap with a sign that reads “please pickpocket me”.
Though convenient, public WiFi can play host to a whole host of nefarious entities. Image: Freepik
Airports, public transport services, and cafés are prime hunting grounds for hackers, with the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security noting that some scammers even mimic the names of trusted Wi-Fi networks to lure you in.
Even with a VPN activated, I’m not particularly keen to risk connecting to an unsecured network. Thankfully, my Holafly eSIM could be activated instantly upon arrival, helping me avoid potential data threats.
I only paid for as much mobile data as I actually needed
If I had to pick my favourite feature of Holafly eSIMs, it’d be the sheer customisability of their plans.
Most eSIM providers have set durations for how many days’ worth of data you can buy, and they typically only offer a maximum of 30 days. If, like me, you want a package that’s valid for longer than 30 days, this means that you’ll probably need to splurge on two 30-day plans. 😬
In contrast, Holafly’s pay-for-what-you-use system spared me the hassle of overpaying for data. I was able to specify exactly how many days I wanted data for, with no wasted gigs or last-minute top-ups needed.
I got access to unlimited data and excellent coverage
In the Netherlands, getting an unlimited mobile data connection usually requires a Dutch bank account. This, in turn, requires you to have registered for a BSN (or citizen service number).
With my Holafly eSIM, I didn’t need to jump through those bureaucratic hoops, as I had immediate access to my unlimited data.
With instant connectivity, eSIMs bypass all the Dutch bureaucracy of getting a SIM plan in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
Even better, since Holafly has partnered with Dutch mobile provider KPN for their Dutch eSIMs, I also had access to one of the fastest and most expansive 5G networks in the country.
(Oh, and myy connection isn’t stingy, either — I can share up to 500MB per day with my travel partners.)
What I didn’t like about using an eSIM in the Netherlands
If visiting the Netherlands has taught me anything, it’s that there’s a downside to pretty much everything (*cough* Dutch rain ⛈️ *cough*) — and the same is true of my Holafly eSIM.
My eSIM was pricier than a Dutch mobile phone connection
I’ll be upfront: eSIMs aren’t a cheap option. For example, my Holafly eSIM cost roughly €74 for a 35-day connection.
In contrast, unlimited data SIM-only plans from Dutch providers tend to cost less than half of that price, with introductory plans ranging from €21.50 to €32.50 per month.
However, as SIM-only plans in the Netherlands typically require you to have a Dutch bank account, this was a cost I was willing to bear.
I couldn’t get a Dutch mobile number with my eSIM
Given that Holafly’s eSIMs are data-only, you won’t be given a local number or calling credits.
This wasn’t a huge deal for me, as most of the apps I used didn’t require a Dutch number (like Google Maps, Spotify, and WhatsApp).
Although many eSIM services (such as Holafly) don’t yet offer a Dutch number, you do get oodles of data — more than enough to WhatsApp to your heart’s content. Image: Freepik
However, it’s something to consider if you want food delivery or need transport services, as some of these might require a local number to register.
Final thoughts: Is an eSIM a smart choice when travelling to the Netherlands?
Whether an eSIM is the best choice for you will likely depend on the length of your stay and your data requirements.
However, if you want to avoid the dangers of unsecured Wi-Fi networks, skip the hassle of hunting for a SIM at the airport, and enjoy instant connectivity, then I’d highly recommend checking out an eSIM.
Dying to give Holafly a try? We’ve got a discount code (DUTCHREVIEW) that’ll shave 5% off your order — saving you more euros to spend on that gooey, sprinkle-covered stroopwafel you know you want to try in Amsterdam. 😉
Living in a country where the infrastructure is designed to isolate, it’s no wonder people struggle to find love. With “meet-cutes” quickly becoming a thing of the past, how are city dwellers meant to find romance?
If choice is a city’s greatest virtue, there’s an abundance of dating apps designed for every need under the sun — rushing to the scene of our stagnating love lives. Serious ones. Silly ones. Sacred ones. You name it.
But forget about Hinge or Bumble (Tinder is officially creep headquarters). What about the more obscure apps people are swiping through to find their schatje?
