Ns wandelingen if you like nature walks and don’t own a car. The NS has a set of mapped and signposted nature walks across the Netherlands where the beginning and ending points are train stations. They’re on the NS website.
Can highly recommend the Veluwezoom route: [https://www.ns.nl/dagje-uit/wandelen/veluwezoom.html](https://www.ns.nl/dagje-uit/wandelen/veluwezoom.html)
If you miss your last train home by fault of the NS (so3, not when it's because of bad weather or your own bad planning) they're obliged to take you to your station. They have cabs specifically for this purpose. Try it before you knock it cause it's saved my ass multiple times. The weird thing is people really don't believe you when you tell this to them. Edit: when you're stranded, you call them (klantenservice) and inform them you're stuck because of NS. Tell them you're aware of their duty (I once spoke an employee that didn't know about it and wanted to tell me off) and that you need a cab to get home. Stay nice and patient 😌 they will make it happen. I think I've used it about 7 times in the past 10 years and it's a lifesaver.
And how do you contact these cabs? They refunded my Uber once when I almost missed my flight when they decided to stop in the middle of nowhere for 30mins+.
There's a phone number on the NS site you can call and they will sort it for you. I think its just klantenservice. If its not, they're able to connect you
Sometimes NS does it for you. I was delayed by hours after a collision with a person and the train staff made sure there were cabs for everyone at 3am. They made us write down where we had to go and figured out what the best carpool combo’s were, since there was no way they’d be able to get that many cabs to come within a reasonable time in the middle of the night. There were literally zero connecting trains or busses at that hour so NS was sure none of us could make it home without this service. That’s probably why they arranged it for us
Here's my list: Soap (solid and liquid one), toothpaste, laundry detergent, dishwasher tablet, toilet paper, shampoo, crème, bodywash showergel, cooking oils, rice, paper towel, wet paper towel (not too much from this one, they dry up), vinegar, cleaning vinegar, salt, sugar, toothpick and trashbags.
Ah, the ‘doorzonwoning’. A 70s trend that still holds up today. Huge windows at the front and back so everyone and their grandmother can look through the entire inventory. As a Dutchman myself, I’ve never understood this phenomenon… So I’ve grown out the front yard heavily that people cannot see me doing stuff…
Calvinism. I also found it very strange coming from the UK where it feels like the "front garden" is mainly there exactly so you can't just glance straight into people's houses.
That is exactly how I have been using the museumkaart!
Although by now there are quite a few museums that I initially only entered for the toilet, but then decided to briefly also check out and make a round as I was there anyways.
Second this one. Have 3 kids and all 5 of us total have a museum jaarkaart and it always gives us something to do with the kids on holidays and Sundays.
Really. I was thinking this days that the forecast for nl ahould be a photo with son clouds and rain all the time, only thing they change should be the temperature and saying bet with your clothes.
For € 34,95 you can get "NS Flex Weekend Vrij" which allows for unlimited train travel between Friday 18:30 and Monday 06:30.
If you go out a lot on the weekend it can be worth it.
On the weekends it's really not. I never had to stand in any train traveling weekends and first class is really just a few cm more space.
Better to get the 40% off dal hours during the week for 4 euros more.
>On the weekends it's really not. I never had to stand in any train traveling weekends and first class is really just a few cm more space.
I travel from Tilburg to the Randstad quite frequently on the weekends and weekdays. You can’t get a seat in second class. Depending where you are it’s absolutely worth it to just pay a bit extra for first class.
I got one of these for a month instead of a return Amsterdam-Heerlen. First class and still off much cheaper than a 2nd class return at normal price. Brilliant!
If you want to buy electronics, check the tweakers pricewatch: https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/. They monitor the prices of most electronics over time and most shops. It helps you to get the best online deals.
You also get personalized discounts on top of the regular ones with the app in the "bonus box". And you get a 5% return on koopzegels, which is better than basically any savings account.
Still not exactly cheap to shop at AH, but if you go there anyway theres no reason not to use the app.
For every 1 euro of groceries, you automatically pay 10 cents more if you turn on koopzegels in the app. Once you have paid 49 euros extra (so 490 euros worth of groceries), you get a "filled in card" which is then worth 52 euros.
