Practical guides for housing, health, work and the authorities, and the local culture, with the key vocabulary in the language you are learning.
Practical guidance for settling in: housing, health, work, the authorities, everyday life and education.
The housing market is tight. Without a plan, documents and caution about fraud the search is hard.
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Come prepared to the viewing, check the home critically and take photos. Do not decide under pressure.
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The rental contract governs rent, duration, deposit and termination. Read it well and know your rights as a tenant.
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Choose your own energy supplier, report meter readings and account for municipal taxes and insurance.
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Anyone living in the Netherlands for more than four months registers with the municipality and receives a BSN. Then you can apply for a DigiD.
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Anyone living or working in the Netherlands must take out basic insurance within four months. Health care allowance can help with costs.
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The GP is your first point of contact for health problems and refers you to a specialist when needed.
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For prescriptions you go to the pharmacy, for simple remedies also to the drugstore. Feel free to ask the pharmacist for explanation.
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When ill you report to your employer, who usually continues paying at least 70 per cent of your wage for up to two years.
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Call 112 in case of danger to life. For urgent but non-life-threatening problems call the out-of-hours GP.
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A short cover letter, a clear CV and honest information: this is how you stand out in the Dutch labour market.
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Be honest, direct and well prepared. Dutch people value sobriety, not excessive self-promotion.
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An employment contract governs pay, working hours, probation and termination. Read it well and know the basic rules.
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Direct, informal and aimed at consensus: this is how Dutch people cooperate. Ask, give feedback and consult a lot.
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Train, tram, bus and metro work with one system for checking in and out. And the bicycle is the most important means of transport everywhere.
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Supermarkets, markets and web shops: pay by debit card or iDEAL, use bonus cards and know your rights on returns and warranty.
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Reserve for busy evenings, ask for the bill and often pay separately. A tip is a courtesy, not an obligation.
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With a BSN and ID you open a current account. Debit card, iDEAL and direct debit are the usual means of payment.
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Compulsory schooling from five, primary school until twelve, then vmbo, havo or vwo. Parents choose the school themselves.
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Childcare is expensive, but with the childcare allowance you get part back. Register your child early because of waiting lists.
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From language café to the NT2 state exam: this is how you find a suitable course, support and a recognised certificate.
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How people communicate, work and celebrate, and what is polite.