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11 things to know before taking a taxi in Amsterdam

Francine Zauner
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11 things to know before taking a taxi in Amsterdam

Unless you know the ropes, taking a taxi in the Netherlands can be a confusing and expensive experience. But not anymore; here‘s the full lowdown on 11 things you need to know.

Picture this: You’ve just landed at Schiphol Airport, filled with excitement at the thought of Amsterdam’s iconic pebbled streets and visiting your first coffeeshop.

Welcome to the Netherlands! But hold on, not so fast. How can you get around effectively and safely? And most importantly, how will you be able to go sightseeing?

READ MORE | How to get to and from Amsterdam’s airport: the easy guide

We’ve compiled all the essential information you need to know about taxis in the Netherlands. You’ll learn how to spot official taxis, how to get a good fare, about alternative taxis and how to file a complaint.

We’ve done all the legwork for you.

1. How to spot an official taxi

First things first, before you decide to hail your very first taxi in the Netherlands, you need to ensure you’re spotting the real deal.

Unfortunately, unlicensed taxis do exist in Amsterdam, so to find a real one, make sure you can see the following:

  • a blue number plate (front and back),
  • a driver card (chauffeurskaart) with the driver’s photo,
  • and a tariff card you can read from both inside and outside the car.
picture-of-woman-hailing-a-taxi-cab-at-airport
When in Amsterdam, make sure you’re hailing a real, licensed taxi! Image: DepositPhotos.com

In Amsterdam, taxis working from stands or picking people up off the street must also belong to an approved taxi organisation — look for the official ‘Taxi’ logo on the roof light.

2. Where to find a taxi

Like in most cities, you can hail any taxi that is driving down the street — easy! But if you’re having no luck, make sure you’re not in a bus or tram lane. It’s illegal for taxis to stop in these areas.

Popular taxi stands include Centraal Station, Leidseplein, Nieuwmarkt and Rembrandtplein. Only taxis from Amsterdam’s approved taxi organisations (TTOs) are allowed to pick up passengers at these stands, so it’s a safer bet than accepting a lift from someone who approaches you.

READ MORE | 34 best things to do in Amsterdam in 2026 [UPDATED]

A good alternative to hailing would be to book a taxi by phoning them. They can also help you with fare advice.

There is a different shared taxi service in each region of the Netherlands. To find your nearest one, call: 0900 9292.

Warning: at Schiphol Airport, beware of touts trying to grab your attention. They may lead you to unlicensed taxi drivers who pay them for the service.

3. How much a taxi in the Netherlands will cost you: taxi fares

How taxi fares are calculated is complicated, but we’ll give you a rough idea.

Taxi companies set their own prices, but street and taxi-rank taxis can’t charge more than the national maximum. In 2026, that’s a €4.31 starting fee, plus €3.17 per kilometre and €0.52 per minute, according to Rijksoverheid.

Heading to or from Schiphol? Booking ahead is the way to go. TCA charges a fixed fare of no more than €50 from central Amsterdam to the airport, while taxis at Schiphol simply run the meter.

Taxi-driving-through-central-AMsterdam-in-front-of-a-tram
See Amsterdam through the window of a taxi. Image: DepositPhotos.com

READ MORE | The 18 best street markets in Amsterdam: the ultimate guide

Cash is usually accepted, but card payments are now common too. At Schiphol’s official taxi rank, every taxi takes contactless and credit card payments — and drivers aren’t allowed to turn down your ride, however short.

If riding with TCA, you can also download their app for a fixed-fare service and other payment options, including PayPal.

4. Taxi too expensive? Then…

Be a true Dutchie and grab a bicycle to get your blood pumping!

You can rent one from places like MacBike, which has a shop near Amsterdam Centraal; a city bike costs €11.25 for an hour or €17.95 for the day.

Of course, the amazing public transport system is always worth a try. Otherwise…

5. Take an Uber

A phone app makes everything easier! You can order an Uber without having to deal with call anxiety. Plus, Uber has a reputation for being cheaper than taxis most of the time.

picture-of-person-holding-phone-waiting-for-uber-they-requested
No luck with hailing a taxi cab? You can call your trusty friend, Uber! Image: DepositPhotos.com

Although you can conveniently pay with your credit or debit card, the downside is that they generally don’t accept cash.

6. Never use an unlicensed taxi

There is some truth behind the adage, “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is”.

If someone is offering you a suspiciously low price for a taxi ride, it’s time to walk away. These drivers will conveniently ‘forget’ the low-price offer by the end of your drive.

READ MORE | Moving to Amsterdam: the ultimate guide

Unlicensed taxis have become a big problem for Amsterdam.

Things got so bad that the national government stepped in, with the Wet personenvervoer 2000 (Passenger Transport Act 2000) changing how the taxi market worked.

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Bustling taxi rank at Schiphol Airport. Image: Mauritsvink/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

The ‘Taxi Law’ was designed to halt the monopolisation of TCA. However, this backfired horrendously. Instead, the quality of drivers plunged, and drivers began to select customers based on the distance they intended to travel — despite it being illegal.

7. Taxi scams do occur

Some taxi drivers view international passengers as money-filled prey. 💰

Amsterdam Shallow Man has an incredibly informative and funny article that goes into detail on some of the scams, but here are a few quick tips to consider when taking a taxi in Amsterdam:

Firstly, beware of the driver setting a high minimum price. If you ask the driver why they’re charging more than the maximum amount, you’re likely to be told that this is the “night rate” that is charged in Amsterdam — do not believe this!

READ MORE | Renting a car in the Netherlands: driving in Amsterdam and beyond

The official taxi tariffs for Amsterdam can be found here.

Be careful with fixed prices offered on the street. The legal maximum rates only apply to metered rides, so a driver’s ‘special price’ could legally be higher than the meter.

If you want a fixed fare, book it in advance with a reputable company — otherwise, insist on the meter.

@travelwithpat Avoid these three common taxi scams on your next trip #travel #traveltips ♬ original sound – Pat | Travel & Points ✈️

Next, try to pretend you’re a local, and definitely don’t say it’s your first time in Amsterdam. A whiff of that tourist smell and they’ll take you twice around the city for “sightseeing”

Keep an eye on the route, especially if you’re taking the highway. Fares are charged per kilometre and per minute, so a big detour will cost you, but the highway isn’t automatically a scam if it gets you there faster.

Finally, be wary of them “forgetting” to turn on the meter. This is always on purpose, so don’t be fooled!

Pro tip: If you think a taxi driver could be scamming you, make sure to remove all your luggage from the vehicle before attempting to dispute the price. There is a chance they could drive away with your belongings out of spite.

