The women allegedly used dating apps to charm their way into their victims’ hearts, spinning fake identities and even meeting their targets in person.
But instead of candlelit dinners, these “dates” often led straight to the checkout counter.
Victims were coaxed into paying during outings, often in shops, and sometimes even found themselves surrounded by multiple accomplices.
Three locations were raided
Following the arrests on October 15, police swooped in on three locations across the Utrecht region, with sniffer dogs joining the action for extra flair.
Officers uncovered a stash of cash, jewellery, and even a car during the searches.
Authorities are urging anyone else who might’ve been sweet-talked out of their savings to come forward.
Think you’ve been scammed too? You can reach the police by calling 0900-8844, chatting via politie.nl, or visiting your local station.
Have you recently moved to the Netherlands and are confused about how gynaecology, contraception, checkups and everything that comes with it works here? Then look no further!
We’ve got all the information about your reproductive healthcare in the Netherlands right here.
First things first: get health insurance
First of all, if you’ve recently moved here, you should get yourself some Dutch health insurance right away.
While there are certain exceptions where you do not need health insurance, it’s extremely helpful when it comes to organising contraception, checkups, and everything that comes with having a uterus in the Netherlands.
Before you do anything, you need health insurance. Image: Freepik
You could also be entitled to a healthcare allowance, which is a generous benefit from the government that, depending on your situation, helps you to pay for this.
The second thing you should do is register with a Dutch GP (a general practitioner or huisarts). The good news is that most Dutch medical workers speak English and are multilingual.
Birth control in the Netherlands
Ok, let’s start simple and let’s talk contraceptives in the Netherlands.
If you’re looking to start birth control in the Netherlands, you first need to register with your local GP and make an appointment.
During this appointment, you can discuss which contraceptive will be the best fit for you.
If, however, you’re still not ready by the end of the session (because there are so darn many to choose from), they’ll give you a bunch of leaflets that you can take away and read.
Let’s talk contraception in the Netherlands. Image: Unsplash
A few examples of contraceptive pills used in the Netherlands: Neogynon, Lovette, Stediril-d, Microgynon-30, Stediril 30.
Remember: Pills and injections that change your body’s hard wiring are a big deal. If you’re uncertain, don’t feel pressured to decide within the space of one doctor’s appointment.
If, after a while, your initial choice doesn’t work for you or your hormones are flipped out of whack, you can always change.
Fun fact: If you’re under 21, the Dutch government covers the cost of contraception (in the form of reimbursements) for you. Hoera! 🥳
Where can I get birth control in the Netherlands?
If you have a prescription from the doctor, you can buy birth control pills at your local pharmacy (apotheek). Some are even open late or on the weekends.
You can also get refills of birth control pills without getting a new prescription, so you don’t have to waste time booking another appointment. Handig!
You can buy condoms at pharmacies, supermarkets and some vending machines.
If you want an IUD (intrauterine device, AKA the coil), Mirena and Flexi-T are the two main kinds that you can get here. This will be fitted at a GP or hospital.
The injection (Depo-Provera, for example) is also available in the Netherlands. If you’re over 21 and want your costs reimbursed, you can get an additional health coverage package that includes the implant.
Fun fact: According to Gynopedia, around 40% of Dutch women aged 15-30 use the pill, and 5-10% of patients use IUDs. Diaphragms are apparently the least popular method of birth control.
Gynaecology in the Netherlands
Birth control is, of course, just one aspect of life with a uterus. Another very important element of healthcare for many in the Netherlands is gynaecology.
Where can I find a gynaecologist in the Netherlands?
Gynaecological care can vary hugely between countries, but the good news is that there are a bunch of practices in the Netherlands provided by the Dutch healthcare system.
It’s important to speak regularly to your Dutch doctor about things such as PAP smears, your cycle and contraception. Image: Depositphotos
Just like with prescription contraceptives, you’ll first have to speak to your GP about the possibility of seeing a gynaecologist, even if you just want a regular checkup.
The process is simple, as your GP will refer you and… voilà, you’ll have an appointment.
Can I ask to see a specific gynaecologist?
In the Netherlands, you generally don’t see private gynaecologists.
Even if you have your own private health insurance, you must register with a GP, just like everyone else. From there, your GP will refer you.
Of course, you do have some control over who is assigned as your gynaecologist. For example, if you would rather be treated by a female doctor, you can let your doctor know this.
If you really don’t like the gynaecologist that you have been referred to, there’s no shame in asking to see someone else, but a change is not guaranteed.
Reproductive health check-ups in the Netherlands
They say prevention is better than cure, so naturally, you’d want to stay on top of your reproductive health in the Netherlands.
The best way of doing this is by organising regular check-ups.
How do I get check-ups for my healthcare?
When you register with a GP, you can pass on all your medical records for a full assessment.
You can be referred to specialists depending on your needs. Image: Freepik
Remember to tell them any important medical history, even if the problem has been “dealt with”, so to speak.
The Dutch don’t typically buy into the whole routine check-up thing, but those with a cervix do get smear tests every five years, and those over 50 get a mammogram every two years.
It’s worth noting that in the Netherlands, you are not expected to start getting PAP smears until you are over 30. However, if you wish to have one before the age of 30, you can request this.
What if I need an STI test?
There are several different ways to get tested for STDs (or SOAs [Seksueel Overdraagbare Aandoening], as the Dutch say).
You can get an STD test at your huisarts (GP) or at the GGD (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst or municipal health services).
If you are not comfortable with either of these options, you can also opt to order an STD test online and take it at home — just make sure they are reliable.
If you’re hoping to get pregnant, there are a number of steps you can take.
