Digital Nomad Life in The Hague, The Netherlands
Summary: The Hague, Netherlands is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and vibrant culture. The Hague is a safe and welcoming city with a population of around 545,000 people. The Hague is known for its mild climate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The best neighborhood for digital nomads to live in The Hague is the city center, which is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city center is also well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to get around. The approximate monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in The Hague is around $1,500 USD. This includes rent, utilities, food, and entertainment. The cost of renting a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in The Hague is around $1,000 USD per month.
How do I meet people in The Hague?
When we asked people living in The Hague about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in The Hague can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as these can be great ways to connect with other expats in the area," said one expat in The Hague.
"I'd start with ACCESS (access-nl.org) and The Hague Online (thehagueonline.com), and go from there," remarked one member in The Hague.
What is life like in The Hague?
When we asked people living in The Hague what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"The Hague is the seat of government for the Netherlands. So in addition to the Queen, Ministries and Dutch Parliament, it is home to foreign embassies and a host of international organizations (many UN) as well as international businesses. I think of it as a capital city with a small town feel. Lots of greenery and park land, with beautiful dune beaches along the North Sea. Plenty to do, with fewer tourists than in Amsterdam," said one expat who made the move to The Hague.
"The Hague is a great city for expats and digital nomads, offering a high quality of life and plenty of opportunities for networking and socializing. The city is well-connected, with excellent public transport links to the rest of the Netherlands and beyond. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. The Hague also has a great selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as plenty of green spaces to relax in. The city is also home to a large international community, making it easy to meet people from all over the world," explained one foreigner living in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Where should I live in The Hague?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"The Hague is a great city to live in, with plenty of options for housing. One of the best ways to find a place to live is to use online resources such as websites like Pararius, Funda, and Kamernet. These websites allow you to search for rental properties in The Hague and its surrounding areas. Additionally, you can also use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to find rental properties in The Hague. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable place to live. Finally, you can also look for rental properties in newspapers and magazines," said one expat in The Hague.
"We were fortunate in that my husband was here 6 months ahead of the family. He used that time wisely visiting neighborhoods and nearby towns to get the 'vibe'. He also spoke with anyone and everyone - where did they live, did they like it, did they wish they lived elsewhere, what did they wish they'd done differently. Through this we made the tough decision that we wanted an urban, Dutch experience, not 'expat suburbia' as if we were counting the days until we left. Then we honed in on the best neighborhoods within easy walk/commute, and went for best layout on a quiet street near (but not too near) good shopping and public transportation. We used a rental agency but we'd done the tough work," remarked one member in The Hague.
What do I need to know before moving to The Hague?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to The Hague, they said:
"With its international flavor and resources supporting expats, The Hague is what I think is a relatively easy city in which to find your way. It's also an easy starting place to travel throughout the Netherlands and a great place from which to visit other countries," remarked one member in The Hague.
"Before retiring in The Hague, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than the national average. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in the area. It is also important to understand the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Expats should also consider the availability of public transportation and the cost of housing in the area. Finally, expats should research the local job market to ensure that they can find suitable employment if needed," explained one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in The Hague?
"Expats in The Hague appreciate the city's international atmosphere, with its diverse population and many different cultures. They also enjoy the city's relaxed atmosphere, with its many parks, canals, and green spaces. The Hague is known for its vibrant art and culture scene, with its many museums, galleries, and theatres. Expats also appreciate the city's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around. Additionally, the Hague is known for its excellent shopping, with its many boutiques, markets, and department stores. Finally, expats enjoy the city's many festivals and events, which celebrate the city's culture and history," said one person in The Hague.
"Family oriented, big emphasis on being outdoors and active, a simpler pace in life. It's a beautiful country with much to see and experience, despite being small. Lots to do culturally as the Dutch appreciate music, the arts, theater and concerts/festivals. Love the beaches, and the long daylight in the summer months," remarked one foreigner who made the move to The Hague.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in The Hague?
"Expats in The Hague often find the Dutch directness and lack of small talk to be challenging. Additionally, the Dutch are known for their punctuality and adherence to rules, which can be difficult for those coming from cultures that are more relaxed. Furthermore, the Dutch are very private people and may not be as open to making friends with expats as other cultures. Finally, the Dutch language can be difficult to learn, making it difficult for expats to fully integrate into the local culture," said one person in The Hague.
"Getting used to the greater darkness during the winter months (being so far north). I don't love the rain or wind howling in off the North Sea, but you get used to it, and it's really not as bad as people make it out to be. Culturally, the Dutch can seem a bit curt, abrupt, and also love to poke fun at others, teasing beyond the bounds some cultures are used to. When you understand it's their culture and not personal, you move past it," said one expat who made the move to The Hague.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in The Hague for a while?
"If you plan to stay in The Hague for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for a Schengen visa. You will need to provide proof of your identity, proof of financial means, and proof of accommodation. Additionally, you may need to provide a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and a criminal record check," remarked one member in The Hague.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in The Hague?
We asked people in The Hague if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting The Hague. It is considered impolite to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as dressing too casually or too formally can be seen as disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the Dutch custom of taking off one's shoes when entering someone's home, and to respect the Dutch custom of not discussing religion or politics in public. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Dutch custom of not tipping in restaurants, as this is seen as an insult," said one expat who made the move to The Hague.
"Oh, I've committed many! And that's okay, it helps you become part of the community. Once I confused the word for greetings (groetjes) for vegetables (groentjes); another time I confused the words for 'rent' and 'prostitute'. Definitely be willing to laugh at yourself," explained one foreigner living in The Hague, Netherlands.
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What are healthcare services like in The Hague?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in The Hague, they replied:
"The Hague is home to a wide range of healthcare services, including general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies. The city is served by several hospitals, including the HagaZiekenhuis, the largest hospital in the region, and the Reinier de Graaf Groep, which specializes in mental health and addiction services. The city also has a number of specialized clinics, such as the Erasmus Medical Center, which focuses on cancer treatment, and the Leiden University Medical Center, which specializes in cardiology and neurology. Additionally, The Hague is home to a number of pharmacies, providing access to prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs," explained one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.
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What are the pros and cons of living in The Hague?
"Expats and digital nomads living in The Hague often appreciate the city's convenient location, with easy access to both Amsterdam and Rotterdam. They also enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. Additionally, the Hague is known for its excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the cost of living in The Hague to be quite high, especially when compared to other cities in the Netherlands. Additionally, the Hague can be quite crowded, with a large population of both locals and tourists," explained one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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