I went down the rabbit hole so you wouldn’t have to. Here’s a list of the more “alternative” apps used by city dwellers in the Netherlands.
If you are indeed here for the sex: Feeld
It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round… Including those who check off “intimacy without commitment” on their dating profiles.
Feeld is for those who know what they like and are looking for someone to enjoy it with. Image: Freepik
So, if your head explodes with dark forebodings too, Feeld is the place for you.
Feeld is advertised as “the dating app for open-minded individuals.” Bondage? Exhibitionism? Orgies? Ass-action? They’ve got it all.
It’s basically a platform to discover your sexuality and non-traditional relationship structures and have “sexperiences” that are far from vanilla.
And as a welcoming space for queer people, Feeld has helped many discover their own sexuality.
You usually sign up on Feeld as a single, but the “paired accounts” setting links the two accounts of a couple, letting the community see you as a unit. Three’s never a crowd!
There are also people on Feeld who simply want an honest connection or a monogamous relationship, but in all honesty, these are the kind of people who have the worst experiences on Feeld.
A Reddit user in the Netherlands wanted to be cuddled late one night. She fought the rain to reach her match’s apartment. But helaas, he was in no mood to cuddle… He just wanted his butt tickled.
A friend of mine went on a Feeld date in Amsterdam after talking to the guy for about four months. He showed her a smut essay he wrote about one of his encounters at a sex party. (He worked in tech).
So, user beware! You join Feeld for the love of passion and the love of sex (safe, consensual, and respectful — unless you’re a masochist).
If you are interested in intelligence: E-Matching
E-matching is a dating app designed to help university graduates find a stable relationship with an equally big-brained partner. Who said sapiosexuality wasn’t a kink!
They advertise themselves as “dating and speed dating for highly educated individuals.”
While all profiles are manually vetted, it is optional for daters to take an IQ test (ok, I’m joking).
But if you’ve lived in the Randstad long enough as a single, you’ve likely endured enough dating disasters to appreciate a necessary background check.
Although everyone who joins the app must have a university education or higher, the rules around age are a little different.
Users under 35 can sign up for free as basic members, while anyone over 35 has to pay — there’s no free option for them. Membership prices range from €14.99 to €27.95 per month, depending on how badly you want to find someone to do the daily crossword with.
Who says women can’t have it all? Image: Depositphotos
Despite the paywall, the dating pool is filled with chic divorcées looking for a second chance at love.
The interface is available on both a website and a dedicated app, but only in Dutch, and it only operates within the Netherlands.
Almost all users complain about the app, expressing how its interface is outdated. Some even take issue with the fact that you are not allowed to like profiles and can only send messages.
What’s worse, active daters on e-Matching are often frustrated or ghosted because the platform fails to remove inactive and unsubscribed profiles.
The dad of a friend of mine, who works in public relations, gave this dating service a shot after his divorce. Contrary to online reviews, he found the paid service to be a very pleasant experience.
Stefan met four different women, one of whom was a judge, in a span of one year. The daters on the app were serious about starting a relationship and incredibly smart.
Tired of swiping? E-matching hosts Singles Events for paid members. Stefan thought these were a “good way to meet available and interesting people.”
Although he met his current girlfriend on a blind date, it’s safe to say that e-matching was a positive experience for Stefan.
If you are interested in vegans: Veggly
Picture this: you’re at a nice restaurant, with an even prettier date. Everything is going well until you order the steak tartare. She looks at you with disgust. You’re the only cooked thing at the table, bro.
It’s common for couples to break up over political differences, so there is no shame in discarding your date if they don’t share your lifestyle – or love for vegan food.
I went undercover and made myself a profile. The biggest surprise? There are a lot of Germans on this app, which my friends find unsurprising.
Aside from a bio, some photographs, and standard details about your lifestyle, Veggly asks about your diet. You are allowed to pick among a couple of options: vegetarian, vegan, or “in-transition.”
You also have to say how long you’ve followed this diet — and whether you’re willing to help someone “convert.” Is veganism the new food jihad?
The interface of the app is a bit old-fashioned and slow: “The texting experience really sucks on this app,” reports a user I matched with. Sometimes, Veggly doesn’t update the chat in real time. So, there’s some delay when your match replies.