8. Share a taxi with a stranger

Taxi sharing is not common, but it does exist and could be a solution to avoid exorbitant costs. In areas with little public transport, you can use a regiotaxi or deeltaxi (regional shared taxi).

These run door to door and may pick up other passengers along the way, so your trip might take a bit longer. Each region has its own service and booking number, and you’ll usually need to book ahead.

Train stations don’t always reach the far corners of the Netherlands, so this service is essential for those living far away.

9. How to call a taxi company

We have put together an array of options of official taxis, so that you’re never stranded during your trip:

10. How to file a taxi complaint

First, tell the driver. If that doesn’t sort it out, complain to the taxi company in writing or by phone. The company has to reply within six weeks, according to Rijksoverheid.

Include as much detail as you can: the company’s name or P-number, the licence plate, the date and time, and your pickup and drop-off addresses. Your receipt (ritbon) will have most of this.

READ MORE | What to do when it’s raining: the ultimate guide to Amsterdam indoors

If you don’t have enough information or evidence, you can submit your complaints to the National Taxi Complaints Office on 0900 202 1881 (€0.13 per minute). They will then forward your complaint to the right taxi company.

Still not happy? You can take it to a dispute committee (geschillencommissie). Most taxi companies are members of the Geschillencommissie Taxivervoer.

11. Taking a taxi in the Netherlands: the true experience

What is it really like to take a taxi in Amsterdam? We’ve asked our readers in the DutchReview Facebook Group to share their honest experiences!

Joey Marissa: “My experience of taxis in Amsterdam was absolutely phenomenal! Way better than in Bali.”

“The taxi drivers were fun and enthusiastic. Some of them were like psychiatrists. My partner and I at the time had an amazing time getting escorted to parties and restaurants around town.”

Taxi-cars-people-street-building-in-Amsterdam
You’ll be all ready to take your first taxi and sightsee the beautiful city of Amsterdam after all these tips! Image: DepositPhotos.com

Ian Lockley: “After a recent return flight into Schiphol, which was delayed by 3 hours, I had no real choice other than to get a taxi home to Rotterdam. The bill was €171!”

Wendy Hilton: “I had a job interview and had come over for the first time, so I wanted to be on time. The hotel called the taxi, and I showed him the address on my paperwork.”

READ MORE | The ultimate guide to taking a train in the Netherlands: from OV cards to saving money

“I was suspicious as he put something else in the SATNAV, and after about 10 minutes, I felt we were going the wrong way and said so. They told me that he misunderstood what I said!”

“Anyway, he turned around, and got me there on time, but he charged me €45 — no apologies — for a journey I now know would have been a 20-minute walk! I try to avoid cabs at all costs now.”

Are there any other things one should know when jumping into a taxi in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

FVD senator spotted at same far-right, Neo-Nazi protest his party said it wouldn’t support

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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FVD senator spotted at same far-right, Neo-Nazi protest his party said it wouldn’t support

Eric Kemperman, a senator for the FVD (Forum Voor Democratie), spent part of Saturday at the violent protest on The Hague’s Malieveld.

Following incidents of protesters attacking police at the rally, the Mobiele Eenheid (riot police) were forced to move in, and a noodbevel (emergency order) was declared, allowing police to forcibly remove the worst offenders.

Pepper spray, one water cannon, and several arrests later, some semblance of peace was finally restored to the Malieveld.

Given the chaos and confusion, it’s easy to imagine public figures slipping away unnoticed in the crowd. However, nothing slipped by NRC — the news outlet was the first to report that Kemperman was at the protest, in collaboration with the anti-fascist research group Kafka.

Who is Eric Kemperman?

Kemperman, 61, is a Rotterdam native currently sitting in the Gelderland Provincial Council and the Eerste Kamer (Dutch Senate).

He initially won his Senate seat with the BBB (BoerBurgerBeweging, or the Farmer-Citizen Movement), but left in May 2025, with NOS reporting that he no longer identified “with the substantive choices and conduct”.

That September, he joined FVD — yes, the same FVD that wants to run the so-called “Renaissance School“, built on the philosophy that “old Europe was better than the new”. (Oh, and you’re funding it.)

He didn’t exactly blend in

NRC reports that Kemperman was “dressed neatly in a suit with a pipe in his hand” and chatted to several demonstrators for an hour and a half.

This is based on footage uploaded to the social media website X, analysed by NRC and Kafka:

But what, exactly, was he doing amongst the sea of Neo-Nazi slogans, red armbands with swastikas, and “White Lives Matter” banners?

According to his wife, he had to be in The Hague for lunch, and decided to pop along to the protest out of curiosity. With a pipe in hand, as you do.

While the NRC was able to get in touch with his wife, Kemperman himself was far less forthcoming. In a WhatsApp message, he told the outlet: “After the publication of your article, our press officer will decide whether to respond to it via our own channels.”

He wasn’t the only FVD member at the rally, either

Kayleigh van Koppen, who supports the FVD Councillor in Delft as a commissielid (committee member), was also spotted.

She attended the protest with her boyfriend, John A, whom the NRC describes as “a co-founder of the neo-Nazi fighting club Active Club Dietsland and the group White Lives Matter”.

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This standing desk is your WFH dream (and it’s on sale!)

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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This standing desk is your WFH dream (and it’s on sale!)

At this point, I’ve tested enough standing desks to know one thing for certain: stability matters a lot more than you think.

No matter how sleek a standing desk looks in product photos, if the whole thing starts wobbling every time you type an email or adjust your monitor, it quickly becomes annoying.

That’s exactly why the FlexiSpot E7 Plus immediately stood out to me. Unlike most standing desks that rely on two legs, this one uses a four-legged design — and honestly, the difference is noticeable from day one.

After extensively testing this desk for two weeks for work, video calls, and the usual chaotic work-from-home setup, here’s what impressed me most.

Want to get your hands on a standing desk that you’ll actually use? The Flexispot E7 Plus is on a massive sale until the end of the week! Save €100 now. 

First impressions: surprisingly easy setup

The desk arrived in multiple deliveries: the legs came in two separate boxes, while the tabletop arrived separately afterwards.

Thankfully, everything was extremely well packaged. The desk arrives with no scratches, no missing parts, and no confusing “good luck figuring this out” instruction manual.

The setup process itself was also refreshingly straightforward. The instructions were clear, every part was labelled properly, and the entire desk took me less than 30 minutes to assemble.

That said, the frame is heavy — which is honestly reassuring once you realise why.

The four-legged design makes this desk ridiculously stable

Most standing desks use a standard two-leg frame. They normally work fine — until you raise the desk higher.