The Dutch approach to pregnancy tends to be that of “let’s not intervene with nature too much”, which is ironic given that they literally pushed the ocean back to set up shop.
There are many treatments you can consider when fertility is an issue. Image: Dreamstime
In the Netherlands, unless you have any clear menstrual issues, you must have been trying to get pregnant for at least a year before your doctor will consider any form of intervention.
The next step will then be to book you in for a gynaecological exam to diagnose any potential fertility issues.
Bear in mind that between various appointments and determining a diagnosis, it can take 1-2 years before any further medical intervention is taken.
If you are diagnosed with fertility issues, many healthcare services in the Netherlands can help you get pregnant. These include:
hormone therapy,
IVF,
artificial insemination, and more.
Many insurance plans in the Netherlands will also help you cover the costs of these treatments.
Pregnancy in the Netherlands
Pregnancy in the Netherlands runs along the same lines as fertility when it comes to the Dutch healthcare system’s approach.
In the Netherlands, they have a very hands-off approach to pregnancy — meaning that over here, it’s all about doing it au naturale.
How do I prepare for childbirth in the Netherlands?
You can have regular check-ups during pregnancy, unless you don’t want to, of course. The Dutch aren’t too pushy on this.
When it comes to who you see during your pregnancy, you have the choice of seeing a midwife (verloskundige), or a gynaecologist as your primary caregiver.
Let op! When it hits baby-delivering time, you might not see the same GYN as you have throughout your pregnancy.
In the Netherlands, a less clinical approach is taken to pregnancy, and this extends to birth, too.
The Dutch are rather hands-off when it comes to pregnancy care. Image: Freepik
Many opt to give birth at home because they feel more comfortable that way, and pain relief is often not encouraged. On top of this, many Dutchies put their faith in their midwife.
Whilst a midwife is associated with the actual labour in other countries, in the Netherlands, you can start meeting with your midwife between weeks 6 and 10 of your pregnancy.
This way, you can begin to plan what sort of labour you would like to have (like, for example, if you’ll be staying at home or would prefer to give birth at the hospital).
Finding a midwife that suits your needs and wishes can be a bit of a challenge for internationals, but the easiest way is to ask your general practitioner for a list of local midwives.
How does maternity leave work?
If you’re pregnant in the Netherlands (congratulations!), you can get 16 weeks of maternity leave (zwangerschapsverlof).
You’ll receive your normal amount of pay from the General Unemployment Fund.
You’re also allowed to keep working part-time if you prefer, which is pretty common here.
Abortions in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is world-renowned for its tolerant approach to reproductive rights. Quite naturally, this attitude extends towards the subject of abortion, too.
Yes, in the Netherlands you have the right to an abortion. Image: Freepik
Can I get an abortion in the Netherlands?
The short answer is “yes”, as abortion is legal in the Netherlands.
To begin the process of getting an abortion, you should first go to your GP. They’ll refer you to an abortion clinic or hospital that will perform the procedure.
You can also contact the abortion clinic yourself if you’d prefer.
However, we’re sorry to say that you may have to answer some uncomfortable protocol questions, like why you want to have the procedure.
As of January 2023, it is no longer mandatory to complete a five-day thinking period before having an abortion. Instead, you can decide, in consultation with your doctor, how many days (if any) you should wait.
Do I have to pay for an abortion in the Netherlands?
If you live in the Netherlands, you do not have to pay for an abortion, as it is covered by your health insurance.
In addition to this, full anonymity is guaranteed. To prove your eligibility, you’ll need to bring along your health insurance card or policy, as well as proof of identity (such as an ID, passport, or driving licence).
Note: In the Netherlands, you are also offered free counselling after having an abortion.
The best advice we can give you on caring for your reproductive health in the Netherlands is to see a GP, check yourself regularly, and get to know your body so that you’ll immediately notice a change.
How have you experienced gynaecology, checkups, and birth control in the Netherlands? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Getting lost in translation is what hairdressers all over the world do best, so our precious locks can easily get messy when adding the Dutch language factor into the mix.
2. Sampling some Dutch bureaucracy at the tax office
Be-Las-Ting-Dienst (repeat that 30 times), aka the national tax services, can also offer daunting experiences to any non-Dutch speaker. It’s confusing, risky, and frustrating at the same time.
Nothing will make you wish you spoke better Dutch than getting a taste of real bureaucracy at the tax office. Image: Freepik
Life-saving tip: call the English-speaking line directly, to avoid that cringy, “Yes ma’am, I can speak English, but I’m legally not allowed to.” True story.
But let’s not get too into the topic of customer service-related conversation in the Dutch red tape culture (or shall I say orange tape?). It’ll just take too long.
3. Eavesdropping at cafés
It might be rude, but we all do it. Eavesdropping on people at cafés is one of the most entertaining things you can do — if you speak the language.
It’s hard not to keep your ears peeled, because Onno, Menno, Remco & Co. are probably talking a lot of crap in their favourite bruincafés.
Would it be rude to whip out Google Translate? Sure, but you’re burning to know what that chaotic “hzoeifhogzeiHFozihefozefg” is all about.
4. Navigating the sketchy art of ordering food
To the great frustration of many non-Dutch speakers, restaurant menus are sometimes poorly translated.
But who even cares about the difference between kapsalon (the food) and kapsalon (the hairdresser), anyway?
It’s safe to say, your Dutch-speaking friends are probably enjoying the more interesting things on the menu. Image: Depositphotos
Another puzzling thing can be realising that your Dutch-speaking mates have many more lekker options to choose between on the menu…
Let’s become fluent in Dutch, and kill two birds in one stone by saving money in any possible way, and staying up to date on the most recent gossip out there.
