Digital Nomad Life in The Netherlands

"Try sports. Get a dog and walk it. Hit the town on Saturday and Friday nights. Get acquainted with your neighours by chatting with them while working your garden. Invite them (pick a date and time). Bring your children to a Dutch School and chat with any other parent on the school grounds. Find work at a Dutch firm," said one person in Amersfoort.

"Expats living in The Netherlands have the opportunity to join a variety of social and cultural clubs, such as a book club, language exchange, hiking group, or theater group. There are also many expat-specific organizations, such as International Women in The Netherlands, and Women in International Business, that hold regular events for newcomers and expats. Expats can also meet people through social networking sites, online forums, and local meet-ups, such as expatry drinks or coffee mornings. Additionally, attending local events and festivals, exploring the city, visiting public parks and markets, and participating in sporting activities are all great ways for expats to meet people and integrate into the local community," said one expat who made the move to Netherlands.

"Many students stay in Utrecht after they got their degree. The city is as a result to this very multicultural. Socializing and sport is very important," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Utrecht.

"Expats and digital nomads in The Netherlands enjoy the pleasant weather, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture. The country is known for its modern infrastructure and efficient public transportation, making it an ideal location for those looking to live and work in Europe. Additionally, the Netherlands offers excellent connectivity and many coworking spaces, creating a perfect environment for those looking to become digital nomads. It also has some of the friendliest people in Europe, making it a great place to meet people and make lifelong connections. All in all, expats and digital nomads in The Netherlands have a lot to look forward to, with all of these opportunities right at their fingertips," explained one person living in Netherlands.

"Finding a place to live in The Netherlands can be a daunting task. To start, you will want to consider your budget, desired area, and amenities that you would like in a home. Then, you can begin your search by looking online or through your local real estate agents. You also may want to consider furniture rental service companies like IKEA, which offer rental furniture packages and monthly rental payment plans. Additionally, there are housing agencies and websites, like Expatica, that can help match you with a property. Finally, when it comes to signing a contract, it is advisable to consult a lawyer to ensure that all terms are legitimate and in your favor," said one person in Netherlands.

"I signed up with an estate agent. Several times a week I had to call them and sign up to see apartments. They only allow 8 people to see any one place, so the process is competitive. In the end, I befriended one of the agents and he helped me secure a place. I paid a one month's finder's fee. In terms of choosing neighborhood, I asked friends and colleagues. I luckily already lived in the Netherlands, just in another city. So I asked friends who already lived here where I should look. Finding someone who knows the city is key in Rotterdam. The difference between a good and bad neighborhood can be one street," said one expat who made the move to Rotterdam.

"Before planning a retirement in the Netherlands, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Dutch. Although many Dutch people speak good English, it is still beneficial to learn the basics so meaningful connections with the locals can be made more easily. Additionally, Visa requirements should be researched thoroughly as the Netherlands has strict regulations for expat visas. It is important to get acquainted with the local healthcare system and research availability of private plans. Living costs in the Netherlands tend to be relatively high, but expats may take advantage of the generous tax breaks available for pensioners. Lastly, the Netherlands is renowned for its vibrant culture, festivals and rich literature, introducing retirees to a variety of new experiences," explained one expat living in Netherlands.

"Utrecht is nice, but finding a house is very difficult. There is a shortage of rooms and appartments," said one person in Utrecht.

"Openness, liberal attitudes and acceptance of all. Friendliness towards expats living here, extremely genuine, happy, family and friend-oriented people," said one person in Amsterdam.

"Expats in The Netherlands may find it challenging to adjust to the Dutch directness, as the Dutch tend to be very blunt and to the point in communication and do not hesitate to share their honest opinion, regardless of social status. Additionally, the Dutch are known to be quite reserved and it can be difficult for expats to break the ice and gain acceptance, since Dutch culture highly values relationships and social networks. Time orientation can also present a challenge as the Dutch tend to be quite organized and punctual, while many expats may come from cultures that are more relaxed and laid back, leading to potential miscommunication," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Netherlands.

"As I said before, the Dutch are friendly on the surface, as in they will say hello and expect a hello back, and they might even want to know where you're from and what you're doing here. But they are not so willing to invite you along to activities or introduce you to their friends. I think most people live in one town their whole lives, so they don't understand what it's like being somewhere new without knowing anyone. Because they don't recognize how difficult it is, they don't think to include you in their social circles," explained one person living in Hengelo, Netherlands.

"The rainy weather was distressing to me. Getting to know Dutch people can be difficult depending upon where you live. The Dutch don't like to "think outside the box". The most common phrase I heard was "That's not possible". It drove me crazy," said one expat in Amsterdam.

"If you will be staying in the Netherlands for a while, you will need to obtain a residence permit from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This document will grant you permission to stay and work in the Netherlands for an extended period of time. You may also need to apply for a long-term visa or a Schengen visa in order to enter the country. Depending on the length of stay, you may also be required to apply for a work permit," explained one expat living in Netherlands.

"In the Dutch movie theaters you MUST sit where the usher directs you. The first time I went to the movies, I just sat where I wanted and I was reprimanded in front of the whole theater! Also, you have to bag your own groceries at the supermarkets and if you aren't quick enough, the cashier will yell at you to hurry up! Luckily, the Dutch are very forgiving. If they know you are a foreigner they'll excuse your ignorant behavior," explained one expat living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

"A 10 or 12 yr-old girl came to my door and said "Heeft u een telefoneboek?" I thought she wanted to borrow our phone book and I had no idea where it was. So I said "Nee, sorry!" She looked at me weird and turned to go to the next house. That's when I saw the big bag on her commuter rack--she was delivering phone books. No wonder she thought it was weird that I apologized :-) It wasn't that embarassing, but something definitely got lost in translation," said one person in Hengelo.

"In The Netherlands, it is important to be respectful of the culture and avoid making any cultural faux pas. One should avoid making assumptions about Dutch culture or people, as this is considered rude and impolite. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of one's language and not use any profanity in public, as this is generally considered inappropriate. Furthermore, it is important to dress modestly and avoid making overly loud or disruptive noises in public areas, as this is considered rude. Additionally, avoid commenting on a person's appearance or asking personal questions, as this is not generally accepted in Dutch culture. Finally, do not litter and be mindful of your surroundings," said one expat who made the move to Netherlands.

"The Netherlands has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Dutch citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a focus on preventive care and access to specialists. Foreign residents are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in The Netherlands can use the public healthcare system by registering with their local municipality and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the same services as Dutch citizens, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital care," said one member in Netherlands.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in The Netherlands, with its excellent public transportation, modern infrastructure, and vibrant cultural scene. They also enjoy the country's progressive attitude towards social issues, such as LGBT rights, and its commitment to environmental sustainability. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in The Netherlands to be quite high, and the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Dutch," commented a person living in Netherlands.