Then comes the wobble.

The FlexiSpot E7 Plus takes a completely different approach with a four-legged frame, and it genuinely changes the experience.

Flexispot-E7-Pro-Legs
The four-legged design gives stylish stability. Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied

Even at standing height, the desk feels incredibly solid. Typing, leaning slightly on the desk, adjusting monitors; everything feels stable and secure.

And if you use multiple monitors, heavier equipment, or simply get irritated by shaky desks, this becomes a huge upgrade.

FlexiSpot clearly designed this desk for people who actually work at their desk all day, not just people who want a trendy standing-desk Instagram photo.

I chose the bamboo desktop (and I’m in love)

I paired the E7 Plus frame with FlexiSpot’s bamboo desktop, and aesthetically, it completely transformed my office setup.

The bamboo finish looks fresh, modern, and a little warmer than the usual plain white or black desk surfaces you see everywhere.

Flexispot-E7-Pro-Bamboo-Desktop
We love some natural textures inside.  Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied

It gives the desk a much more premium feel without becoming overly corporate.

Combined with the clean frame design, the whole setup feels minimalist but still inviting — exactly the kind of workspace upgrade that makes you actually want to sit down and work in the morning.

The motor is impressively quiet

Let’s be frank: a motor is a big step-up from having to manually crank your desk to standing position. But still, one of my biggest annoyances with some standing desks is noisy motors.

After all, the last thing you want on a Zoom call is a loud mechanical whirr that suddenly makes everyone stop talking.

Flexispot-E7-Pro-Close
The design is sleek and minimal. Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied

Thankfully, that’s not the case here.

The E7 Plus motor is extremely quiet. I can easily adjust the desk height during video calls without anyone noticing.

The movement itself is also smooth and controlled, rather than jerky or abrupt.

That sounds like a small detail, but if you regularly switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, it genuinely matters.

The control panel is actually useful

Some standing desk control panels feel overly complicated for no reason.

This one keeps things simple.

The LED display clearly shows the desk’s current height, and the control panel lets you save four different presets.

Flexispot-E7-Pro-Control-Panel
The panel is easy to use and simple to save your preferred heights. Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied

I ended up setting:

  • one for sitting,
  • one for standing,
  • and a third height that lets me easily slide my office chair underneath the desk when I’m done working.

It’s one of those surprisingly practical little details you don’t think about until you use it every day.

There’s also a built-in USB charging port, which turned out to be more convenient than expected for quickly charging my phone or headphones without crawling under the desk for a cable.

Is the FlexiSpot E7 Plus worth it?

If your biggest frustration with standing desks is instability, then yes — absolutely.

The four-legged design is what makes the E7 Plus stand out from countless other standing desks on the market. It feels sturdy, premium, and built for long-term daily use.

Add in the quiet motor, practical control panel, and the beautiful bamboo desktop option, and it ends up feeling like a genuinely thoughtful upgrade rather than just another adjustable desk.

Flexispot-E7-Pro-with-chair
Next task: cord control. Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied

It’s not the cheapest standing desk out there, but after using it daily, it definitely feels like one of those products where you understand exactly where the money went.

And honestly? Once you get used to a standing desk this stable, going back to a wobblier setup is surprisingly difficult.

Are you a standing desk convert? Share in the comments below!

Shipping across borders: which delivery partners actually help Dutch webshops?

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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Shipping across borders: which delivery partners actually help Dutch webshops?

The Dutch market is lovely, but it’s also small, so most webshops here start eyeing Germany, Belgium and France almost before they’ve sold their hundredth parcel. Trouble is, shipping across a border isn’t just “posting a bit further.”

Suddenly there’s customs paperwork, VAT rules that shift from country to country, and returns that can cost more than the sale itself. Throw in customers who expect their order tomorrow, no matter where it’s coming from, and cross-border delivery quickly becomes its own headache.

So which delivery partners are actually built for this? Here’s a quick tour of the main players for Dutch webshops with international ambitions.

The delivery partners worth knowing

Not every carrier handles cross-border the same way. Some were designed for it from the start, while others are brilliant at home and go a bit wobbly the moment they cross a border.

  • Spring GDS: Built for cross-border e-commerce from day one, rather than bolting it on later. It ships to 190+ destinations and handles the fiddly bits (customs, returns, and integrations with Shopify, Magento and WooCommerce) under one central contract instead of a separate deal per country. It’s also chasing net-zero emissions by 2040.
  • DHL: The biggest network going, plus fulfilment and deep customs know-how, which makes it a safe bet for high-volume shops. Just keep an eye on the per-country tariffs, which vary a lot.
  • UPS: Strongest when you’re shipping outside Europe, especially to the US and Asia. It clearly aims at the premium end of the market.
  • PostNL: The familiar home-turf option and a comfy entry point for Belgium and Germany. Its reach thins out once you go beyond the neighbours.
  • DPD: A solid choice within the EU, where parcels skip the heavier customs paperwork. Its prices and delivery times to Germany and France are often very competitive.
  • FedEx: The intercontinental specialist, especially for North America and Asia. Pricey for smaller shops, but hard to beat for express orders.
  • Trunkrs: A proudly Dutch outfit, founded in 2015 to make delivery friendlier: same-day, next-day and evening drop-offs (roughly 5pm to 10pm), with live driver tracking on a map. Order early enough in the day and it can land that same evening. Great inside the Netherlands and Flanders (Dutch-speaking Belgium), less so beyond it.

So why is cross-border shipping so complicated?

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Making the right choice means happy customers. Image: Dreamstime

If you’ve only ever sent parcels the domestic way, it’s easy to underestimate the jump. Here’s where it usually gets tricky.

  • Customs and VAT: Since the EU overhauled its VAT rules and brought in IOSS (the Import One-Stop Shop, which lets sellers handle EU import VAT through a single registration), you can’t just wing the tax side. In the Netherlands, VAT is called btw, and getting it wrong across several countries gets expensive fast. It’s about to get trickier, too, now that the EU is scrapping duty-free entry for cheap non-EU parcels and adding a per-item charge.
  • Returns: A return from Munich isn’t the same as one from Maastricht. It’s slower, pricier and far more of a logistical puzzle, so it’s worth treating your returns process as part of the customer promise rather than an afterthought.
  • Delivery expectations: A shopper in Germany expects the same speed a German webshop would offer. Can’t match it? They’ll happily buy local instead.
  • CO2 impact: The further a parcel travels, the bigger its carbon footprint, which matters more and more to customers (and increasingly to regulators too).

