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Pass the inburgering (integration) speaking exam easily with this simple method

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Pass the inburgering (integration) speaking exam easily with this simple method

Ah, the long-feared Dutch inburgering speaking exam: what a test!

Many internationals have stepped nervously into DUO’s exam halls, ready to speak their best Dutch in an attempt to eventually get their inburgering diploma. 

The spreken examen (speaking exam) is often named one of the hardest exams for internationals because, unlike with reading, listening, or writing, there’s almost no chance to edit your work. 

Instead, you need to be able to speak in full, flowing sentences off the top of your head. 

But what exactly happens in the Dutch integration speaking exam? And how can you best prepare? Throw those nerves out the window, jongen: here’s what you need to know (and all the tips to succeed!). 

What to expect for the inburgering speaking exam

While you might think that the speaking exam means walking into an interrogation room where you’re demanded to speak Dutch while they swing a bright fluorescent light into your eyes, the reality is far less dramatic. 

For both the A2 and the B1 inburgering levels, the speaking exam takes place on a computer. 

photo-of-woman-sitting-in-inburgering-test-centre-looking-at-computer-screen
The exam will take place in a more relaxing environment than you’d think! Image: Magnific

As of March 2025, the inbrugering speaking exam has changed for those taking it at an A2 level. Instead of answering a mix of oral and multiple-choice questions, the exam is purely oral.

For A2, you will need to answer 16 questions in a maximum of 35 minutes, and your responses will be recorded on the computer. You will have to respond to four videos, four one-picture tasks, four two-picture tasks, and four three-picture tasks.

For B1, you will have about 30 minutes to answer eight short speaking assessments (maximum 20 seconds) and eight medium (30 seconds) speaking assessments.

READ MORE | Here’s how to smash the Dutch integration exam, stress-free

For example, at an A2 level, the video might say “Nederlands is mijn moedertaal. Ik spreek ook Engels, Duits, en een beetje Spaans. Wat is jouw moedertaal en spreek je ook andere talen?” (Dutch is my mother tongue. I also speak English, German, and a bit of Spanish. What is your native language and which languages do you speak?”)

You will then have a chance to record an answer to the question, for example: “Ik spreek Engels en ik leer Nederlands.” (I speak English, and I am learning Dutch).

How to prepare for the Dutch integration speaking exam

Confused and stressed about where to start preparing for the inburgering speaking exam? Well, all hail bitterballen because there’s a light at the end of the tunnel: InburgeringOnline. 

This entirely online, self-paced platform has made a name for itself by offering affordable preparation courses that can take you from A0 (that’s literally zero Dutch) to A2 or B1 in a flash. 

All learning takes place in InburgeringOnline’s custom-built online learning environment. You’ll begin with vocabulary, learn the necessary grammar, learn what to expect in the exam, and practise replica exam questions. 

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Image: InburgeringOnline

The content is tailored to help you not only speak and understand the Dutch language but also pass the inburgering exams efficiently. 

Psst! Need to pass the writing, listening, and reading parts of the inburgering exam too? This course will teach you everything you need in one place.  

Even better? A subscription is far cheaper than paying for a Dutch course, and no extra books or courses are needed. 

What makes InburgeringOnline different?

Alright, let’s get real here. Taking a Dutch course lets you speak with a teacher and other students. However, you also have limited contact hours, very specific dates and times, and must do the whole course on the school’s schedule. 

Plus, did you not quite understand something the first time around? Get ready to pay for an extra review lesson (and those don’t come cheap!).

At InburgeringOnline, you choose when to study. Want to bang out the A2 course in two weeks? No problem! Prefer to take two years? That’s your choice too!

smiling-young-woman-studying-for-the-dutch-integration-exam
You’ll be able to find a course that suits your needs and preferences with InburgeringOnline. Image: Depositphotos

And if something isn’t just clicking, forget that pricey review lesson: just go back to that learning module and refresh your learning. 

Even better, the A2 and B1 courses will teach you exactly how the examiner will review your speaking exam. That means you can tailor your learning to maximise your score and pass it on the first go. 

And if you’re not sure what a great answer looks like? Just check out the sample answers. There are two for every single practice question, so you can compare your answers and adjust where necessary.

Finally, and perhaps best of all, you’re never alone. If you’re struggling and need some help, just beam the Dutch flag in the night sky, and InburgeringOnline’s qualified teachers will come to the rescue with personal advice. 

See the benefits

Tips to pass the inburgering speaking exam

Alright, so you’re ready to take on the inburgering speaking exam? Then you’ll need some hot tips. 

  • Simpler is always better. For A2, you need to demonstrate basic grammar and vocabulary. Instead of saying, “I prefer dogs because they are ridiculously friendly; however, they can lick too much.” Instead, a simple “I like dogs because they are friendly” is a perfect answer. 
  • Take a moment to compose your sentence(s) in your head before pressing record. 
  • Study for the writing and speaking exams at the same time — they require very similar skills. 
  • Take multiple practice exams in a test environment (phone off, no distractions, with a time limit). 
  • Use ChatGPT to check your answers using the prompt: “Is my Dutch correct? “[insert the Dutch sentence here]”
example-of-chatgpt-correcting-dutch
ChatGPT can check and correct your Dutch for you. Image: ChatGPT

Now that you’re fully armed with the knowledge and tips you need, it’s time to stop procrastinating (yes, we’re watching you). 