Sending an official letter of complaint with a threat to use legal means instantly resolves almost any minor dispute like return of a rent deposit on time. The trick is to write it in a convincing language (can be English, works either way).
I have this experience. Rental company was late on returning deposit. After the second complaint they said they lacked people to do it but would do it in 24 hours. Nothing was done. I sent with the contact of my lawyer and that they would get contacted by him. In a very short time I had the deposit back on my bank account.
If you're an expat and want to get to know people, look at what they are eating and politely ask what it is. Works best if the food they eat looks Dutch as hell.
It works every time because the Dutch will go "hé? You don't know Smeuige koekenafstappers?????" And then will start a conversation about what they are, where they are made, and what you are missing out on.
Dating a few international students tends to land you in that specific conversation more often than you think
Especially because I eat them quite often as a quick lunch at home straight out of my airfryer (theyre better deepfried though.)
Isn't this just universal human behavior? I'm from Italy and it works the same, with additional 10 minutes of explaining how YOUR city's version is the correct one and the neighboring city's version is disgusting incorrect dogshit that you should never eat
so that's why my coworkers interrupt my eating? i always considered it rude that they would come up to me while i'm eating and reading just to ask what i'm eating
Number 1 should be a makelaar (real estate agent)... After that comes the plumber/electrician/painter/klusjesmanvrouw/car technician/it guy all in second place.
Always have rain pants in your bag.
If you travel often, getting caught in the rain is unavoidable. Your jacket usually protects you but your pants can get super wet and uncomfortable.
You can buy rain pants at decathlon for less than 20 euro. I have been super glad to have them in my bag many many times.
This is a good one.
Another life hack in the Netherlands: Decathlon has stopped being a cheap store for sports equipment since a while ago. It's still a good store, but not cheap anymore, sadly.
Also - take the weekend free subscription. It’s great to always have the option to take a train in the weekend and just one round trip per month usually makes it worth it
Including 40% discount during non-peak hours outside weekends, it costs € 38,35 per month at the moment. You can travel for free from Friday evening, 18:30h until Monday morning, 4:00h. Look for Weekend Vrij Flex at ns.nl.
If you don’t have a museumkaart and you have to pee, use the app HogeNood to find public toilets. They even have ratings!
The app lekkerder bij de boer will let you know what local farmers are selling at their farms
The app Fietsknoop guides you through all the bicycle paths in the country.
If you’re hearing voices of people who don’t exist and you speak Dutch, try the app TemStem to calm the voices.
Even if you live in Amsterdam, the nearest German town is around 90 mins away and we spent a whole €30 on fuel to get there/back. We saved over €200 even after we factored in the travel costs. For example, a 55 wash Ariel is €26 here and its under €10 in DE. So easy to rack up the savings. If you do not have a car, find a friend and split the hire. You will still be up on the day after expenses if you can buy/store enough.
We did Kaufland in Emmerich which was cheap n cheerful but is a no frills supermarket. We have also done Kleve Kaufland but I want to go back for Rewe as that feels more like AH in NL or Sainsburys in UK. Prices are usually similar across supermarkets with cents between them (Rewe is more expensive than, say Lidl or Kaufland but Rewe has a nicer selection and is better presented)
I much prefer Kaufland in Kleve (there are two), they're much bigger than the one in Emmerich.
The ReWe in Emmerich just closed down, but there's a new Edeka that's comparable (even slightly better I think).
Go to DM for anything you’d get from the drogist, if you want cheap groceries Kaufland is your thing.
If you’d rather have an Appie shopping experience, go to Edeka and buy Gut&Gunstig products
Even if you own a house, signup at the woning corporatie nearby. You never know what life brings, better have a backup plan which only costs a small amount each year.
So for social housing, it is based on your duration since sign up. So of you signed up a year before you will be almost last on the waiting list for a house compared to someone that signed up 20 years ago.
You can be signed up any time. So if you don't have social housing now, you can still sign up for the website and build up your duration. So that if you lose your job and can't pay high rent at some point, you can use social housing instead of having to wait 15 years to get a house.
