Moving to Netherlands > Rotterdam >
Rotterdam
Nothing really comes to mind. I can get most everything here that I can at home, with the exception of certain food products. I guess I would say more money, fewer clothes. But every traveller knows that rule.... :)
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FINDING an apartment is the difficult part of moving to the Netherlands. Amsterdam is probably the most difficult place to search. People are on waiting lists for years to get even a small place. The more you are willing to spend, the faster you will find a place. Knowing people helps you find a goods place both in terms of getting advice on neighborhoods and in terms of hearing of vacant places. The best places never even get advertised--a friend will offer his place to another friend first.
I live in a small flat. I have a large bedroom, a small open kitchen/living room, and a shower/toilet with no sink--so I have to use the kitchen sink. I consider this very below standards in the U.S. I did have to buy my own oven, refrigerator, and washing machine. Likewise, I had to carpet the place. To leave the floors bare was not an option--it was not a nice wood floor but more like construction material. This is pretty normal here, however, so getting the household items is easy and not too expensive.
I signed up with an estate agent. Several times a week I had to call them and sign up to see apartments. They only allow 8 people to see any one place, so the process is competitive. In the end, I befriended one of the agents and he helped me secure a place. I paid a one month's finder's fee.
In terms of choosing neighborhood, I asked friends and colleagues. I luckily already lived in the Netherlands, just in another city. So I asked friends who already lived here where I should look. Finding someone who knows the city is key in Rotterdam. The difference between a good and bad neighborhood can be one street.
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Housing is cheaper than in large cities in the US, but is not cheap. In my experience, however, I am happy with what I pay. My apartment is small, but I live in one of the best neighborhoods in Rotterdam and I can afford to live alone. In NY, I had to share an apartment with someone I'd just met.
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Expats from all over the Netherlands share their advice on what it's like to live there and what it takes to make the move a success.
Netherlands Forum
Join our Netherlands forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Netherlands.
9 important things for expats to know about healthcare in the Netherlands. Include information about health insurance requirements for residency, prescription medications, emergency medical care, ambulance service and more. (more)
Expats who moved to the Netherlands talk about deciding whether to live in urban or suburban neighborhoods, adjusting to Dutch culture, finding an apartment and more. (more)
9 important things for expats to know about healthcare in the Netherlands. Include information about health insurance requirements for residency, prescription medications, emergency medical care, ambulance service and more.
Expats from all over the Netherlands share their advice on what it's like to live there and what it takes to make the move a success.
Expats in The Netherlands talk about 10 expat-friendly cities, what life is like there and how to meet people.
Expat moms share their experiences having a baby in The Netherlands - from wonderful prenatal care to the home birth option for uncomplicated pregnancies and everything in between. While many new moms have very short hospital stays, they receive at home care from a beloved Kraamzorg (home nurse) as part of their maternity care, which expats resoundingly say makes all the difference.
Expats who moved to the Netherlands talk about deciding whether to live in urban or suburban neighborhoods, adjusting to Dutch culture, finding an apartment and more.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Netherlands from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Netherlands Forum
Join our Netherlands forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Netherlands.
Expats from all over the Netherlands share their advice on what it's like to live there and what it takes to make the move a success.
Expats who moved to the Netherlands talk about deciding whether to live in urban or suburban neighborhoods, adjusting to Dutch culture, finding an apartment and more. (more)
9 important things for expats to know about healthcare in the Netherlands. Include information about health insurance requirements for residency, prescription medications, emergency medical care, ambulance service and more. (more)
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