NEW TO THE NETHERLANDS? THESE FOUR TIPS ARE VERY USEFUL FOR YOU!

After you have used an agency for translations, which is called a bureau voor vertalingen in Dutch, so that all the necessary documents are translated into this challenging language, you are ready to move to the Netherlands. Once you have finally touched down in this European country, you will likely start your job or course right away. Maybe you will still need to find a room. Have you already done that? In that case, you will have to decorate and furnish the apartment so it will actually feel like home to you. In this context, you are advised to take the four tips below into account when moving to Holland.

Register with the Gemeente

As was already mentioned, when moving to the Netherlands you will have to go on the hunt for a room or an apartment. This is key, since you have to register at that address. Without being registered at a Dutch address, it will be impossible to get a BSN. This is your social services number, which you will need in order to set up a Dutch bank account. See more about the BSN in the next paragraph. Once you have found a room you can rent, you sign the rental contract, of course. Afterwards you can visit the local town hall to register with the gemeente (municipality).

Get a BSN

When you register with your address at the town hall, you are issued your BSN, or social services number. This can be used to set up a Dutch bank account, which is an important step towards establishing your new life in Holland. You will not only have to get a BSN to open a bank account, but also to start a job and do about your taxes. Furthermore, without a social services number it is usually not possible for you to make use of the Dutch healthcare system.

Find Furniture at Kringloopwinkels

After you have found accommodation, you will have to furnish it, which can be done with the help of kringloopwinkels. These are thrift shops or charity stores. At a kringloopwinkel you will not only find second-hand furniture; it is essentially possible to buy everything and anything at these shops. Even vintage clothing and kitchen utensils can be bought there. Usually they are located in smaller towns and the suburbs of big cities. Therefore you might have to use your OV-chipkaart or bike to get there.

Take a Dutch Language Course

Dutch is hard and not a pretty language by any means. However, learning even a bit of it will make your time in Holland way easier. It will also help you connect with the locals, even though most Dutchies speak English reasonably well. There is a plethora of Dutch schools and courses to choose from, so there will definitely be something available to you that it is within your budget and level. You should especially learn Dutch if you are planning on staying in the Netherlands for a while.