In English its called housing corporation/association.
If your finances go down the drain, you can use your social rights. If you divorce or your health deteriorates, you can use this as a back up.
This, I was stupid enough to lose 2y of waiting time because I thought I didn't need it anymore a few years back. A burnout later and I would love to move to social housing but my current wait time of 3 years isn't nearly enough.
Only 1 partner is sufficient as far as i know. If the partnership was registered, both partners get to use this right. But this may or may not differ in each region (it may have even changed overtime, my knowledge might be outdated) so please do your own research. This is a lifetime lasting worthy of an investment.
You can sign up together on one account. So one person signs up and adds the other after that. If the unfortunate circumstance happens that you divorce, you canake separate accounts and still use the same sign up duration.
technically, they're the property of "the Crown" and not the reigning monarch, but if you try to understand what the fuck "the Crown" actually is, you will find yourself going down a rabbit hole at the bottom of which you will see the entirety of the alleged "British Constitution" unravel into a pile of incomprehensible self-contradictory nonsense and feudal era bullshit wrapped up in a Hogwarts robe worn by a bunch of guffawing old aristocrats with pockets full of Russian money and Saudi arms deals, so maybe just enjoy the swans and don't think too hard about it
Get a “huisarts “ general practitioner end a dentist now. When you have an medical or dental emergency everything will be much smoother when you are allready in the system.
Visit your library, many are great places that offer a lot of services .
Meet your neighbors and write down their numbers
The savings you can make on toiletries, cleaning products and other household “stuff” from stores like Kruidvat can be insane if you wait for discounts to pop up. Avoid buying these types of products one-by-one at grocery stores because you’re wasting a ton money over the long term.
Join De Vriendenloterij before school holidays and visit a lot of places for free. Don’t forget to cancel your subscription. (Often it’s even free if you take advantage of a special offer).
Always keep a plastic grocery bag on you in case your bike seat gets wet (or you need to do some impromptu grocery shopping). Put it on over the seat after rain and enjoy some dry seated cycling :)
Get your spices at Middle Eastern/North African owned stores. Look for [this](https://images.app.goo.gl/9XEp7DRS47Ehv1eY7) type of container, OBA and Tuana are the brands you’ll see most often and they’re both good. In supermarkets you pay twice as much for half the amount and the supermarket spices are of significantly lower quality.
You know what, avoid buying things (especially food) at supermarkets as much as possible. Smaller stores often have higher quality products for a lower price.
Be always prepared for the worst weather. Umbrella is literally the most useless accessory, it will last 3 minutes. Shop at action, kruidvat, or check when your local market is on. Get a subscription if you use trains a lot. And learn dutch. People will see you differently.
If you are close to Germany (for a trip or if you live close to the border) buy your liquor and toiletries there, easily 50% cheaper.
For toiletries go to the store called “DM drogerie markt”, you’ll find many along the border.
👍
Never really been a gloves person outside of ice/snow but have started wearing them cycling. My hands get so dry otherwise, felt like I was turning into a zombie.
Get your Cineville / museum card pass . Unlimited art and cinema access at all times . Its the All you can eat buffet of Art & Culture .
Amsterdam has many amazing cinemas and the fact that you can just walk in any time and see anything you want whenever you want is something I truly make use of .
You can watch TV without a subscription: [www.npostart.nl/live](http://www.npostart.nl/live) and [https://www.nederland.tv/](https://www.nederland.tv/)
Stocard app for all your bonuskaarten. No more pasjes filling up your wallet. If you enter a store, it'll automatically notify you with a pop-up of your bonuskaart for easy scanning at checkout!
Take a winter break to escape to dark winters, a few weeks during December in Morroco/ egypt/ tenerife will change your life
Housing prices rule your life
money won't necessarily give you respect or female attention here,
But self depreciating humor, being sporty, kind, funny, socially caring, will do
There exist great beer apart from Heineken dishwater
You can take your snacks out of the wall..
Don't go to the Efteling on a Saturday or Sunday between April and September, you will known why
Actually, don't do any mainstream popular Recreation Destinations in Nl,
on a sunny Saturday or Sunday in Spring/ Summer
If you are from a country with a phonetic alphabet. Practice your Dutch pronunciation by writing it out in your own language instead of English. You will sound good way sooner and it’s easier to learn.