In short: it’s not just whether you can ship internationally, but how well you pull it off.

The Dutch market is small, and that’s rather the point

The domestic market simply isn’t big enough for grand ambitions, so real growth means exports. Germany alone is an enormous opportunity, with France and Scandinavia close behind.

But your logistics need to be designed for that scale: transparent pricing, digital integrations, smooth customs, and a returns flow that doesn’t devour your margins. National carriers are great at what they do. Cross-border, though, is a different discipline entirely.

So which one should you actually pick?

There’s no single winner here. It genuinely depends on where you want to grow.

Spring GDS suits shops that want to scale internationally without solving a fresh logistics puzzle for every country. For those chasing the best cross-border e-commerce shipping, it offers a specialised model that pairs cross-border simplicity with real sustainability commitments.

DHL and UPS have the muscle for big volumes, DPD is dependable within Europe, and PostNL is your friend for the neighbours. Trunkrs owns same-day and next-day within the Netherlands and Flanders, while FedEx is the one to call when you’re heading off the continent entirely.

The real question isn’t “can we ship there?” It’s “can we ship there well: efficiently, at scale, and without breaking the promise we made to our customers?”

Run a webshop that’s dipped a toe into cross-border shipping? Tell us which carrier saved your sanity (or ruined your week) down in the comments.

Dutch Quirk #38: Mush all of their dinner food (prakken)

Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰
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Dutch Quirk #38: Mush all of their dinner food (prakken)

We admire the Dutch for a lot of things — efficiency, directness, and innovation. Their cuisine, however, isn’t one of them.

While eating lunch in the Netherlands might be a culture shock, there’s nothing quite like sitting down for a nice dinner only to discover that everyone around you is furiously mushing their food with a fork.

As you sit there wondering what’s gotten into them, rest assured that what you’re witnessing is merely a quirk that combines Dutch efficiency and culinary traditions: prakken. 

What is it?

Prakken (also known as stampen) is the action of mushing food (usually the trifecta of potatoes, meat, and cooked veggies) with a fork after it’s been served up on your plate.

It’s a common practice around the Dutch dinner table, especially during the winter months.

READ MORE | Dinner in the Netherlands: traditions, dishes and restaurants

But while looking at a plate of brownish mush after a long day isn’t exactly what we’d call a cure for seasonal depression, the dishes typically associated with prakken are warm, hearty meals — that may just thaw your prejudices towards all the mushing.

Dutch-food-traditional-thick-erwtensoep-with-sausage
Mashed food is a common staple in Dutch cuisine! Image: DepositPhotos.com

While prakken is something performed at the dinner table, stampen is done in the kitchen.

Namely by mashing together various combinations of potato, meat, and vegetables into the wintery staples of stamppot, hutspot, erwtensoep, and boerenkool.

Why do they do it?

Is it just a sign of Dutch efficiency taking its seat at the dinner table, or are there deeper reasons behind all the mushing?

@iamnotachef

Stamppot 🇳🇱 | Meals we hated as kids Ep.6 #netherlands #dutch #stamppot

♬ original sound – Love at First Bite

It turns out that the first stamppot was described in a cookbook around 1880 (and, incidentally, Van Gogh’s work ‘The Potato Eaters’ was painted just five years later), so there is a long history behind hearty winter meals in the Netherlands.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk#4: Eat dinner ridiculously early

Prakken, however, didn’t become a widespread practice until the 1930s when the financial crisis forced hard-pressed Dutchies to eat more potatoes.

Nevertheless, what might’ve started as a way to cut the dinner budget quickly established itself as a tradition.

Now, some experts on Dutch cuisine even say that the food tastes better when you mush it all together.

Why is it quirky? 

Most people tend to eat their food as it’s served using cutlery, so the somewhat forceful show of mashing things with one fork can come as a bit of a shock to internationals.

However efficient, funny, or culinarily enhancing, it stays a quirky practice. 😂

Should you join in? 

All we have to say is, don’t kick it till you’ve tried it!

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

The best business bank accounts for internationals in the Netherlands

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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The best business bank accounts for internationals in the Netherlands

Looking for a Dutch business bank account? As a freelancer, I found it difficult to find something affordable with all the features we need — so I set out on a hunt!

In this article, I’ve found the best banks that cater to freelancers and established businesses, are accessible to English speakers, and have high-tech invoicing and accounting features.

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.

Finom: best business bank account for freelancers

finom-best-business-bank-accounts-netherlands

While Finom’s speedy registration and lack of BSN requirements are already powerful pros, features such as its built-in invoicing tools make it an excellent choice for freelancers and SMEs.

Even better? With interest on idle business cash, seamless international payments to over 150 countries, and a free — yes, FREE — account, Finom will help you save money, too!

Sign up with Finom

bunq: best for feature-rich banking

bunq-best-business-bank-accounts-netherlands

Dutch neobank bunq offers a handy AutoVAT system, seamless tap-to-pay capability for iPhone and Android, and a wide range of invoicing and bookkeeping integrations.

You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to get most of these features, but they’re well worth it.

Sign up with bunq

Revolut: best for international business banking

revolut-best-business-bank-accounts-netherlands

Combining the ability to “spend like a local” in 150 currencies and hold cash in over 25 currencies, Revolut is a great choice for those with foreign clients.

Plus, Revolut’s powerful spend management tools help manage budgets and track company expenses — an asset for budding freelancers and established businesses alike.

Sign up with Revolut

Qonto: best for team management

qonto-dutch-banking-app-logo

Qonto is a handy add-on for managing an expanding team’s finances, especially if you’ve outgrown your existing banking set-up.

Your team can avoid the hassle of whipping up customised invoices from scratch, with automatic receipt capture and expense submissions, custom approval flows, and seamless integration with Dutch accounting software.

Sign up with Qonto

N26: best free business bank account

n26-best-business-bank-accounts-netherlands

With comprehensive monthly breakdowns of all payments made, 0.1% cashback on all purchases, and deposit protection of up to €100,000, N26 is a great choice for a free and reliable business bank account.

Whilst there’s no physical card available with N26’s free plan, handy software helps wrangle your invoices and tax returns for you.

Sign up with N26

ABN Amro: best traditional Dutch business bank account

abn-amro-best-business-bank-accounts-in-the-netherlands

In addition to its twelve-month free plan for ZZP’ers, ABN Amro offers a traditional banking experience with excellent customer service.

Though not all information is available in English, its 24/7 customer support and physical branches are excellent at simplifying the banking process for business owners.

