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
Moving & Shipping Support
Everyday Living & Home Basics
Apps you need for Living
Transport & Getting Around
Dutch Habits
Things to do
Buying Secondhand in the Netherlands
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.
Open a Dutch Bank Account
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:
ABN AMRO
https://www.abnamro.nl/en/personal/payments/open-an-account/index.htmlING
https://www.ing.nl/en/personal/payments/bank-accounts/open-an-account
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)
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).
Dog Taxes (Hondenbelasting)
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 (Kinderbijslag)
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.
General practitioners in the Dutch Healthcare System
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apps you need for Living in Netherlands
TRANSPORTATION
MyWheels
NS App
Bolt
SHOPPING
Bol
Hema
Marktplaats
GROCERIES
Picnic
Albert Heijn
FINANCES
Tikki
Bunq
SOCIAL
Bueinradar
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.
A very practical transport service in the Netherlands, especially useful when you buy large items secondhand.
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
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.
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.
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.
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Experience the charm of Amsterdam’s diners, where classic comfort food meets friendly vibes.
Check it out here → Classic Diners & Comfort Food -
Explore Amsterdam’s top spots for fresh pastries, hearty brunches, and delicious lunch bites. → Must-See hotspots
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Plan your next adventure with our city guides, packed with recommendations for food, fun, and culture. Inspired by → Your Little Black Book
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Discover family-friendly activities, attractions, and tips to make exploring Amsterdam fun and easy for kids of all ages. → Your go-to guide
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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)