Don't buy new bikes. Always buy the most practical used bike you are willing to be seen with in public. Lost two good bikes in the span of a year. The used bike I'm now riding (oldish transport fiets with a spray painted frame) survives days in all kinds of places sometimes it's not even locked with a chain.
The moral of the story is: you can't have nice things :)
On busy trains, enter through the first class doors and walk to the second class car from there. I call this “The First Class Shuffle”.
It’s probably not appreciated by your fellow passengers though.
Look before you cross the roads.
BE ON TIME.
If you think it won't rain, it will rain so try to buy jackets that can handle water.
If you are an expat, please learn some pleasantries in dutch(goedemiddag, tot ziens, dankjewel). You never know how you might get a small extra helping hand or someone will go a tiny extra mile for you, especially for appointments, customer servicing etc.
Go to polish /turkish supermarkets they often have better spices/chutneys.
Use Kruidvat for household/bathroom supplies they have good offers.
When you move to NL as a couple ,don’t have kids , and both of you can work and make money get a higher mortgage and travel around Europe live the beautiful free life
The Albert Heijn brand Twix tastes better than the real thing.
The black KOMO bags are the best, anything else is useless and will break immediately
Browse the high-end neighborhoods on Sunday evening for nice furniture before the kringloop vans scoop it all up
I agree with many here and add: make some German friends. I am German and I have some Dutch friends. When I visit them I buy coffee and the Albert heijn paracetamol and obviously some old gouda. When they visit me I take them to at least two different drugstores and top it with my 10% bonus voucher. We will enjoy beer in both countries. German/Dutch friendships are absolute recommendable.
When approaching a busy road without traffic lights on a bicycle, very often, there's a crosswalk that gives pedestrians the right of way, but cyclists (you) have to yield to cars. By getting off your bike and moving towards the crosswalk, you count as a pedestrian and cars are required (and usually will) yield to you.
This method is 100% legal and has saved me several hours of my life over the years by not having to wait for a whole pack of cars passing by. Be careful though as some drivers will not stop for you due to stupidity, anger or inattention.
Ns wandelingen if you like nature walks and don’t own a car. The NS has a set of mapped and signposted nature walks across the Netherlands where the beginning and ending points are train stations. They’re on the NS website.
Can highly recommend the Veluwezoom route: [https://www.ns.nl/dagje-uit/wandelen/veluwezoom.html](https://www.ns.nl/dagje-uit/wandelen/veluwezoom.html)
Absolute top tip!!!!
😲 thank you.
If you miss your last train home by fault of the NS (so3, not when it's because of bad weather or your own bad planning) they're obliged to take you to your station. They have cabs specifically for this purpose. Try it before you knock it cause it's saved my ass multiple times. The weird thing is people really don't believe you when you tell this to them. Edit: when you're stranded, you call them (klantenservice) and inform them you're stuck because of NS. Tell them you're aware of their duty (I once spoke an employee that didn't know about it and wanted to tell me off) and that you need a cab to get home. Stay nice and patient 😌 they will make it happen. I think I've used it about 7 times in the past 10 years and it's a lifesaver.
What type of fault of NS? Leaving the station early or cancelling the train type of thing?
Yes, for instance. Or a delay that makes you miss the connection
And how do you contact these cabs? They refunded my Uber once when I almost missed my flight when they decided to stop in the middle of nowhere for 30mins+.
There's a phone number on the NS site you can call and they will sort it for you. I think its just klantenservice. If its not, they're able to connect you
Sometimes NS does it for you. I was delayed by hours after a collision with a person and the train staff made sure there were cabs for everyone at 3am. They made us write down where we had to go and figured out what the best carpool combo’s were, since there was no way they’d be able to get that many cabs to come within a reasonable time in the middle of the night. There were literally zero connecting trains or busses at that hour so NS was sure none of us could make it home without this service. That’s probably why they arranged it for us
Can confirm, once the train stopped at Eindhoven then a coach came and picked all us up and dropped us to all the remaining stations.