Sign up for InburgeringOnline below and tick “Pass the inburgering exam” off your to-do list!

Pass the inburgering exam with InburgeringOnline

Eindhoven says yes to ASML campus expansion: workforce set to double

Kriti Swarup
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0
Eindhoven says yes to ASML campus expansion: workforce set to double

The Eindhoven municipal council has given its final approval for ASML to expand. The “ASML Campus” could be the biggest industrial growth plan the Netherlands has seen in years.

According to Omroep Brabant, Eindhoven’s municipal council cast their votes on Tuesday evening.

While 35 councillors voted in favour of changing Eindhoven’s zoning plan, a measly six voted against.

As the final bureaucratic hurdle for the chip equipment manufacturer’s expansion, the vote also approved plans to reroute nearby roads to accommodate the new campus.

For the handful of landowners who have refused to sell their plots to the municipality, the council has now authorised legal proceedings to force a sale.

All roads lead to ASML

ASML, the largest supplier of photolithography machines in the world, is currently headquartered in Veldhoven, the neighbouring municipality of Eindhoven.

The company now wants to establish a second major base on the Brainport Industries Campus (BIC), close to Eindhoven Airport, to build new cleanrooms and office space there.

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The campus is set to be huge. Image: Nudus/Supplied

The timeline is tight. ASML wants construction to begin as early as this month. The first building on the campus plans to welcome 5,000 employees by early 2028.

Eventually, around 20,000 ASML employees are expected to work from the Eindhoven campus. This would double the company’s current workforce in the region.

Growth comes at a cost

Expansion needs land ownership. That can be a problem.

Six of the nine landowners the municipality needs land from have already sold up.

One of them was the owner of the “lonely house,” a detached home sitting in the middle of the planned campus site, for which the municipality paid over €1 million.

The house will later be demolished.

mockup-of-what-the-new-asml-campus-will-look-like
All in favour of a futuristic workplace? Image: Nudus/Supplied

A family member of the owner of the “lonely house” reached out to Omroep Brabant through LinkedIn.

“As a private owner, you quickly find yourself sidelined. The communication feels impersonal, bureaucratic, and under noticeable pressure,” they write. 

Other landowners in the area have also voiced similar frustrations. Yet, the council has now authorised the municipality to pursue forced expropriation through the courts.

Not everyone on the council is happy

Socialistische Partij (Socialist Party) councillor Jannie Visscher explained her opposing vote bluntly.

“A positive ASML decision will lead to unprecedented growth in our region. The SP doesn’t want this to be at the expense of current residents,” she tells Omroep Brabant.

The VVD (the centre-right party) was sceptical, but ultimately voted in favour of ASML’s expansion. Councillor Ceciel van Bergeijk cited the economic stakes as too important to vote otherwise.

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OPINION: The Dutch don’t know how to throw a house party

Ida Allen-Auerbach
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OPINION: The Dutch don’t know how to throw a house party

While I’m sure to enrage a few Dutchies with this question, I just had to ask. Do Dutch people not know how to throw a proper house party?

Before you come at me with a hooivork (pitchfork), ask yourself: what do you think a house party is? 

Is it a raucous event with multiple speakers, tons of people, dancing, and mingling? Or is it 20 people, all sitting around the apartment with a Heineken. And I’m not even talking about the Verjaardagskring (circle of death) at every Dutch birthday party. 

READ MORE | “Verjaardagskring”: A guide to surviving the circle of death at Dutch birthday parties

Where I grew up (in sunny California), house parties were pretty much the only way to have some good dirty fun before you turned 21. Needless to say, we took these debaucherous events very seriously. 

So imagine my surprise when, upon arrival in the Netherlands, I found the efforts…lacking. 

To be fair…

Obviously, there are some qualifying factors here. US cities are structured differently: unless you live in New York, you’re much more likely to live in a condo or a shared house than a high-rise apartment complex. 

Meanwhile, in Amsterdam (where I reside), people live in apartments or shared dorms. Maybe I’m just hanging with the wrong crowd, but I’ve never been friends with anyone who actually lives in a house. 

colourful-picture-of-boats-lining-amsterdam-canal-with-traditional-dutch-houses-in-the-background
They may be pretty, but these little apartments don’t scream “party time!” Image: Depositphotos

Plus, Dutch weather doesn’t exactly allow for the best backyard partying. 

Nevertheless, some things are just plain different. Here’s what shocks me about Dutch house parties. 

Beer or bust

Speaking as quite the beer-lover myself, what is up with the drink choices at Dutch house parties? 

It seems variety is not the goal. Crates of Heineken offered by the host are usually complemented with the wildly adventurous (kidding) six-pack of Grolsch brought by each guest. 

If you’re lucky, someone might bring an Amstel. 

