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Amsterdam ranks as second best city in world for expat work life

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Amsterdam ranks as second best city in world for expat work life

Amsterdam has come in second to Luxembourg as one of the best cities for expats when it comes to work and urban living. This is according to Expat Insider’s 2020 survey. 

The survey found that when asked, 65% of expats ranked their career prospects positively. This is over 20% higher than the global average, which stands at 43%.

A whopping 90% of expats also said that they were happy about the state of the local economy, a percentage that was far above the global average of 63%.

Another area that the city performed well in was expat’s opinions of public transport and urban environment. Expats in the city gave public transport a high rating, with 94% saying they were satisfied by the city’s transportation infrastructure, again, a figure that is far above the global average (66%). When asked, 86% were satisfied by the urban environment.

The Hague also ranked highly when it comes to expat worklife, ranking in 15th place in this index. The survey found that 88% of expats in the city were happy with the local economy and 50% were happy with their local career opportunities.

27th best European city for expats overall

That being said, while Amsterdam ranked very highly in the above areas, its overall ranking was brought down by its failings when it comes to housing, healthcare and unfortunately, the weather.

The housing market in Amsterdam is ranked at 58th place with 64% of expats claiming that finding accommodation is difficult, a disappointing number when you consider the global average stands at just 27%. When housing is eventually found, only 16% of expats surveyed would describe it as affordable (vs. the global average of 41%).

Healthcare availability in Amsterdam holds the same rank as housing, coming in at 58th place. On top of this, the quality of healthcare received is ranked even lower, at 61%.

Local climate and weather played an equally destructive role in the city’s overall ranking. Amsterdam’s eclectic — but usually somewhat damp — weather was ranked at 64th place.

The city’s mixed reviews have left it sitting comfortably — ranking as the 27th best European city for expats.

The Netherlands remains popular for some

The dislike for the weather amongst expats is understandable. However, the Netherlands in general has proven to be an area of interest for expats in spite of this.

A separate survey carried out by Remitly asked the question “where do people in the world want to live?” The survey took a look at what people from different countries were looking up when they Googled the question “how to move to…”

While Canada and Germany reigned supreme as the countries with the most interest globally, the study found that, in Portugal and Hungary, the Netherlands was the most searched country.

Dutchies in search of warmer weather

Interestingly, unlike many of its European neighbours, the most searched for country in the Netherlands was not Canada, but indeed, Spain. While the Hungarians and Portuguese are not deterred by the Netherlands’ damp weather, it looks like the Dutch are sick of it, and are seeking solitude in a warmer climate.

Are you an expat in the Netherlands? How do you feel about these latest findings? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! 

Feature Image: Kata Pal/Pexels 

One man arrested in Wednesday’s Schiphol Airport bomb scare

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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One man arrested in Wednesday’s Schiphol Airport bomb scare

A man has been arrested in Haarlem after reportedly making a bomb threat at Schiphol Airport on Wednesday afternoon. 

Emergency services were dispatched to the airport around 3 PM yesterday after reports of a “suspicious situation” emerged, reports De Telegraaf.

A plane was evacuated while the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee conducted a full search. No explosive device was found onboard the aircraft. The destination of the plane has not been disclosed. 

The aircraft was released in the early evening, and part of concourse D at Schiphol was also closed for some time in connection with the investigation.

Despite a few gate changes, air traffic was not impacted by the event, said a Schiphol spokesperson.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook to stay up to date with news in the Netherlands. 

Feature image for illustrative purposes only: Defensie Nederland/Wikimedia Commons/CC1.0

Netherlands set to bounce back over the next year, is investing in stocks a good idea?

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Netherlands set to bounce back over the next year, is investing in stocks a good idea?

The Dutch economy has been hit hard by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But it’s not only the Netherlands that has suffered, so has every other nation around the globe. After recording a growth of negative digits this year, the economy is expected to bounce back in the next year by 2.6%, thereby reaching 99% of its pre-corona size by the end of 2021.

This is good news for the stock market, which has suffered in 2020 as more people moved to markets to liquidate their assets for cash, which was deemed more vital during the crisis. A bounce back for the economy means various markets should be back to their feet, offering plenty of profit-making opportunities for all.

Interested traders can opt to exploit the opportunity by buying the real assets on different platforms and waiting for the prices to increase before selling for a profit, or they can opt to exploit CFD instruments for various assets through futures trading where they don’t have to hold the underlying asset and can profit from price gains and declines. Also, they can use leverage to gain more exposure to the underlying asset with minimal capital invested.