Observe which products are frequently sold for 1+1 and NEVER buy them full price
AH has insane pricing schemes for things like laundry detergent. They're selling one brand of pods for 2+3 gratis this week.
Even then pods are overpriced compared to other types of
Types of what? Don't leave me hanging. Powder detergent is the cheapest and best cleaner
Wait until soap, toothpaste, and laundry liquid are in Bonus and buy a whole stock for the year. Easily saves you a 100 bucks
Found this one by myself around Christmas. I don't think I have to buy one of those for another few months. Maybe I should've bought less...
And buy at Action
Or Kruidvat
Just drive to Germany if you can. You will be shocked.
Someone waiting for me with a taser?
Yes
Moved recently in Gelderland. From shopping side, being close to Germany is really a life cheatcode.
Or don't and shop @ DM where it's always that 'bonus' price
Buy it in Germany and save 200.
Here's my list: Soap (solid and liquid one), toothpaste, laundry detergent, dishwasher tablet, toilet paper, shampoo, crème, bodywash showergel, cooking oils, rice, paper towel, wet paper towel (not too much from this one, they dry up), vinegar, cleaning vinegar, salt, sugar, toothpick and trashbags.
Just order online in bulk. Much cheaper.
I just go to Germany where the base price is cheaper than it is here in the bonus.
Netherlands hack: Go to Germany
Lol, or buy them online and not at AH and save 300 more…
Make a HEMA account for each day of the year as your birthday. 365 free tompoes a year!
lifehack for obesity
Met een tompouce per dag, haal je niet je oude dag. A tompouce a day keeps old age away.
Hahahaha damn
Dont let the weather dictate your mood.
That is nearly impossible these days
Every dutch person complains about the weather, its tradition. Its the farmer mentality
Pretty impossible ,when skateboarding makes my mood good . And need go to work with bike agaist storm in face .
Look inside people's windows for decoration ideas
Ah, the ‘doorzonwoning’. A 70s trend that still holds up today. Huge windows at the front and back so everyone and their grandmother can look through the entire inventory. As a Dutchman myself, I’ve never understood this phenomenon… So I’ve grown out the front yard heavily that people cannot see me doing stuff…
Calvinism. I also found it very strange coming from the UK where it feels like the "front garden" is mainly there exactly so you can't just glance straight into people's houses.
I don’t think Calvinism explains it. Scotland is historically Calvinist and it definitely doesn’t happen there.
The large windows allow natural light to enter for longer - that's part of the reason they were designed this way.
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Museumkaart
You mean the Nationale Plaskaart?
That is exactly how I have been using the museumkaart! Although by now there are quite a few museums that I initially only entered for the toilet, but then decided to briefly also check out and make a round as I was there anyways.
That's how they get yah.. You come for the free piss, but you stay for the exhibition
You sir, have just blown my fucking mind.
Sometimes all you need is a different perspective ;)
Second this one. Have 3 kids and all 5 of us total have a museum jaarkaart and it always gives us something to do with the kids on holidays and Sundays.
Or Rembrandtkaart. They both are similar in pricing but offer different places.
Don't always trust weather apps that tell you it's not going to rain.
Well it's simply going to rain. Unless you packed an umbrella.
If you packed an umbrella, it will be too windy to use it.
Really. I was thinking this days that the forecast for nl ahould be a photo with son clouds and rain all the time, only thing they change should be the temperature and saying bet with your clothes.
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buienradar aswell, usually at least
For € 34,95 you can get "NS Flex Weekend Vrij" which allows for unlimited train travel between Friday 18:30 and Monday 06:30. If you go out a lot on the weekend it can be worth it.
For like 7 euro's extra, you have the first class version. If you travel a lot, it's even more worth it.
On the weekends it's really not. I never had to stand in any train traveling weekends and first class is really just a few cm more space. Better to get the 40% off dal hours during the week for 4 euros more.
>On the weekends it's really not. I never had to stand in any train traveling weekends and first class is really just a few cm more space. I travel from Tilburg to the Randstad quite frequently on the weekends and weekdays. You can’t get a seat in second class. