RELOCATION GUIDE

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOVING TO THE NETHERLANDS

HOME IS WHERE
THE EXPAT IS!

CONTENTS
HOUSING 2
AMSTERDAM NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE
4
HEALTHCARE 7
SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE
9
GETTING AROUND
10
MORE INFORMATION
11

HOUSING
FINDING YOUR NEW HOME
HOUSING
ALLOWANCE
Your employer might
provide a housing
allowance for
employees relocating
from abroad. Be sure
to check with your HR
Manager to see whats
possible.

RENTING A PROPERTY
Property prices in the
Netherlands densely
populated cities are relatively
high and there are several
things that youll need to take
account when searching for a
place to live.
What is your budget?
On the private market,
a semi-furnished, one
bedroom apartment within
the Amsterdam city ring
will cost upwards of 1,200
per month, excluding bills.
Two-bedroom apartments
start at around 1,500 per
month, excluding bills.
City centre property comes
at a premium price, as
does property near the
international schools and
in the exclusive Oud Zuid
neighbourhood (see page 4).
How much space do you need?
Property sizes in Amsterdam
may be smaller than you

| www.expat2holland.com

are used to. Prices will

vary wildly depending on
the number of bedrooms
and bathrooms you want,
whether a property has
recently been renovated and
whether you are opting for a
family home or a functional
apartment.
Your commute
The Netherlands has an
excellent public transport
network and Amsterdam is
easily to navigate by bus,
tram and train. Many people
who live in the city centre
rely on public transport and
bicycles to get around. If you
are considering living further
afield, then you may want to
travel to and from the office
by car. Be aware that parking
in Amsterdam is notoriously
difficult and extremely
expensive. Rush hour traffic
in and out of the city will also
add a significant amount of
time to your commute.

Finding accommodation in a
foreign country can be tough,
especially when you dont
speak the language. As part
of our service, our property
team offers new expats a
no obligation expat2holland
House Hunt.
How it works
You tell us your budget, fill
in a detailed questionnaire
about your requirements and
we put together a selection
of suitable properties
according to your needs.
Then we arrange for you
to visit each of the selected
properties on the same day
and accompany you on the
tour. We can even arrange
viewings during the evening
and at weekends.
Before you sign a contract:
Understand that you will
need to pay the agency fee,
one months rent deposit
and the first months rent
upfront

Confirm whether the

apartment will be handed
over empty, semi-furnished
or fully furnished
Ask for the rental agreement to be translated into
English
Ensure that the lease
shows the rental amount
exclusive of additional
bills and costs. Also make
sure that the Diplomatic
Clause is included in your
contract. This will enable
you to terminate the lease
early under specific circumstance, such as if your
company needs to relocate
you to another location.

HOT TIP
Dont sign a rental
agreement for more
than a year. You may
change your mind
about which area you
want to live in as you
get to know the city.

Fees
Please note that while we
do not charge a fee for
the House Hunt service
itself and you are under no
obligation to accept any
of the properties you see,
all the property agencies
that we use do charge a fee
equivalent to one months
rent (plus V.A.T).
www.expat2holland.com | 3

QUICK FACTS
Area: 220 km2
Population: 780,000
Nationalities: 180
Airport: 18 km from city
centre

AMSTERDAM
CENTRAL AMSTERDAM IS DIVIDED INTO
SEVERAL NEIGHBOURHOODS, EACH WITH
ITS OWN DISTINCT CHARACTER.

Oud Zuid (Old South)

Known as Amsterdams exclusive neighbourhood, the Oud
Zuid is home to villas, embassies, privately owned mansions,
architecturally renowned apartment complexes and the leafy
Vondelpark. Theres no shortage of cafes, shops and fine dining
options. Its popular with families, executives and expats,
mainly due to more spacious properties and the proximity
to the international schools. We recommend this area for
families.
De Pijp
The Pijp is a former working class neighbourhood undergoing
rapid renovation. Its a cramped, multicultural and lively
district where young families, students, expats and genuine
Amsterdammers co-exist among hip brunch stops, organic
supermarkets, trendy bars and some of the citys best
restaurants. Its all about location in the Pijp: property prices
are high and space is limited. We recommend this area for
singles and couples.

| www.expat2holland.com

We suggest that single

expats initially find a place
within Amsterdams city
ring so that they can take
full advantage of nightlife
and expat social events.

NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE

City Centre and the Canal Belt

The city centre offers canal-side mansions, historic architecture
and picture postcard views. The Jordaan area and its famous
Negen Straatjes (nine streets) are packed with hip independent
shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Rental prices are high and
space is limited. We recommend this area for couples and
singles who want to be within walking distance of everything
Amsterdam has to offer.

MOVING ALONE?

Rivierenbuurt and Zuider Amstel

Close to the centre, the Old Zuid and the lively Pijp area, the
Rivierenbuurt and Zuider Amstel can offer a good compromise
for those who want slightly more space without feeling like
they live in the suburbs. Both areas are convenient for the
international schools and for those working in the Zuidas,
World Trade Centre or Schiphol business districts. Property is
usually larger and apartments are usually housed in modern
complexes. We recommend this area for families.
Eastern Docklands
Located east of Central Station, the Docklands is a modern
district constructed on several manmade islands. Most
property here is less than 20 years old and built to a high
standard, with many apartment complexes offering gyms,
pools and parking garages. There are shops and cafes but
nightlife is limited. Its popular with families because of the
larger property sizes and availability of parking but the higher
standard of living does not come cheap. We recommend this
area for families.
Oosterpark
Nestled around the park of the same name in the east of the
city, the Oosterpark area is another multicultural neighbourhood
popular with families. Traditional buildings and new-builds
exist side by side. The area has been undergoing renovation
for several years and there are hip cafes, restaurants and
fashionable bars in the neighbourhood. Prices for renovated
rental properties are slightly lower in this area. We recommend
this area for singles and couples. >>

www.expat2holland.com | 5

AMSTERDAM

THINKING ABOUT BUYING?

expat2holland can offer advice about
owning property in the Netherlands
and getting an expat mortgage.

De Baarsjes and Westerpark

A stones throw from the city centre, the Baarsjes and the
Westerpark areas are both multicultural, working-class
neighbourhoods undergoing some renovation to improve
housing standards. As young families and professionals move
in to newly modernised apartments, both areas have seen a
few hip cafes, shops and bars opening up. Prices for renovated
rental properties are generally slightly cheaper in these areas.
We recommend these areas for singles and couples who want
to maximise their budgets.
Amstelveen
The popular suburb of Amstelveen is a large town in its own
right, with around 80,000 inhabitants. Renters will get more
space for their money and its a good option for families
looking for a house with a garden or who want to have a car.
Popular with expats due to its proximity to the city centre,
transport hubs and to the International School of Amsterdam,
Amstelveen has a large shopping centre, numerous local
shopping strips as well as bars, cafes and restaurants. We
recommend this area for families.
Surrounding areas
The outlying towns and villages can offer good alternatives to
Amsterdam and Amstelveen, especially if you are coming with
your family or you want to have a car. Abcoude, Aalsmeer,
Hoofddorp, Uithoorn and Ouderkerk aan de Amstel are all
good options for expats who want a more village-based
lifestyle. Contact expat2holland to find out more about life in
these areas as well as available properties.

OUR RENTAL PROPERTIES

Check out our available rental properties online at:
www.expat2holland.com/properties/properties.html

| www.expat2holland.com

HEALTHCARE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Everyone in the Netherlands
is obliged to take out private
health insurance by law, even
if they are only living here
temporarily. Children under
the age of 18 are usually
included on their parents
policies at no extra cost.
Insurance companies are
obliged to offer anyone basic
coverage irrespective of age
or existing health conditions.
You need a BSN (social
security number) to sign up
for coverage.
Basic coverage
Every health insurance
company offers the same
basic care insurance package
(basisverzekering) at various
prices. Expect to pay at
least 100 per month per
adult. The basisverzekering
package is determined by
the government every year
and covers emergency care,
visits to the GP, treatment
by specialists after referral,
dental care for children,
maternity and post-natal care
among others.
Own risk
There is also a standard

andatory minimum own

m
risk/excess payment (eigen
risico) that is set by the
government each year.
Individuals have to pay the
bills for their treatment until
the own risk amount is met
as well as paying for their
monthly premiums. The
lower your yearly own risk,
the higher your monthly
premiums will be.