Desperately waiting for a text back? You’re not the only one. Image: Depositphotos
One of my matches, Hamish, a vegetarian since birth who has been using the app for a couple of months, thinks the interface is to blame for scarce replies.
People join this app for the obvious reasons: “real connection,” “meeting someone like-minded,” “being unlucky on other dating apps,” but ghosting remains a problem on Veggly.
Another one of my matches, Mauritz, a ripped physiotherapist, said: “I’m here to make some cool contacts and maybe some more if there’s a vibe.” I suppose men being cryptic about what they want in a relationship is a reality across dating apps.
But it indeed made the dating pool more suitable for him because he couldn’t see himself being with a non-vegetarian in the future.
Love them or loathe them, dating apps have their flaws — but even if Veggly feels a little deserted at times, it’s still a pretty solid way to grow your green community.
If you want to date with friends: Doubble
A lot of my friends make bad dating choices. Sweetheart, why talk to him at all if his very first message was asking for your Snapchat?
Maybe dating would be easier (and definitely a lot more fun) if our friends were there with us in real time. Even if it’s the blind leading the blind.
Created in Copenhagen, Doubble’s tagline goes: “double dates are double the fun.”
How it works is simple. More or less. You and a friend both use the app. When you match someone and your friend matches that person’s friend, all four of you get a group chat.
In 2025, Tinder launched a similar feature called “Double Date.”
When the plan finally makes it out of the group chat! Image: Supplied
These kinds of options let you play the dating game in multiplayer mode. The premise is to make dating more fun.
Plus, if you’re a shy person, double dates take off a lot of the pressure. Compared to a one-on-one, you only have to talk about 25% of the time!
Many summers ago, I tried Doubble with my best friend. For weeks, we swiped and had a blast laughing about who we would set each other up with. We even got two or three DoubbleChats going!
But the double dates… never actually happened. The dating pool on this app skews well below 22, and, like the interface, the users can be pretty unserious.
Why? Let’s be real, the start of any relationship usually involves a little simping. Put two guys in a group chat, and their toxic masculinity is going to kick in. It’s a miracle if anything actually happens.
But hey, if you’re backpacking across Europe with a friend and want to plan a fun night out, Doubble could be the perfect accomplice.
5. If you want to marry within your religion: Christian Cupid
I can’t say for other cities in the Netherlands, but some believe that God died in Amsterdam. And replaced himself with Techno.
That’s probably why I have never seen a Dutch priest in this city. Don’t believe me? Over 55% of the Dutch population identifies as “irreligious.”
Although big cities have seen a decline in religion, expats bring their own values with them in their big suitcases. It’s safe to say that whether you’re Catholic or Muslim, finding a spouse who shares your religion can be a challenge.
My friend at the gym goes to a Polish church in Amsterdam. While he’s a catch on any dating app, I think it’s hard for him to find a woman of God. So, I convinced him to give Christian Cupid a shot!
It works like any other dating app. Aside from specifying what kind of Christian you are and how often you attend services, you upload a few photos and introduce yourself in a short bio.
On the free version of Christian Cupid, you see profiles from all over the world. How exactly are you supposed to date someone in Houston, Texas? You can only filter by distance once you pay.
If you pay around €12 to €15 per month for the premium version, you get unlimited messaging, you can see who liked you, and you can browse without ads, plus a few other extras.
Christian Cupid knows how to cut the crap (I bet a Protestant made this app). You can message anyone without matching mutually first — if you have premium, of course.
However, my friend ran into a lot of fake profiles and scammers on the app. One girl who messaged him already looked suspicious.
A quick reverse image search revealed the truth: the face of an OnlyFans model pasted onto a nurse’s body using AI.
“There is nothing Christian about this site,” he says.
So now I owe my friend a beer as an apology for making him download the app.
There will always be apps that make the promise of your great love hiding behind their paywall. But don’t start entering your card details too soon.
Navigating the world of dating apps in the Netherlands can be tough, but the moral of the story is to try what you can with an open mind — and never underestimate the power of buying someone a beverage!
Will you try any of these apps? Tell us in the comments!