Sign up with ABN Amro

4 reasons to set up a business bank account in the Netherlands

With countless options to choose from, it’s high time we delved into why it’s a good idea to set up a Dutch business bank account. 👇

1. Conducting transactions in the Eurozone is easier than ever

Thanks to the Netherlands being in the SEPA zone (the European Union’s Single Euro Payments Area), making electronic payments to other EU countries and select non-EU countries is as cheap and speedy as making domestic transfers, provided you have a European IBAN.

READ MORE | Switching bank accounts in the Netherlands: the full guide

Getting a Dutch bank account as a non-EU citizen, therefore, is essential. If you’re planning on conducting any form of business in the EU, you’ll save precious time and money on cross-border cash transfers.

2. Invoicing is seamless and organised

Business bank accounts nowadays often come with a variety of built-in invoicing features and options to integrate accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks.

freelancer-working-on-a-job-while-his-business-bank-account-tracks-his-invoices
You can spend less time wrangling unpaid invoices and more time working on your business! 💪 Image: Magnific

As a result, you’re spared the hassle of wrangling unpaid bills yourself.

3. You can keep your home and work life separate

With a clear division between your personal bank account and that of your company’s, you needn’t scratch your head and wonder if that €50 was a tax-deductible business expense or last week’s grocery bill.

READ MORE | Can I open a Dutch bank account before I move to the Netherlands?

Let op: According to the KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce), some banks specify that non-business accounts are only for your personal use.

For this reason, making too many business transactions from a personal bank account may look quite suspicious and lead your bank to investigate your financial history.

4. There’s clearer insight into your business finances

When your business transactions are free of personal expenses, you have a far better picture of how well your income stacks up against the costs you’ve incurred over a financial period.

READ MORE | Do I need a Dutch bank account to work in the Netherlands?

Even better? Most business bank accounts come with expenditure-tracking software, which will give you an in-depth look at how well your company is performing financially.

What documents do I need to open a Dutch business bank account?

In general, you will need a KVK number and valid proof of identity to open a business bank account in the Netherlands.

What is a KVK number? This is a unique identification number that the KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce) issues to a business after it has been officially registered.

READ MORE | Becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands: The 2026 ZZPer guide

However, many banks may also ask for a few additional details, such as your business address, the legal structure of your company, and what operations it will undertake.

As a result, it’s always a good idea to have documents outlining these at the ready.

Whether you’re a budding freelancer or the proud owner of an established company, there are many reasons to consider opening a business bank account for your Dutch company.

Have you opened a business bank account in the Netherlands? Tell us all about your experience in the comments below!

Business bank accounts in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

With a lot of info to sift through, it’s only natural that you’d have some questions. Let’s run through some of them! 👇

What is the best Dutch bank for freelancers?

What is the best bank account for small businesses in the Netherlands?

Do I need a business bank account in the Netherlands?

What do I need to open a business bank account in the Netherlands?

Investing in the Netherlands: 8 great apps for getting into stocks in 2026

Juni Moltubak
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Investing in the Netherlands: 8 great apps for getting into stocks in 2026

There are heaps of great investment apps in the Netherlands, ready to give you a head start on your financial goals.

We get it, the thought of investing your hard-earned money can sound daunting, and it might not be for everyone.

Thankfully, investment apps can make it just a little bit easier, so you can give your wallet (and perhaps yourself) a well-deserved confidence boost.

We’ve found the best investment apps in the Netherlands that are available in English, super-easy to use, and have great options for returns on your cash.

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.

1. Trade Republic: Ideal for sky-high interest rates

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Trade Republic is a great investment app in the Netherlands that also lets you invest in crypto. Image: DutchReview

When it comes to making the most bang for your buck, Trade Republic is our top pick for a financial app that offers you the highest interest on your initial investment, with super-low transaction costs.

In addition to buying and selling Dutch and international stocks, the app lets us build a versatile portfolio with ETFs and cryptocurrency.

As a fully online institution, Trade Republic currently only offers customer support by mobile; however, with their user-friendly interface and straightforward set-up, you’re unlikely to need it anyway.

✅ Pros:

  • Platform is easy to set up and use
  • High interest on uninvested cash
  • Wide range of stocks, ETFs, and crypto
  • No monthly subscription fees

❌ Cons:

  • No customer support by phone
  • Fewer analytics in comparison to some competitors
Sign up for Trade Republic

2. DEGIRO: Known, trusted, and widely used

graphic-of-de-giro-investment-app-in-netherlands
DEGIRO is one of the most popular investment apps in the Netherlands. Image: DutchReview

With handy instruction videos and other educational tools to help you get started, DEGIRO is perfect for anyone new to investing. 

We found the platform very easy to use, and its lack of monthly fees and good customer service helped it stand out in the crowd of Dutch investment apps. 

All in all, DEGIRO is ideal for those who are testing the waters of investing. You can even choose specific companies to put your money into if you’re feeling confident. 

✅ Pros:

  • Access to global markets
  • Intuitive and user-friendly app
  • Low fees for ETFs (€1 handling fee)

❌ Cons:

  • Forex and CFDs not available for investment
  • No demo account is possible
  • No fractional stocks are possible
Sign up for DEGIRO

Disclaimer: Investing involves risk of loss.

3. Plus500: Built for CFD trading across global markets

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The app is user-friendly, and we liked being able to trial Plus500 with their demo account. Image: DutchReview

Want to cast your net wider than the usual handful of stocks and ETFs? Plus500 has two sides to it: Plus500 Invest, where you buy real shares and actually own them, and Plus500 CFD, where you trade contracts on everything from forex to commodities to crypto.

We found the platform slick, speedy, and quite user-friendly. And, best of all, the unlimited demo account let us toy about with virtual money first, before diving in with our own funds.

However, CFDs are leveraged, meaning you’re trading with borrowed money to make bigger bets than your own cash allows. While these can boost your gains, handled carelessly, they can empty your account equally fast.

The upside is round-the-clock support via chat, email, and WhatsApp whenever something isn’t clear, helping you make the best choices for your funds.

✅ Pros:

  • Access to dozens of global markets and asset classes
  • No commission on CFDs
  • 24/7 customer support via chat, email, and WhatsApp
  • Free demo account

❌ Cons:

  • No ETFs available on Plus500 Invest
  • €10 monthly inactivity fee after three months of no trading
Sign up for Plus500

4. Lightyear: Flexible investing across currencies

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We found Lightyear to be one of the most accessible investment apps on the market. Image: DutchReview

With its sleek, futuristic design, the Lightyear app is ideal for investors in the Netherlands who want to manage a diverse portfolio of stocks, ETFs, and more across EUR, USD, and GBP.