6. Getting hit with “Dutch speakers only”
When going through the dramatic nightmare of looking for a decent room or a nice apartment in the Netherlands, most internationals can relate to this situation.
You’re having a relaxing vacation in your home country? Perfect time for one of your relatives to lash out with the lethally embarrassing, “So, how’s your Dutch going? You’ve been there for a while now, haven’t you?” Grrrrr! 😡
9. Missing crucial information (like street signs)
Dutch streets, cafés, and websites are full of, well, stuff in Dutch.
This sign can’t stop me ’cause I can’t read (Dutch) 😎 / Image: Dreamstime
Needless to say, there are countless times when a bit of Dutch knowledge can come in handy, like that time my pants learned (the hard way) that what the neighbours’ sign actually meant was “wet paint”.
10. Needing to say, “I swear I’m funny in my native language”
You’re still trying to understand that Dutch joke you heard the other day at lunch, aren’t you?
Or the crunchy parts of that episode of Dagboek van een callgirl? Zonder subtitles, natuurlijk. (No subtitles, of course.)
It’s not easy being funny, or understanding funny things, in a language you don’t speak, especially not in the Netherlands, with their very peculiar sense of humour…
11. Learning that some secrets will stay secrets forever
Whatever your significant other said in their sleep will remain gone in the drain of the unknown.
Even Google Translate won’t save the day, since you can’t even reproduce their combination of sounds, nor figure out how to spell it. Sigh.
Boy, if only dictionaries were edible and words could flow directly all the way up to our brain… keep on munching that Gouda, you never know.
But at the end of the day, don’t worry if Dutch words sound strange or don’t roll off the tongue naturally. These things take time, and you can learn Dutch if you really want to.
In what situations have you really wished you could speak Dutch? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
According to new research by the Scientific Research and Data Centre, an estimated 20,000 Dutch men travel abroad each year intending to sexually abuse children.
In response, Dutch anti-abuse organisation Offlimits has launched a prevention campaign titled “Stop it Now”, aiming to discourage potential offenders before they act.
A new approach
The NOS reports that the campaign focuses on high-risk destinations such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Kenya, countries often associated with child sex tourism.
The initiative uses targeted tactics, including advertisements at Bangkok International Airport and online ads that appear on mobile phones in these regions.
These messages are designed to prompt potential offenders to seek help before committing abuse, directing them to Offlimits’ anonymous helpline.
“We hope this way to better identify these men, but also to encourage them to contact our Stop it Now prevention hotline,” says Offlimits Deputy Director Madeleine van der Bruggen to the NOS.
The “Stop it Now” hotline already handles over 2,000 calls and chats annually, though only a small fraction come from men planning or engaging in sexual abuse abroad.
The numbers behind a disturbing reality
Van der Bruggen hopes that this campaign will reach this largely hidden group and encourage them to reach out for support.
Research shows that three-quarters of these men have considered seeking professional help for their sexual attraction to minors, but often lack safe, confidential avenues to do so.
The study made by the Netherlands Study Centre for Crime and Law Enforcement, based on interviews with law enforcement officials and a survey of 9,384 men, found that 2.3% had engaged in sexual activity with minors abroad.
Researchers defined perpetrators as men aged 21 or older who had either paid for sex with someone under 18 or had unpaid sexual contact with someone under 16 while abroad.
By confronting potential offenders before crimes occur, Stop it Now seeks to reduce the demand driving child sexual exploitation and protect children worldwide from abuse.
Police officers in the Netherlands have undoubtedly heard all sorts of excuses, but they found this particular excuse so funny that they took it to social media.
During a body search of a man in Gulpen, police asked the suspect why he had such a bulge in his pants. His answer?
“The suspect replied with complete conviction that he was well endowed,” Politie Basisteam Heuvelland wrote on Facebook.
Unfortunately for the man, the officers didn’t take his word for it.
Money, cocaine, and hashish
Indeed, as it turns out, the man’s bulge had nothing to do with his measurements.
According to the Facebook post, his underwear contained “a large amount of cash, 35 pony packs with cocaine and a ball of hash.”
Registering with a doctor in the Netherlands can be quite a confusing process compared to how it works in your home country. Is the practice accepting patients? Do you have all the required documents? Where’s your pharmacy?
Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the whole process, step by step.
Before we begin, however, let’s quickly run through why registering for a doctor in the Netherlands is so important.
Why should I register for a doctor in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, you can’t just show up at any doctor’s office with a fever or stomach pain. You first need to register with a specific general practitioner (GP), or huisarts,as they’re called in the Netherlands.
Why? Because if you’re not registered, they may refuse to help you if you aren’t considered an ‘urgent case.’
If you want to get medical care for a sore throat that comes along, you need to be registered with a doctor in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
Registering with a GP is essential and a gateway to medical care in the Netherlands. For example, if you want to see a specialist, you first need to consult with your GP and have them refer you.
Plus, you’ll have someone to turn to who knows your medical history and can give you the best help.
For this reason, it’s best to register with a GP as soon as you move to the Netherlands. It can be a lengthy and tiresome process — and no one wants to sit at home with a fever, scouring the internet for a doctor to take them in. So, get going! 👇
Step one: scout for a general practitioner (GP) near you
First things first, do some research and identify the doctors in your area.
In the Netherlands, GPs often only accept patients within a 15-minute perimeter of the practice. Why? In the case of a medical emergency, your doctor can provide you with medical care quickly.
There are a few ways to go about finding a GP in your area.
Check comparison websites
You can use comparison websites, such as Zorgkaart Nederland, to find a practice near you.