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #99: Drink beer like it’s a national sport

Back home, the second ‘B’ in BYOB really did stand for beverage, not beer. Different people brought different drinks, which might not have been great in terms of hangovers, but was excellent in terms of fun and flavour. 

Seriously, are we expecting everyone to have the exact same tastebuds? Niet lekker, guys. 

Music is not the enemy

Another bone I have to pick is with the, shall we say, soundscape of the modern Dutch house party. 

While my old days of partying involved a designated dancing corner fueled by smooth sounds and a whole mix of genres, Dutch people do it a bit differently. 

READ MORE | 11 Dutch songs to learn the language (and culture!) 

When you enter the party, your ears will be graced (or battered) by one of two options: 

Either the lonely jbl speaker is tucked away at the far end of the room, quietly puttering away some unrecognisable house track, or it’s on the central table blasting ear-splitting techno so loudly that you can’t understand the person next to you. 

How are these the only two options? And don’t get me started on the dancing…

Why is no one dancing?

Here’s a big one: there is a serious lack of dancing at these so-called house parties. 

Maybe it’s too frivolous for the serious Dutchies, maybe the beer just isn’t getting them drunk enough, but something seems to be preventing people at Dutch parties from getting down (as the kids say). 

sad-friends-watching-tv-at-a-boring-dutch-house-party
Maybe you recognise the vibes here? If you do, I’m sorry. Image: Freepik

In all fairness, this might also be attributable to a lack of space. Though when it comes to dancing, I’m of the opinion that where there’s a will, there’s a way. 

Are we really just going to sit around in a circle chatting the whole time? Personally, I thought that was reserved for Dutch birthday parties exclusively. 

It’s not a crime to dance, jongens (guys). 

While I may have just bombarded our tall friends with criticism, allow me to be diplomatic. I could be wrong! 

It’s possible that I’ve just been attending all the wrong house parties, or maybe Dutchies outside the Randstad party differently. 

If you recognised these signifiers of a disappointing Dutch throwdown, though, you have my condolences. 

Do you agree? What do you think of Dutch house parties? Let us know in the comments! 

Smart, personal, and secure: Why you should start banking with ING

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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1
Smart, personal, and secure: Why you should start banking with ING

Thanks to their straightforward sign-up process, practical money-management tools, and focus on customer support, ING offers a banking experience that many people find convenient and easy to get started with.

Moving to the Netherlands involves adapting to a whole new banking system, where most people value debit over cash or credit.

If you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands or you’re switching banks, finding the right bank can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: ING takes the hassle out of banking with a smart, secure platform designed for modern life.

(And, yes — they speak English!)

Opening an ING account is quick and easy

ING lets you open an account directly from their cheery, orange banking app.

The online application guides you through each step, asking for the essentials without drowning you in paperwork or expecting you to drop in for an in-person appointment.

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In addition to a quick and seamless sign-up process in-app, ING lets you handle your daily payments straight from their handy mobile app or online banking portal. Image: ING/Supplied

Once you’ve submitted your application, ING typically reviews it the same day. If everything checks out, you’ll receive your debit card and login details in the post shortly after approval.

What you need before you open an account

Before you rush off to create an account, it’s important to make sure you’ve got all the documents you need.

Let’s quickly run through what these are:

  • A valid form of ID (this can be your national ID card, passport, or residence permit),
  • Your BSN (also known as your burgerservicenummer or citizen service number),
  • Your TIN (also known as your Tax Identification Number),
  • Some proof of address (such as your rental agreement), and
  • Your residence permit, if you’re outside of the EU.

In addition to these, ING may ask you for documents proving your ties to the Netherlands.

employees-in-the-netherlands-chatting-in-a-coworking-space-while-their-boss-pays-them-promptly-via-a-dutch-iban
If you work for a Dutch company, you may need to provide a copy of your employment contract. Image: ING/Supplied

Geen stress, because this is quite simple — sometimes you’ll also need your Dutch employment contract or proof of enrollment at a Dutch university.

Once you’ve got your documents in order, the actual application is smooth sailing.

Smart features help you manage your money effectively

Where ING really shines is in their banking features, which help you actually understand where your money goes.

Because let’s face it, “Where did all my euros vanish off to?” is a question we’ve all asked ourselves at least once (usually after discovering the damage from a night out in Amsterdam).

With expense tracking, ING’s handy app breaks down your spending by category. You can see how much you’re spending on groceries per month, or how much you’ve spent on public transport in a month.

And if you want future insights into your finances, you needn’t get out a crystal ball. ING’s Kijk Vooruit (Look Ahead) feature predicts upcoming expenses by analysing trends in your spending. Handig!

freelancers-in-the-netherlands-scroll-through-the-ing-banking-app-as-they-lean-back-in-their-chairs-and-take-a-break
Whether you’ve got an upcoming rent payment or your regular delivery of groceries, Kijk Vooruit will give you a handy overview of your future expenses. Image: ING/Supplied

Saving is also simplified, thanks to Rond af & Spaar (Round up & Save). Each payment you make is automatically rounded up, with the difference deposited in your savings account.

You’ll get expert guidance (with a personal touch!)