If you’re new to investing, Lightyear offers access to fractional shares and “Savings Vaults”. With these, your cash gets invested into Money Market Funds, earning you higher interest than most Dutch banks.

The best part? There are no monthly subscription fees, and you can enjoy low trading fees on their diverse range of ETFs.

✅ Pros:

  • No monthly subscription fees
  • Fractional stocks and ETFs are available
  • Low fees on ETFs

❌ Cons:

  • No crypto
  • Yearly fees charged on Money Market Funds
  • Some additional fees (like foreign exchange or fund provider fees) may apply
Sign up for Lightyear

Disclaimer: Capital at risk. The provider of investment services is Lightyear Europe AS. Terms apply: lightyear.com/terms. Seek qualified advice if necessary.

5. Trading 212: Build investing experience with a free practice account

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The practice account is a great way to learn the ropes before taking on any risk. Image: DutchReview

Unlike most apps on this list, Trading 212 lets you open a free, unlimited practice account. You can practise with virtual cash and get comfortable with making trades before shelling out your own money.

When you’re ready to put that cash to work, you can set up recurring contributions via the AutoInvest feature, and let the app top up your portfolio automatically — dividends reinvested and all.

Not ready to invest all your money at once? With Trading 212, the cash sitting in your account earns interest daily (around 3% on euro balances for Dutch users), so you’re rewarded even before you buy your first share.

✅ Pros:

  • Free practice account to practise risk-free
  • Commission-free stocks and ETFs
  • Fractional shares and automated Pies
  • Interest on uninvested cash paid daily

❌ Cons:

  • No bonds or mutual funds
  • 0.15% currency conversion fee
Sign up for Trading212

Disclaimer: When investing, your capital is at risk. Spreads and, where applicable, FX fees and product-related costs apply.

6. Scalable: A good savings rate and easy to get started with

graphic-of-investment-app-Scalable-in-Netherlands
Enjoy a healthy interest rate with Scalable. Image: DutchReview

With its clean aesthetic, up to 2.6% interest rate on cash, and multiple smart tools, we found Scalable to be the perfect investment app for someone looking to do a lot with their savings. You can think of it as the Swiss knife of investment apps.

Our favourite aspect was its PRIME+ Broker account, which gave us access to a plethora of premium trading features.

With this account, you can enjoy commission-free trading for orders over €250 and trade as much as you want for just €4.99 per month — meaning you’re free to do whatever your heart desires with your money (responsibly, of course).

✅ Pros:

  • Enjoy a 2.5% interest rate on savings
  • Investing explained in a smooth and easy way
  • Helpful tools to monitor your investments
  • Offers commission-free trading from a €250 order volume with a PRIME+ package

❌ Cons:

  • App uses a lot of investment lingo that may not be beginner-friendly
Sign up for Scalable

7. bunq: Tick the green box

graphic of bunq logo and screenshot showing dutch investment app
Bank disruptor bunq has turned its hand to investing, all in the same app. Image: DutchReview

Self-labelled “bank of the free”, bunq is all about making your financial life as straightforward and sustainable as possible. Best of both worlds, much? 

bunq Stocks is a straightforward investment function built directly into the bunq app. We found it super-handy for keeping a neat overview of our cash flow and investments — all in one place. 

Plus, bunq’s investment function is easy to use and lets you choose from a selection of the best stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. Thanks to its fractional shares, we could get started with as little as €10. (Just keep in mind that while it’s free for the first 3 months, standard trading incurs a 0.99% fee per transaction after that.)

✅ Pros:

  • Mobile bank and investment platform in one
  • Highly regarded user experience
  • Fractional shares possible

❌ Cons:

  • 0.99% fee per trade on Free and Core plans
Sign up for bunq

8. Revolut: The whole package in one app

graphic of revolut logo and screenshot showing dutch investment app
Revolut offers easy investing options alongside your everyday banking. Image: DutchReview

Revolut is truly the full package when it comes to mobile finances. In just one little app, you can save, spend, track, send, and, most importantly, invest your cash however you like.

With its sleek design, real-time performance updates, and (fractional) investment opportunities as low as €1, Revolut stands out as a beginner-friendly platform in the world of finance apps.

We also like Revolut’s option of investing in dividends, which gave us access to regular payments from some of the largest companies in the world.

✅ Pros:

  • Fractional shares available
  • Banking, investment, and many other products in one app
  • Highly regarded user experience

❌ Cons:

  • Limited number of commission-free trades
Sign up for Revolut

What are the benefits of using an investment app?

Investing using an app is way more convenient than traditional investment methods. With a tap on your phone screen, your brand-new investment portfolio is in your pocket. 

Commuting to work? Eating lunch? Watching Netflix in bed? There are no limits to when, how, and in what you can invest when you have it all on your phone.

Oh, and transactions tend to happen faster through apps than with conventional methods, which means more precious time and money saved for you. 

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There are tons of advantages to using a Dutch investment app. Image: Depositphotos

Most investment apps also make an effort to provide a good visual overview of all your investments, which is especially great if you’re a beginner who doesn’t quite know how to keep track of everything. 

Plus, apps are cheaper than running a brick-and-mortar operation, so that can even keep the internal costs of the brokerage down.

That means more focus on the things that really matter (paying for good customer service, for example, rather than heating up an office building) and better returns for you.

How to get started with investing in the Netherlands

Ready to let your money live up to its full potential? Let’s talk about how you get started with investing in the Netherlands.

1. Do your research

Before investing, it’s important to take time to understand the basics. After all, you’re investing your real, hard-earned money.

Learn about different types of investments (stocks, ETFs, bonds, etc.) and how they fit your financial goals. Consider:

  • Risk tolerance: How much risk can you handle?
  • Investment horizon: Are you investing short-term or long-term?
  • Costs and taxes: The Netherlands has a Box 3 wealth tax on investments, so be aware of potential tax obligations.

There are heaps of financial blogs, platforms, and YouTube channels that can help you get started.

international-in-the-netherlands-sitting-on-a-yellow-couch-and-checking-his-investment-portfolio-on-a-banking-app
Proper research will help you narrow down the ideal app for your investment needs. Image: Freepik

2. Choose your investment app and sign up

Next up, it’s time to choose the investment app you want to go with (one from this list, for example!) and sign up for it. To do so, most platforms require:

✅ A valid Dutch or EU ID, a residence permit, or an international passport
✅ A Dutch bank account
✅ Proof of residence in the Netherlands (such as a utility bill)
✅ BSN (Burger Service Nummer) for tax purposes

3. Start small and learn

Once you’re all set, it’s recommended to start with a small investment and learn as you go. Many platforms allow you to invest with as little as €10-€50.