The second wave is holding the economy back

It seems what is holding back a full and fast recovery of the economy is the second wave of the virus, which has seen the Dutch government bring back social distancing measures. However, they are less strict compared to the lockdown witnessed in spring. Still, bars, theatres, museums, restaurants, and cinemas remain closed while gyms, schools, and hair salons are open this time around.

The Dutch GDP saw a -9.9% decline in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the last quarter of 2019. It managed to bounce back to -3.0% by the third quarter before the recovery was halted by the second wave of coronavirus that began in September.

What stands out right now is the fact that businesses are well prepared, and government policies are less strict. According to ING, the Dutch GDP will be 4.3% lower than it was in 2019. The organization believes even though that is a severe hit to the economy, it’s not as bad as they had initially predicted despite the return of partial lockdowns. Incredibly, the third quarter has shown a strong rebound thanks to the government’s support package that has had to break away from its strong stance of budget cuts and frugal spending to aid the ailing economy.

A weak start for the economy In 2021

ING expects a weak start for the economy in the first quarter of 2021 as different European governments gradually unwind anti coronavirus measures. However, growth should accelerate by the second quarter. There will be more testing in the Netherlands, and vaccination should begin in the first quarter. And since achieving broad immunity will take time, the analysts believe 2021 will be a year where the economy’s recovery will be held back. One area expected to suffer is investment, given the uncertain outlook of how the virus continues to develop.

Hospitality, transport, and service sectors to bounce back

Also, consumption is expected to continue lagging by 1%; however, merchandise exports are expected to recover by the end of 2021 fully. Further projections show that the GDP will be 2.6% higher in the coming year than 2020, thereby reaching 99% of its pre-covid size by the end of 2021.

But, if an effective vaccine can be discovered, coupled with mass testing and better treatment, then don’t be surprised to see the economy bounce back to full strength in no time.

The most affected industries by the pandemic were hospitality, transport, and services. And these sectors are expected to record the biggest growth in 2021 even though they will not fully recover. The analysts predict an increase of 40% for the hospitality sector. However, uncertainty remains high; therefore, growth is expected to be slower.

Feature Image: Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pexels

Practice what you reach: is the “Dutch Reach” legit?

Lachlan Campbell
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11
Practice what you reach: is the “Dutch Reach” legit?

If you’re not familiar with this ‘Dutch Reach’, join the rest of the Netherlands. But you’re living here now amigo and it’s high time you learned what it’s all about.

Firstly though, I’d like to state (even if it’s only to set the record straight with a female Dutch friend) that it’s not a sexual position involving stroopwafel, a dimly lit room and Andres Hazes in the background. With a little imagination, perhaps it could be — but let’s not get distracted.

What Is the “Dutch Reach”?

No, the original “Dutch Reach” doesn’t at all allude to the act of creating life, but rather saving it. The “Dutch Reach” is, in fact, the name for a technique in which opening one’s car door is performed so as not to maim passing cyclists.

Essentially, you reach over with the hand furthest from the handle, which encourages you to twist your body and look over your shoulder to check for passing bike traffic. Rather considerate I think, taking into account that in the battle of rider versus metal door, metal door packs a Richel Hersisia-esque punch.

What makes the “Dutch Reach” even more important is that the Dutch aren’t massive fans of helmets. Hey, at least you can protect your delicate body from injury by softening the impact with your supple cranium… or not.

Why haven’t my Dutch friends heard of it?

Ask most people in the Netherlands, however, about the internationally renowned “Dutch Reach” and you’ll probably get the same coy response I received from the aforementioned Dutch friend.

Truth is, the “Dutch Reach” isn’t that popular and is barely practiced. And even though it’s apparently compulsory to demonstrate the “Dutch Reach” (once again, we talking about the car door opening technique) during your driver’s exam, I’m at a loss as to whether or not this is true.

Dutch reach
The methodology of the Dutch reach. Image: Alissa Hermann/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

Settling the “Dutch Reach” once and for all

So please, enlighten me. I know in the UK and US practice of “Dooring” — as it’s called when you take someone out on a bicycle with your door — is a major problem. For the sake of mankind, let’s get to the bottom of this once and for all. Do you guys actually practice what you reach or are you venerable Dutchies getting credit for something you didn’t actually invent?

Do you do the “Dutch Reach”? Had you ever heard of it before? Let us know in the comments below.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on November 7 2017, but was updated in December 2020 for your reading pleasure.