Use a quick Google search to find a Dutch doctor near you. Image: Depositphotos
With these websites, you simply enter your home postcode, and the site lists all the practices closest to you.
Note: These websites are in Dutch, but you can use your browser’s translation tool to translate them!
Use the right Google search
Another way to find a doctor’s practice near you is to do a Google search. In the Netherlands, the best way to get results is by searching your postcode or city and the word ‘huisarts’.
Just make sure to check the practice’s website or give them a call to ask if they take patients from your exact postcode!
The catch with this system is that there’s a limited number of doctors that you can register with, often making the search a bit of a lengthy task.
In some cases, you may be forced to register with a doctor’s practice that’s quite far from your home.
That’s where some other options come into play, and they can be lifesavers for internationals.
Consider alternative options
A few big cities in the Netherlands have ‘international health centres’ that accept new patients based on city-wide postcodes. So, for example, no matter where you live in The Hague, you’re eligible to register at the International Health Centre The Hague.
Another alternative option is to skip all these steps and use telemedicine services, which can find you an English-speaking doctor and set up an online consultation within minutes.
With online appointments, you avoid long commutes, full waiting rooms when feeling sick, and you have someone to turn to if you haven’t managed to register with a Dutch doctor yet.
Step two: check whether the doctor accepts new patients
Now that you’ve found a GP that matches your home address, the next step is to make sure that the practice is actually taking on new patients.
As we’ve pointed out above, there is a limited number of doctors to treat patients in the Netherlands.
Many Dutch GPs reach full capacity quickly, especially in late summer. This is why it’s very important to register for a doctor as soon as you arrive in the country.
There are a limited number of doctors in the Netherlands, so it’s best to register quickly. Image: Freepik
If a practice is no longer taking patients, it will usually say so on the practice’s website. If there’s no message, call or e-mail the practice to find out if they can take you.
While you’re on the phone with the doctor’s office, it’s also important to take the opportunity to tell them if you’re a non-Dutch speaker.
Most GPs in the Netherlands speak English, but it’s always good to check this in order to ensure a fully comfortable medical care experience.
Step three: sign up for health insurance (if you haven’t already)
Have you found a huisarts that you want to register with? That’s great! Now it’s time to sign up for health insurance if you don’t have some already.
Health insurance is essential to complete your registration with a Dutch doctor, and it is also mandatory in the Netherlands.
Although health insurance can sound complicated, you can generally rely on these rules to figure out what type of health insurance you need:
If you’re working in the Netherlands: it’s compulsory for you to take out Dutch health insurance
If you’re an EU student (and not working): you may use your home country’s insurance with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or take out private travel insurance. You can also get standard Dutch health insurance.
If you’re a non-EU student (and not working): you will have to get private health insurance, as you arenot eligible to apply for basic Dutch health insurance and you don’t have access to an EHIC card.
Signing up for health insurance will allow you to find and visit a doctor in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
If you are required to take out Dutch health insurance, these are some of the most popular providers for internationals in the Netherlands:
However, basic Dutch insurance packages cover costs for visits and treatments by a GP, most prescribed medications, and hospital stays.
Step four: gather the required documents
Now, the next step in registering for a Dutch doctor is to rummage around all those stacks of papers and find a few documents that you must provide.
What do you need to register with a GP? Here’s a checklist of three things to have at hand:
Proof of identity (a passport, residence permit or EU identity card)
Your BSN number
Your health insurance details
You’ll need your health insurance details to register with a Dutch GP. Image: Depositphotos
Your BSN is an eight or nine-digit-long number given to you by the Dutch municipality when you registered your address after moving to the Netherlands.
When it comes to your health insurance details, you will usually need your insurance policy number (polisnummer) and the name of your health insurance provider.
Step five: fill out an intake form or attend an intake appointment
You’re almost there! One of the last steps to registering with a doctor in the Netherlands is filling out the intake form using all the documents you have gathered.
All you’ll need to give them is your personal information, such as your name and address, and important bureaucratic details, such as your BSN and health insurance number.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history in an intake appointment. Image: Depositphotos
You can usually find an online intake form on the practice’s website. However, in some cases, you might have to hand in a hard copy at the doctor’s office.
The doctor may also ask you to attend an intake appointment to get to know you better, ask about your medical history, and any medical concerns you have. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions and get familiar with the Dutch healthcare system.
Step six: register with a Dutch pharmacy
Ta-daa, you’ve officially got a Dutch GP. One important last step is to register with a Dutch pharmacy in order to collect your meds and get healthy!
In the Netherlands, everyone registers with one particular pharmacy — usually the one closest to their home or doctor’s office. This means that they’ll have all your medical information and can provide more advice for your personal situation.
Your doctor will send your prescription to a pharmacy for you to collect your medication. Image: Freepik
All you’ll need to register with a Dutch pharmacy is proof of identity and your insurance information. The rest of the process should be automatic.
By registering with a particular pharmacy, the process of receiving your medication is simplified. After an appointment with your GP, your prescription should arrive straight in your pharmacy’s mailbox, where you can then pick it up.
While registering for a doctor in the Netherlands may seem like quite a big task, it’s perhaps one of the most important things you can do when you first arrive in the country.
After following these steps, you can relax and be at ease. You’re completely prepared for those not-so-nice moments to go smoothly.
How have you found registering with a general practitioner in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
How to register for a doctor in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it compulsory to register with a Dutch doctor?
It isn’t required to register with a Dutch doctor by law, but it’s highly recommended as a doctor may refuse you treatment if you aren’t registered with them.
Do I have to pay every time I visit a doctor’s appointment in the Netherlands?
