Welcome to the Founder’s Private Tips Page

Welcome to the Insider Tips page from our Founder

As a valued client of Great Expatation, you now have access to this private page, something I’ve created for clients who are starting their new chapter in the Netherlands.

Over the years, while helping expats settle here, I’ve noticed that successful relocation goes far beyond simply finding the right home. It’s often the small, everyday details that make the biggest difference when adjusting to life in a new country.

On this page, you’ll find a curated selection of practical insights for living in the Netherlands; from essential apps and trusted services to where to shop, how certain systems work, and a few cultural nuances that will help you settle in with confidence.

Think of this as a personal orientation guide, based on the tips and resources I regularly share with my clients.

I hope it helps make your transition smoother and more enjoyable.


Warm regards,

Wendy te Winkel

Founder | Great Expatation

Tips from our founder, Wendy

First Steps in the Netherlands

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Moving & Shipping Support

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Learn more

Everyday Living & Home Basics

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Apps you need for Living

Transport & Getting Around

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Dutch Habits

Learn more

Things to do

Learn more

Buying Secondhand in the Netherlands

Learn more

Our Trusted Partners

Extra support, whenever you need it

As a Great Expatation client, you have access to our trusted network of specialists who are experienced in working with internationals in the Netherlands.

We are happy to personally connect you with the right professional whenever you need additional support. Great Expatation does not charge you for making these introductions. Any services you choose to use are arranged and charged directly by the specialist.

Need assistance with a residence permit, visa application or another immigration matter?
We can connect you with an experienced immigration lawyer who can advise you on the appropriate route and assist with the application process for you and your family.

Immigration & Visa Support

1

Moving countries can have significant consequences for your finances.
Our specialist financial advisory partner can advise on investments, retirement accounts, trusts, brokerage accounts and other international financial structures, including matters that may be important to arrange before becoming a Dutch tax resident. An initial consultation is available free of charge and without obligation.

Financial Planning for Expats

2

Starting a Business in the Netherlands

3

If you are planning to start a company or continue your entrepreneurial activities in the Netherlands,
we can connect you with a financial/business consultant who can advise on the appropriate company structure and help you get everything set up correctly.

Accounting & Tax Administration

4

We can introduce you to an accountant experienced in working with international clients and entrepreneurs for bookkeeping, Dutch tax returns, VAT administration and ongoing financial administration.

Education & Schooling

5

Finding the right school can be one of the most important parts of relocating with children.
Our education specialist can help you understand the Dutch and international education systems, discuss suitable schools and guide you through the application and enrolment process.

The service starts with an in-depth consultation call of at least one hour, during which your family situation, your child’s educational needs, preferred location and available schooling options can be discussed.

Consultation fee: €210 + 21% VAT. Further support with school selection and applications can be discussed directly with the education specialist if required.

Currency Exchange & International Transfers

6

Whether you need to transfer savings, pay a rental deposit, purchase a property or move larger amounts of money to the Netherlands, we can introduce you to our specialist currency partner. They can explain the available options and help you transfer funds securely at competitive exchange rates. The initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation.

Moving Services

7

Need help getting your belongings to your new home?
We can connect you with a trusted moving company for international relocations as well as moves within the Netherlands.

If you would like help turning your new property into a home, we can introduce you to an interior specialist who can assist with furnishing, styling and setting up your home.

Interior & Home Setup

8

Looking for something else?

Just ask us. Over the years, we have built an extensive network in the Netherlands, so if you need a specialist who isn’t listed above, we’re happy to see if we can help.

Simply contact the Great Expatation team and tell us what you need — we’ll take care of the introduction.

Arrival & First Steps in the Netherlands

Your first days in a new country can feel overwhelming. This section includes helpful services and essentials designed to make your arrival smoother, reduce stress, and help you feel more at home right away.

  • Having a local phone number is essential for staying connected, arranging services, and communicating with your new contacts. This ensures you’re reachable from day one, without the need to visit a physical store or deal with complicated setups.

    https://www.lycamobile.nl/en/esim/netherlands/en-nl

  • One of the first things you should arrange is opening a Dutch bank account. This will allow you to receive salary payments, set up direct debits, and manage daily expenses more easily.

    You can open an account online with:

    To open a bank account in the Netherlands, these are the documents required:

    • Your BSN number (Burgerservicenummer)

    • A valid form of identification (passport or identity card)

    • Proof of address (e.g., rental contract)

    • A residence permit (if you are from outside the EU)

  • Learning Dutch can open doors to new cultures, career opportunities, and meaningful connections—especially in countries like Netherlands and Belgium. With consistent practice and the right tools, you can start understanding and speaking Dutch sooner than you think.

