About BikerJim

Status:

Expatriate  

Currently Lives:

Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Citizen Of:

United Kingdom

HR/Relo
Professional:

Provider of Expat-Related Services & Products

Some Forum Posts:

Netherlands: Swine Flu - H1N1:

Hi, I have seen some posters around, in the airport, doctor's surgeries and pharmacies, but there is a refreshing lack of hysteria here, compared to the UK (and I am guessing the US too?). As far as I am aware, its not mentioned on the media that much either. I just came back from the UK, my 11yr old neice has just got rid of it in the last couple of weeks; its the flu, quite an unpleasant one, but really no big deal. Tamiflu is available (apparently called oseltamivir) so they are aware of it. Thankfully, they don't go for mass hysteria here very much, just get yourself registered with a doctor when you arrive, and if you're feeling poorly for more than a few days go and see him and all will be well. :) Cheers Jim

Netherlands: Tourist visa Invitation letter need help:

Absolutely not, sorry. I realise this is probably an innocent request, but no individual can give you a formal invitation anyway, and no organisation (in their right mind) would give a random person an invitation for cash, this is both illegal and fraudulent. They are responsible for your activities during your stay, and if you overstay they would, as well as you, also be subject to fines or even imprisonment if it was a repeat offense. Sorry, but you have to play by the rules, and don't mess about with immigration, they can be very hard on you indeed.

Netherlands: Rent with Agency or Private Owner?:

Hi, Those prices seem very high, but maybe you are looking at large houses? I don't know what they mean by the points system unless they are talking about the social housing, and for that you can forget it unless your here for 10 years of more, but beware of agencies, they are basically legalised crooks; so asking here is a very good idea. I pay ~1000 for a two bedroom flat (~90m2) in the Bos en Lommer area (West). Its not the nicest area, but to be honest, there really aren't any bad areas in Amsterdam unless you're rascist. :) Nicest (most expensive) areas that I can think of are the Jordaan, De Pijp, Oud Zuid (old South) and I like the east around the Artis (Zoo). Agencies will charge you a month's rent as a fee for photocopying a contract twice, and this is a rip off which we all have to put up with. You also have to find a month in advance and a month deposit, so at least 3 months rent before you step over the threshold... Private people will almost certainly go through an agency anyway, and if they don't they are probably sub-letting their social housing which is illegal, so you're kind of forced to go through the agency system. I have had a terrible time in the past with Direct Wonen, avoid them with a loooong stick. Good luck, Cheers Jim

Netherlands: Expat Negotiations - Need Advice!:

Definitely a good idea to mention the 30% rule; this is a tax break specifically for expats. Health insurance is expensive, so you want that covered if possible and include dentistry. Holidays - probably 25+ days a year is average (I get 32) Transport to and from work is often included, but worth mentioning; you might get a bike allowance for example. And don't forget, we pay 42% tax BASIC over here, so the gross calculation you do in your head no longer applies. Apart from that, working conditions in the Netherlands is about as good as it gets anywhere in the world so you'll be golden. Cheers Jim

Netherlands: Motorcycling in the Netherlands:

Hi, I just wanted to let you all know about my new website www.expatbikers.nl. There is a forum, gallery and website dedicated to information for the expat biker, including routes, tips and recommended dealers. Its not a club, there is no fee, its just a place to talk bikes and organise a rideout or two. I set it up after a few years of frustrating riding in Merk Clubs (everyone rides the same bike yaaaawn) and not really enjoying the social aspect as my Dutch is not good enough to keep up with the conversation... So, if you're a biker and an expat, we'd love to have you along! Cheers Jim

Date Joined:

6/12/2009

Total Posts:

5

Posts/Day:

0.00