One of our favourite aspects of banking with ING is their free financial coaching. Yes, you read that right — their Insight Conversations for customers, which give you access to financial guidance, are free.

Customers can book a one-on-one session (online or in person) with financial experts who’ll help you navigate everything from budgeting to saving for major life goals.

Whether you’re trying to get your spending under control, planning to take out a mortgage, or trying to boost your savings, these conversations can be genuinely helpful.

Tailored to your personal financial situation, you’ll walk away with new insights, rather than generic tips.

Help is always accessible, thanks to English-language support

For internationals living in the Netherlands, having access to financial support in a language you can understand is crucial.

There’s nothing worse than trying to wrap your brain around the finer details of investing, only to be hit with complex Dutch terms like “beleggingsportefeuille” (investment portfolio).

couple-at-an-ing-insight-conversation-going-over-their-finances-with-a-dutch-banking-expert
Whether you’re looking for financial coaching or just a breakdown of Dutch investment terms, ING’s customer service is truly top-notch. Image: ING/Supplied

We’ve found that ING understands this well, and their customer service is available in English — whether you’re calling, chatting online, or visiting a branch.

You’ll enjoy secure banking you can trust worldwide

When it comes to finances, security and reliability are important considerations.

As an international financial institution, ING operates within a broad global network and applies established safeguards and security measures to help protect customer accounts.

For customers who might move countries again in the future, knowing that you can open an account with a trusted banking service really takes a weight off your shoulders.

This article was sponsored by ING and written by DutchReview.

Have you banked with ING before? Share your experience in the comments below!

The dairy dilemma: lactose intolerance in the Netherlands

DutchReview Crew
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The dairy dilemma: lactose intolerance in the Netherlands

Being lactose intolerant in the Netherlands is, for lack of a better word, immoral. It is a crime against culture and completely socially unacceptable. So, if you’re afflicted, it can seem plain impossible!

Well at least it seems so at first.

I recently moved to the Netherlands with my mind filled with idealistic images. I saw myself frolicking through tulip fields in clogs, cycling past windmills and sailing through cosy canals.

But something was lurking in the corners of my Dutch life fantasies. Something creamy. Something that sprinkles perfectly over pasta. Something that can be matched perfectly with a nice bottle of red wine.

That something was cheese.

The Cheese Challenge

Dutch people are, in general, very proud people. They are proud of their culture, proud of their great artists, proud of their language and proud of their cheese. As they should be!

Dutch people also like to ‘say it how it is’. You can trust a Dutch person to be straightforward and let you know when something irritates them.

photo-of-a-dutch-cheese-board-that-can-be-a-challenge-to-eat-if-you-are-lactose-intolerant-in-the-Netherlands
Mmm, looks delicious. But your stomach won’t be thanking you for it. Image: Unsplash

To that end, I learnt quite quickly that lactose intolerance irritates people. A lot.

To understand the Dutch inability to accept lactose intolerance, you have to be aware that Dutch people have one of the lowest lactose intolerance rates in the world.

Just 0.14% of the nation has a biologically bad relationship with the primary ingredient of the nation’s favourite food. Dutch people live and breathe dairy, and many believe it is the cause of their claim to fame as the tallest people in the world.

@dutchreview And it eats every time #netherlands #dutchfood #dutchcuisine #dutchreview ♬ original sound – I Green Screen Things

A dairy way of life

Dairy is not just a food group in The Netherlands — it is a way of life. Dutch people love the stuff. Every kitchen I have entered in this country has a cheese cutter alongside the knives and forks.

Grown men in offices wearing suits slurp glasses of milk with their lunch, and the cheese aisle in the supermarket might as well be a store of its own.

How can you possibly try and integrate into a country where you are biologically incapable of the most fundamental lifestyle element of all? How can you possibly live dairy-free in a land of milk-sipping giants?

cheese-wheels-on-sale-in-amsterdam-show-it-can-be-difficult-to-be-lactose-intolerant-in-the-netherlands
Upon arrival to the Netherlands, you might find yourself wondering… why the cheese? Image: Unsplash

Dairy is the way to a Dutch person’s heart, and without the digestive capacity to bond over a nice piece of gouda, my love life is certainly suffering.

I have attempted to find Dutch culinary alternatives, but it is not quite as romantic to flirt while cramming raw herring into your mouth…

Is there a way out?

But fellow lactose-intolerantees bound for the Netherlands, do not fear!

There is one big benefit to your dairy-free dilemma. It is the perfect excuse to skip one of the most ridiculous meals you’ll see in the Netherlands.

READ MORE | Veganism in the Netherlands: here’s why it’s achievable

Most of the world knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but from watching my housemates start the day with chocolate sprinkles on toast, I think the lowlands missed the ‘breakfast of champions’ memo. 🏆

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Dessert snack or… breakfast? The Dutch love to get those confused. Image: Amin/Wikimedia Commons/CC 4.0

I’m not joking. Fully grown adults do this here. It’s completely normal and called hagelslag. It looks like the kind of snack you would serve at a children’s party where I’m from, but hey — I’m lactose intolerant, so it’s not my problem.

