The Hague, The Netherlands

"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," said one expat 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," said one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands and is known for its international atmosphere. It is home to many international organizations, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in The Hague is higher than in other parts of the Netherlands. Additionally, the city is well-connected to other parts of the country by public transportation, making it easy to explore the rest of the Netherlands. Expats should also be aware that the weather in The Hague can be unpredictable, with cold winters and mild summers. Finally, expats should be aware that the Dutch language is widely spoken in The Hague, so it is important to learn some basic Dutch before moving to the city," remarked one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"Think long and hard about how you would live your life, what kind of life you really want. I chose to transition from working outside the home (US) to working at home (writer), so we wanted an urban, Dutch lifestyle. I actually enjoy wandering up to the shopping street to buy my daily groceries and run errands in the late afternoon. We use public transportation for everything except my picking up the kids from school (20 min. away) 3 days a week when they're in the middle of sports and activities (as they're in high school and have tons of homework). My husband walks to/from work, and we're able to eat meals as a family. My friends who live in the 'expat enclave' near the school 1) have no Dutch friends, 2) don't really speak any Dutch and 3) their husbands are 'ghosts' in their families - never around due to long commutes," explained one expat living in The Hague, Netherlands.

"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," wrote one member 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 expat who made the move to The Hague.

"We rent a 'rijtjeshuie' which is basically a 3-story brick 'town house' on a quiet street in a relatively upscale neighborhood, near a popular shopping street that is a great mix of everyday requirements (good grocery store, hardware stores, drug stores, great specialty stores and also fun boutiques and upscale stuff to window shop). It's fairly typical in this part of Den Haag/The Hague, although probably a bit on the bigger side than some," remarked one expat living in The Hague, Netherlands.

"Expat homes and apartments in The Hague are typically modern and spacious, with plenty of natural light. Many of the apartments are located in the city center, close to shops, restaurants, and other amenities. The Hague is known for its beautiful parks and canals, so many expats choose to live in apartments with views of the city's green spaces. The Hague is also home to a variety of international schools, making it a great choice for expats with children," wrote one member in The Hague.

"Factoring in space/square footage, probably a little less. Depends on what you came from and where you settle here. It isn't cheap," said one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"The average cost of housing in The Hague is relatively high compared to other cities in the country. Renting an apartment in The Hague can cost anywhere from €800 to €2,000 per month, depending on the size and location of the property. Buying a house in The Hague can cost anywhere from €200,000 to €1,000,000, depending on the size and location of the property," explained one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.

"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," remarked one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.

"I'd start with ACCESS (access-nl.org) and The Hague Online (thehagueonline.com), and go from there," wrote one member in The Hague.

"We downsized and generally packed well, but I'd say we should have brought more jeans, running shoes, voetbal cleats. (Items are much more expensive here and there is less selection.) Left at home? More of the 'stuff' that may fit in American closets (but you really don't use). I continue to weed out clothes that are too big/small/never worn. We find that we like to update our photos/paintings and artwork based on our travels, so we need to downsize some of that. (Tom Frost at Expat Alley wrote a great post about living with less because you outgrow your stuff and have new experiences.) I thought I was being ruthless but I need to be more so as closet/storage space (especially the hanging kind) is at a premium," commented one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"When moving to The Hague, it is important to pack warm clothing, as the weather can be quite cold in the winter months. It is also a good idea to bring an umbrella, as the Netherlands is known for its rainy days. Additionally, it is important to bring a valid passport and any necessary documents for your stay. Finally, it is a good idea to bring a few items to make your new home feel more comfortable, such as pictures, books, and other personal items," remarked one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"As previously mentioned, many people work for international organizations and businesses, the Dutch government, or foreign embassies," remarked one expat living in The Hague, Netherlands.

"Foreigners often have jobs in The Hague in a variety of industries, such as hospitality, IT, finance, and education. Many foreigners also work in the city's international organizations, such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Additionally, many foreigners work in the city's embassies and consulates, providing administrative and diplomatic support. Other popular jobs for foreigners in The Hague include teaching English, working in retail, and providing translation services," wrote one member in 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," commented one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"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," remarked one expat living in The Hague, Netherlands.

"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," said one expat 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 expat who made the move to 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," wrote a member 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," commented one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"The Hague is generally considered a safe city, with a relatively low crime rate. Although there are some neighborhoods in The Hague that have higher crime rates than average, violent crimes generally do not occur in the city center," remarked one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"The Hague is quite diverse on all levels, with lots of expats. It seems to be more accepting of differences than some places outside the Randstad (the area in which Amersterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam are located)," explained one expat living in The Hague, Netherlands.

"The Hague is a diverse city, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures living and working together. The city is known for its acceptance of differences, and people from all walks of life are welcomed and respected. The Hague is a vibrant and open-minded city, where people of all backgrounds can feel at home," said one expat in The Hague.

