Getting Settled in the Netherlands.

Summary

In this video, Brandon offers helpful tips for newcomers settling in the Netherlands. He introduces essential mobile apps like DigiD for digital identification, Tiki for secure payments, and WhatsApp for communication. He also discusses practical services such as furniture rentals, grocery delivery, and bike purchases. Key transportation apps like NS and 9292 are recommended for navigating the Dutch public transport system. Additionally, Brandon shares insights on prepaid mobile plans, Dutch weather apps, and learning the language. He also introduces local companies to help with settling in, including Bike Fair and LearnDutch.org.

Takeaways

• 😀 DigiD is a crucial app for digital identification in the Netherlands, enabling access to government services and taxes once you've obtained your BSN.
• 😀 Tiki is a secure payment app, similar to Venmo or CashApp, that allows you to easily settle bills with friends and colleagues in the Netherlands.
• 😀 iDEAL is a secure payment method used in stores and online across the Netherlands, allowing seamless transactions through your Dutch bank account.
• 😀 WhatsApp is widely used in the EU for secure texting, phone calls, and video calling, making it an essential communication tool for both personal and business interactions.
• 😀 Furniture for Rent offers flexible furniture packages for expats, making it easier to furnish your new home with high-quality furniture for long-term leases.
• 😀 Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Picnic are popular grocery delivery options in the Netherlands, allowing you to have groceries delivered to your doorstep even after a long flight.
• 😀 Thuisbezorgd is similar to GrubHub, offering food delivery services from restaurants and even some grocery items in the Netherlands.
• 😀 The NS app helps you plan train journeys across the country, while 9292 assists with planning public transport routes like buses, trams, and metros.
• 😀 The anonymous OV-chipkaart provides an easy way to use public transport in the Netherlands without linking it to a bank account, while the personal OV-chipkaart requires a bank connection and includes photo ID.
• 😀 Leica Mobile offers an affordable prepaid unlimited phone plan in the Netherlands, including international calls and texts, although customer service can be challenging.

Q & A

What is the DigiD app, and why is it important for newcomers in the Netherlands?

The DigiD app is a digital identification tool used in the Netherlands to prove your identity to the government. It is essential for accessing government services, filing taxes, and managing official paperwork. After registering your BSN (citizen service number), you will apply for DigiD to handle various administrative tasks.

What is Tiki, and how does it work?

Tiki is a secure payment app in the Netherlands, similar to Venmo or PayPal. It connects to your Dutch bank account, allowing you to send money to friends or colleagues to split bills, for example. You can easily send your share of a bill through this app using a secure payment system.

How does Ideal work for payments in the Netherlands?

Ideal is a secure online payment system used in the Netherlands. It connects to your Dutch bank account and allows you to pay for goods and services online or in stores. Look for the Ideal logo when shopping, as it signifies that you can use the system for payment.

What is the best app to use for communication in the Netherlands?

WhatsApp is the most widely used app for communication in the Netherlands. It allows for secure texting, phone calls, video calls, and free international communication. It is commonly used for both personal and business communication across the country.

What is Furniture for Rent.nl, and how can it help newcomers in the Netherlands?

Furniture for Rent.nl is a service that helps newcomers in the Netherlands furnish their homes with high-quality, stylish furniture. They offer various rental packages for different living spaces and provide delivery and setup. You can lease the furniture for a 12 or 24-month period, with the option to purchase it later.

What are some popular supermarkets in the Netherlands for grocery shopping?

Albert Heijn and Yumbo are two of the most popular supermarkets in the Netherlands. Albert Heijn has locations in train stations and airports, while Yumbo is widely accessible throughout neighborhoods. For convenience, you can also order groceries for delivery from these stores or Picnic, which is an entirely online delivery service.

What is Picnic, and how does it differ from other grocery delivery services?

Picnic is an online-only grocery delivery service in the Netherlands. Unlike other supermarkets that have physical stores, Picnic delivers groceries directly to your home. You can place your order online, select your delivery time, and have everything ready without needing to visit a store.

What is the NS app, and how does it help with traveling around the Netherlands?

The NS app is essential for planning train routes in the Netherlands. It helps you find the best travel routes from the airport to your new home or any other destination within the country. The app provides schedules, ticketing information, and travel updates for the Dutch train system.

How does the anonymous OV-chipkaart work for public transportation in the Netherlands?

The anonymous OV-chipkaart is a public transport card that can be used on trains, buses, trams, and metros in the Netherlands. It can be loaded with money, and you simply tap it to access transportation. It does not require personal information, unlike the personalized version, which links to your bank account.

What are the best mobile phone plans for expats in the Netherlands?

Leica Mobile offers a great prepaid unlimited plan for €40 per month, which includes unlimited calls and texts to several countries, including the US and Canada. While their customer service is not the best, the plan offers excellent value, especially for those new to the Netherlands.