Have you experienced these problems being lactose-free in the Netherlands? Tell us in a comment below! 👇

Your Odido router may have been sharing personal data with a foreign AI firm: here’s what to know

Kriti Swarup
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0
Your Odido router may have been sharing personal data with a foreign AI firm: here’s what to know

Do you have an Odido router in your home? There’s a reason it’s so affordable. The Dutch network operator has allegedly been sharing detailed information about your home network with a foreign AI firm.

While working on a project for MIT, an ethical hacker in the Netherlands made an accidental discovery.

Sipke Mellema learned that his Odido (formerly T-Mobile) router had been forwarding data about the devices in his home to Lifemote, an AI-based home Wi-Fi solution for Internet Service Providers.

A Telegraaf report later confirmed the pentester’s (penetration tester) findings, adding that Odido had failed to disclose its side gig to customers in its privacy policy.

What information is leaving your home

How bad is the damage, you ask?

Odido routers were reportedly transmitting the names and MAC addresses of every device on your home network. A MAC address is a unique code that every device carries, and you can think of it as a digital fingerprint.

In addition to the name of the device, the kind that reads “Kriti’s iPhone” or “Bedroom TV,” it paints a precise picture of what is in your home and where you are connected.

Is it just me, or did #odido omit certain things from this leak disclosure email? Left: the email detailing what was or wasn't leaked (in Dutch) Right: haveibeenpwned entry taking information from their official disclosure, which contradicts it.

[image or embed]

— Adam Hay (@antireality.bsky.social) March 1, 2026 at 10:43 PM

The router was also sending the names and identifiers of nearby wifi networks, including personal hotspots.

As if that’s not bad enough, it also forwarded general statistics about your data usage.

Mellema notes wryly in his post, “I’m glad the router’s security is so poor. At least then I can see what it’s doing.”

What Odido says

Odido has not publicly commented on Mellema’s findings or the Telegraaf’s exposé.

The internet provider for more than six million households in the Netherlands simply deferred journalists to its privacy policy.

Dating back to September 2025, Odido’s privacy statement explicitly mentions the collection of modem data.

The privacy statement further explains why Odido must process personal data. Aside from the purpose of delivering the internet, it vaguely cites “legitimate interest” and “legal obligation.”

However, there is no disclosure that this information is passed to third-party companies outside of the Netherlands, like Lifemote.

Not an isolated incident

This isn’t the first time Odido’s approach to customer information has drawn scrutiny.

The provider has previously been fined for sharing customer traffic records with Statistics Netherlands (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek) for algorithm development without obtaining proper consent.

Last month, the company was hacked, and when Odido refused to pay the ransom, the personal data of millions of customers was floating about on the dark web.

As of now, Odido’s software appears to have been updated, based on Mellema’s own observation that transmissions to Lifemote completely stopped after his post gained traction.

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Want to rent in Amsterdam? You’d better cough up an €8,600 deposit first

DutchReview Crew
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0
Want to rent in Amsterdam? You’d better cough up an €8,600 deposit first

It seems the rental horror stories from the Randstad just keep getting worse: an overview from !Woon reports that security deposits go as high as €8,600. 

In 2025, tenants reported unfair deposits, cameras in the home, exorbitant housing prices, rental scams, and rat problems unaddressed by landlords in Amsterdam. 

The !Woon foundation, which, according to their website, “informs, advises and supports residents”, found that a majority of reports filed with them concerned security deposits. 

Not only are many ridiculously high, but nightmare tales from renters show that refunds are seemingly no longer standard practice, according to Het Parool.

Ah, the magic of Amsterdam. 

Sky-high deposits and rents

It seems landlording in Randstad is only constrained by one’s audacity. 

For instance, 17 square meters? To some, that’s a shoebox. To an Amsterdam landlord with the power of imagination, though? That’s €1,850 in rent, reports !Woon. 

It’s certainly not news that prices have been steadily climbing for years (as reports from the Dutch Bureau of Statistics tell us). 

READ MORE | €16,000 per month: meet the most expensive rental house in Amsterdam

As more and more rental properties disappear from the market, however, landlords are throwing caution to the wind in the form of deposit requests as well. 

Even when deposits are high, refunds are not a given — withholding them seems to now be part of the “business model” of landlording, reports Het Parool.

The Good Landlordship Act

The Good Landlordship Act (Wet goed verhuurderschap) was introduced to keep landlords from engaging in indefensible rental practices in Amsterdam. 

In conjunction with the Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur), which puts a ceiling on rental prices, these laws intend to contain the massively unfair rental practices running rampant through the Randstad. 

According to !Woon, however, many reports show that landlords are circumventing, or in some cases, flat-out ignoring the laws, particularly in Amsterdam. More than 90% of reports came from this area. 

READ MORE | Amsterdam landlord charges €1,950 in rent, rental committee reduces it to €95

In the case of the Affordable Rent Act, which functions on a points-based system to help landlords ethically set their rental prices, this is plainly visible. 

For example, in one instance, a landlord whose property was listed at a point-score of 163 (equivalent to a rent of  €1,032) was charging  €1,900 in rent, reports Het Parool. 

