Page 489 – DutchReview

Moving to Amsterdam: the ultimate guide

Brin Andrews

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July 23, 2021

Whether it’s for work, love, education, or simply a new adventure, if you’re considering moving to Amsterdam, you’re not alone.

The multicultural city is popular among expats for its international job market, liberal attitude, and relaxed way of life. But making the move itself is no small feat.

There are countless details to sort, suitcases to pack, documents to organise, and loose ends to tie up — the to-do list is daunting. So where does one even begin?

Hint: you’ve come to the right place.

Can’t wait to move to Amsterdam? Jump to a section below!

What it’s like to live in Amsterdam

Take a deep breath and remind yourself — you’re moving to Amsterdam! It’s beautiful, full of life, history, and endless entertainment. The culture is liberal, the city is safe, and you’ll meet people from all different backgrounds. You can cycle everywhere, and will live in an international hub that makes travel a breeze.

Let’s be real though, it’s also super crowded, expensive, and can feel like a theme park in the summer holiday season. But, outside the city centre, life can be calm, friendly, and still plenty interesting. Just like any city, living in Amsterdam has its pros and cons, but the pros weigh heavily enough to keep most of us sticking around for more.

So if you’re thinking about making the move to Amsterdam (yay!), here’s your cheat sheet…or website, rather.

A view over the city of Amsterdam taken during the annual autumn carnival in Dam Square. — Buckle up! You’re in for a hell of a ride when moving to Amsterdam. Image: redcharlie/Unsplash

Preparing to move to Amsterdam

Phase one: you’re still in your home country, sorting through all your earthly possessions, saying your goodbyes, and Google can predict your every search will include the words “Amsterdam” or “the Netherlands”. While you’re in this exciting, nerve-wracking initial stage, there are a few important details you don’t want to miss.

Gather and authenticate important documents

When you touch down in the Netherlands, you will need to have already rounded up your most precious paperwork and had relevant documents authenticated. This will include your birth certificate and passport, and maybe other specifics such as proof of address, a marriage certificate, or a university enrollment letter. Your individual circumstance will determine what exactly you’ll need.

You may even have to provide something as particular as a document declaring that you don’t intend to move to the Netherlands in order to marry, authenticated by an apostille and not older than six months. It’s best to do your research early on so you don’t miss anything crucial.

Applying for a visa for the Netherlands

If you’re a foreign national from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can just saunter right past this section. There’s a small handful of other exemptions from the visa requirement, but for all others moving to Amsterdam from abroad, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa.

The long-stay visa, also called a provisional residence permit (machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf, MVV), allows you to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days. Your nationality and the purpose of your stay will determine whether you’ll need an MVV and/or a residence permit (more on this below). Check out the government website to find out which requirements apply to you.

When applying for your MVV, you’ll need to provide various documents that demonstrate the nature of your stay, such as a letter of invitation from a Dutch company or proof of sponsorship.

You won’t want to save this task for the last minute — the application processing time generally takes a couple of weeks but, in certain situations, it can take as long as two months.

Applying for your Dutch residence permit

For those who need a visa to enter the Netherlands, the application for a residence permit can easily be filed at the same time. This is called an admission and residence application (toegang en verblijf, TEV). You’ll apply with the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country or the country you’ve been residing in for at least three months.

If you don’t need a visa to enter the country, you can apply for your residence permit with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) once you’ve arrived in the Netherlands.

The IND will often require that you have a sponsor to live in the Netherlands. Sponsors may be employers, an educational institution, or a partner you’ll be living with, for example. They will also have to submit a TEV to the IND.

If you’re granted a residence permit, it will be valid for up to five years.

visas-passport — Applying for visas and work permits is a necessary evil of your move to Amsterdam. Image: ConvertKit/Unsplash

Getting a work permit for the Netherlands

Once you have your residence permit, you can apply for your work permit. Not everyone needs to — those here on a partner visa will have permission to work included in their residency permit.

For those who do need to apply for a work permit, there are two types to be aware of: an employment permit (TWV) and a single permit (GVVA), which is a combined residence and work permit. Some expats will be exempt from this permit, such as highly skilled migrants.

Which permit you’ll need depends on how long you’ll be working in the Netherlands. You can apply for your own TWV but only employers can apply for the GVVA.

The GVVA is for foreign nationals from outside the EEA and Switzerland who will be working in the Netherlands for more than three months.

The TWV is for:

Employees coming to work for less than three months;
Students with a residence permit to study;
Asylum seekers awaiting a decision on the application.

You’ll apply for your work permit through the IND, which offers more specifics about requirements.

What to bring when moving to the Netherlands

When packing for your move to Amsterdam, remember, they have everything you need here. So just bring whatever you can’t live without or don’t want to pay to replace. That said, there are some general must-haves for living in the Netherlands — and who doesn’t love a checklist?

Those precious documents mentioned above
Your favourite personal items/artwork for your home.
Raingear and a warm coat (water-resistant at a minimum).
Medications — they can be expensive here. For prescriptions, ask your doctor to approve at least a three-month supply for your transition period.
Any favourite products you can’t live without.
A converter for your electronic devices.

TIP: American? Download WhatsApp if you haven’t already — you have to do this before leaving the US.

Moving your pet(s) to the Netherlands

Getting your pets ready for their move is another project you’ll want to tackle sooner than later in your moving preparations. Amsterdam is a fairly pet-friendly city (depending on your definition), so you shouldn’t have much trouble once they’ve arrived. More importantly, it’s a friendly city in terms of immigrating your pets, as long as several conditions are met.

When bringing a dog, cat, or ferret to the Netherlands from another EU country,

Your pet must be vaccinated, after which you must wait 21 days before bringing it to the Netherlands.
The animal must be at least 15 weeks old. (To bring a puppy this young, it must be vaccinated at 12 weeks old.)
The animal must be microchipped and have a pet passport.

photo-of-dog-moved-to-amsterdam — Yep, your dog can come with you on your big move to Amsterdam! Image: Marieke Koenders/Unsplash

Small rodents, rabbits, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles will need a pet’s health certificate signed by a veterinarian.

Additional rules may apply when bringing a pet from outside the EU, depending on your home country.

Dogs must be microchipped and registered within two weeks of arriving in the Netherlands. The vet can advise you on registration when you have the microchip implanted.

Important things to do after moving to Amsterdam

As soon as you’ve gotten your sea legs in your new hometown, there’s work to be done. To become a full-fledged Amsterdam resident, you’ll still need to manoeuvre through several bureaucratic hoops that require varying levels of acrobatic prowess. So limber up!

Register at the Amsterdam municipality

This goes for any Dutch city that you move to, whether you’re moving from outside the country or from within. You’ll need to register with the municipality (gemeente) within five days of arriving in the Netherlands.

To do so, you’ll make an appointment with the municipality and they’ll issue your citizen service number (Burgerservicenummer, BSN) and get you registered in the personal records database (Basisregistratie Personen, BRP). Now, you’re ready to receive endless letters from the municipality regarding city affairs!

Open a Dutch bank account

Your new Dutch life will be suddenly simplified by opening a bank account — many Dutch stores flat-out refuse to accept anything that looks like a credit card. There are quite a few banks to choose from, some even specialising in expat service.

The major banks you’ll encounter are ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and SNS Bank. Three digital banking platforms, Revolut, bunq, and N26, are also available if you don’t wish to visit a physical branch.

TIP: You’ll need your BSN before you can get a bank account, but it can take a few weeks before you receive it. If you need a Dutch bank account for your salary (or just don’t want to struggle with your international cards), bunq allows you to open an account as an expat and provide your BSN later.

A transaction (checking) account is the standard banking choice in the Netherlands. You can also add a savings account and a credit line if you desire (though it’s not popular among Dutchies). You’ll find that the majority of banks charge an annual or monthly fee for their services.

Apply for a DigiD

DigiD (digital identity) is used for verifying your identity when you’re taking care of various official matters online, such as with the government or healthcare system.

Applying for your DigiD is a simple and imperative step in your move to Amsterdam. Fill out the simple online application (which requires a BSN) and you’ll be sent a letter (add it to the stack) with an activation code within three working days.

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in the Netherlands. Dutch health insurers offer different packages depending on your needs, with the basic averaging around €110 per month. You can compare policies and then choose a provider. To apply, you’ll need to have your BSN, a bank account, and be registered with the municipality.

Register with a huisarts (GP) in Amsterdam

It’s not required to register with a GP in the Netherlands, but it’s a good idea to do it sooner than later. Depending on the clinic, it can take weeks or even months to get in for an intake as a new patient. Your huisarts is the gatekeeper to any type of medical care you need or wish to receive, so it’s important to have an established relationship.