READ MORE | Dutch savings accounts: Best interest rates in the Netherlands in October2026

That way, you can get comfortable investing as you figure out how everything works.

What about savings apps? 

Investing is lovely, but sometimes we also need a good way to put aside money in a savings account to keep some cash liquid (like for emergencies) or if we want to access our money in the near future without taking a risk on the market.

READ MORE | Best banking apps for internationals in the Netherlands

The unfortunate thing is that Dutch banks tend to have ridiculously low interest rates, making saving in the Netherlands a foolproof way to, well, lose money. 

Enter: border-crossing savings apps like Raisin! Raisin lets you shop around for whichever European bank has the best terms so that you can get the most out of your savings. 

Have you tried any Dutch investment apps? What are your top tips for a good investment journey? Tell us in the comments below!

Disclaimer: Investing involves risks, and you can lose your investment. DutchReview is not a financial consultancy. The content shared on the website and DutchReview’s social accounts does not contain any financially binding advice.

Investment apps in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

What are the best investment apps in the Netherlands? 

How can I invest in the Netherlands? 

Can I use a Dutch investment app if I don’t speak Dutch?

How do I know a Dutch investment app is safe?

Is it smart to invest in the current Dutch economy?

Can I invest ethically and sustainably in the Netherlands?

What are some useful resources for someone getting into investing?

Are Dutch trading apps regulated? 

5 odd little things you can find in the Netherlands

Laila Robles Martínez
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5 odd little things you can find in the Netherlands

As an international, once you get past the most obvious things that differ from what you‘re used to, you start to develop a sixth sense when it comes to detecting strange stuff that goes on around you — and let me tell you, it’s fun!

Here is a list of just five weird things I found after careful observation of the Dutchies and their beautiful country. 👇

1. Schoolbags on flagpoles

A couple of months ago, I kept running into schoolbags on flagpoles in random houses and I couldn’t help but wonder what it meant.

Was it a secret code for something? Did they run out of space inside? It wasn’t long before I found out it’s a Dutch tradition that takes place in early June when the school year is over.

Apparently, if a high school senior lives in a house that happens to have a flagpole, they shall hang out their schoolbag as a sign that they passed all their final exams, and thus, are graduating!

It represents throwing their bag out the window, quite literally, because it’s no longer needed. Very oddly cute!

2. Bikes being used to move a house

I have seen some pretty badass cycling during my time in the Netherlands, like the super mom or dad who carries four children in a bakfiets.

What I really did not see coming was all the other solo bike activities Dutchies do, like carrying stuff I would honestly never have imagined. Here is a short list:

  • a ladder
  • a chair
  • a surfboard
  • really heavy and big flowerpots
  • their pets (this is probably the “most normal”)
  • and how about another bike on the side just rolling as they go?
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Biking (while carrying literally anything) is synonymous with Dutch culture! Image: DepositPhotos.com

Even if these bike-riding Dutchies aren’t carrying anything, they like to put their hands behind their back — because who needs to have a good grip on the vehicle they’re operating?

3. Brood met kaas every damn day

The love for cheese in this country is not a secret to anyone unless you live under a rock. That being said, I didn’t expect Dutchies to eat the yellow stuff with bread every day for lunch.

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A classic boterham with cheese, a Dutch lunch delicacy. Image: Takeaway/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

I mean, I understand a sandwich is a good idea when you’re in a hurry or don’t have any time to cook — but that is so not the case here. The tall people from the land of endless canals simply don’t understand life without a good brood met kaas in the middle of the day.

READ MORE | Lunch in the Netherlands: culture, bread and society

Is eating that much dairy good for you? Plus, there’s nothing like a nice home-cooked warm meal, right?

4. A random girl on stickers plastered throughout the cities

This is one of the strangest ones. I live in The Hague and noticed that almost everywhere I went (downtown, the beach, and the suburbs), there was a sticker with what appears to be some type of yearbook-style picture of a young blonde girl.

I mean, who is this girl? Why is she all over the city and occasionally found in other Dutch (and even international) locations?

The answer has yet to be confirmed but I found one theory that says some guy thought it would be funny to print a hundred stickers of his sister just to mess with her, and so he did.

I later found out this girl is all grown up now and has an Instagram account (@hetzusje), where she visits the sticker theme and you can even DM her for stickers. I mean, c’mon, how weird is that? You can’t make this stuff up!

5. Curtains that are wide open (or no curtains at all)

I will admit this isn’t the first time I visit this topic but I keep coming back to it because it blows my mind time and time again.

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The Netherlands, a curtainless country. Image: Unsplash

It deserves a spot on the weird things Dutch people do because where else in the world can you see everything that goes on inside a house while you walk down the street?

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #46: Never close their curtains

I think it’s a combination of “we have nothing to hide” and “everyone keeps their eyes on their own business”. Of course, that’s not entirely the case for impressionable internationals — it’s very hard not to look inside.

What are some of the weirdest things you have discovered during your time in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Living in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch

Enora Regnier
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2
Living in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch

Living in The Netherlands without speaking Dutch, should you go for it or ‘vergeet het maar‘? Here’s a glimpse into life in Holland when you forgo learning Dutch.

Do I need to learn Dutch before moving to the Netherlands? Living in the Netherlands without speaking the language it’s a bit… like willingly trying to swim without using your legs: it’s not ideal, but you can do it.

Most Dutch people will understand that you are trying your best not to drown and go as fast as possible.

But from time to time, you will meet someone who will ask you to move out of the way; you just don’t fit in this line, so take your weirdo swim elsewhere.

I’ve got a message for you: DUTCH IS BLOODY HARD TO LEARN!

Living in Holland without speaking Dutch: conversation or trial?

I love living in this country, and I love that with Dutch people, you kind of always know where you stand. They are so honest and direct, not to say abrupt, that I see it as a “let’s not waste our time with bullshit” mentality. And it’s refreshing.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk 42: Be overwhelmingly direct and never beat around the bush

However, the Dutch can also be very proud. Of their culture, of their language, sometimes of themselves. And this combination, mixed with the wrong people, can turn what started as a nice conversation into a true trial, in which you will find yourself defending your lack of language abilities.

I agree 1000% that learning the language of the country you live in is crucial to integrate into society and turn the “one of them” into “one of us.” But let’s be honest: Dutch is one of those languages not taught at school in many countries.

Learning Dutch as a French speaker

It is a known fact that the older you get, the harder it becomes to learn a new language. Especially when said language has a completely different grammar or pronunciation than your language. Being French, Dutch is to me what Italian is to Germans: a language that has nothing in common with my mother tongue.