When the problem was flagged, the landlord promptly took the property off the rental market, citing personal reasons. 

What’s the solution?

The !Woon foundation suggests amending the existing Acts. 

The Good Landlordship Act, for instance, doesn’t specifically address failure to refund deposits as a punishable violation on the part of the landlord. Essentially, there is no incentive for the landlord to comply. 

A potential solution, therefore, could be to make this violation subject to fines from the Gemeente. Seems only fair, right?

READ MORE | Here’s how to check if you’re paying too much rent in the Netherlands (and how you can reduce it)

In general, though, the two acts are seen as recent wins for renters and generally good attempts to regulate the madness of this rental market. 

Unfortunately, Amsterdam landlords will try anything they can to get around them. The best bet is to make the legislation airtight. 

Have you experienced landlord troubles in Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments! 

The best credit cards for expats in the Netherlands

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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3
The best credit cards for expats in the Netherlands

Choosing the best Dutch credit card often involves wading through pages of information on interest rates, annual fees, and handy benefits. 

In this guide, we’ve sourced the most popular credit cards in the Netherlands — for personal use, travel, and all your business-related financial needs — and put them into one place.

READ MORE | Banking in the Netherlands: the complete guide

Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck! 💳✨

TIP: In a hurry? These are our all-around top picks for credit cards in the Netherlands. 👇

💳 Best personal credit card: ING Credit Card
🏢 Best business credit card: American Express Business Green Card
👩🏻‍💻 Best credit card for freelancers: N26 Business Mastercard
🛫 Best travel credit card: American Express Platinum Card

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

Best Dutch credit cards for personal use

If you’re looking for a personal credit card that’ll offer you some powerful rewards, you can’t go wrong with the options below.

ING Credit Card: Best for everyday use

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The ING Credit Card is the easy choice for a daily card that’ll cover your essentials, shopping trips, and anything else, at the low price of just €2 per month.

Not the biggest fan of credit, but still want the functionality? ING’s Debit Mastercard and Visa Debit cards may be right up your alley.

Check it out

ABN AMRO Credit Card: Best for expats on a budget

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At just €2.55 per month, this ABN AMRO credit card is super easy on your wallet.

Don’t let the price fool you, though, because this baby also comes with 180-day purchase insurance and supplementary travel insurance for flight or baggage delays.

Check it out

Rabocard: Best starter credit card

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Costing a maximum of €2 per month, depending on your banking package, the Rabocard is one of the cheapest credit cards available in the Netherlands.

However, cheap doesn’t mean stingy, as the card’s standard lending limit of €1,000 per month can be raised to a generous €10,000, depending on income.

Check it out

Best Dutch credit cards for travel

Frequent flyers, on the other hand, often have different requirements for their credit cards. While most of these cards aren’t widely accepted for day-to-day purchases in the Netherlands, they’re great for buying flights!

Their benefits can range from flight benefits to a smoother travel experience, and their credit card of choice will need to do some heavy lifting to open those doors for them.

Our top picks are:

American Express Platinum card: Best for luxury travel

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With open access to Schiphol’s exclusive Privium Plus benefits — such as faster security and border checks, priority parking, and the luxuries of the Privium Lounges — the American Express Platinum card ensures that your journey is as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

Of course, good things don’t come cheap, and neither does the AMEX Platinum card! Costing €65 per month, you’ll also need a gross yearly income of €30,000 to apply for this card.

Check it out

Flying Blue Platinum American Express card: Best for KLM frequent flyers

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At €55 per month, the Flying Blue Platinum AMEX unlocks the door to KLM’s handy Flying Blue loyalty programme, with the ability to earn Miles whenever you book a flight.

You can spend your Miles on countless exclusive rewards, such as baggage allowance, seat upgrades, or even a reward ticket!

Check it out

Mastercard Black: Best for affordable travel perks

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A cheaper alternative to the AMEX Platinum and Flying Blue Platinum cards, the ICS Mastercard Black offers great benefits for the price, including continuous travel insurance and access to over 1,800 lounges in 75 different countries.

Costing €225 per year, this credit card also provides you with worldwide travel insurance and a handy Priority Pass, with which you can access smooth airport transfers and priority at security checks.

Check it out

Best Dutch credit cards for business

Perhaps you’re a businessperson or freelancer? Then these handy cards might be far more your speed.

Qonto Metal X Card: Best for international business banking

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For €20 a month, the Qonto Metal X Card packs some truly powerful features in a slim package.

Offering major pros like commission-free foreign transfers, comprehensive travel and purchase insurance, and a sky-high payment limit, it’s the ideal card for doing business overseas.

Check it out

N26 Business Mastercard: Best for freelancers

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With nifty cashback features, in-depth spending insights, and deposit protection, the N26 Business Mastercard is a fabulous asset in any freelancer’s arsenal.

Even better: depending on your N26 plan, you may even be eligible for travel insurance to cover delays, emergencies, and cancellations.

Check it out

American Express Business Green Card: Best affordable AMEX business card

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The AMEX Business Green Card comes with comprehensive financial security, combining flexible spending limits, deferred payment plans, and a thorough overview of your business expenses.