But with municipal elections scheduled for March 18, a narrow majority voting for implementing the so-called ingezetenencriterium (resident criterion, or I-criterium) could emerge from the ballot box, reports Het Parool.
What’s the I-criterium?
The I-criterium isn’t new. It’s been Dutch law since 2012, allowing municipalities to restrict coffeeshop access to only residents of the Netherlands.
The system was introduced in southern provinces to deter Belgian, German, and French tourists from driving across the border to stock up on weed.
Today, only a handful of Dutch cities actively enforce it. Amsterdam doesn’t — yet.
The political chess match
The PvdA, currently Amsterdam’s largest party, wants the I-criterium implemented in the city centre, Het Parool reports.
D66 opposes it, while GroenLinks hasn’t committed yet, despite a plan to merge with the PvdA after the elections.
Meanwhile, the VVD and CDA want to go further and implement it across all of Amsterdam. If the votes fall right, Mayor Femke Halsema could finally have her majority.
However, experts are divided on whether it’ll work or just unleash absolute chaos on the streets.
“It’ll be a blessing for the city”
Dingeman Coumou from the residents’ organisation d’Oude Stadt is blunt. Municipal research suggests millions fewer tourists would visit if coffeeshops were off-limits, and good riddance to the party crowd.
“It’ll be a blessing for the city, I can guarantee you that,” he tells Het Parool.
Pieter Tops, emeritus professor of organised crime studies, also believes it could work, but only with serious commitment.
“The police have to be able to act effectively and have the support of local politicians, and you have to be persistent. You can’t achieve this in a year”, he tells Het Parool.
“Complete symbolic politics”
Meanwhile, Joachim Helms from the Green House coffeeshop chain calls it “complete symbolic politics.” His concern? Street dealers.
“Thousands of street dealers are standing by, ready to take over sales to tourists,” he tells Het Parool, pointing to COVID lockdowns when dealers appeared immediately with price lists.
Dirk Korf, emeritus professor of criminology, agrees. “The plan is unenforceable. Who’s going to enforce it?” he asked, predicting street trade would flourish.
He points to Lelystad: the city had no coffeeshop for years but plenty of street dealers. When the first coffeeshop opened, the dealers vanished.
Meanwhile, Maastricht, which enforces the I-criterium, now has to deal with the issue of street dealers. “Controlling that was impossible with current police capacity,” crime reporter Bas Dingemanse from De Limburger tells Het Parool.
How could this affect internationals?
The I-criterium isn’t a ban on international residents, but on tourists.
Anyone registered with a Dutch municipality’s BRP (population register) would be allowed access to coffeeshops, regardless of nationality.
That includes international students, expats, and anyone living in Amsterdam legally. The ban targets day-trippers, holiday visitors, and anyone not registered as a Dutch resident.
However, whether this tourist ban is even enforced depends on who wins on March 18.
Do you support banning tourists from coffeeshops? Tell us in the comments below!
Why do we, as Dutchies, often assume that our way is the best and that any other way is ultimately worse? For example, take the ultra-Dutch phenomenon roepnaam.
Not every international in the Netherlands will be familiar with the Dutch phenomenon of roepnamen (“daily names”). Yet many, if not most, of your Dutch friends will have one.
Why bother with two names?
The Dutch use their roepnaam because many of the Dutch have been given traditional Christian names by birth that aren’t very sexy (sorry).
Most people who use their roepnaam instead of their official name(s) are so used to this tradition that they just accept it as normal.
Then why this article? The answer is quite simple: as soon as you cross the borders and move beyond the Netherlands, this system can raise some (or many) eyebrows.
Culture shock in Australia
My name is, and always has been, Janneke. It’s typically Dutch, hard to pronounce for non-Dutch speakers, and not the easiest name when living in an English-speaking country.
“Is that really your name?” is the reaction to finding that your best friend’s actual name is not their roepnaam. Image: Freepik
Working in Australia, an average day in the office for me would be something like this:
“Can you spell that for me again, please?” “Sorry, I didn’t get that. Veronica?” “How do you spell that? Y-a-n-i-c-a?”
Day in, day out. If only I were given another name when I was born… but, wait a second — I actually was! And I’m no exception — ask any of your Dutch friends.