Healthcare in the Netherlands can be a hot topic of debate — people generally love it or hate it. Many expats find the healthcare system to be quite minimalistic and lacking in terms of preventative care. Others are pleased with the transparency of pricing and resistance to overprescribing medications. One thing everyone can agree on is that Dutch doctors are enthusiastic about their paracetamol.

Get your Dutch driving license

You’ll generally be able to cruise on your foreign license for some time after you arrive, although you may need an International Driving License. The majority of non-European internationals will need to exchange their license within six months of moving to the Netherlands, and many will need to take Dutch driving lessons and pass a driving test (yep, seriously). EU and EEA nationals can often just ride out their foreign license until it expires.

In some cases (for highly skilled migrants, for example), if you already have a driver’s license from your home country, it’s basically just a trade-in. You’ll hand over your old license and they’ll give you a shiny new Dutch rijbewijs for a small price.

In other cases, you’ll need to fill out an application to exchange your license, and some folks will need to provide a certificate of fitness (verklaring van geschiktheid, VvG). Of course, like all things Duch government, there are plenty of other specifics that will vary from person to person.

Finding a house in Amsterdam

If you’ve just made it to Amsterdam and you don’t have a place to call home yet, that’s okay! Since the process is likely to take some time, many new expats opt to live for the first month or two in a hostel or long-stay hotel for a comfier transitional period.

Where to live in Amsterdam

When choosing your new neighbourhood (buurt), your main consideration will be whether or not you want to live close to the centre, where most of the action is. Amsterdam’s city centre is full of history, character, and energy, and makes getting around the city and the rest of the Netherlands a piece of cake. But it’s also very expensive and jam-packed with tourists, which gets old pretty quick.

Some more suburban neighbourhoods further out will be a little calmer and generally less expensive. Nieuw-west, De Baarsjes, and Bos en Lommer, for example, are a few popular neighbourhoods with locals.

There are some vibrant neighbourhoods just outside the heart of the city, that almost allow you to have the best of both worlds: De Pijp, Jordan, and Plantage, to name a few. However, these areas are still quite busy and do come with a high price tag.

Photo-of-Amsterdam-canal-houses-2021 — If you’re dreaming of moving into an Amsterdam canal house, you’ll need to pay the price. Image: Joel de Vriend/Unsplash

Renting an apartment in Amsterdam

When you first move to Amsterdam, there’s a good chance you’ll be renting an apartment for at least for the first few months, if not indefinitely. Whether you rent or buy, housing is expensive in Amsterdam.

Websites like Funda and Pararius can give you an idea of what’s available, but stay on top of it! These places get snapped up quick. You may have better luck enlisting the help of an estate agent (makelaar) for your hunt. Although, even with help of a good makelaar, you’ll generally be competing with a number of other hopeful renters, and, if you’re interested in a place, will have to make a decision on the spot.

When you do lock down an apartment, expect to pay at least the first month’s rent and a security deposit right away. Usually, this is around the amount of a month’s rent but sometimes more. You may also need to pay your last month’s rent, and an additional deposit or fee if you have a pet.

Be sure to learn about your tenant rights — you have a good amount, and knowledge will help in situations like getting those deposits back when you eventually move out.

Buying a home in Amsterdam

If you’ll be sticking around for more than a couple of years, you may consider buying an apartment in Amsterdam. It’s a popular choice among Dutchies and expats alike, due to the generous tax breaks and the high cost of renting. But be prepared, the process of buying a home in Amsterdam will trump even the challenge of finding a rental home.

You’ll need that makelaar again in this case, and you’ll also want to meet with a mortgage advisor (hypotheek makelaar). There are several in the city that specialise in working with expats. They’ll help you figure out what you can afford to spend and give you all the other general guidance you’ll require.

Connecting utilities when moving to Amsterdam

The second thing to do once you get the keys to your new pad (popping the champagne obviously comes first) will be to set up utilities.

Photo-of-woman-sitting-in-kitchen-utilities-Netherlands — Light, camera, action: you’ll need to sort utilities when you make your big move. Image: Tina Dawson/Unsplash

Connecting gas and electricity

The energy market is privatised in the Netherlands, so you’ll need to choose which supplier you’ll go through. These are some of the main companies in Amsterdam:

Vattenfall
Green Choice
Eneco
Essent
Vandebron
Engie
EnergyDirect

Naturally, most of these companies operate primarily in Dutch. If you would prefer to get a contract in a language you understand, you can use intermediaries like PartnerPete to compare energy providers and sign up — all in English.

Connecting water and paying your bill

Amsterdam has one water supplier: Waternet. To get connected, you’ll just give them a call and provide your bank details — easy!

Then there’s billing… Here’s how it goes, in a nutshell: you’ll pay a bill once a year, based on the size and features of your home, in addition to the number of occupants. At the end of the year, you’ll be reimbursed for the amount you overpaid for your actual use, or you’ll have to pay the difference for excess consumption. You will also need to pay a separate water tax.

If you have a water meter it works a bit differently. You’ll pay a €75 annual fee in addition to around €0.79 per m³ of water used, plus a water tax and VAT.

Fortunately, the unique billing system won’t mean any extra trouble for you; it’s just helpful to be aware of in advance.

Signing up for internet

There are plenty of internet providers to choose from in Amsterdam, the largest of which are:

Ziggo
KPN
T-Mobile
Vodafone
Tele-2

You can compare companies and decide whether you want to bundle it with TV and phone service. Setting it up should be easily achieved online or over the phone. You’ll receive your modem/router by post. Be warned: it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to arrive, so plan in advance if you want to be connected.

Getting a Dutch phone plan

EU foreign nationals may be able to get by keeping their international phone number, but others will need to switch over to a Dutch plan. You may find it’s easier to get your phone plan as a first step when you move to the Netherlands, as you’ll be giving out that number quite a bit while you’re settling in.

If you do wait though, you may be able to get a better price by bundling your plan with your internet service. Again, you’ll need to select a provider. Some of your options are:

T-Mobile
KPN
Vodafone
Lebara (English website)
Expat Mobile (no residence permit or Dutch bank account required)
BudgetMobiel (cheap, and use KPN’s network)

Signing up should be pretty straightforward if you already have your Dutch bank account, but for most companies, you’ll need to visit an actual store.

Finding a job in Amsterdam

While many people move to Amsterdam with a job already locked in, others will have to find one after arrival. Talk to any number of foreign nationals in the Netherlands and you’re likely to hear about a vast range of experiences with the job market.

Much of your success in the job hunt will have to do with your field of work and experience. Here in Amsterdam, those with experience in tech and finance will find more opportunities than, say, those with a background in nonprofit work.

There are numerous international companies in Amsterdam, and there are many jobs to be had but bear in mind, it’s competitive out there. Just like anywhere, a company is more likely to hire someone who comes with a personal referral. This is probably the biggest barrier of entry for Amsterdam newbs. Registering with recruitment companies can be a good way to sidestep this challenge.

photo-of-woman-at-dutch-workplace-laughing-at-colleagues-joke — Finding a job in Amsterdam can be a challenge, but Dutch workplaces can be a lot of fun. Image: You X Ventures/Unsplash

Another barrier for expats can be language. Plenty of companies run the office in English, but when employers have to make the choice between hiring someone who speaks great English and Dutch and someone who only speaks great English, the obvious choice is the person who can also communicate in the native language.

The job hunt can be daunting. You will, however, be able to find career coaches and spousal/partner support programmes that focus on expats.

Just keep in mind, if you opt for this route, you’ll want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what services are being offered. You may find the support you’re after, or, you could end up spending hundreds of euros for someone to tell you it’s a good idea to use LinkedIn. I mean, it is, but you already know that (and if you didn’t, you’re welcome — I’ll send you my invoice).

Just be realistic in your expectations. Some have luck right away, while others may struggle for years to find meaningful work.

Planning for your kids when moving to the Netherlands

Registering for childcare in Amsterdam

If you’ve been successful on the job-seeking front, it’s a good idea to start thinking about childcare for the little ones. There are various options available:

Type of childcare	Description
Public daycare (kinderdagverblijf)	For children from the age of six weeks to four years old. The waitlist for some centres can be long, so it’s best to sign up sooner than later — even before your move, if possible, or as soon as you become pregnant.
Private daycare	More expensive but tends to have better flexibility with hours and more international options.
Preschool (peuterspeelzalen)	For children ages two to four, and helps prepare kids for primary school. It’s typically offered two or three times a week in the morning or afternoon.
Playgroup (peutergroep)	Provides activities and care for children ages two to four in a less formal setting.
After-school care (buitenschoolse/naschoolse opvang)	Available at some childcare centres for kids up to the age of 12.
Employers	Occasionally offer daycare, which can be a less expensive route.
Childminders (gastouderopvang)	Another option for babies and kids through their primary years. The childminders will look after up to six children in their home or a care centre and can be available on evenings and weekends.
Babysitters (oppas)	Can range from inexperienced teenagers to experienced childminders. If you register with a babysitting service (oppascentrales), you can easily find a sitter when you need one at a reasonable price, in exchange for a membership fee.
Au pairs	Popular in the Netherlands and can be another option on the lower end of the cost spectrum. They’ll care for your kids for up to 30 hours a week in exchange for room, board, and a small living stipend (around €350).

