How is Expatriate Life in Maastricht, the Netherlands?

by Amanda Potter
(Maastricht, the Netherlands)

Maastricht is a smallish, but beautiful city set in the Limburg providence along the boarder of Belgium. With lots of great, old architecture and a modern University, Maastricht has a rich, historical aura that is at the same time comfortable and friendly. The city is quite popular with Dutch people for shopping, and is well-known for the yearly Carnaval celebrations. Limburg is more hilly than the rest of the Netherlands.

1. What is the spoken language, and how much local language do you need to know for daily living?

The primary languages spoken are Dutch and the local Limburgish dialect, although most people do speak some English. You'll typically hear Dutch and Limburgish on the streets, unless you are around college students who are frequently from other countries. English is very common in the Maastricht University.

You can survive and manage day to day life with a tiny amount of Dutch, but it is impossible to really engage without learning the language. I have found speaking to service people, such a plumbers, to be impossible if you don't know Dutch. The higher an individuals education level the better their English typically is. The people in Maastricht are generally patient and friendly about language and will switch to English at the drop of a hat if you're struggling in Dutch.

2. How is the weather?

Rainy and windy. Maastricht has its share of dry days, but like most of the Netherlands, it can be quite gray. The sunny days are wonderful and the blue skies very wide since the hills are so low. Temperatures rarely get hot enough to need an air conditioner in the summer and winters are usually mild, although it does snow.

3. Is this a good city for families/singles/couples?

For a small size city, Maastricht has a variety of activities going on at all times. If you speak Dutch the city will be more open to you. Singles or couples who like to travel will appreciate Maasricht's central location in the EU. There is some support for international families and there is an international school.

4. How are the preschool and daycares?

I don't have any experience in this area.

5. Are their international schools/American Schools?

There are a few international schools available in an near Maatricht including the International School Maastricht, United World College Maastricht, and some English language programs at the Maastricht University.

There is, unfortunately, a dearth of English-language Continuing Education opportunities in Maastricht itself.

6. Any after school activities?

Although I have no direct experience, there are several clubs, classes, and organizations available (mostly in Dutch). College age students have access to the Stadium Generale which has a variety of presentations and events for students.

7. How is the accommodation?

Housing is varied with older housing on one side of the Meuse river and newer housing on there other (particularly in the Wyck area). The compact nature of the city means that you can live outside Maastricht, but still be in biking distance of the city center. A one-bedroom apartment averages around 700 euros/month without utilities.

8. How is the healthcare?

Everyone in the Netherlands is required to have health insurance and all of the insurance companies offer at least a minimum package of coverage. There is some State aid if you cannot afford insurance.

In my experience, doctors are attentive and easy to get appointments with. Medicines are more restricted than in the USA and typically you do not go see the doctor unless something is wrong. Although holistic practices are covered by many insurance providers, healthcare is regarded as reactive rather than preventative in the Netherlands.


9. Is it a pet friendly city?

Maastricht is very dog friendly and many restaurants have bowls for dogs tucked away on their terraces. There is, however, a dog tax. Cats are popular pets as well and frequently are allowed to be both indoor/outdoor pets. They are not taxed. Maastricht has very few stray animals.

10. Is household help easy to find?

I don't know, but I suspect it would be difficult without speaking Dutch.

11. How is the traffic and the public transportation (buses, trains, taxis)?

Maastricht has a network of buses inside the city and is connected to the national and international train system. Both networks are very efficient and always arrive and leave on time. The several taxi services are all private companies and tend to be variable in their quality. Biking and walking are extremely common and popular modes of transportation. You could easily walk from one side of Maastricht to the other in an hour or so.

12. How is the communication - Cell/land phone, T.V/Cable/Satelite, Internet connection, international calls?

Cellphone coverages is excellent in Maastricht, and I've had no trouble with TV/Cable hookups. Not all buildings are wired for Internet so if you need high speed internet you'll need to mandate it in any rental contract you make. I choose to make international calls via the Internet rather than on a landline.

13. What is the dress code to work and in public?

Women in Maastricht are typically well-dressed and many have their own unique style, but lots of people dress casually in jeans. Work dress is typically better, perhaps slacks and a button-down shirt, but only high-powered jobs (lawyer, etc) would require you to wear a suit daily.

14. How is shopping for groceries, household items and clothing?

Maastricht has many, many clothing boutiques and larger clothing stores. It is very popular for shopping among the Dutch.

Groceries and household items can be found in grocery stores and druggists, as well as in specialty food stores such as the ubiquitous bakeries, butchers, and green markets. There is also a weekly market, organic market, and fish market on the open Markt Square.

English language books and products are difficult to find in Maastricht.

15. Tell us about sport, entertainment, night life, restaurants.

Maastricht has a wide variety of restaurant and cafes ranging from classic Dutch food to Sushi. The local pie, Limbergse Vlaai should not be missed. There are also 2 movie theaters (movies often play with Dutch subtitles), a couple of night clubs, several music and jazz venues, and museums. a paintball range is just outside of town. I'm not familiar with sports in the area.

16. How is the expats community?

Although there are many expats in Maastricht from many different countries, there isn't a strong central community or organization to help bring people together. Most expats meet through language courses or their jobs, although there are a few organizations available for specific groups:

* International Women's Club South Limburg (for women)
* Maastricht International Playgroup (for families)
* Maastricht University (for students)

Social networks are slowly popping up for expats and internationals including http://my.mtricht.com and an International Service Desk was recently added to the Town Hall (Gemeente). It is an area that the city is trying to improve.

Read more about Amanda Potter and her expat experiences in Maastricht at MaastrichtMinutiae.com