Costing €85 per year, it also provides you with membership reward points for every euro spent.

Check it out

Visa World Card Business: Best for small businesses

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At €45 per year, the Visa World Card Business is an excellent choice for new start-ups and small businesses.

Jam-packed with handy features such as flight delay insurance and SafeGuard Support in the event of emergencies, it also offers the ICS’ 24/7 Fraud Protection system, so you can rest assured that your capital is as safe as can be.

Check it out

How to get the most out of your Dutch credit card

Hoera, you’ve got yourself a Dutch credit card… but how can you make the most of the new asset in your wallet?

Here are some handy tips and tricks that’ll serve you well during your time in the Netherlands:

Get a discount on your trip back home

Stunning though the Netherlands is, a trip back to your family and home country can really be the best mood-booster known to man. Travel, unfortunately, can be a rather expensive hobby.

Well, with your fancy new credit card, you’re in luck! It can help you score discounts on flight tickets, handy upgrades, and even travel insurance.

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Having a Dutch credit card makes it easy-peasy to nab seat upgrades for you (and your furry friends)! Image: Freepik

Choose a prepaid credit card for the best of both worlds

Prepaid credit cards function very similarly to debit cards, where you load a certain amount of money on your card in advance and can only spend up to that value. This often makes them a safer option than traditional credit cards.

However, where prepaid credit cards differ from debit cards is that your card needn’t be affiliated with a bank or banking account to operate. In addition to this, they offer many of the vast benefits that credit cards do — from cashback offers to travel insurance and more.

3 things to know about credit cards in the Netherlands

It’s only natural to have a few questions about what it’s like to own a Dutch credit card.

Let’s run through some important things you need to know. 👇

1. A credit check is generally mandatory

In order to apply for a credit card in the Netherlands, applicants will need to complete a BKR assessment.

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In general, you can anticipate a credit check when you apply for a credit card. Image: Depositphotos

Also known as the Bureau Krediet Registratie (Credit Registration Office), this assessment determines how much money you have borrowed and whether you’ve paid those bills on time.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals in 2026

Many credit card companies will refuse your application if you have a negative BKR.

2. Many credit cards have an income requirement

Depending on your desired credit card, you will very likely have to meet a certain monthly or yearly income requirement to be eligible.

Some banks (such as ING) may still offer you a credit card even if you don’t meet all their income criteria, but your spending limit may be drastically reduced.

3. It’s easy to avoid paying interest on your credit card

One important thing to know about credit cards is that you’ll be billed for all expenses charged on your card at the end of every month.

As long as you pay any outstanding balances within your card’s grace period, you won’t need to pay any interest on this money.

Have you used any of the credit cards on our list? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!

Credit cards in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Are credit cards common in the Netherlands?

What credit cards are accepted in the Netherlands?

Can I pay with a credit card in the Netherlands?

The 14-year-old assassin who lured Nazis and traitors to their deaths

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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The 14-year-old assassin who lured Nazis and traitors to their deaths

Freddie Oversteegen was just 14 years old when she became an assassin for the Dutch resistance during the German occupation of the Netherlands.

The teenager would ask her victims if they would like to go for a “stroll” in the woods. The men would never return.

Freddie is credited with the deaths of multiple German soldiers and traitors during the war. How did a young girl manage to do this you may ask? She wore her hair in braids of course. Well, that among other things. 

The women of the Dutch Resistance: meet Freddie Oversteegen

Freddie belonged to a group of three young women who would sabotage and assassinate soldiers and traitors during the German occupation. The women were part of a small cell of seven which consisted of her sister, Truus, and Hannie Schaft, known as “The girl with red hair.”  

While all three women carried out acts of brave resistance against the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, this article will focus on Freddie, the youngest of the three — and the first to kill. 

Communist background

Freddie was born in 1925 and initially lived on a barge with her family in Schoten. Freddie and Truus’ parents raised them to resist.

Her parents hid Lithuanian refugees in the hold of their ship before the beginning of World War II. The family would also later hide a Jewish couple in their home during the 1930s. 

READ MORE | A forgotten hero: how a Philips director saved 6,000+ Jews during WWII

Once their parents divorced, Freddie and her sister were raised primarily by their mother, who taught them communist principles. Given the principles they were raised with, it’s no surprise that the sisters resisted the German occupation of the Netherlands. 

Work for the Dutch resistance 

When the war began, Freddie and Truus handed out anti-Nazi pamphlets on the streets — an act that caught the attention of Frans van der Wiel, the commander of the Haarlem Council of Resistance.

He came to the Oversteegen residence one day and asked whether the sisters would be willing to join. He hoped that their innocent looks would help the resistance.

Freddie was just 14 years old at this point. But with the permission of her mother, and the promise to “always stay human,” the sisters joined the Council of Resistance. 

Truus recalled in an interview for the book ‘Under Fire: Women and World War II’ that it was only after joining the resistance that Der Wiel revealed that he planned for the girls to sabotage bridges and railway lines. “We told him we’d like to do that,” Truus said.

The girls followed through: they blew up bridges and train tracks. But they also smuggled Jewish children out of the country and out of concentration camps.