"The International School of The Hague (ISH) is one of the best international schools in The Hague. It is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for university and beyond. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, art, and drama. The British School in The Hague (BSH) is another excellent international school in The Hague. It is a co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the British Schools Overseas (BSO). It offers a comprehensive academic program that prepares students for university and beyond. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, art, and drama. The International Bilingual School of The Hague (IBSH) is a bilingual school in The Hague, Netherlands. It is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Dutch Ministry of Education. It offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for university and beyond. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, art, and drama," commented one expat when asked about in The Hague.

"For primary school no issues but secondary school I would think twice and try to obtain more feedback about the current situation. The atmosphere between teaching staff and students is defintely one of no trust with no respect for each other. There are a lot of organisational issues within the school with respect to attracting staff, communication, proper planning of class schedules and interaction with students. The teaching staff is made up of probably more than 70% part timers, which put pressure on scheduling and communication within the school. Quite a few students have left ISH and opted for RISS in Rotterdam, which appearantly has a much better atmosphere and program. The MYP program offered at ISH is also a farce as, in Holland , MYP is not a recognised program, therefor if a student fails IB in ISH , all he will get is a diploma equivalent to the lowest form of secondary eduction (VMBO). There has been very little openess from the school with regard to options available to children in Holland should they fail the IB program or do not get admitted to the IB program. If you do have long term plans in Holland and you do question your childs academic abilities (there is no stimulance provided by ISH to perform), then IGCSE's is probabably a better option for your child as at least your get certificates with which you still can go to college. We have been in Holland for 3 years and sincerely regret having choosen ISH as school for our children during that time," explained one expat in The Hague, Netherlands with kids at International School of 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," mentioned an expat living in The Hague.

"Expats, retirees and digital nomads living in The Hague typically have an active social life. There are many opportunities to meet people from all over the world, as well as locals, through various clubs, organizations, and events. Expats often join international clubs and organizations, such as the International Women's Club of The Hague, which offers a variety of activities and events. Digital nomads can find a community of like-minded people through coworking spaces, such as The Hague Tech, which also offers networking events and workshops. Retirees can join local clubs and organizations, such as the Expat Seniors Club, which offers activities such as day trips, lectures, and social gatherings," wrote one expat living in The Hague.

"The Hague is a vibrant city with a lively social scene. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore, as well as a variety of cultural events and activities to enjoy. The city is also home to a number of festivals throughout the year, such as the International Film Festival and the King's Day celebrations. The Hague also has a thriving music scene, with a variety of live music venues and festivals. Additionally, the city is home to a number of parks and green spaces, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors," mentioned one expat inThe Hague.

"Expats in The Hague recommend researching the different neighborhoods in the city to find the best fit for your lifestyle. It is also important to consider the cost of living in the area, as well as the availability of public transportation. Additionally, it is wise to look into the rental market and compare prices before signing a lease. It is also recommended to use a reputable real estate agent to help with the process. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding renting and leasing in The Hague," said an expat in The Hague.

"The Hague offers a wide range of medical services for its residents. The city has a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide quality care and treatment. The city also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized care for specific medical conditions. Additionally, The Hague has a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide a variety of medications and health products. The city also has a number of medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are available to provide medical advice and treatment," mentioned an expat living in The Hague.

"Healthcare and health insurance in The Hague can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. The Dutch government provides basic health insurance coverage for all citizens, but additional coverage may be required for more comprehensive services. Private health insurance is also available, but it can be costly. In general, healthcare costs in The Hague are higher than in other parts of the Netherlands, but still lower than in many other countries," commented one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.

"The cost of living in The Hague is generally considered to be quite high. Rent for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in The Hague can range from around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in The Hague can cost around $20 to $30 per person," mentioned an expat living in The Hague.

"In order to visit The Hague, a visitor must obtain a Schengen visa from the Dutch embassy or consulate in their home country. The Schengen visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen area. To apply for a Schengen visa, applicants must submit a valid passport, a completed application form, two passport-sized photographs, proof of travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. In order to stay in The Hague, Netherlands for longer than 90 days, a visitor must apply for a residence permit. To apply for a residence permit, applicants must submit a valid passport, a completed application form, two passport-sized photographs, proof of travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of a valid reason for staying in the country. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required," wrote one expat living in The Hague.

"The Hague is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, excellent quality of life, and proximity to other major cities in the Netherlands. The city is known for its beautiful parks, canals, and beaches, as well as its rich history and culture. The Hague is also home to a number of international organizations, making it an ideal place for expats to work and live. Additionally, the city offers a wide range of housing options, from modern apartments to traditional Dutch homes, making it easy for expats to find a place to call home. Finally, The Hague is well-connected to other cities in the Netherlands and Europe, making it easy to explore the region," remarked one expat living in The Hague.