Living in The Netherlands

What do I need to know about living in The Netherlands?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to The Netherlands, they said:

"With its international flavor and resources supporting expats, The Hague is what I think is a relatively easy city in which to find your way. It's also an easy starting place to travel throughout the Netherlands and a great place from which to visit other countries," remarked another expat who made the move to The Hague.

"hmmm difficult. Actually nothing in tone of warning... just DO IT! It's a great place," explained one expat living in Leiden, Netherlands.

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Expat Health Insurance in Netherlands

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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How do I meet people in The Netherlands?

When we asked people living in The Netherlands about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Hilversum International mums and tots group, English speaking group of mums and children who Meet every Thursday during term time, from 9.30-11.30 At De Lelie buurtcentrum, Lelie Straat Hilversum. For more information contact ," added another expat who made the move to Hilversum.

"I'd start with ACCESS (access-nl.org) and The Hague Online (thehagueonline.com), and go from there," explained one expat living in The Hague, Netherlands.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What is life like in The Netherlands?

When we asked people living in The Netherlands what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Very family orientated, most restaurants welcome children, Lots of cafe culture in the summer, Moderate nightlife, mostly bars with dance floors, Lots of places to go running and nearly all the roads have designated bike paths," remarked another expat who made the move to Hilversum.

"The Hague is the seat of government for the Netherlands. So in addition to the Queen, Ministries and Dutch Parliament, it is home to foreign embassies and a host of international organizations (many UN) as well as international businesses. I think of it as a capital city with a small town feel. Lots of greenery and park land, with beautiful dune beaches along the North Sea. Plenty to do, with fewer tourists than in Amsterdam," explained one expat living in The Hague, Netherlands.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in The Netherlands accepting of differences?

"In my experience most people speak very good English, and when help is needed most people are willing to help," explained one expat living in Hilversum, Netherlands.

"The Hague is quite diverse on all levels, with lots of expats. It seems to be more accepting of differences than some places outside the Randstad (the area in which Amersterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam are located)," said another expat in The Hague.

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Expat Health Insurance in Netherlands

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE

What are the schools in The Netherlands like?

"Better to choose a different school if you have the money. If you don't have the money, choose a different country to live in (better that than ruin your child's education)," explained one expat living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

"Date: April 2017 Every school has issues and so has ISH. The school is big and growing; Secondary currently has 8 classes per year group. Having said that, my children feel at home at ISH. I am impressed with the way the school has responded to issues I raised. Their response was professional, efficient and personal. I can only recommend this school. Just make sure to sign up in time, the waiting-list can be long," said another parent with children at International School of The Hague (ISH) in The Hague.

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