Learning the Dutch Language
The Dutch language is one of the two official languages of the Netherlands (Frisian is the second).
It is advisable to learn at least basic Dutch, though the Dutch are master linguists and almost all of the population speaks English and/or German.
Dutch Television
There are three public channels in the Netherlands (Nederland 1,2 and 3) and numerous commercial channels, including regional, national and international channels. Expats can choose from a range of digital and satellite packages.
The good news for expats is that the Dutch subtitle television programs instead of dubbing them, with the exception of children’s shows.
Keeping in Touch
KPN is the largest telecoms service provider in the Netherlands but companies such as Ziggo and UPC also offer telephone services through their cable networks.
Many companies offer customer service in English and setting up a connection is straight forward.
Most communications companies offer complete packages, which include telephone (including mobile), internet and television. Not all providers have national coverage so some elements of a package may not be available in your location.
There are several options for an internet connection including cable, dial up, ADSL or ISDN or even satellite. The speed and capacity of the internet connection also varies greatly from one provider to another and this is reflected in the price.
Welcome to Holland - Netherlands' Healthcare System
The Netherlands’ healthcare system ranks highly and there is an obligatory, universal private healthcare insurance in place, provided to the Netherlands’ people regardless of age, health status or income. No insurance company can legally turn an applicant down for health cover.
Insurance premiums cost on average around 100 euro per month.
Hospitals and medical centres in the Netherlands are modern and many offer a specific specialism.
Welcome to Holland -Banking in the Netherlands
To open a bank account in the Netherlands you will need to show proof of your identity, proof of your address and sometimes proof of employment, a copy of your residence permit application and/or your tax number (Burgerservicenummer).
The major players in the Dutch banking industry are Rabobank, ING, Fortis and SNS. Internet banking is popular, and you should be sure to check the fees you will pay for banking services, particularly if you plan to send money back home.
Welcome to Holland -Education in Netherlands
Education in the Netherlands is of a good quality but is different to many other countries in its structure. The local education system is a competence-based system and children are streamlined from the time they enter secondary school by means of tests.
There are also well-renowned international schools in the major cities and schools that offer dual language education - of particular interest to expats that plan to carry out a medium or long term assignment in the Netherlands.
Welcome to Holland - Getting About
The Netherlands has an excellent public transport system including a network of trams, buses and trains and, in the larger cities, metros too.
Cycling is also immensely popular and there is an excellent network of cycle lanes, which stretch the length and breadth of Holland.
If you wish to drive you may be able to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Dutch one, depending on the country of issue of the licence. Otherwise, you are required to take a practical and theory examination to obtain a Dutch driving licence.
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