Basic Dutch health insurance covers the cost of GP consultations in the Netherlands, so you shouldn’t have to pay anything when attending a doctor’s appointment.
What do I need to register with a Dutch doctor?
You will need your proof of identity (passport or EU identity card), your BSN number, and health insurance details to register with a Dutch doctor.
Do internationals have to register with a Dutch doctor?
Internationals don’t have to register with a doctor in the Netherlands. There are many other options, such as international health centres and online GP services. However, it is recommended that you register with a Dutch doctor to make the process more smooth.
Managing your finances as an international in the Netherlands can be difficult, but it becomes a whole other level of complex if you’re also a zzp’er (freelancer).
Yep, if you’re self-employed, you’ll be all too familiar with the headache of sending invoices, tracking expenses and managing payments.
Enter: Qonto, a modern, two-in-one banking and bookkeeping platform that wants to take that burden away from you. 👇
Smart tools for a smart freelancer
Qonto isn’t just another fancy business account; it’s a financial platform that helps zzp’ers manage their business’s finances seamlessly and efficiently.
With its smart, freelancer-friendly features, Qonto makes bookkeeping, invoicing, and expense tracking effortless, meaning you can dedicate your time to working, not boring paperwork. 💪
Qonto’s platform offers features like automated expense categorisation, real-time transaction notifications, and easy-to-use invoicing tools, letting you save time and reduce hassle.
On top of all this, your Qonto account doesn’t just come with a Dutch IBAN and your very own pinpas (payment card), but also with 5 days/week customer service, and easy international transfers.
Depending on your subscription plan, you can also unlock additional features such as automated VAT calculations and multi-account access — but more on that later.
Your business at your fingertips
Want full control over your business finances at all times? Geen probleem! Whether you’re working hard from your desk or on the go, Qonto’s desktop and mobile apps allow you to always have your business at your fingertips.
With its sleek and intuitive interface, the Qonto app is easy to use and one you’ll love using. But of course, there are also heaps of handy tools in the app.
Your finances, in your pocket. Image: Freepik
For example, while the dashboard gives you real-time insights into your cash flow, your mobile notifications keep you updated on all incoming and outgoing transactions.
Need to upload receipts on the go? Just snap a quick picture with your phone or tablet, and Qonto will automatically attach it to the relevant transaction, making expense tracking as easy as appeltaart. ⚡️
A business account that suits your budget
Each freelancer has different needs and a different budget, and Qonto knows that.
That’s why they offer three business account options starting at just €9 per month, with no hidden fees:
Basic: for essential invoicing tools and easy everyday financial management (promo offer €9/month for a yearly subscription)
Smart: for advanced tools, performance dashboards and integrated invoicing and bookkeeping (promo offer €19/month for a yearly subscription)
Premium: for priority support, extra sub-accounts and dedicated IBANs (promo offer €39/month for a yearly subscription)
While you have the choice to upgrade your subscription as you like, it’s good to know that even the lowest account comes with great core banking and invoice management features:
Core banking features
Core invoice management features
One account
Client invoice creation
A Mastercard card
Supplier invoice centralisation and payment
30 transfers or direct debits per month
External account synching
Access to financing offers
14,000+ partner integrations
Not sure what subscription is best for you? To find the plan that suits you best, check out their ‘Find your subscription’ page.
Smart, secure, sustainable
When you deposit your hard-earned money into a business account, you want to be sure of one main thing: that it’s safe.
Well, rest assured: As a licensed payment institution, Qonto ensures that all deposited funds are fully protected. With multi-language customer support available five days a week, freelancers can also get help with whatever they need, whenever they need it.
Your money is safe with Qonto. Image: Freepik
Plus, you’ll be happy to hear that Qonto is dedicated to making a positive impact on both the environment and society. This means Qonto is not just smart and safe, but also holds itself accountable by promoting climate education and fostering an inclusive workplace. 🌱
Last but certainly not least, with thousands of positive reviews from satisfied customers, Qonto has built a reputation as a trusted financial partner for self-employed professionals across eight European countries.
Curious to learn more about Qonto and what it has to offer? Take a product tour to learn all about how the platform works. Once you’re convinced, you can open your account here. 😉
Would you try Qonto as a freelancer in the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Dutch culture tends to be pretty opposed to credit cards and debt, but why is that exactly? Since there’s never just one easy answer to this type of question, here are seven of the top possibilities for why Dutchies don’t do debt.
If you’ve visited the Netherlands, you’ve likely run into problems trying to pay for something. You probably came to the country expecting to pay a few foreign transaction fees, and maybe to withdraw some cash for smaller purchases.
What you certainly didn’t expect was to end up red-faced with a whole basket of cheese and stroopwafels you couldn’t pay for because your card was declined at a large chain grocery store.
(Rest assured, we’ve all been there. 😉)
Paying in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a special place. It has special architecture, a special landscape, special shoes, and… yes, special payment systems.
For expats, the country’s unique banking system is a special headache to navigate (especially when it comes to payment systems like Maestro and iDEAL).
Basically, the Maestro bank card is a must-have in stores, and iDEAL is the only method for many online payments, which requires a Dutch bank account.
Since they don’t just hand these out upon arrival at the airport, travellers often find themselves in a payment pickle. Your Visa, whether it’s debit or credit, will be treated as a credit card.
Don’t count on those credit cards — Maestro or Vpay is the way to go. Image: DutchReview
This gets confusing when the grocery store employee tells you they only accept debit, while refusing to accept your (foreign) debit card. 🙃
What they’re saying is that they only take the Dutch version of a debit card — generally the Debit Mastercard or Maestro.