Feature Image: 1681551/Pixabay

American man loves Albert Heijn so much he tattoos logo on his face

Emily Burger
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American man loves Albert Heijn so much he tattoos logo on his face

Albert Heijn is a beloved Dutch supermarket chain, but would you go so far as to tattoo their logo onto your face? Well, this American thought it was a great idea.

From all the way across the Atlantic, Carl Adams fell in love with the store when he came to visit the Netherlands. So much so that he tattooed the logo right beside his left eye, and shared the images on his Reddit profile.

“I’ve heard this is the way to get free sugar waffles for life,” Adams writes, adding that since he lives in the US, it’ll be “our little Dutch secret”.

Image: Carl Adams/Reddit

The lasting love affair

Adams came to Amsterdam at the end of last year, where he lived for about six months before returning home. During this time, he worked at a local Albert Heijn where the cheeses and chocolates swept him off his feet. “The supermarket looks so much nicer than the one in America.”

So, when a friend offered to do another tattoo for him, Adams knew just what he wanted. “I immediately thought of Albert Heijn,” says Adams.

Although Adams is currently stuck in his home in New York, he promises that “as soon as Americans are allowed to return to the Netherlands, I’ll take the first flight back. Then I go to the Albert Heijn every day to show my tattoo.”

But for now, Adams is working on some songs and videos about his beloved store.

Online craze

His tattoo may not be getting much attention in the US, but online his Reddit fans have been going crazy over it. “Maybe a bonus card barcode is a good idea,” one reader suggests. Adams is crossing his fingers that Albert Heijn management will notice, signing his Reddit post off with: “❤ (p.s. I hope someone from management can see this) xxx”.

What do you think of Adams’ tattoo? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: Carl Adams/Reddit

Dutch cabinet expects nearly 22 million vaccines in the first half of 2021

Brin Andrews
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Dutch cabinet expects nearly 22 million vaccines in the first half of 2021

In the first half of 2021, The Netherlands will have 21.7 million coronavirus vaccines available, according to a letter from Minister of Health Hugo de Jonge.

During the first quarter of the year, De Jonge says the country expects to receive 7.7 million vaccines, and in the second quarter, 14 million.

First quarter

Of the vaccines supplied in the first quarter, 4.5 million will come from pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. BioNTech and Pfizer will supply another 2.2 million doses in the first three months of the year, and Moderna and Curevac will make up the last one million doses.

Because each of the vaccines requires two injections, the Netherlands will be able to vaccinate 3.85 million people in the first quarter.

This is, of course, under the assumption that the drugs will be approved by the European Medicines Authority (EMA). For Pfizer and BioNTech, the assessment is scheduled for December 29, for Moderna, it will be January 12. The dates are not yet known for the other vaccines.

The remainder of the year

In the second quarter, the 14 million doses will come from the same variety of drug companies, in addition to the Dutch company, Janssen, based in Leiden.

A total of 20.6 million doses are anticipated to arrive in the Netherlands in the third quarter. In the fourth, the Ministry of Health anticipates receiving 13.5 million more.

Finally, in the first quarter of 2022, 2.2 million vaccines are expected to arrive.

First to receive

Care workers in nursing homes will be the first to receive the vaccine, followed by other employees working in care institutions and residents of nursing homes and institutions for people with intellectual disabilities.

What do you think of the cabinet’s approach to vaccination? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: European People’s Party/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

Dutch surgeons warn against dangers of “avocado injuries”

Brin Andrews
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Dutch surgeons warn against dangers of “avocado injuries”

Dutch plastic surgeons are appealing to the public in a warning against a rise in serious avocado-related hand lesions. “We often see that sensory nerves in the fingers are damaged or cut,” says plastic surgeon Annekatrien van de Kar. “Sometimes people even hit a tendon.”

The Dutch Association for Plastic Surgery (NVPC) says that more and more, they’re treating patients with what they call an “avocado injury,” a  cut at the base of the finger with nerve damage.

The professional association can’t confirm exactly how many serious avocado injuries have taken place in the Netherlands, although, many surgeons report treating patients with avocado injuries a few times a week. 

Avocado consumption on the rise

The Netherlands is the second highest importer of avocados in the world, after the US. So it’s no surprise that the US also has experience with this hazardous phenomenon — in 2019 alone, 8,900 Americans rushed to ERs for avocado-related injuries. 