The Dutch government provides some subsidies toward the cost of childcare, but you’ll need to check first whether you qualify for childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag).

Deciding between a Dutch or international school

It’s a choice all parents who move to Amsterdam will have to make — where to send your child to school. There are several important factors to think about when deciding between going Dutch or international. Two of the main points to consider are: how long will you be in the Netherlands? And, how much are you willing to spend?

International schools are significantly more expensive than Dutch schools, which are fully subsidised by the government. This may be worth the cost if you’re planning another international move in the near future. However, if you’re going to stay in the Netherlands long-term, a Dutch school can be a great way to begin integrating.

Dutch-primary-school-chrildren-studying-in-an-international-school — Amsterdam has a stack of great options for education in either Dutch or English. Image: Pragyan Bezbaruah/Pexels

Enrolling your child in school in Amsterdam

Children in the Netherlands start school at the age of three, on their birthday — this is something uniquely Dutch. The registration process will vary based on the type of school in which you wish to enrol your child.

For Amsterdam’s public schools (openbare basisscholen), you’ll enter into a lottery to “win” the school of your choice. You’ll list your top six or so schools and drop off the list at your first choice school (usually selected for its proximity to home). It’s common to get your first choice, as schools will also take your home address into consideration.

The registration process may differ slightly from school to school with private/special schools (bijzondere basisscholen) and international schools. Navigating the education system in the Netherlands can be a bit confusing for international parents, so it will be helpful to read up on all the details.

Transport in Amsterdam: how to get around your new city

Riding a bike in Amsterdam

Riding a bike is the key to the city. Amsterdam is made for cycling, and it’s by far the fastest and least expensive way to get around. The city is small, and you can get pretty much anywhere in under half an hour.

When shopping for your new wheels, you’ll find there’s no shortage of bikes for sale in Amsterdam. There’s a shop on practically every block, and you can find them for sale at markets and online.

photo-of-couple-riding-bikes-through-amsterdam — You’ll soon be whizzing around Amsterdam’s bike paths. Image: D.Travnikov/Depositphotos

Walking in Amsterdam

Walking is an underrated mode of transportation. Cycling is, of course, the top choice when you’re in a time crunch or need to cover some real distance, but nothing beats the simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other.

Between the architecture, canals, flowers, and people, Amsterdam always offers an interesting view. Just be aware: pedestrians do not have the right of way; cyclists do.

Public transport in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s trams, buses, metro, ferries, and trains can take you to every corner of the city. They’re all relatively fast and efficient, and great options when the weather is particularly foul. Using Amsterdam’s public transportation is simple but there are a few tricks you’ll want to learn before arriving regarding how exactly ticketing works.

Keep in mind that while it is easy, relying on public transportation on a regular basis can add up in cost. It’s also just not quite as fast as cycling and can require transferring, walking, and waiting.

Should I buy a car when moving to Amsterdam?

The easy answer is, probably not. It’s terribly expensive and parking and driving in the city can be a nightmare. But plenty of people go for it. It might be required for work or just a personal preference, and outside the city centre, there is some practicality to it. Just know that there are other great options for getting around and if you opt to drive be prepared to pay.

Travelling to the rest of the Netherlands and abroad

Amsterdam is an excellent jumping-off point for anywhere you want to go, with fast trains, cheap international buses, and an easily accessible airport.

Trains are the most popular mode of transportation — they’re comfortable, quick, and generally reliable. Amsterdam Centraal runs frequent trains to other major cities like The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. There are even fast trains to international cities like Paris and Berlin. You can buy your ticket at the station or online, but not aboard the train.

amsterdam-london-train — You’ll get used to hopping on the train for various city breaks from Amsterdam. Image: Madeleine Ragsdale/Unsplash

Driving can be a good way to get to some of the more obscure or less populous destinations. A car can take you across the entire country in about three hours.

If you’re really into cycling, you can tour around the whole country as well, with endless bike lanes that will safely lead you wherever you want to go.

Settling in after moving to the Netherlands

Once you’ve made your grand Dutch entrance, squared away all the logistical details, and figured out your way around, you’ll be ready to start mixing and mingling. Of course, there’s plenty you’ll want to know about that process as well.

Do I need to speak Dutch to live in Amsterdam?

You don’t need to learn Dutch to get by in Amsterdam, but it will certainly enrich your experience. At a minimum, it’s courteous to greet people in Dutch and attempt to gain an understanding of the basics.

The vast majority of people in the city speak English so if you’re reading this, communication won’t be an issue. If you’ve relied on Google Translate to get this far, learning Dutch would be wise, and it wouldn’t hurt to start brushing up on your English too.

But learning Dutch can be expensive and time-consuming, and once you get to the higher levels it can be challenging to get in those important conversational reps. Dutchies are so accustomed to speaking English that the sense of urgency is hard to maintain and even the most ambitious of learners can lose momentum.

But don’t let that stop you from trying! If you’re settling down with a Dutchie, for example, or planning to stay in the Netherlands long-term, it can be worth all the effort. At the very least, Dutch classes are a great place to make friends.

Making friends in Amsterdam

…which brings us to our next important point: meeting people. Living in a new country is full of challenges and it can be hugely beneficial to have a supportive community to help you tackle them.

While Dutchies tend to be very social creatures, it can be tricky to break into long-established Dutch circles. You’ll likely find that expat circles are more accessible. Some great ways to meet people are through expat groups, Dutch classes, and volunteering.

photo-of-a-happy-group-of-friends-playing-cards-and-drinking — It can be a challenge to make friends after your big move to Amsterdam, but persist and you’ll find them! Feature Image: nd3000/Depositphotos

Even Bumble, the dating app, has a handy feature for just meeting friends, and it’s popular in Amsterdam (even with Dutchies, if you’re hoping for a native pal). Yours truly can report that these are all tried and true methods. Even as a self-proclaimed introvert, making friends in Amsterdam is quite achievable.

Preparing for Amsterdam’s weather

Depending on where you’re from, Dutch weather can either be a nightmare or a breeze. It rains frequently and gets very windy. Winter can feel endless and summer is fleeting. Although, the six sweltering days we encounter each summer are gruelling.

If you’re moving from somewhere even rainier, like I did, the Dutch weather will be no problem. The soggiest situation you’ll find yourself in is while commuting by bike, as one does in Amsterdam. You’ll be completely exposed to the elements, and it gets ugly.

Umbrellas are popular armour, even while cycling, though often no match for the wind. So it’s handy to have some high-quality rain gear. For some reason, though, actual rain gear isn’t incredibly common here, so you can get by without it — wet trousers are perfectly acceptable business attire.

If you move from a warm, sunny climate, you’re in for a major adjustment. Invest in a good coat, take your Vitamin D, and plan plenty of sunshine-filled holidays.

These expat resources can be a huge help

Need	Where to look
Official matters	Amsterdam Municipality (gemeente); Immigration (IND); Dutch Government
Questions	IN Amsterdam and the ACCESS helpdesk
Employment	Undutchables Recruitment; Adams Multilingual Recruitment; Ministry of Social affairs and Employment; Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
Housing	Funda; Pararius; Expat Mortgages
Utilities	Partner Pete
Travel	GVB (Amsterdam public transport); NS (intercity trains); NS International
Learning Dutch	Learn Dutch; DutchPod101
Children’s education	Young Expat Services (YES)
Volunteering	VCA; NL Cares
Books	The Undutchables; Here’s Holland; Xenophobe’s Guide to the Dutch; Why the Dutch are Different; Holland Handbook; Amsterdam: A History of the World’s Most Liberal City; and lots more
Library	Amsterdam Public Library (OBA)

Dealing with culture shock after moving to Amsterdam

No matter how much you plan for this life change, at some point, it will hit you that you’re living in a whole new place, with different people, different attitudes, different beliefs, language, smells, foods, and so on. Experiencing culture shock is a normal part of the settling in process.

Gaining a better understanding of Dutch culture can help. If you moved here for a job, some companies offer a cultural integration course. Otherwise, you can dig into resources for learning about what to expect regarding communication styles and other cultural distinctions.

It can also help immensely to have a sense of humour about your new environment and its inhabitants — the Dutch certainly do! You’ll likely find that Dutchies have an easy time owning their cultural quirks. And whether it’s the way they celebrate birthdays or their adoration for the agenda, you’ll probably get used to it.

Once you’ve made it this far, you’re well on your way to becoming a bonafide Amsterdammer. All you’ll have left is to kick back with a biertje and enjoy your new home!