    Here are some recommendations for Dutch language teachers & Courses:

    Daphne Verlek
    Email: daphne@daphneverlek.nl
    Website: https://daphneverlek.nl/classes/

    Marleen Blomsma
    Email: marleen@doubledutchhaarlem.nl
    Website: doubledutchhaarlem.nl

    Nancy Kotvis
    Email: info@nancysleerlab.nl
    Website: nancysleerlab.nl

    Paul van de Braak
    Email: paulvandebraak@gmail.com
    Phone: +31 (0)6 54 75 81 59
    Details: Portfolio

    Anouk van de Linde-Mellink
    Email: activedutchinfo@gmail.com
    Website: activedutch.nl

    Michelle Reijngoud
    Email: michelle.reijngoud@gmail.com
    Details: Portfolio

    Fabienne Van Dillen
    Email: fabienne@cestfab.com
    Website: https://cestfab.com/en/dutch/

    Dutch Courses Amsterdam
    Website: https://dutchcoursesamsterdam.nl/

    Language and Motivation
    Email: info@languageandmotivation.com
    Phone: +31 6 16859688 (Sofia Karfi)
    Website: https://languageandmotivation.com/


    Sandra Beitsma
    Email: sbeitsma@me.com
    Details:

    • Offers private one-on-one lessons (online or in person)

    • Uses Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach

    • Focus on practical communication and confidence

    • Rate: €30/hour (online, no tax)

    • Flexible schedule, no minimum lessons

  • A digital identity for accessing Dutch government services online. You’ll need it for almost everything, from taxes to healthcare and municipal services, so arrange it as soon as you have your BSN number (social security number).

    https://digid.nl

  • In the Netherlands, many municipalities require an annual dog tax, usually between €60–€150 per year. You must register your dog within 14 days at your local municipality (gemeente) or online using your DigiD.

  • Child benefit in the Netherlands is a government allowance paid to help parents with the cost of raising children. It’s managed by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) and is usually paid every quarter. The amount depends on your child’s age, and you must apply to receive it — it’s not automatic for everyone.

    You can check eligibility, apply, and manage your payments via the SVB website. svb.nl – Child benefit

  • Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, and choosing the right plan can feel complicated.

    This tool lets you easily compare different options so you can select a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget—giving you peace of mind from day one.

    https://www.independer.nl/zorgverzekering/info/health-insurance

  • In the Netherlands, the general practitioner holds a central role when it comes to healthcare. If you have any questions regarding your physical and mental health, your GP should be the first person you ask.

    HOW TO FIND A GP IN THE NETHERLANDS

    You should register with a GP soon after arriving in the Netherlands, after you have taken out your health insurance. You are not obliged to register, but doing so gives you peace of mind that, should you fall ill, you know where to go. Having a regular GP also enables your doctor to get to know and monitor changes in your health.

    FINDING A GENERAL PRACTITIONER

    In the Netherlands, you can freely choose your own GP.

    Most neighborhoods have at least one or two GP practices. To find a general practitioner in your local area, you can:

    •⁠ ⁠Visithttps://www.zorgkaartnederland.nl/huisarts
    •⁠ ⁠Ask friends, relatives or colleagues for recommendations
    •⁠ ⁠Try a web search for huisarts

    Note that you need to live in the so-called “service area” of the GP in order to register. This normally means you need to live within 15 minutes of the practice.

    Note also that some doctors’ surgeries may be oversubscribed and not accepting new patients.

    https://www.zorgkaartnederland.nl/huisarts

Moving & Shipping Support

Schiphol Airport Porter Service

Make your arrival in the Netherlands effortless with this convenient luggage assistance service. From collecting your bags to helping you navigate the airport, it ensures a smoother, stress-free start to your journey.

View website

Expat Shipping

Reliable and cost-effective shipping services for moving your belongings locally or internationally. Whether you’re transporting personal items, furniture, or household goods, Expat Shipping helps ensure everything arrives safely and on time, making your move smoother and stress-free.

View website

Temporary Accommodation
via Great Expatation

Looking for temporary accommodation during your scouting trip, while waiting for your long-term rental, or when family and friends are visiting? We can also help with short stays through our own Great Expatation network.

Learn more

Everyday Living & Home Basics

Setting up a new home often starts with the small but essential items you use every day. These stores are popular in the Netherlands for their affordability, convenience, and wide selection of household goods. From kitchenware and storage to cleaning supplies and simple décor, they’re ideal for getting your home functional and comfortable quickly.

See Website Links

Apps you need for Living in Netherlands

TRANSPORTATION

MyWheels

NS App

Bolt

SHOPPING

Bol

Hema

Marktplaats

GROCERIES

Picnic

Albert Heijn

FINANCES

Tikki

Bunq

SOCIAL

Buienradar

WhatsApp

Transport & Getting Around

Getting around the Netherlands is easy with the right tools. This section includes helpful resources to plan your trips, understand public transport options, and navigate buses, trams, trains, and taxis with ease as you settle into daily life and explore your new surroundings.