Good to know: With Maestro and iDeal on the way out, you soon won’t have to deal with them any more!
What’s so bad about credit cards?
So what are travellers supposed to do? Why the resistance to credit cards? Why don’t the Dutch just doe normaal like the rest of the world?
Quite simply, the Dutch tend to be very debt-averse.They don’t place much trust or value in the credit system in general, and many hold strong beliefs in opposition to it.
And just how strong is “strong”? Well, in 2024 alone, only a measly 0.5% of transactions in the Netherlands were made with a credit card.
Why the Dutch don’t like debt: 7 theories
So where did this debt-aversion come from, anyway? Well, truthfully, we can’t say for sure.
But we can dive into some leading theories, with the following being some of the popular beliefs about debt culture and credit cards in the Netherlands. 👇
1. Debt means guilt
Bring up a conversation about debt in the Netherlands, and the first response you’ll hear is that the word “debt” in Dutch is schuld, which also translates to “guilt”.
Unlike countries where debt is a part and parcel of life, the Dutch view it as especially shameful. Image: Freepik
Great significance is placed on this small, guttural word in Dutch culture.However, schuld isn’t your run-of-the-mill homonym.
Unlike how kussen means both “to kiss” and “pillow,” schuld’s dual meaning holds deep cultural weight — for the Dutch, you can’t have debt without guilt.
2. Dutch culture is frugal
There’s no sense in beating around the bush; the Dutch have a reputation for being… well, thrifty. They’re known for keeping their hard-earned euros close to their chest.
It only makes sense that this particularly pennywise culture would also be cautious around debt.
The Dutch won’t spend money they don’t have
But even though a credit card purchase doesn’t necessarily have to transfer to debt (it’s as simple as a few clicks between accounts, of course), there’s a cultural stigma against it in the Netherlands.
Due to the nature of credit cards being used to buy goods or services on “credit“ (and not actual cash in your account), their use is often viewed as irresponsible or foolish.
If the Dutch want something, they buy it with money directly from their bank account, even if it means waiting until they’ve saved enough.
Dutch businesses don’t like footing extra costs
Helaas, merchants pay more for credit card transactions, and this is generally around 1.8% of the purchase amount.
While this isn’t exclusive to the Netherlands, the merchants’ aversion toward paying those processing fees is a bit more uniquely Dutch.
Someone’s got to foot the bill for credit card payments, and most Dutch merchants choose to say “nee, hoor”. Image: Freepik
Given that schuld has Germanic etymological roots, you would expect the same reluctance toward debt to be shared by Germany.However, unlike the Netherlands, credit cards are widely accepted there.
The upshot of this is that many businesses in the Netherlands opt to save on transaction fees by limiting the types of payment they accept.
3. Credit card companies operate differently in the Netherlands
If you’re coming to the Netherlands from a more debt-accepting culture and looking to get a Dutch credit card, you’ll probably be a bit disappointed.
By design, they’re less appealing to the consumer. 👇
Limited options
In the Netherlands, options are far fewer and much less enticing. You won’t find the same variety of rewards programs, travel perks, or discounts at your favourite stores.
Perhaps if there were more kortingen (discounts) associated with Dutch credit cards, we wouldn’t be having this discussion at all.
Interest? Not interested
Few credit card options in the Netherlands are cost-free. Interest rates and annual fees are not appealing to anyone, particularly the most spendthrift.
Dutch credit cards typically offer an APR (annual percentage rate) of around 14%, which is the maximum rate set by the government.
Another rarity in the Netherlands: cash! Image: Freepik
Comparatively, that’s not bad! But if there’s even a whiff of unnecessary money to be paid, you’ve already lost a Dutchie’s attention.
Never mind that credit cards offer consumer protection for online purchases or the peace of mind that if an emergency comes up, money won’t be an issue.
Mention a €30 annual fee, and your Dutchie will be cycling away faster than you can say, “helaas pindakaas“.
Advertising laws
The Dutch government wants to protect its citizens from dangerous consumer debt.
So by law, lenders are required to include a credit warning when advertising for credit services.
They have to be clear about all the details, costs, and interest rates.
Also, in the true nature of Dutch straightforwardness, ads need to include a specific warning statement and symbol like this one:
Credit scores in the Netherlands are different, too.Unlike in other countries, you don’t need to “build” your credit by borrowing money to prove you can pay it back.
Credit card approval does, however, require you to prove that you have a steady income and earn enough money.
Generally, you’ll need to be able to show that your employment is secure, which, naturally, can be a barrier for new expats.
Your credit can also be negatively impacted if you’ve held temporary or short-term jobs.
A little advice: if you’re moving to the Netherlands and want a credit card for international purchases or emergencies, make your life easier and hold onto your credit cards from back home.
4. Religion
The Dutch aversion to debt can also be traced back centuries to its roots in Calvinism in the 16th century. This belief emphasised a strong work ethic, tolerance, egalitarianism, straightforwardness, and, of course, frugality.
While Calvinism didn’t stick around, the belief has shaped the Netherlands’ attitude towards money. Image: Depositphotos
Not coincidentally, these are some of the prominent ideals that shape Dutch society today.
Their very practical, sober relationship with money is less about being stingy and more about being principled, given that Calvinism is geared toward living a simple life.
Following this belief, it would be entirely indecent to make extravagant purchases, especially without the means to pay in full. While the religion didn’t stick, its way of life certainly did.
5. Dutch cultural identity and social norms
If it hasn’t been spelt out already, credit card use and living in debt go against social norms in the Netherlands, where one’s overall quality of life is emphasised over material items.
Where the financial systems in other countries will allow you to purchase what you want (whether or not you can actually afford it), the financial system in the Netherlands aims to keep people from spending what they don’t have.
If you don’t have money in your bank account or wallet, you don’t get to buy your biertje (beer).
It’s something they start learning about as kids — many Dutch schools even implement financial literacy programs to teach kids about responsible spending from a young age.
6. Historical economic differences
While credit cards spread like wildfire in the US from the 50s onward, things happened much more slowly in the Netherlands.
Credit cards didn’t enter the picture in the Netherlands until 1967, two decades after the US — and even then, they never gained much traction.
So while the US was busy establishing its “buy now, pay later” culture, the Netherlands was still steadfast in its “save now, buy later” mindset, which they’ve managed to hold onto to this day.
Australia adopted the credit card even later (1974), and they currently have the highest household debt to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ratio, so this idea is up for question.
7. The Dutch compare themselves to other countries
Why do the Dutch disapprove of credit cards and debt? Well, you can thank Uncle Sam, because it’s largely because of the US.
Dutch attitudes towards credit cards are largely shaped by the personal debt situation in the US. Image: Depositphotos
The US is often used as an example for arguments against credit card use because the relationship with personal debt is the extreme opposite there. And indeed, it’s quite tragic.
At any rate, the Dutch didn’t feel the need to learn from their own mistakes on this one.They’ve seen what the ugly side of debt can look like, and they’re steering their trade ships clear.
Hold up — but the Netherlands is riddled with schuld
Now, here’s a curveball for you: according to the OECD, the Netherlands ranks second-highest in the world for private debt.
For a country so averse to debt, it’s shocking to learn that they’ve got themselves deep into it.But, to be fair to the Dutch, their personal debt is largely linked to home mortgages.
In the Dutch fiscal system, interest paid on a mortgage can be subtracted from taxable income. Higher mortgage loans mean lower taxes (is that a korting I smell?).
Recent data also indicates that, despite their initial reluctance, more Dutchies are opting for credit cards. (Credit card debt, be damned!)
The main culprits behind the shift are travel and online subscription services, because if there’s anything the Dutch love, it’s travel and their beloved streaming services.
When it comes to the Dutch and debt, the more we learn, the more we wonder. But if there’s one thing that holds, it’s that they sure don’t like it.
What do you think about the debt culture in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
The once-quiet Dutch municipalities of Houten and Uithoorn were rocked by a wave of violence last night, in response to the arrival of several new asylum centres.
At least five arrests were made in Houten — but that number could very likely go up, with RTV Utrecht reporting that police are still on the lookout for some of the more violent protestors.
Meanwhile, at least four arrests have been made in Uithoorn so far, on the charges of sedition and public violence.
Riot police were needed to curb the aggression
According to NH Nieuws, riot police had to be deployed in Uithoorn to disperse the 400 demonstrators, who had gathered opposite the town hall to protest proposed asylum centres in Uithoorn and Amstelveen.
Telegraaf journalist Juul Schepens managed to capture footage from the protest in Uithoorn on X, featuring some demonstrators pelting the police with eggs and fireworks:
De sfeer wordt grimmiger in Uithoorn, waar een protest gaande is tegen de komst van twee azc’s. De politie is bekogeld met eieren en vuurwerk. pic.twitter.com/rO2NuAvpem
The Netherlands is home to over 560 species of bird. Though we’re all well used to the endless pigeons and greedy seagulls, what birds can you see from your very own balcony?
Bird watching can be a calm and enjoyable hobby, and though the Dutch capital may not seem to be the most obvious place to get out your binoculars and look, you’d be surprised at the many bird types you will find amongst the canals and parks.
Watery paradise
In fact, everywhere you look in Amsterdam, you will encounter birds. The city is a paradise for waterfowl. Apart from the elaborate canals that Amsterdam is famous for, the city is traversed by two rivers, the IJ and the Amstel, and smaller waterways connect all these bodies of water with each other.
Perhaps the most memorable birds in Amsterdam are the infamous pigeons. Image: Unsplash
Before the city’s sewage system was completed in 1987, the water quality in the canals was nothing less than vile. To counteract the stench, they had to be flushed through regularly.
Until 1621 this process was achieved using the natural tides of the IJ, which was then still connected to the open water of the Zuiderzee. Later, after the construction of the Afsluitdijk dam, which cut the Zuiderzee off from the North Sea and turned it into the freshwater IJssel Lake, pumps were constructed to flush clean water through the locks.
Now, however, with most of the 2500 houseboats connected to the sewage system, strict controls on wastewater discharge, regular rubbish collection and frequent dredging, the water is so clean you could swim in it.
Do note that swimming remains prohibited, as the canals are officially boating lanes.
The canals no longer need flushing, and Amsterdam’s underwater world has been revived. A vast diversity of fish species, eels and even river lobsters thrive. 🦞
Nesting on the rooftops
The seagulls in Amsterdam can be a real pest. Image: Unsplash
The common gull, the black-headed gull, the lesser black-backed gull and the herring gull are among the many species of gull that feel at home in this watery urban environment.
In winter especially, the gulls flock together, flying low over the rivers and canals, supplementing their fish diet with scavenged food scraps and bread that people throw into the canals.
Recently, a herring gull was tracked flying all the way from its nesting grounds on the island of Texel, 332 kilometres up the coast, to forage on tossed-away French fries in the streets of Amsterdam. 🍟
Although naturally coastal inhabitants, many of the gull species have adapted to breeding in the cities. Great colonies of gulls survive on the outskirts of Amsterdam, nesting on gravel rooftops and sandy waste ground wherever they can find it, like on the artificial island of IJburg.