Are you planning a move to the Netherlands, or have you already taken the plunge? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Feature Image: Massonforstock/Depositphotos

Hydrangea thieves on the loose — more than just pretty flowers

Jen Lorimer 🇿🇼

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July 23, 2021

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Hydrangea thieves on the loose — more than just pretty flowers

The hydrangea season is in full bloom, and people seem to be appreciating them for more than just their aesthetic value. A growing number of hydrangea thefts has been reported, as the plants are believed to offer a cheap high.

The Paulides family in Houten experienced such theft firsthand when they had their neatly laid-out front garden ransacked last Saturday at 6.49 AM. How do they know this so precisely? They looked at CCTV footage — well their neighbour’s across the street security camera.

The security camera footage showed the thief — a man on a moped — drive slowly past, stop a short distance away, and then turn back. He then proceeded to dig out two white hydrangeas, put them in a bag, and drive off, reports AD. This drama unfolded in only one and a half minutes. It’s all about stealth, right?

Thefts accross the whole province

Hydrangea thefts have also been reported in Nieuwegein and De Meern in the province of Utrecht. Many owners have been waking up to find nothing but a few holes in their garden — as if nothing was ever there.

Our advice to you? That lock you had on your bike? Use it to chain up your hydrangeas… just kidding! Go out and buy an extra bike lock, but also keep a close eye on your blooms — you aren’t the only person who thinks they’re nice.

A cheap high…

You may be asking what has inspired the sudden wave of hydrangea thefts. A possible explanation is that their dried buds can be smoked, like weed — and that you can get a cheap high from the plant.

This is verified by hydrangea grower Andries van der Woerd. However, he says that there are many different types of hydrangeas and only one of them contains the hallucinogenic substance, so you have to know which one it is.

…but not recommended

Smoking hydrangeas may be cheap, but it will have you regretting your life’s decisions. According to Van der Woerd, they contain hydrocyanic acid which is a very toxic substance.

So, if you do manage to get high, you’ll pay for it by being hunched over with stomach pains for at least three days. Talk about a comedown.

There are also various other side effects associated with smoking hydrangea leaves, like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The leaves produce cyanide when they are smoked or chewed, which can cause acute cardiac arrest and permanent paralysis. At worst, death. So, we’d say, stick to the coffee shops.

What are your thoughts on these mysterious hydrangea thefts? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: bandd/Depositphotos

Take it slow: Amsterdam to reduce speed limit to 30 km/h

News
Traffic

Jana Vondráčková 🇨🇿

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July 23, 2021

0

Take it slow: Amsterdam to reduce speed limit to 30 km/h

If you’re used to cruising down the streets of Amsterdam at the regular 50 km/h, you might need to get used to something else soon — the municipality of Amsterdam wants to introduce a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h from 2023.

This plan is part of an effort to improve road safety in the busy capital. “We know that many Amsterdammers feel unsafe in traffic,” writes the municipality in a statement.

Traffic accidents were responsible for nearly 15 injuries per week and one death per month in 2020. Reducing the speed limit can help reduce the number of serious accidents by up to 30%.

Consultation period

In the true Dutch spirit, the capital is not simply enforcing this new regulation. Instead, they first launched a so-called consultation period, where residents have the opportunity to share their thoughts about the plan until October 3.

Throughout autumn, the municipality will then organise numerous discussions about traffic safety in the capital. A final decision about the new speed limit is expected to be made by the end of 2021.

Less noise

Reducing the speed limit will also result in less noise and fewer cars on the road, as people are expected to take the car less often and instead walk, cycle, or take public transport.

“A lower maximum speed ensures that urban traffic is better coordinated,” tells traffic alderman Egbert de Vries Het Parool.

Other Dutch cities such as Rotterdam and Groningen are also considering lowering their speed limits.

What do you think of the capital’s plan to set the speed limit to 30 km/h? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: olgacov/Depositphotos

Studying in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

Emily Burger

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July 23, 2021

4

Studying in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

Studying in the Netherlands is a popular choice for many international students thanks to the large number of degrees taught in English. Although, the beautiful cities and heaps of cheese also have a lot to do with it. 😉

We’re all looking for that elusive Goldilocks quality when it comes to picking a university — not too expensive, not too boring, and nothing less than high-quality education. We want something that’s juuuust right.

Well, search no more! Universities in the Netherlands are the wild card for many international students thanks to their relatively low tuition fees and high standard of education. Who knows, the Netherlands might just be the place for you too!

Tuition fees in the Netherlands

So, how far is a world-class university going to send you into the red? Actually, if you’re studying in the Netherlands, not far at all — at least in comparison to most other English speaking nations.

For example, let’s say you want to do a bachelor’s degree in business. You don’t hold an EU, British, Australian or US passport, but you want to study a degree taught in English. Here’s a rough estimation of what you can expect to pay as an international student (other subject areas may differ):

Country of study	Total tuition for a degree	Converted to euros (€)
Netherlands	€24,000-30,000	€24,000-30,000
Britain	£60,000-75,000	€68,000-85,000
Australia	AU$100,000-140,000	€63,000-89,000
United States	US$80,000-220,000	€65,000-181,000

Even better, if you do hold an EU or EEA passport, your tuition fees will be closer to €7,000 for the whole bachelor programme!

photo-of-international-students-walking-in-netherlands — Studying in the Netherlands will absolutely change your life. Image: ArturVerkhovetskiy/Depositphotos

Scholarships for international students to study in the Netherlands

But if the Netherlands is still looking too expensive for you, the good news is that many Dutch universities offer scholarships aimed at international students.

Head to the scholarship page on the university’s website and you’ll find a list of scholarships that you may be eligible for to cut down the cost of your study in the Netherlands.

The Dutch Ministry of Education, in collaboration with other institutions and universities, also funds various scholarships for non-EEA students to encourage more diversity in student communities.

Holland Scholarship

The Holland Scholarship is for non-EEA students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands. The scholarship amounts to €5,000, which you receive in your first year of study. Check the website of each participating university for the application deadline.

Orange Knowledge Programme

The Orange Knowledge Programme is for citizens of a select group of developing or emerging nations and is open to mid-career professionals wanting to do a short course or master’s programme in the Netherlands. Focus areas have been chosen for each country, so you’re only eligible if your study falls within one of these categories.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

The Orange Tulip Scholarship is for students from Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and Vietnam. The value of the scholarship varies depending on how many scholarships each participating university chooses to offer. But this can be up to a full tuition scholarship and/or help contribute to living expenses in the Netherlands.

Entry requirements for universities in the Netherlands

amsterdam — Study in Amsterdam and you get to see this beauty! Image: Tim Trad/Unsplash

Getting into a Dutch university as an international student typically comes with more requirements than if you were applying to a university in your home country. Usually, you will need to prove that you have a sufficient level of English to study in a Dutch university. Tests for this include:

the TOEFL (minimum 550 paper based, 213 computer based), and
IELTS (minimum average of 6)
GMAT or,
GRE.

But if you’re a native speaker — you’re in luck! Those coming from an English speaking country, or those who have already completed high school or a bachelor’s degree in English may not have to take any tests to prove their proficiency.

To study in the Netherlands you’ll also need to have graduated from a high school with a minimum grade point average equal to at least 7-7.5 in the Dutch grading system.

If you’re coming from the UK or Ireland, you might notice that Dutch universities tend to have lower entry requirements in terms of grades than those at home.

That doesn’t mean that standards are any lower, of course, but it does mean that if you don’t perform well in exam situations, you can still enjoy a fabulous education in this country.

Most universities will request a transcript, a motivation letter, proof of identity, a residence permit (if you come from a country outside the EU/EEA) and perhaps a writing sample (though this is less common).

Depending on the degree you are applying to, there may be courses that you need to show you have done before. But don’t sweat it if your previous courses don’t match all the requirements for the degree you are applying to. The Dutch university may decide that you can first take a preparatory year of courses before studying your degree of choice. This would take place at the Dutch university itself.

Good to know: if the university does not recognise your diploma, you may have to have it converted through a professional institution.

Types of universities in the Netherlands

photo-of-students-in-netherlands-studying-in-library — You’re bound to make new friends from all over the world if you choose to study in the Netherlands. Image: CandyBoxImages/Depositphotos

There are two types of higher education institutions in the Netherlands: research universities (universiteiten) which offer research orientated programmes (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, or WO); and universities of professional tertiary education (hogescholen) which offer more practical programmes (hoger beroepsonderwijs [HBO]).

Degrees in the Netherlands from a universiteit are more academically focused, and bachelor degrees especially are more general. Degrees from a hogeschool will be focused on preparing you for a specific career, and usually have a combination of theory and practical learning. Both institutions offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

How the grading system works in Dutch universities

Universities in the Netherlands use a unique but simple grading scale of 1-10, with one being the lowest mark and 10 being the highest.