The Dutch way always makes sense
So this was the system: children would be given a bunch of official names (three for me) and an extra (like three isn’t enough 😮💨) roepnaam.
Family and friends would receive a card in the mail announcing the baby’s birth and stating the official names.
Underneath, however, would be a phrase that read something like: “and we call her/him ….[roepnaam].”
Our names, you ask? Don’t even get us started. Image: Workcycles/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
The only time my official name was used growing up meant I was in trouble, and it was time to RUN. I would hear this roar going through the house — JOOOHHHANNNAAAAA.
Needless to say, I didn’t like my official name very much. But as I rarely had to use it, I never worried about it so much.
Then, some 30 years later, I decided to move to Australia, and I soon found out what kind of mess this confusing naming system could get me into.
Who am I?
Ever looked an Australian cop straight in the eyes after being accused of giving out a false name? In a car full of drunk friends? I have.
I gave him my driver’s licence and my name. Of course, this was swiftly followed by, “Can you please spell that for me, Miss?”
“J-a-n-n-e-k-e.” The cop raised his eyebrows before asking me to leave the car. My friends were getting increasingly nervous, but I still had no clue what the problem could be.
“Can you please explain why you have a different name on your licence than you gave me?” The giggly atmosphere in the car suddenly dropped, like everyone was instantly sober.
Changing your name on a bunch of official documents is no easy feat! Image: Depositphotos
I stumbled and explained the whole ‘system’ in the Netherlands regarding names, but it didn’t sound convincing.
This was serious, and I needed to address it before I ended up in an Australian prison for perjury! Of course, my roepnaam was registered somewhere, right?! It had to be. On my birth certificate. For sure.
It wasn’t. The name I had been using for 30 years did not exist anywhere. There was no official paperwork with my name on it.
No more roepnaam for you, missy
I had to jump through many hoops to change the “false name” I had been using on official paperwork.
From my employment contract, rental agreement, public transport card, and everything.
Good luck explaining to a government official how you accidentally committed a crime using a false name (that you didn’t know was false in the first place). What a joy!
Anyway, the next time you think you might be dealing with a spy, it’s probably just a harmless Dutchie with some very confused parents.
What do you make of this weird Dutch quirk? Tell us in the comments below!
Getting a Dutch mobile number can be a complex process, especially if you’re an international who’s just landed in the Netherlands.
As internationals ourselves, we’ve already crested that wave and are here to pass on the wisdom so you can get your own Dutch mobile number. 🤳
Need a Dutch phone number, fast? You needn’t be a tech-wizard to install and activate Simyo’s eSIMs. With easy-to-follow guides and award-winning service, they’ll get you connected in minutes. 💪
While it sounds simple on paper, using a foreign mobile number in the Netherlands can quickly get more complicated than trying to pronounce “Scheveningen” after three beers.
In addition to expensive data roaming fees, you’ll have to contend with certain utilities and services that require a local mobile number. Some internationals even report that their Dutch GPs won’t accept registrations made with foreign numbers. 👀
There are several reasons why you will need a Dutch phone number. Image: Freepik
If you’re visiting from another European country, the EU’s “roam like at home” policy will generally allow you to use your mobile data in the Netherlands.
However, if your Dutch roaming consumption exceeds your domestic usage, your EU mobile data provider may charge you additional fees.
For most internationals, it’s much easier to just get a Dutch phone number.
Step one: Decide between SIM-only, prepaid, or a mobile contract
Before you dash off to the nearest telecommunications store and grab any old SIM card, it’s important to discuss which SIM or phone plan best suits your needs.
In the Netherlands, there are three options to choose from:
SIM-only plans
Like their name suggests, these are monthly SIM plans for a fixed amount of mobile data, call minutes, and texts.
As these plans generally work out relatively cheap in the long run, they’re a great option if you’ll be living in the Netherlands for a year or longer and have a BSN (citizen service number).
Not staying that long? Well, although most SIM-only plans have a minimum subscription term of one to two years, some providers do offer monthly terminability for an extra fee.
If you’re a tourist or an international who hasn’t got their BSN yet, prepaid SIMs are your best friend.