These clever birds even use the inaccessible wasteland in between highway junctions as nesting grounds.
Even younger gulls, with brown feathers, can be a danger in Amsterdam. Image: Unsplash
Amsterdam’s ducks
The gulls share the canals (and the bread) with a large population of ducks.
With its metallic green head, brown breast and blue purplish wings, the male Mallard is a stunningly beautiful bird.
It forages on water plants and invertebrates, but in the winter months, it too will come rushing over, flapping wings and quacking loudly for your bread leftovers. Less pretty, perhaps, but just as much part of the cityscape…the Muscovy duck.
The ducks in Amsterdam’s Vondelpark can be friendly, but we’d suggest to always be careful. Image: Depositphotos
Feathered friends
Another urban waterfowl that is indigenous to the city is the coot. This sooty-grey bird with its white bill and forehead is much smaller than the mallard but twice as feisty. The coot builds its nest in the canals, tucked away around the houseboats, using whatever materials it can find.
The coot, with its iconic beak and black colouring, is a common sight in Amsterdam. Image: Unsplash
In springtime, it is a common sight to see a brave little coot tugging a waterlogged plastic bag behind it, struggling to create a safe place to lay its eggs under the constant gaze of its human neighbours.
Swans and geese
Swans are numerous in Amsterdam too, sailing along the canals in pairs. As are geese, waddling on the banks aggressively defending their territory from anyone who dares come close, or moving along the water at great speed in noisily yapping flocks. 🦢
The swans in the Netherlands are whimsical, but be careful of your hands and their beaks. Image: Depositphotos
A relative newcomer to the city’s feathered population is the Egyptian goose. With its exotic ruddy plumage, this large bird still looks a bit out of place here, but judging by the number of fluffy goslings I have seen navigating the Amsterdam canals behind their stoic parents this spring, it is here to stay.
Herons and cormorants in Amsterdam
At times, you’d really almost forget you live in a city. Like when a heron screeches like some ancient Jurassic creature as it swoops past you along the canal, or you watch a couple of grebes giving an elaborate courtship display before diving under the surface to chase a fish.
Grebes have a sharp pointy beak and reddish head crest, and can stay underwater for an amazing length of time.
Vondelpark is not only home to ducks, but to herons alike. Image: Depositphotos
Their lobed feet are positioned far back on their bodies, so they can swim really fast, but walking is not their thing. This anatomy has earned this beautiful bird the not-so-glamorous English name arsefoot. 🍑🦶
In the Amsterdam Houthavens and NDSM ports, cormorants spread their raggedy wings in the sun, and, if you are really lucky, you can even glimpse the blue flash of the kingfisher.
Counting birds
Amsterdam’s parks and gardens are also home to a great number of bird species. The Dutch Foundation for Bird Protection holds a national bird counting event every year.
Participants are asked to report how many of which birds they see in their garden or from their balcony in a half-hour timespan on one of two specific days in January.
During the 2025 count, 253,425 house sparrows were spotted, making this species the most common by far in the Netherlands. There were 122,880 blue tits and 103,924 blackbirds, followed by the jackdaw, the finch, the Eurasian collared dove, the wood pigeon, the starling and the robin. 🦜
Parks and gardens
These are the national averages. Of course, there are big differences between the countryside and the city. My back garden in Amsterdam is ruled by magpies.
One for sorrow, two for joy, and if you see one in Amsterdam… oh, boy. Image: Unsplash
These playful, highly intelligent black and white orcas of the sky sweep and duck from branch to the balcony in little groups of two or three, chattering and burbling to each other in their exceptionally sophisticated language.
They are territorial and very aggressive to other birds, like the pair of wood pigeons that tried to build a nest in one of the trees. One of them got pecked to death, and the other only just escaped, leaving a trail of tail feathers across the garden.
We also see lots of great tits in our garden, distinctive little birds with black heads and necks, prominent white cheeks, olive upperparts and yellow underparts. They flit from tree to tree chasing small flying insects. At dusk, they are replaced by little bats that nest in the masonry of the building.
While we all like to have a chuckle at this bird’s name, the Great Tit really is a wonderful creature. Image: Unsplash
We have also ‘spotted’ a great spotted woodpecker in our garden on a few occasions, probably visiting from the nearby park. And of course, the soothing cooing of pigeons is as familiar a sound as the tingle of the tram as it stops at the top of the road.
Bird watching in Amsterdam; just look up
All over Amsterdam, magpies, crows and jackdaws squabble in the treetops, blackbirds rustle in the hedges, and in the city parks, great flocks of green ring-necked parakeet fly shrieking from tree to tree.
These exotic birds have become common city dwellers, profiting from the warmer temperatures of the concrete jungle, nesting in hollow trees in the parks and feeding off berries, seeds and flowers.
This bright parakeet can be seen in Amsterdam, if you watch closely. Image: Unsplash
In autumn, the skies of Amsterdam are graced by the intriguing changing shapes of thousands of common starlings flocking together and getting ready to roost.
This natural phenomenon is called a murmuration. The common starling is an incredibly pretty bird with its iridescent plumage shimmering in shades of dark green and brown. They have a beautiful song, too and are very clever at mimicking other birds.
They have even been known to imitate man-made environmental sounds, like phones and cars.
Or, look down
And don’t forget the bobbing heads of the pigeons scuttling around your feet as you eat your sandwich in the park — that’s wildlife too, right?
Have I missed out on any bird species? Share your bird anecdotes with us! How many different birds can you spot on any given day from your city balcony or in your garden?
What birds have you seen in Amsterdam? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
