the netherlands

accommodation

There's a vast amount of accommodation to rent and buy in the Netherlands in every price range and area. Before choosing where to live, it's advisable to check the present and planned public transport services, especially if you're commuting to a job from the suburbs.

The following are the best places to find information on renting properties in the Netherlands, whether you want to rent with a friend already in the Netherlands or you want to flat share:

Doctors and health

As of January 2006, a new insurance system for curative healthcare came into force in the Netherlands. Under the new Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet), all residents of the Netherlands are obliged to take out a health insurance.

In general, healthcare in The Netherlands is very unique and most likely different to what you may be used to. Generally speaking, the Dutch believe that in many cases the body heals itself with minimal intervention, but medical training in The Netherlands is excellent and Dutch medical technology is among the best in the world.

The family doctor (huisarts) is key in the world of health care, treating patients for basic non-surgical problems and poviding consults for most of your general health questions. The huisarts also serves as your link to most other services such as hospitals, specialists, midwifery, physical therapy, etc.

One must register with a family doctor (huisarts) upon arrival in the Netherlands, preferably located within 10 minutes of your home. To find a local huisarts you can try asking neighbours, friends or colleagues for recommendations or request a list from your insurance company. You can look in the phone book under Huisarts for listings near your post code.

Dentitst (Tandarts)

Choosing a dentist in The Netherlands is very much like finding a doctor. You can ask neighbours for references, or look in the phone book under tandartsen. As with doctors, people generally stay with the same tandarts, so you should choose carefully. Further, most insurances do not cover basic dental care. However, for the highest quality of care it is advisable to find out if supplementary dental insurance is more beneficial.

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account is straight forward in the Netherlands. You'll need as much ID as possible, including your passport, proof of address (bills, rental receipts or a lease) and a letter from your employer/Robert Walters

The major banks in the Netherlands are ABN AMRO, ING, Fortis, Postbank, Rabobank and SNS

Your salary will usually be paid directly into your bank account by your employer and your regular salary statement will be sent to your home address.

Maestro/switch cards - Can be used at ATMs and as debit cards in shops (chip and pin)

Credit cards - The Dutch tend to avoid using credit cards and you will find that many places (including restaurants and bars) do not accept them. You will be asked to provide identification if you are able to pay with a credit card.

Mobile phones

Ensure that you obtain a Dutch mobile number as soon as you arrive in The Netherlands - this is the best way to keep in touch with your consultant and for us to keep you updated with job opportunities
The main mobile phone providers in The Netherlands are Orange, T-Mobile, Telfort, Vodafone and Debitel Nederland BV

Tax

Everyone who is liable for income tax in The Netherlands must acquire a SOFI number. Once you have registered with the Vreemdelingenpolitie (direct translation: Aliens' Police) and City Hall (and possibly a residence permit), a SoFi (sociaal-fiscaal) number can be obtained. This number identifies you within the tax and social security system and is essential if you wish to work. To obtain a SoFi number, you will need to contact the local Tax Office (Belastingdienst).

Registration

All residents, foreigners or otherwise, are required to register at the City Hall. For foreigners, this is usually done through the Vreemdelingenpolitie (direct translation: Aliens' Police).

Alien's Police

If you are a foreigner moving from outside of the Netherlands, once you have entered the Netherlands, you will have to register with the Vreemdelingenpolitie (direct translation: Aliens' Police).

Residence Permits

As the organisation that permits entry into the Netherlands, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) arm of the Ministry of Justice is the first point of contact for information regarding the residence and Visa requirements as related to your nationality, purpose and length of stay. Vreemdelingenpolitie (direct translation: Aliens' Police) for Amsterdam/Diemen handles the administration for processing these requests.

Insurance

You should obtain adequate travel insurance before arriving in the Netherlands.
Ensure that it covers loss of passport, baggage and money.

Useful telephone numbers

Useful telephone numbers

Directory assistance
International Directory Assistance
Emergency Services

118 or www.kpntracker.com
09008418
112

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