The pass mark for most courses and universities is a 6, and a grade of 8 or higher is considered very good. It is quite rare that a grade of 10 is given, since it would indicate absolute perfection.

In fact, in the Dutch academic culture receiving a 10 is almost impossible. It’s a very different approach to the American system, for example, which grants full marks to a student who has fulfilled all given criteria. With a grade point average of 8 or higher in the Netherlands you can graduate cum laude (with distinction).

The Dutch academic calendar

The academic year in the Netherlands begins in September and ends in June or July. Students are given a two week break for Christmas and two or three months for the summer holidays. Some Dutch universities also offer programmes that start in February, which are designed to appeal to international students.

Netherlands semester calendar (bachelor’s degrees only): general guide

Semester	Start	End
First	First week of September	Mid-late January
Second	Early February	Mid-late June

Various introduction weeks for incoming students to socialise and sign up for activities and clubs take place towards the end of August. Many student associations and clubs will start at the end of August too, so it’s not uncommon for students to arrive for their studies a couple of weeks early.

Student visas to study in the Netherlands

passport — Take note of which visas you will need to study in the Netherlands. Image: cytis/Pixabay

Of course, there’s no studying in the Netherlands without the right paperwork to get you here. I found the process of applying for a Dutch visa surprisingly easy — but undeniably tedious. The type of visa you will need (if you need one at all) will depend on your nationality, so cross your fingers and let’s see who the lucky ones are:

If you are a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you do not need an MVV or a residence permit to study in the Netherlands. So you can come on over, no questions asked, and hit the books.

But if you hail from the land of Andorra, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, the United States, or Vatican City, you will need a study permit. The good news is, you will not need an MVV entry visa, which makes it a little bit easier.

For those of you who have none of the nationalities above, you will need both the MVV entry visa and the study permit. You apply for the MVV in your home country by showing evidence that you have been accepted into an accredited Dutch university.

The MVV allows you to enter the Netherlands, after which you must switch over to the student resident permit (VVR). This will allow you to stay in the Netherlands for the duration of your studies. The university applies for the VVR study permit on your behalf, so communicate with your study institution about this process.

Living costs for students in the Netherlands

Living costs in the Netherlands vary from city to city, with Amsterdam taking the crown as the most expensive place to live. But in general, you should budget between €700 and €1,000 a month for living costs as a student in the Netherlands.

Example costs of living and studying in the Netherlands

	Amsterdam	Rotterdam	Utrecht	Maastricht
Student room in the centre	€800-1,000	€600-800	€650-1,000	€500-600
Student room outside the centre	€350-700	€400-600	€400-600	€350-500
Week of groceries	€30-50	€30-50	€30-50	€30-50
Prepaid sim card (5GB)	€10-15	€10-15	€10-15	€10-15
Restaurant inexpensive meal	€18	€13.50	€16	€14
Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) in a restaurant	€5	€4	€5	€5
Crate of beer (24) from the supermarket	€10	€10	€10	€10
Cappuccino (regular)	€3.30	€2.90	€3.15	€2.90
Milk (1L, regular)	€1.08	€0.94	€0.97	€0.90
Rice (1kg)	€2.07	€1.90	€2.01	€1.90
Chicken fillets (1kg)	€7.90	€7.68	€7.80	€7.70
Jeans (chain store)	€20-50	€20-50	€20-50	€20-50
Sweater (chain store)	€15-40	€15-40	€15-40	€15-40

Student benefits that will save you money

The most significant way to save money as a student in the Netherlands is with the toeslag allowances that the Dutch government gives to low-income earners — even if you’re not from the EU. These include subsidies for housing (huurtoeslag) and health insurance (zorgtoeslag), which can cut hundreds of euros from your expenses each month.

Internationals will need a job or internship to qualify for the health insurance benefits, but this needn’t worry you. I got a small job at the university, working only six days of the year, and that was enough to qualify me for the zorgtoeslag.

How to find student housing in the Netherlands

Not everything in the Netherlands is perfect. Mostly, it’s the student housing.

Because of the country’s recent increase in population with international students, demand for housing has shot up, much faster than supply.

Depending on the city where you’re going to study, accommodation can get really difficult and expensive.

Utrecht, Amsterdam and Groningen are the worst in this regard. But there are ways to find housing in even these crazy cities: read our guide to finding student housing to find out how.

Student life in the Netherlands

As we’ve said before, the subject you study is not the only important thing to research before beginning your student life. You’re probably wondering what student life is like in the Netherlands: what is the maximum number of drunk friends you can fit on a bike? Can you procrastinate assignments until the last minute? And will your new friends really ask you to split the bill down to the last cent?

Studying in the Netherlands for the introverts

If you’re an introvert like me, don’t worry. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy quiet, calm activities while your wild friends talk to other people, or whatever it is they do. As with everything in life, studying in the Netherlands is what you make of it. You can enjoy the rich culture the Netherlands has to offer by making the most of your student discount at museums, attend events like the Crossing Border festival or Museum Night, and enjoy the many international and English-language bookstores the country has to offer.

Studying in the Netherlands for the party animals

If all this bookish talk is frightening you, don’t worry. Dutch students know how to party, and most universities will have student associations that you can choose to join (Leiden is especially known for this). There are always lots of really cool festivals and annual events for you to enjoy as well: from the Relief of Leiden to King’s Day.

And if we’re talking about partying, we also need to talk about food. Although you won’t find anyone, especially not a Dutch person, recommending Dutch food, good stuff does exist! Also, the Netherlands’ migration history has rewarded it with delicious food from other parts of the world.

Biking as a student in the Netherlands

A quintessential part of studying in the Netherlands is having your bike stolen. It’s a dramatic, heart-wrenching moment when you look at the bike rack you know you parked your bike in — and it’s empty. Despite this momentary panic, biking around this beautiful, flat country is something you absolutely cannot miss during your time here.

Top universities in the Netherlands

utrecht-university — Lovely shot of Utrecht University. Image: Zairon/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

Universities in the Netherlands are known for their high standards of education. For example, seven Dutch universities feature in the top 100 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021. Pretty impressive for such a small country!

The top ten universities in the Netherlands, listed below, all have a wide range of degrees taught entirely in English so be sure to check them out.

1. Wageningen University & Research

🏅 #62 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

Fascinated by environmental or agricultural science? Then Wageningen University and Research is the place for you. As one of the best universities in the world for life science and social science, the university draws in around 4,000 international students a year. There are around 40 undergraduate and graduate programmes taught entirely in English.

2. University of Amsterdam

🏅 #66 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands by enrolment, with around 24,000 students. Degrees range from law, business, dentistry, medicine, humanities, science and more. With about 150 degrees taught entirely in English, there are more than 3,000 international students from 100 countries. UvA ranks especially high in the departments of art, humanities and social sciences.

3. Leiden University

🏅 #70 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

The oldest and one of the most prestigious Dutch universities is Leiden University, founded in 1575. Members of the Dutch royal family, politicians and prominent cultural figures have studied here, and 16 Nobel prize winners have been affiliated with the university. With over 200 degrees taught in English, more than 100 nationalities are represented in the 28,000 students.

4. Erasmus University Rotterdam

🏅 #72 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

Erasmus University Rotterdam, named after the 15th-century humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, is a public university situated in the heart of urban Rotterdam. The university’s multicultural scene and array of programmes taught in English draw in over 5,500 international students.

5. Utrecht University

🏅 #75 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

Founded in 1636, Utrecht University is regarded as one of the Netherlands’ most prominent research universities. The 12 undergraduate and 90 graduate programmes are all taught in English and cover a wide range of disciplines including natural sciences, law, governance, life sciences, humanities, social sciences and earth sciences. Some 118 nationalities are represented here, so again, a very international study environment.

6. Delft University of Technology

🏅 #78 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

Here’s one for all you engineers and techies: Delft University of Technology. While most of their 14 undergraduate degrees are taught in Dutch, they do offer 30 postgraduate programmes in design, engineering and science that are taught in English. Almost 25,000 students attend the university, around one-fifth of them being international students.

7. University of Groningen

🏅 #80 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

With over 6,000 international students, the University of Groningen is another popular option for those coming from abroad. The university offers 35 undergraduate and over 90 master programmes taught in English, across 11 different faculties.

8. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

🏅 #116 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is the second largest publicly funded research university in Amsterdam. The ‘vrije’ (free) in their name refers to their independence from the state, so if you were hoping for zero tuition fees, you’re out of luck. This Dutch university offers 25 bachelors and 150 master programmes in English, spanning nine faculties.

9. Maastricht University

🏅 #121 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

Maastricht University is known for being one of the youngest universities in the Netherlands with top-notch results. Their unusual Problem Based Learning differentiates them from most traditional universities, and with over 10,000 international students, they are one of the most diverse student bodies in the country.