goodluz/123RF Stock Foto

NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE

Additional coverage
All health insurance
companies offer a variety
of additional packages that
you can add to your basic
package depending on your
healthcare needs and budget.
Choosing an insurance company
Its important to note
that once you sign up for
health insurance, you may
only switch insurance
companies once a year,
usually in December. When
making appointments
with specialists, such as
physiotherapists, dieticians
and alternative medicine
practitioners, always check
that your health insurance
policy covers the treatment.
Some insurance companies >>

GOOD TO KNOW
Some employers
contribute to the cost
of an employees
health insurance. Many
companies also have
a collective health
insurance scheme that
offers discounted rates for
participants. Check with
your HR Manager to see
whats available.

www.expat2holland.com | 7

HEALTHCARE

SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE

IMPORTANT
You are obliged to take
out health insurance
within four months
of arrival. If you wait
longer, you will be
billed retroactively and
also risk being fined
for not having health
insurance in the first
place. We recommend
that you take out health
insurance as soon as
possible after arrival.

EMERGENCIES
Emergency Doctors
Post Amsterdam:
088 0030600
Ambulance, police and
fire services: 112

| www.expat2holland.com

offer information about their

policies in English. You can
compare coverage from some
providers in English at:
www.independer.nl/
zorgverzekering/info/
dutch-health-insurance.aspx

DOCTORS AND DENTISTS

Most GPs/Family Doctors
(huisarts) speak good English.
They see patients on weekdays
only. You should register with
a doctor (huisartsenpraktijk)
in your neighbourhood.
Most doctors work with an
appointment system as well
as offering a walk in service
(inloop spreekuur) each day
between 08:00 09:00, where
you can see the doctor without
an appointment. A referral by
your doctor is always necessary
to see a specialist at the
hospital.
Finding a doctor
You can find a doctor in your
neighbourhood by using
the postcode search on this
website:
www.independer.nl/huisarts/
Enter your postcode in the
Postcode of plaatsnaam box
and click zoek huisarts

Emergencies
Doctors usually only accept
new patients within a certain
radius of their practice so
they can, in theory, get to you
within ten minutes if there
is an emergency. In reality,
house calls by doctors are very
rare. There is an emergency
phone line (the Huisartsen
Dienstposten - see text box)
that you should call if you
need medical assistance in
the evening or at weekends
English is spoken. For all
non-emergency health issues,
your huisarts is your first point
of contact.
Finding a dentist
There are several English-
speaking dentists in Amsterdam
and you are free to choose a
dentist in whichever location
is most convenient to you.
However, dental care for those
over 18 is not covered by the
basic health insurance package
so youll need to purchase
additional coverage (see
page 7) or pay for the cost of
dental treatment yourself. A
list of some English-speaking
dentists and orthodontists in
Amsterdam can be found here:
amsterdam.angloinfo.com/
af/532/amsterdam-dentists-
and-orthodontists.html

IF YOU ARE COMING TO THE NETHERLANDS WITH

YOUR CHILDREN YOULL NEED TO DECIDE WHETHER TO ENROL THEM IN LOCAL DUTCH SCHOOLS
OR SEND THEM TO ONE OF THE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOLS IN AND AROUND AMSTERDAM.
International education
International schools
are private, fee-paying
schools and usually
provide education in line
with the British, American,
Japanese or French systems.
Community schools are
partially funded by the
government as well as by
fees. These schools place
emphasis on integration
with Dutch culture and
language while offering an
international education in
several European languages.
Some local Dutch schools
also offer parts of their
curriculum in English. Find
out more about schooling
options at:
www.iamexpat.nl/education/
main/international-schoolsin-the-netherlands
Childcare
The Netherlands has a
system of private nurseries/
crches (kinderopvang)
and afterschool centres
(naschoolse opvang), all

of which must comply

with strict government
requirements. There are
several international/English-
speaking facilities. Children
are accepted at crches up to
the age of four. We recommend that you register your
child with a crche as soon
as possible as many crches
have long waiting lists.
You can also use nanny/home
care agencies and private
babysitters (gastouders) who
have formal training and are
licensed by the municipality
to care for up to four children
in their own home or in the
childs home. You can find
information on crches and
nanny agencies at:
www.iamsterdam.com/
en-GB/living/family-health/
children/daycare
Costs
Childcare costs vary but
expect to pay around 1,400
per month per child for a
four-day week at a crche.