It is also a fact that Dutch people are particularly good at English. It never ceases to astonish me: almost everybody you encounter in this country can speak English.

READ NEXT | The best tips to learn Dutch: my experience of grasping the language

Just imagine living abroad but being able to go to the supermarket, work, the doctor, or any shop and have a conversation in English. Just try to do the same in France, Italy, or any other European country (really, go ahead, try!).

That’s a blessing for tourists and expats who get a real chance to build a life abroad.

But that might also be the problem: because the Dutch are so good with English, they tend to think that anyone else who isn’t is doing it on purpose.

Lack of effort or lack of skill?

I have stopped counting the times I have heard “French people refuse to speak English” or “French people think everybody else in the world needs to speak French like them.”

This might be breaking news for you, but the French don’t speak English because they cannot speak English.

READ NEXT | 11 weird things about being French and working in the Netherlands

And when they can (because, yes, some people can), they are usually too insecure to dare to reply in English; not by choice, but because of lots of things really: education, culture, movies being dubbed in French.

So there you have it. It is not because we are particularly arrogant or proud. (I mean, yeah, we’re proud of our culture and food, but who isn’t?!).

Is learning Dutch hard?

Personally, my main problem with learning Dutch is pronunciation. A common sentence that I learned before arriving in the country was, “Sorry, I don’t speak Dutch” — Sorry, ik spreek geen Nederlands.

To pronounce the “geen”, imagine that you have something stuck down your throat and trying to get it out… yep, that’s it, you’ve got it.

@dutchreview It feels like you’ve just coughed up a lung 🫁 #Meme #Groningen #Netherlands #DutchReview #Grunn #Dutch ♬ original sound – I Green Screen Things

Well, I have never managed to find the confidence in pronouncing that sentence to anyone. I did think that writing it down on my hand and showing it would make it a bit of an awkward situation.

Yes, Dutch is a hard language. But Dutchies know, luckily

Thankfully, the large majority of Dutch people you meet here are nice and friendly, and they understand that Dutch is a very difficult language to learn.

They will enjoy teaching you a word or two when they get the chance — yes, living in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch means that everyone will try to be your teacher.

READ MORE | How to learn Dutch: the ultimate guide (by people who learned!)

It goes from the friendly cashier in my local supermarket asking about my life story to the work colleagues who enjoy teaching me the most random words they can think of.

Thanks to them, I know how to reply to these people who don’t understand why I cannot speak Dutch yet. Houd je bek! (shut up).

So, are you tired of living in The Netherlands without speaking Dutch? Lucky for you, we’ve also got some basic Dutch for you here. Start with these seven words on our YouTube channel:

So now you know what it’s like living in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch. Liked this article? Be sure to follow DutchReview on Facebook to not miss out on any other good stuff! 

5 clichés about the Dutch that are absolutely true

DutchReview Crew
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24
5 clichés about the Dutch that are absolutely true

There are many clichés about the Dutch. Some can be damaging, some are downright wrong, and some have a grain of truth to them.

After living here for a year, I have narrowed down the five clichés about Dutchies that are, in most cases, absolutely true. 💁

1. They are super frugal

Ever heard the expression “going Dutch?” While not all dates turn out this way, you’re more likely to end up paying for at least some of your own meals if you date a Dutchie.

READ MORE | Tikkie etiquette: the do’s and don’ts of asking for money in the Netherlands

Being goedkoop (cheap) is frequently seen as a big selling point for many products and services in the Netherlands.

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The Dutch cliche about stinginess can ring true sometimes. Image: Magnific

Dutch people love a bargain (but who doesn’t?), and sometimes this trait doesn’t come across so well.

READ MORE | 14 downright stingy things Dutch people do

However, some people might just see this as being more frugal and less materialistic than other nations.

2. They are obsessed with bikes

Ahh yes, the bicycle is another cliché about the Dutch.

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The humble bakfiets — a common sight on the streets of the Netherlands. Image: DepositPhotos.com

Although not invented by the Dutch (it was German inventor Karl Drais who invented the precursor to the modern bicycle in 1817), this two-wheeled mode of transport is a hallmark of the Netherlands.

Perhaps it’s because it’s so small and flat and, therefore, relatively easy to manoeuvre with two pedals.

READ MORE | 8 marvellous things about the Dutch and their bikes

Or, perhaps it’s because bicycles save space and are environmentally friendly.

But the point is, if you want to fit into Dutch life, you should probably get a bicycle.

This cliché is undeniably a good thing! Biking makes exercise and freedom more accessible.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #3: cycle more than they walk

It also means that older generations are suddenly much speedier than they’re used to, so keep your wits about you. After all, it’s called an omafiets for a reason!

3. Frank Dutch uncles are a real thing

Ever heard of a Dutch uncle? No, I don’t mean a tall, distant relative called Jan or Matthijs.

This is another stereotype from abroad, which is noticeable if you come from a polite-to-the-point-of-passive-aggressive culture like the UK.

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This Dutch uncle won’t hesitate to tell your aunt her outfit looks terrible! Image: DepositPhotos.com

The Dutch are direct, blunt, no-nonsense people. They won’t pretend to like something just because they think it might offend you.

On the one hand, it can be refreshing, as you will know exactly where you stand — but it can also come as a bit of a shock.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk 42: Be overwhelmingly direct and never beat around the bush

It might seem a little harsh at first, but you should get used to it if you plan to spend any amount of time in the Netherlands.

4. They love — and I mean LOVE — cheese

I love cheese. I have always said, “I could be a vegan if it weren’t for cheese.”

People-carrying-cheese-wheels-in-the-alkmaar-cheese-market
Cheese, beloved cheese! Image: DepositPhotos.com

In the Netherlands, I thought I would fit right in, particularly when it comes to kaas.

READ MORE | Dutch cheese varieties: the comprehensive (and cheesy) guide

But be warned, if you are a strict vegan, this stuff is everywhere: from delicious kaassouffles (cheese souffles) to boterhamen (sandwiches), you’d better get used to it because the Dutch put it in pretty much everything.

5. They are ridiculously tall

This is probably the most obviously apparent one of the clichés about the Dutch when you arrive in the Netherlands.

The Dutch are officially the tallest nation in the world — but we’re still shocked at how tall some people are here.

Many of us come to the Netherlands being average or above average height, but here… we’re dwarfed in comparison to the average Dutch person.

Of course, not all clichés and stereotypes are true, but we’ve found that these five are accurate across the board.

Do you think these clichés about Dutch people are true? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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