10. Radboud University Nijmegen

🏅 #136 in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021

Known for its green campus, you’ll find Radboud University Nijmegen in one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. The university offers 13 bachelor’s programmes and 36 master’s programmes fully taught in English, with a strong focus on research.

Where to study in the Netherlands

Being a student is not just about what you study — it’s also about where you study it. Both the university and the city where you choose to spend your time in the Netherlands will shape your experience.

Universities in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, most universities offer a wide range of degrees, from science to business to humanities. However, most are also known especially well for one particular field.

Leiden is known for social sciences and law, Delft for science and technology, Wageningen for environmental research, and so on.

Be sure to research this before you select your university — while the feel of the city is important, so is the field your university specialises in.

The best student cities in the Netherlands

We already have an article on the ten most popular student cities in the Netherlands, but the most important thing to remember is that your options are absolutely not limited to Amsterdam.

Delft, The Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Utrecht and Groningen are all amazing options, to name just a few.

No matter whether you’d rather live in a small, cosy city like Delft or Leiden, or a bustling, international place like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, there’s an option for everyone in the Netherlands.

And if you want to learn more about individual cities, we have city guides to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

Speaking English and learning Dutch in the Netherlands

One of the most attractive things about studying in the Netherlands is the fact that not only do most Dutch people speak perfect English, but a lot of degrees are also taught in English.

This means that Dutch universities are highly international, attracting a wide range of people from all over the world.

Though there has been some worry about the decline of the Dutch language in academia, the internationalisation of Dutch universities does not look set to change in the near future.

If you come here as a native, monolingual English speaker, get ready to feel bad about yourself and your life choices. Most Europeans speak more than one language.

The good news is that Dutch is pretty easy for English-speakers to pick up — so you can heal the damage your parents inflicted on you by raising you in an English-speaking country.

Pros and cons of studying in the Netherlands as an international student

netherlands houses — The houses are pretty but also kind of tiny! Image: Victor/Pexels

From someone who has studied in this country for three years, I’m going to practice some Dutch directness and give it to you straight. The good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to being an international student in the Netherlands.

Pros of studying in the Netherlands

👍 Quality and affordable education

The main reason I (and many other internationals) chose to study in the Netherlands is because education here hits the perfect sweet spot between quality and affordability. Dutch universities are recognised as some of the best in the world, and offer a wide range of degrees taught entirely in English. Yet, as I laid out earlier, the international student fees are a fraction of the price of what you’d pay in a British or American university.

👍 Great quality of life

The quality of life in the Netherlands is also high, with well maintained infrastructure, low levels of crime and plenty of beautiful parks to escape to. For those of you interested in European history or art, there are a string of famous museums and cultural events to dive into.

👍 Perfect for exploring the rest of Europe (and beyond)

The Netherlands also offers a great base point for the travel-junkies out there looking to explore Europe. Your student visa will give you access to all EU countries for the duration of your studies, so use those long weekends for a trip to Italy, Greece, Portugal — whatever takes your fancy!

Cons of studying in the Netherlands

👎 Cloudy and grey weather

But life as an international student in the Netherlands is not always a walk in the park. Many have a hard time adjusting to the grey, wet weather that consumes the country for months on end. The lack of sunlight in the winter can be a real mental and emotional strain which is especially tough when you come from a warmer climate.

👎 Lack of available and affordable housing

The lack of housing in the Netherlands is also a growing problem that affects international students most profoundly. Often landlords prefer meeting potential tenants in person before signing contracts, or even specify that they only want Dutch students.

Internationals are also more vulnerable to housing scams since they cannot check properties in person before signing contracts. Many international students end up living in hostels or hotels for their first few months before they are eventually able to find accommodation.

The key to avoiding this is to look early. Many internationals will rent rooms from June or July just to secure a place for themselves when they arrive in August or September. Applying for university accommodation is often better than relying on the private housing market alone.

👎 Dutch culture can be hard to break into

Finally, there is often somewhat of a divide between the international students and Dutch students. This is obviously a generalisation, and many Dutch students are great to hang out with. But it’s not uncommon for international students to feel excluded when it comes to student life in general.

The international student bubble in the Netherlands is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you can make friends from around the world, allowing you to build a global network and learn from people with completely different backgrounds to you. On the other hand, experiencing the culture of where you actually are can be quite hard to break into.

But don’t let that deter you — student life in the Netherlands is a blast and I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student here. I’ve walked away with a quality degree, fantastic travel experiences, and a global network of friends. So, what are you waiting for?

What have your experiences of studying in the Netherlands as an international student been? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Adrien Olichon/Unsplash

Over 50% of adults in the Netherlands are now fully vaxxed

Chloe Lovatt 🇬🇧

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July 23, 2021

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Over 50% of adults in the Netherlands are now fully vaxxed

Finally some good vaccine news! Over half of adults in the EU are fully vaccinated against coronavirus. This figure extends to adults in the Netherlands.

We’re (hopefully) heading towards that herd immunity, with 53% of adults in EU member states being fully vaccinated, according to figures from the European Commission. The Dutch are steaming ahead with their vaccination strategy despite the hiccups, with 56.3% of adults being fully protected and 83% having had at least one shot.

That brings the total number of people fully protected in the EU up to 180 million. More than 67% of adults have had at least one shot.

The stats do vary between different EU member states. Malta has a stonkingly high rate of vaccination, nearly 83% of adults being fully protected. However, other states like Bulgaria are lagging behind with just 16.5% of those over 18 being fully vaxxed, reports RTL Nieuws.

More than 200 million adults in the EU are now fully vaccinated! That’s almost 55% of adults in the EU.

Full vaccination protects us from variants and will helps us avoid a new wave of infections.

Let’s get vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/HYEI6qFfPW

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 22, 2021

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for the latest news and updates.

Feature Image: Gustavo Fring/Pexels

Most of Netherlands now DARK-red on EU COVID-19 map: holidays and trips home at risk

Chloe Lovatt 🇬🇧

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July 22, 2021

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Most of Netherlands now DARK-red on EU COVID-19 map: holidays and trips home at risk

Hugo De Jonge predicted this would happen earlier in the week, and now he has proven to be correct. In the latest update of the map by the European Centre for Disease Protection and Control (ECDC), large parts of the Netherlands are classed as “dark red.”

Last week, the country was categorised as red, meaning there were between 200 and 500 cases of coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants. Dark red means there are more than 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Groningen had already gained dark red status. Now Utrecht, North and South Holland, Gelderland, North Brabant, and Overijssel join it in the severest of colour codes.

This means that it may be even more difficult for travellers coming from the Netherlands to enter other countries without facing restrictions.

International colour changes

The Netherlands is not the only country to get the dark red badge. Parts of Spain have also been classed as dark red, including Valencia, Mallorca, and Ibiza. The Greek Island, Crete, also turns from red to dark red.

Other countries also undergo a change of colour. Parts of Italy and France have gone from green to orange.

To support EU countries in making decisions about #COVID19 travel measures @ECDC_EU publishes a🚦weekly map:

✔️based on data provided by countries
✔️broken down by regions

Check out the latest map 👇

More info: https://t.co/Qgslz4wDp2 pic.twitter.com/hHoODdNdux

— EU Council (@EUCouncil) July 22, 2021

Are you surprised by another change in the colour code of the Netherlands? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Feature Image: Tasfoto/Depositphotos

Climate change is threatening Europe’s wine flavour and the Netherlands is benefitting from it

Chuka Nwanazia

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July 22, 2021

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Climate change is threatening Europe’s wine flavour and the Netherlands is benefitting from it

When we talk about climate change, we often talk about extreme weather and the direct effects they have on the earth, humans, animals, etc. Floods caused by rising sea levels, cities running out of water, extreme heatwaves, and so on. However, there are still many effects of climate change that we do not immediately consider. One fact we almost never consider is the impact of global warming on wine production.

When it comes to wine production in Europe and much of the world, countries like France, Italy, and Spain are known to be the biggest players on the block. For years, their climate has been perfect for the growing of grapevines needed for the production of some of the wines we consume here in the Netherlands.

But wine production in these countries is facing serious threats due to global warming. One of the biggest issues is that grapes are ripening too fast under the blistering sun — too much bronzing on the vine and they will wither into raisins, turning the wine into a syrupy, unpleasant blend.

In order to produce wine of the highest quality, it is of paramount importance that the harvest dates of the grapes are right. Climate change is making that extremely hard, and as result, posing a huge threat to wine flavour and supply.

Popularity of Dutch wine is grwoing — thanks to climate change

In the Netherlands, we drink an average of 25 litres of wine per person, per year. However, only one percent of this wine is produced in the Netherlands. That being said, in the past few years, Dutch wine has become increasingly popular in the country and while we can say that the quality of Dutch wine has somewhat increased, the main reason is down to something else entirely.