With a prepaid SIM, you typically pay in advance for your mobile data, call minutes, and texts. These are often sold as bundles and can be topped up when your prepaid balance runs low.
Since there’s no contract involved, you needn’t provide a BSN and proof of address, or pass a credit check.
Ideal for long-term residents who also want a new phone, mobile contracts are the full package.
You get a monthly subscription with mobile data, call minutes, and texts, with a brand-new cell phone that’ll be paid off over the duration of your contract.
While these contracts offer a great two-in-one solution, be warned: you’ll generally need to commit to a one or two-year SIM plan, must have a BSN, and may also be required to pass a credit assessment.
Whether you’re keen as a bean to try out a SIM-only plan, prepaid SIM, or mobile contract, Simyooffers stellar options for all three. Combining affordable prices with great speed and coverage, you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth.
Step two: Choose a Dutch mobile data provider
Have you got your eye on a particular SIM plan? Goedzo, now it’s time to choose a mobile data provider.
And how should you choose a Dutch mobile data provider? Image: Freepik
The Netherlands has a highly competitive telecommunications market, which gives you a wide choice of premium and budget providers. However, you’ll want to consider factors like:
The availability of English-language support, as not all providers offer this
The coverage in your area, especially if you live in the countryside or near the Dutch border
The overall speed of your connection
The size of your provider’s data packages, and whether or not they offer unlimited data
Whether your provider actually supports eSIMs
To familiarise yourself with what’s out there, you can access comparison tools like those offered by the Consumentenbond and Prijsvergelijken. (Or read our guides on international-friendly SIM providers in the Netherlands. 👋)
Step three: Purchase your physical SIM card (or get an eSIM)
With your plan and provider selected, you’re ready to purchase a Dutch SIM. But is it better to opt for a physical SIM or just download an eSIM instead? 🤔
Physical SIM cards
When it comes to SIM-only plans or mobile contracts with a physical SIM card, you’ll typically need to visit a telecommunications shop or buy one online.
Contracts, especially, often need some additional paperwork. (So don’t be surprised if you’re asked for your BSN, ID card or passport, proof of address, and perhaps even a credit check.)
Physical prepaid SIMs generally don’t require these and are sold at a wider range of locations, including corner shops and supermarkets.
Good to know: For tourists or new internationals touching down at Schiphol Airport, there are kiosks with (physical) prepaid Dutch SIM cards when you leave immigration and security.
eSIMs
If you’re looking to skip the hassle of heading to a brick-and-mortar store (or hoping PostNL doesn’t lose your new physical SIM), eSIMs are a far more convenient option.
As these are digital SIM cards, you can use a provider’s mobile app to buy one and get connected before you’ve even landed in the Netherlands.
However, you’ll want to first confirm if they’re compatible with your device, because older models tend not to support eSIMs.
Step four: Insert and activate your new Dutch SIM
Depending on which plan you opt for, activating your new SIM card is a quick and stress-free process.
You can choose between a physical SIM card and an eSIM. Image: Freepik
For physical SIM cards, you can start by turning off your mobile and using a SIM ejector tool (or paperclip, if you have one on hand) to open its SIM tray. Then, carefully insert your SIM card, reinsert the tray, and turn your mobile back on.
In most cases, your new SIM card will activate automatically, and you’ll be able to use it straight away.
Team eSIM, instead? Hoera, you can skip all the manual fiddling, because activation is even easier.
Once you’ve purchased your eSIM online (or via a mobile app), you’ll typically receive a QR code or download link with a detailed installation guide.
Step five: Top up your mobile data
Okay, you’ve got the goods… now what?
If you’ve opted for a mobile contract or SIM-only plan, the good news is that your subscription very likely auto-renews each month. So, unless your mobile data, call minutes, or texts have run out mid-month, you needn’t pay for a top-up.
If you’ve opted for a prepaid SIM, on the other hand, you will need to top up your plan when needed.
The most straightforward option is using your SIM provider’s mobile app to top up your subscription. However, many carriers also allow you to top up via their online payment portals, and some even offer SMS top-ups.
Let op! Depending on your provider, you might need a Dutch bank account to make payments.
Do you have any burning questions about getting a Dutch SIM card? Let us know in the comments!