In Europe, the uptick in injuries could be related to the avocado’s recent labelling as a “pandemic-resistant superfood.” It’s estimated that Europeans are eating 15% more avocados in 2020 than they were in 2019.

Not long ago, Amsterdam even opened a restaurant solely-dedicated to the savoury fruit, The Avocado Show, with several popular locations. The NVPC says they can mark a steady increase in injuries along with this rise in consumption.

Scoop, don’t stab

The professional association advises people to pit their avocados with a spoon to prevent injuries. “When stoning, consumers often hold an avocado half in the palm of their hand,” says Van de Kar. “If the knife slips, they cut their hand.”

The plastic surgeon explains that avocado injuries are a growing concern in the medical world but the everyday consumer isn’t usually aware of the dangers. “The consequences can be annoying and permanent. Unfortunately, the risks are unknown or underestimated by the consumer.”

The NVPC recommends that supermarkets and growers offer safety instructions for opening an avocado. Their video explains how:

You may notice in the video that the host is using a special tool to remove the avocado pit. Many people won’t have such a device in their kitchen, and that’s ok, a spoon works fine.

Another thing that stands out is how the expert shows how some people are trying to stab or flick out the pit with a knife — clearly an amateur move. If you ARE going to use a knife, there are much safer ways. Like this, for example:

The surgeons might not appreciate our recommending this technique though, so to be extra safe if you don’t have the knife skills maybe avoid cutting anything into your hand. Just as a general rule.

Warning sticker

The professional association even takes it a step further to suggest including a warning sticker to make consumers aware of the risks.

“Doctors in England already advocated in 2004 for warning stickers on avocados because of the risk of hand injury during stoning,” says Van den Kar. “Hopefully, we can set a good example in the Netherlands.”

Have you or someone you know ever suffered from an avocado injury? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature Image: Marcus Aurelius/Pexels

Another Polish supermarket goes up in flames, this time just north of Amsterdam

Emily Burger
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Another Polish supermarket goes up in flames, this time just north of Amsterdam

Another explosion has gone off at a Polish supermarket, this time in the Beverhof Shopping Center in Beverwijk, a half-hour drive from Amsterdam. 

This store carries the same name as the supermarkets hit in Aalsmeer (also in North Holland) and Heeswijk-Dinther (in North Brabant) yesterday, reports NOS.

Police are investigating whether the explosion in Beverwijk, which went off at 5:15 AM this morning, has any connection to the explosions from yesterday.

The damage

Stones lie in the streets outside the Beverwijk supermarket, and the back wall is most damaged. But a police spokesperson has confirmed that no one was injured since no one lives in or above this mall. The building is still structurally sound.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook to stay up to date with news in the Netherlands. 

Feature Image: DutchReview

Press conference: long awaited Christmas press conference leaves much to be desired

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Press conference: long awaited Christmas press conference leaves much to be desired

The past week has seen daily coronavirus infections increase by 76% but tonight’s press conference had little to offer in terms of new restrictions.

Tonight, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister for Health Hugo De Jonge focused primarily on the question of Christmas in the Netherlands.

Christmas measures

In spite of earlier speculation that larger group sizes would be allowed in people’s homes for Christmas, this will not be the case. It was announced earlier today that the number of house guests that can visit per day will remain at three.

Tonight, the ministers clarified the government’s position on the subject. Rutte began by acknowledging that we would all like to be surrounded by friends and family this Christmas, but we cannot afford to do more than we are already doing now.

The prime minister reiterated that restrictions will remain in place as they are, meaning no extra guests and no dining out. The number of guests allowed over for the Christmas period will therefore stay at three. “We hoped for more, but numbers are no good.”

When asked whether he thinks this number is really possible, the Prime Minister warns that even this number cannot be guaranteed. If the number of positive cases continues to climb, this may change.

One reporter points out that the prime minister is hoping for coronavirus infections to drop over Christmas, yet he has not implemented any new measures.

At a crossroads

Rutte has said that coronavirus numbers are simply too high and the Netherlands now stands at a crossroads. He says that the country has two options: we either get the ICU number down to 10 intakes per day over Christmas and then lift restrictions slightly after, or we carry on as usual.

If the country carries on as it is now, stricter measures may be necessary. He warns these restrictions may be instituted before the holiday: “I might be back with heavier measures before Christmas.”

When asked about what the measures may be, the prime minister says he does not want to speculate on what later measures could be.