Photo-of-wine-vineyard-Netherlands — The Netherlands has vineyards — shocking, we know. Image: foto-pixel.web.de/Depositphoto

The number of bottles produced in the Netherlands is not that large yet: on average just over 1,000,000 per year (which is basically what you find in a large vineyard in France). Improvement in quality aside, the main reason why the demand for Dutch wine has increased over the years is partly due to climate change.

So how come? Well, let’s find out …

The production of wine

Firstly, to produce wine you need the right grapes in the right climate — and these must be harvested at the right time. Roughly speaking, winters should be mild enough, summers hot enough (with rain here and there to humidify), and autumn should provide adequate drought and warmth. Only with the right climate conditions can grapes ripen appropriately, which in turn has a direct effect on the quality of the wine.

Long story short, the production of wine is very climate-dependent. Elizabeth Wolkovic, a biologist at the University of British Columbia researching the effects of climate change on vineyards sees a direct effect of global warming on their wine harvest. An assistant professor of organismic and evolutionary biology, Wolkovic predicts severe wine shortages, rising wine prices, changing the character of certain wines, and the disappearance of some wine varieties.

The Washington Post also reports that winemakers are becoming more interested and aware of climate change and a lot of them are really concerned. They are seeing things they haven’t seen before, with storms and heatwaves.

Researchers also calculated that if we do nothing and the climate warms by 2 degrees, 56% of the current wine region will disappear. If this continues and the global temperature rises even further by 4 degrees, 85% of all grape varieties will die out.

So how does the Netherlands benefit from all this?

The Netherlands used to be too cold for viticulture. Today, due to climate change and improved grapes, some parts of the Netherlands are becoming more favourable for the growing of grapes and wine production. Dutch winegrowers have also had time to experiment and gain experience in the past few years.

Previously, these (Dutch) winegrowers were mainly hobbyists who weren’t into large-scale (wine) production, but due to the professionalisation of the sector in the Netherlands, more attention has been paid to the production process of Dutch wine. Many Dutch winegrowers experiment with grape varieties, soil, their vineyards, etc. Most also take training courses in agronomy, oenology, and marketing.

So while other countries are facing climate change challenges, the wine production sector in the Netherlands has been growing and improving, all of which are positive for Dutch viticulture.

Photo-of-vineyard-in-frost — The sharp fall and rise in temperatures this year has led to issues for traditional vineyards. Image: FreeProd/Depositphotos

The truth is that there’s still a lot of research being done into the effects of global warming on vineyards and wine production, but what can be said with certainty is that the Netherlands currently has the type of climate, that for years, can be found in regions like Bordeaux, Chianti, etc. And this climate has been so favourable for viticulture in these regions for centuries.

Traditional wine regions are suffering

As global warming becomes more pronounced, these regions in France, Italy, and Spain will warm up even more and as a result, fewer grapes will be grown there. Think about April 2021, when French winemakers had to light candles in their vineyards to try and save their fruits from frost.

The saddest part is that these efforts to save their harvest are often not enough and a large part of the crops are affected. So the heating up of the climate isn’t the only problem they have to deal with.

Dutch vineyards benefit from higher temperatures — but it’s not all good news

The warming up of the weather has in the past years become very favourable for Dutch viticulture. We don’t have as many winegrowers here in the Netherlands as in France or Spain, but more and more are cropping up, especially in the Achterhoek and South Limburg, because they happen to be the regions where grapes are generally best grown.

The summer of 2018 was ideal for grape growers in the Netherlands. Lots of sunlight and high temperatures, all under 40 degrees. In order to grow well, the grapes need a nice spring and summer, preferably without too much precipitation and night frost, two things that occur quite often in the Netherlands.

However, climate change is not just about warm weather. Higher temperatures cause more evaporation and extreme weather conditions will also have their toll on the Netherlands. Think about flooding from excessive rainfall as we have recently seen in the Netherlands, parts of Belgium, and Germany. So while there may be benefits, there will also be some obvious disadvantages.

Photo-of-flooding-Limburg-Netherlands — The Netherlands has seen the devastating effects of climate change this year. Image: brita.seifert@googlemail.com/Depositphotos

Of course, climate change is just a part of the reason why Dutch wine has improved and become more popular in the past years. A lot of that is thanks to the enthusiasm, hard work, experimentation with grape varieties, etc., of the winegrowers and winemakers in the Netherlands. If they can continue to increase the quality of Dutch wine, the upward trend is expected to be sustained.

But even the happiest Dutch winegrower can sometimes be sceptical when it comes to the positive gains from the effects of climate change on Dutch viticulture. Global warming means that the climate remains highly unpredictable and while things may be looking good for Dutch viticulture right now, who knows what the situation may be in the future?

The future of the wine industry

Elizabeth Wolkovic has some answers, saying that wine producers now face a choice: either they proactively experiment with grape varieties, or risk suffering from climate change. There is no time to waste.

“With continued climate change, certain varieties in certain regions will start to fail. That’s my expectation,” she says. “The solution we’re offering is: How do you start thinking of varietal diversity? Maybe the grapes grown widely today were the ones that are easiest to grow and tasted the best in historical climates, but I think we’re missing a lot of great grapes better suited for the future. And if you want to buy good wine, you’re going to want to stop looking at labels and just listen to your taste buds,” she adds.

So what does this mean for the future of Dutch wine production? Are more people going to stop buying wine by their labels and start buying Dutch wine which is increasing in popularity due to the improved taste of its grapes? We guess time will tell.

What is your favourite Dutch wine and how often do you drink it? Let us know in the comments below.

Feature Image: Sannie32/Depositphotos

Where can I holiday? Current travel advice from the Netherlands

Chloe Lovatt 🇬🇧

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July 22, 2021

6

Where can I holiday? Current travel advice from the Netherlands

Have you been dreaming of sandy beaches all throughout lockdown? We feel you. But with coronavirus regulations changing all the time, it’s hard to keep up with what’s happening in every country. We’ve compiled this handy guide where you can find out all the Dutch travel restrictions for top holiday destinations.

Here you’ll find the information you need to know about travel restrictions, the documents you’ll need, and whether or not you’ll be required to quarantine when you get back to the Netherlands. This information is according to the advice of the Royal Dutch Tourist Association (ANWB) and from information provided by RTL Nieuws so you can travel safely this summer. 🏖

Note: All the information provided is based on the current advice from the ANWB and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These may differ from EU travel advice and that from individual countries. For up to date quarantine advice on return to the Netherlands, you can check on this website.

Code green countries

If a country is green it means there are 50 or fewer coronavirus cases in the last 14 days. It indicates that the country is “safe” for travel, but some restrictions may apply.

Italy

Fancy soaking up the sun in Sicily? Well, here is the travel advice for our favourite boot-shaped peninsula.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes. You need a PCR or antigen no older than 48 hours unless you can provide proof of vaccination.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, the Digital Coronavirus Certificate or yellow book are sufficient.

Extra info: Anyone entering Italy must complete a digital health form. There are no travel restrictions if you are in the country for less than 36 hours.

Germany

Are you planning on visiting our next-door neighbours? Here’s what you need to know before popping over for some rival Pils.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes. You need one no older than 48 hours or an antigen test no older than 24 hours. This does not apply if you can provide proof of vaccination.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No, if you can provide a Digitial Coronavirus Certificate.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, the Digital Coronavirus Certificate or the yellow book are sufficient.

Greece

You might be ready to eat your weight in tzatziki, but here’s the information you need to know before you do.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes. You need one no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours. This does not apply if you have proof of vaccination.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No, providing you have a negative test or proof of vaccination.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, the Digital Coronavirus Certificate or the yellow book are sufficient.

Extra Info: Upon entry, you have to complete this form. A few parts of the country, including Crete, are red. Different restrictions may apply in these areas.

Code yellow countries

These are the countries labelled yellow by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This code means that you can travel there with “caution” and there are “security risks” in terms of coronavirus.

Belgium

Our other next-door neighbour has a few more restrictions. This is what you need to know before crossing the border.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: No, but it may be required at some destinations.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, the Digital Corona Certificate is accepted.

Extra info: If you’re staying for longer than 48 hours, you will have to complete a Passenger Localisation Form.

France

Before you fill up on red wine and cheese, check out these travel restrictions.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes. You need a PCR or antigen test no older than 72 hours.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No, if you can provide a Digital Coronavirus Certificate.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, the Digital Coronavirus Certificate or the yellow booklet are sufficient.

Extra Info: The island of Corsica is currently green. You need to provide a “written statement of your honour” when entering the country. The south of France and Paris are orange, so different restrictions may apply in these regions.