A professional nanny/
babysitter may cost less but
fees will depend on whether
they look after children in
their own home or yours
and whether they are selfemployed or work for an
agency.
You may also be eligible for
a rebate on childcare costs if
your child attends an official
crche/day-care centre or
if you use services from a
registered childcare bureau.
Allowances and requirements
are set by the government
and change each year, so ask
your HR Manager about the
current situation.

GOOD TO KNOW
Your employer may
contribute towards the
cost of childcare or
international schooling
for your children. Ask
your HR Manager about
what is offered.

www.expat2holland.com | 9

GETTING AROUND
AMSTERDAM IS A SMALL, FLAT CITY AND MOST
PEOPLE USE BIKES EVERY DAY TO COMMUTE TO
WORK, TO TAKE CHILDREN TO SCHOOL AND TO
GO TO THE SUPERMARKET. IN SHORT, BIKES ARE
A WAY OF LIFE.

There are several car-share

schemes that you can use
when you occasionally
need a car to collect
furniture or go on a day
trip. This is an economical
and environmentally
friendly way of having a
car in the city without the
expense and hassle of
parking, tax and insurance.
Check out
www.greenwheels.com
www.car2go.com/en/
amsterdam/
www.connectcar.nl

10

| www.expat2holland.com

Driving licence
Depending on where your
driving licence was issued

and when, you may be able

to continue using it in the
Netherlands for a certain period
of time or exchange it for a
Dutch licence without much
trouble. This applies mostly to
licences issued by EU countries. Licences issued in most
other countries will need to be
exchanged for a Dutch license
within 185 days of when you
became a resident. However,
licences can only be exchanged
if they meet certain requirements and are issued by certain
countries. Depending on the
country of issue, it is possible
that you may have to retake
your driving test to obtain a
Dutch driving licence. More
information can be found here:
www.rdw.nl/englishinformation

MORE INFORMATION
YOULL FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LIFE IN THE
NETHERLANDS ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

goodluz/123RF Stock Foto

GOOD TO KNOW

Public Transport
The public transport system
connects the city via trams,
buses, metro, ferry and trains.
Although you can still buy
paper train tickets, youll need
a public transport chip card
(OV-chipkaart) to travel on
most other forms of public
transport. You can buy an OVchipkaart in the GVB machines
at stations and load it up there
or at the yellow machines in
post offices, supermarkets
and newsagents throughout
the city. Always remember
to check in and check out on
every trip.

INFORMATION ABOUT LIFE

IN AMSTERDAM

GENERAL INFORMATION
FOR EXPATS

FAMILY LIFE AND HEALTH

MATTERS

www.amsterdam.info
www.amsterdamtourist.com
www.iamsterdam.com

www.expatica.com/nl
www.iamexpat.com
www.iamsterdam.com

www.amsterdam-mamas.nl/
www.access-nl.org/

www.expat2holland.com | 11

HOUSE HUNT AND

NEIGHBOURHOOD
FAMILIARISATION
IF YOUD LIKE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NO
OBLIGATION EXPAT2HOLLAND HOUSE HUNT
SERVICE, PLEASE CONTACT US AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE.
If you accept a property that youve seen our House
Hunt, well send you a virtual tour guide by email to
help you get to know your new neighbourhood. Well
help you find local doctors, dentists, supermarkets,
schools, cafes and bars, tram stops and other places of
interest.

IT DOESNT STOP THERE

expat2holland also offers many other services for
expats. You can find the full range of services at:
www.expat2holland.com.

CONTACT
Charlotte Buskens, HR and Relocation Specialist and
founder of expat2holland:
Email: info@expat2holland.com
Phone: +31 6 48496459
Skype: expat2holland

ABOUT EXPAT2HOLLAND
expat2holland is an all-inclusive relocation and
expatriate advice service. We take care of everything
an expatriate needs before, during and after their stay
in the Netherlands.
2014 expat2holland. All rights reserved.
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