BRENGER

A very practical transport service in the Netherlands, especially useful when you buy large items secondhand.

GVB

GVB is the main public transport operator in Amsterdam, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get around the city and nearby areas

CHRIS O’ CONNELL

A reliable driver with a van that can be booked to pick you up from the airport upon arrival, making your transfer smooth and hassle-free. You can send him a message on WhatsApp +31 6 51068096

OV - Chipkaart

The OV-chipkaart is the Netherlands’ all-in-one public transport card, used for trains, trams, buses, metros nationwide. Simply check in and out to travel easily, whether you’re commuting daily or exploring the city.

BLABLACAR

It’s an online carpooling and travel platform that helps drivers and passengers connect for affordable, shared road trips or bus journeys. Users can find or offer rides, share travel costs, and book trips across many destinations.

SWAPFIETS

It’s a bike‑as‑a‑service company based in the Netherlands that offers an all‑inclusive bike subscription for a fixed monthly fee. Members receive a high‑quality bicycle or e‑bike with maintenance and free repairs or swaps if there’s an issue.

Things to do in Netherlands

A selection of restaurants, cafés, diners, and brunch/bakery spots personally chosen as favorites by our founder, Wendy.

  • Experience the charm of Amsterdam’s diners, where classic comfort food meets friendly vibes.
    Check it out here → Classic Diners & Comfort Food

  • Hotspots
    Explore Amsterdam’s top spots for fresh pastries, hearty brunches, and delicious lunch bites. → Must-See hotspots


    Crisp 🍋🥖🥑
    One of Wendy’s personal favorites for busy weeks in the Netherlands is Crisp.

    Crisp is an online grocery service that delivers fresh products, meal boxes, and high-quality ingredients directly to your door. One of the things we especially love is their meal inspiration and ready-to-cook ingredient boxes for multiple dinners per week.

    It takes away the constant “what are we cooking tonight?” stress, while also saving a lot of supermarket trips. Everything is delivered fresh to your home, and you can easily combine it with your regular groceries as well.

    Here's a little treat from us for Crisp, the grocery app that's all about real flavour. Here's what you'll get:

    💰 €10 discount on your first order
    🎁 My hand-picked Crisp enamel carafe
    🚚 Free nationwide delivery

    Here you can try it out: → Crisp.nl

  • Plan your next adventure with our city guides, packed with recommendations for food, fun, and culture. Inspired by → Your Little Black Book

  • Discover family-friendly activities, attractions, and tips to make exploring Amsterdam fun and easy for kids of all ages. → Your go-to guide

  • Museumkaart (Museum Pass)

    If you’re moving to the Netherlands and want to explore beyond your neighborhood, this is one of the best investments you can make.

    The Museumkaart gives you unlimited access to more than 500 museums across the country, from iconic highlights like the Rijksmuseum to smaller hidden gems. 

    Pricing (per year):

    • Adults: €75

    • Children & teens (up to 18): €39 

    You usually earn this back after just a few visits, especially since single museum tickets can easily cost €15–€20 per visit.

    Where to get it:

    • Online via the official Museumkaart website

    • Or directly at many museums (you get a temporary card you can use immediately) 

    For families, this is a no-brainer. It makes spontaneous weekend plans, rainy days, and school holidays so much easier—without constantly buying tickets.

    A small investment that helps you truly experience life in the Netherlands.

A few small Dutch habits you might notice

Calendars are sacred

If someone says “Let’s have coffee sometime,” they usually mean: let’s check the calendar now. Planning ahead is very normal here.

The birthday culture is different

On birthdays, you congratulate not only the person celebrating, but also their family members. Yes…really.

Direct communication

Dutch people are known for being direct. It’s rarely meant to be rude, it’s simply clear and efficient.

Curtains open in the evening

Many people leave their curtains open at night. It’s not about showing off, it’s just very normal here.

Splitting the bill is standard

After dinner, it’s completely normal to receive a payment request (often via Tikkie). It’s cultural, not personal.

The weather is always a topic

Talking about the weather is a social connector. A quick comment about wind or rain is an easy way to break the ice.

BUYING SECOND-HAND IN THE NETHERLANDS

You may explore www.marktplaats.nl for available listings. After securing an item, you can coordinate pickup and delivery through the Brenger app.

Thrift Stores (Kringloopwinkels)

Dutch thrift stores, known as kringloopwinkels, are a great way to find affordable and sustainable furniture, home items, and small essentials.

They’re especially useful when you’ve just moved and need practical pieces quickly.

Simply search “kringloopwinkel” in Google Maps to find locations near you. Stock changes often, which makes discovering hidden gems part of the experience.

FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE

An online platform within Facebook where users can buy and sell items locally, from furniture and electronics to vehicles and clothing.

It connects sellers and buyers in your community for easy, convenient transactions. (facebook.com/marketplace)