Luxembourg

Here’s what you need to know for this land-locked location.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes, but only for air travel. You need one no older than 72 hours unless you can provide a vaccination certificate.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No, if you can provide a negative test or proof of vaccination.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, the Digital Corona Certificate or the yellow book is sufficient.

Code orange countries

This Dutch colour code means that you should only travel to these countries “when necessary.” This includes if you live in that country, your spouse or close relative does, or in extreme circumstances like attending a funeral.

Spain

We know you’re keen to party on “la playa”, but here’s what you need to know before you do.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes, unless you are fully vaccinated. You need one no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, if you have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before entering the country. The Digital Coronavirus Certificate and the yellow book counts as sufficient proof.

Extra Info: Air traffic is allowed, but you will have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF form) in the Spanish airport. Be aware there is a curfew between 1 AM and 6 AM in 32 municipalities.

Portugal

It was one of the first countries to become “code yellow”, but here are the updated restrictions for Dutch travellers.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes. You need one no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours unless you can provide proof of vaccination.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No, if you can provide a negative test upon entry or proof of vaccination.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, the Digital Coroanvirus Certificate or the yellow book are sufficient.

Extra info: Maderia is green, and the Azores are yellow. There is also a curfew between 11 PM and 5 AM in the Lisbon area, Porto, and the Algarve.

United Kingdom

If you were thinking about spending summer in London, this is what you need to know before you go to ol’ blighty.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes. You need one no older than 72 hours.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: Yes. On the second and eighth day of your visit, you have to do a PCR test.
✋Quarantine on return: Yes, for ten days.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: No.

Extra Info: Before entering, you have to complete a passenger locator form. You can also pay for an additional PCR test on day five of your stay.

Denmark

Before hopping over to Copenhagen, here are all the relevant travel restrictions.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes. You need one no older than 72 hours or an antigen test that is no older than 24 hours.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No, if you can provide a negative test or proof of vaccination.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, the Digital Coronavirus Certificate or the yellow book are sufficient.

Extra info: some parts of Denmark are red, including Bornholm, parts of Jutland and parts of Zeeland. Restrictions may vary in these parts of the country.

Turkey

Before you visit the land from which “döner” originates, here is all you need to know.

Travel Advice

❌ Negative test: Yes. You need one no older than 72 hours.
🔑 Quarantine on entry: No.
✋Quarantine on return: No.
💉Vaccination passport accepted: Yes, if you have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks. You cannot use your Digital Coronavirus Certificate as proof and will have to have printed evidence of vaccination, negative testing, or proof of recovery from coronavirus.

Extra Info: You have to complete this form upon entry.

Above is the travel advice for a number of top European destinations. If you want even more in-depth information on Dutch travel advice, head to the government website.

Will you be travelling to any of these countries this summer? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: Image: Anobis/Depositphotos

Proof of vaccination without having the shot? New form of vaccine fraud in the Netherlands

Jen Lorimer 🇿🇼

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July 22, 2021

2

Proof of vaccination without having the shot? New form of vaccine fraud in the Netherlands

GGDs have become aware of a new form of vaccine fraud, where people try to obtain a vaccination certificate without actually having the shot — by slipping out of the queue. Several GGDs have implemented new measures to prevent this.

De Volkskrant reports that at various GGDs across the country, employees have caught numerous people trying to get out of having the jab. After being registered in the system and receiving their orange vaccination certificate, people in the queue suddenly “need the toilet” or just outright make a run for it with a vaccination card in hand.

Fraudsters are slipping through the cracks

The health service assumes that this has happened more often. According to a spokesperson from the GGD, this is also believed to have been an issue in the Bible belt (from Zeeland to parts of Overijssel), where “people who are against vaccination in principle tried to obtain a vaccination certificate this way.”

A spokesperson from the GGD region of Utrecht says that “we have examined our entire process to see whether it is watertight, and we have set up extra supervision to prevent people from leaving the line unnoticed.”

New measures in place to prevent this

Several GGDs have implemented new measures to ensure that people who have been registered in the system cannot slip away unnoticed — nice try though.

At many vaccination sites, people will now only receive their vaccination certificate after they have been jabbed — hope the vaccine dodgers get the memo about this. In addition, the queues have now been set up in such a way that it’s impossible to slip out unnoticed.

Role reversal

While vaccination fraud initially revolved around people jumping into the queue ahead of their turn, it’s now the other way round, with people bombing out — after getting that all-important orange piece of paper that is.

Vaccination certificates have become a hot ticket as they enable you to travel, without having to been tested for coronavirus.

We do wonder how many happy-go-lucky, vaccine dodging hopefuls couldn’t make it out in time and ended up with the shot in the arm anyway.

What are your thoughts on this new form of vaccine fraud? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: SSilver/Depositphotos

Change in weather leads to “butterfly explosion” in the Netherlands

Chloe Lovatt 🇬🇧

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July 22, 2021

0

Change in weather leads to “butterfly explosion” in the Netherlands

We’ve all had a rough year, but the tides are starting to change, at least in the animal kingdom. Researchers have observed an explosion in the number of butterflies spotted in the Netherlands since mid-July.

Spring and early summer in the Netherlands were drab and rainy. No fun for us, but great for our winged friends. The wet weather offers prime conditions for caterpillars to grow. Thanks to the weather finally getting warmer, these gorgeous insects have emerged, well, like butterflies out of their cocoons! 🦋

How are butterflies counted?

How do we measure the number of these winged beauties? Well, we count them. Yes, it’s as simple as that. Volunteers have been counting the number of butterflies they’ve seen in a week in fixed locations around the Netherlands. This study is called the butterfly measuring network. (Does that sound like butterflies holding measuring tape to anyone else? 😂 )

When we say an explosion, it’s because the figures have changed drastically in the last week. Over the weekend (July 17 and 18) significantly more butterflies were counted than in the previous two weeks.

Six times as many butterflies

These aren’t just wild butterflies, but a lot of these species you can spot in your back garden. There was an increase in the spotting of little cabbage white, the hackled aurelia, the tree blue and the atalanta species. According to The Butterfly Foundation, the atalanta butterfly has gone from being counted once every 1,000 meters to being seen an average of six times.

Have you spotted more butterflies this summer? Where have you seen them? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: adogslifephoto/Depositphotos

DutchReview

DUTCHREVIEW

DutchReview

What it’s like to live in Amsterdam

Preparing to move to Amsterdam

Gather and authenticate important documents

Applying for a visa for the Netherlands

Applying for your Dutch residence permit

Getting a work permit for the Netherlands

What to bring when moving to the Netherlands

Moving your pet(s) to the Netherlands

Important things to do after moving to Amsterdam

Register at the Amsterdam municipality

Open a Dutch bank account

Apply for a DigiD

Sign up for Dutch health insurance

Register with a huisarts (GP) in Amsterdam

Get your Dutch driving license

Finding a house in Amsterdam

Where to live in Amsterdam

Renting an apartment in Amsterdam

Buying a home in Amsterdam

Connecting utilities when moving to Amsterdam

Connecting gas and electricity

Connecting water and paying your bill

Signing up for internet

Getting a Dutch phone plan

Finding a job in Amsterdam

Planning for your kids when moving to the Netherlands

Registering for childcare in Amsterdam

Deciding between a Dutch or international school

Enrolling your child in school in Amsterdam

Transport in Amsterdam: how to get around your new city

Riding a bike in Amsterdam

Walking in Amsterdam

Public transport in Amsterdam

Should I buy a car when moving to Amsterdam?

Travelling to the rest of the Netherlands and abroad

Settling in after moving to the Netherlands

Do I need to speak Dutch to live in Amsterdam?

Making friends in Amsterdam

Preparing for Amsterdam’s weather

These expat resources can be a huge help

Dealing with culture shock after moving to Amsterdam

Thefts accross the whole province

A cheap high…

…but not recommended

Consultation period

Less noise

Tuition fees in the Netherlands

Scholarships for international students to study in the Netherlands

Holland Scholarship

Orange Knowledge Programme

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Entry requirements for universities in the Netherlands

Types of universities in the Netherlands

How the grading system works in Dutch universities

The Dutch academic calendar

Netherlands semester calendar (bachelor’s degrees only): general guide

Student visas to study in the Netherlands

Living costs for students in the Netherlands

Example costs of living and studying in the Netherlands

Student benefits that will save you money

How to find student housing in the Netherlands

Student life in the Netherlands

Studying in the Netherlands for the introverts

Studying in the Netherlands for the party animals

Biking as a student in the Netherlands

Top universities in the Netherlands

1. Wageningen University & Research

2. University of Amsterdam

3. Leiden University

4. Erasmus University Rotterdam

5. Utrecht University

6. Delft University of Technology

7. University of Groningen

8. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

9. Maastricht University

10. Radboud University Nijmegen

Where to study in the Netherlands