An Expat Talks about Moving to Amsterdam, Netherlands

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Amsterdam

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Brought: Golf set, Ski's and Lap Top

Left: Sun Glasses, Swimming Trousers, Tanning lotion :)

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Always get in touch with a Real Estate broker who knows the market. It is worth the commission. Some of them do not even charge commission when you rent one of their own listings. NVM brokers work this way. There is a realy good expat housing website called www.pararius.nl it gives housing information in six languages and has a really nice google mapping system so you know whre to look and to find what kind of rhome rentals.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

I live in a lovely canal house in Amsterdam. Most of my colleagues live in Amsterdam Oud Zuid thought. I prefer to be living in the centre since I have no car any way.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

Google Maps, www.pararius.nl and advise of colleagues

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

My housing costs are much higher. I pay around 1800 each month now agains around 800 US in Austin.