A cycling assassin

However, this work was not the only thing that Der Wiel had in store for the two sisters. Truus recalled that he also told them they would need to “learn to shoot — to shoot Nazis.“

“I remember my sister saying, ‘Well, that’s something I’ve never done before!'” Freddie would be the first of the three women to carry this act out. 

Freddie was just a teenager when she first assassinated someone. In an interview with the BBC, her son speculates that her first victim was a Dutch woman who planned on handing over a list of Jewish people to the Germans.

She approached the woman in the park, asked her for her name — to see if she had the right target — and then shot her.

Freddie was quite small and wore her hair in two braids which made her look innocent and enabled her to get away easily. Her method of attack was often a drive-by. Truus would cycle a bike whilst Freddie sat on the back and shot.

“We always went by bike, never walked, that was too dangerous. I always made sure the coast was clear. That worked very well.”

Luring Nazis and collaborators to their deaths

As if the idea of a young girl conducting a cycle-by shooting isn’t shocking enough, Freddie and her sister are most famed for their second assassination technique — luring men, often German soldiers, to their deaths. 

Freddie would meet soldiers and collaborators in the taverns and ask them if they would like to go “for a stroll.” Upon accepting the offer, the targets would be led to the woods and shot in a surprise attack. 

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Collaborators were publicly shamed. Image: Jan Arkesteijn/Wikimedia commons/CC3.0

When speaking in a television interview about her attacks, Freddie talked of the strange compulsion to help her victims up again “Yes, I’ve shot a gun myself, and I’ve seen them fall, and what is inside us at such a moment? You want to help them get up.”

Drawing the line

When asked about the attacks against soldiers and collaborators, Freddie described them as a “necessary evil.” However, the three women assassins did have to draw the line at one point. 

The resistance had asked the women to help take the children of a senior Nazi officer hostage. They planned to exchange the children for captured members of the Dutch resistance. But if the negotiations soured, they would have to kill them. 

READ MORE | Hannie Schaft: the Dutch spy who was executed by the Nazis

At this point, Freddie, Truus, and Hannie refused to carry out the mission. “We are no Hitlerites. Resistance fighters don’t murder children,” Freddie told one interviewer. 

Legacy

Once the war was over, Freddie remained the quieter of the two Oversteegen sisters. Truus became an artist and lectured about her time in the Dutch resistance. 

It was only in 2014 that Freddie was really recognised for her efforts during the resistance. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte awarded her and Truus the Mobilisation War Cross.

Her son, Remy, described the moment as a highlight in his mother’s life. Streets in Haarlem were even named after Freddie and her sister. 

In an interview with VICE, Freddie said that once the war ended, she coped by “getting married and having babies.” However, her son, Remi, believes the war never stopped for his mother. In an interview with NH Nieuws, he claimed that “The war actually lasted 80 years for Freddie.”

Freddie expressed a similar sentiment herself when talking to VICE about conversations with her sister “we never had to say ‘remember when,’ because it was always at the top of our minds.”

Freddie Oversteegen passed away on December 5, 2018 — one day before her 93rd birthday. 

What do you think of this brave teenager? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: Ministerie van Defensie/Wikimedia Commons/CC1.0

Dutchman sentenced to prison for trying to fake his own death

Kriti Swarup
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Dutchman sentenced to prison for trying to fake his own death

Financial issues can pile up, and sometimes it feels like the only way out is to die. A man from Almelo had just that thought and faked his own death to avoid the financial burden.

But helaas, authorities caught on to his ploy. Even though it included posing as a funeral director and a forged Spanish birth certificate.

According to NOS, the Zutphen court sentenced him to 120 days, of which 103 were conditional. The judge described what unfolded as “serious,” noting death threats he made to municipal workers.

Dead on paper

Here’s how the 31-year-old set out to wipe his identity from the Dutch public records.

The first step involved turning up at the municipality of Enschede in the guise of an uitvaartondernemer (funeral director) to file a death report for himself.

It didn’t hold up for long.

Cross-checks at the local crematorium showed no record of anyone by that name ever arriving. This raised eyebrows.

The scheme fell through when he returned to pick up the death certificate. Staff had his photo on file and recognised him immediately.

Then he tried to become a Spaniard

Determined to get a fresh start, the man attempted to register with the municipality of Zwolle under a Spanish name.

The paperwork had problems.

The birth certificate from Spain was drawn up in Dutch, and the notarial declaration cited a law firm nobody could find.

Most importantly, for someone whose parents were supposedly Spanish, the municipality workers found it suspicious that his Dutch was flawless.

He also made a number of threats

Alongside the identity fraud, the Almelo local made a number of threats.

In one incident, he posed as his own social worker and threatened municipal workers that “his client” intended to shoot all staff with a machine gun.

He also told a neighbour in Doetinchem that he would open a gas valve at his home. The following day, he carried through on the threat and then rang the emergency services himself.

Responders found no danger of an explosion.

The sentence took into account a psychological finding of a serious personality disorder. He’s required to undergo treatment as a condition of release.

What do you think about this case? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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