What can we do to help

Rutte asks that people take a number of precautions in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus over Christmas. He advises that people stay inside and wash their hands thoroughly. He also asks that anyone with symptoms gets tested and that anyone who tests positive should not leave quarantine; they should instead ask for help.

Testing for an open society

In January, the Netherlands will begin running tests for opening up society. Participants will be able to attend events such as sports matches and the rate of infection, if any, will be monitored.

The test runs will not take place in restaurants, the prime minister has confirmed.

Economic support

There will be a further press conference tomorrow to discuss economic measures for the restaurant industry. The industry has suffered immensely this year and certain establishments are now threatening to open again in January, regardless of restrictions.

The prime minister suggested that families should order their Christmas dinners from their favourite restaurants in order to support the industry.

Rutte finished his section of the press conference with an acknowledgement of the hard work of healthcare workers. He says to “support the healthcare workers” by abiding by coronavirus measures.

When later asked about when restaurants can expect to be opened once again, Rutte said this will only be possible once the numbers are low enough. When pressed, he repeats that the goal of 10 ICU patients per day needs to be reached.

Vaccination

De Jonge then addressed the issue of vaccination in the Netherlands and particularly, how it will work. Health care workers will be the first to be vaccinated, followed by those who are vulnerable or work with vulnerable people.

He says the process will be a long one and that the entire country will most likely not be vaccinated until after the summer of 2021. He hopes that vaccinations will begin in January.

The minister for health finished his statement by asking that people stand by the current measures and “don’t give the virus as a present for Christmas.”

Coronavirus numbers climb

Coronavirus cases drastically increased in the last week, spiking up to 43,103 new positive test results from the previous week’s 33,949, according to the RIVM.

Although the number of people who were tested in the past week has increased from 259,377 to 320,205, so has the percentage of positive cases compared to the previous week, which went up to 11.6% from 11.1%. This means that the rise in cases cannot be explained by a rise in testing.

Current measures may extend past mid-January

While it was initially hoped that the current coronavirus measures would last until mid-January, it is now more likely that they will extend past this point. With coronavirus cases only going up as the country heads into Christmas, measures may indeed need to be tightened.

Further measures to be announced later

The cabinet has claimed that if new measures are to be brought in, these will be at a later point. De Jonge has warned that the length and strictness of the measures will depend on how high coronavirus infection rates are in the Netherlands.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook and tune in to our Live Blog to receive the latest coronavirus updates and news. 

Feature Image: DutchReview/Supplied.

Coronavirus update: alarming surge in new cases over the past week

Emily Burger
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Coronavirus update: alarming surge in new cases over the past week

Coronavirus cases drastically increased in the last week, spiking up to 43,103 new positive test results from the previous week’s 33,949, according to the RIVM.

Although the number of people who were tested in the past week has increased from 259,377 to 320,205, so has the percentage of positive cases compared to the previous week, which went up to 11.6% from 11.1%. This means that the rise in cases cannot be explained by a rise in testing.

Hospitalizations also increased in the last week with a total of 1,229 admitted patients compared to the previous week’s 1,007.

There was a decrease in those who passed away from the coronavirus in the past week, down to 338 from 406. However, the death rate is most likely lagging behind real time and we can expect that in reality this number is higher.

Press conference tonight

Tonight, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge will address the nation regarding coronavirus measures over Christmas. Considering the dramatic increase in positive infections over the last week, they are reluctant to open the country up for Christmas. Slightly larger group sizes are expected to be allowed, but other than that the current measures will remain in place.

Should Rutte and the King be vaccinated in public?

Three former US presidents have agreed to receive their vaccinations in public in order to promote the safety of the vaccines. Now some are suggesting that the Dutch Prime Minister and King should follow suit. However, the Dutch ministers and royal family alike don’t seem to keen on the idea, saying that vaccination is a private matter and being immunized in public won’t make much of a difference to public opinion.

Restaurant industry threatens to open regardless of measures

The restaurant industry across the Netherlands is at a breaking point. After months of a partial lockdown which promises to only stop around mid-January, more than 50 restaurants around the country say they will open their doors again on January 17 and stay open, in spite of regulations. They feel their cries for help have been ignored by the government and they cannot survive any longer. The government has since promised to set aside millions of euros for the catering and culture industry.

Extension of measures

Health Minister Hugo de Jonge has warned that with the rising coronavirus numbers, the partial lockdown is likely to be extended beyond mid-January. These restaurants say that if the measures are extended, they will have no choice but to break them.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for more coronavirus news.

Image: ©ibigfish from Getty Images/Canva.com

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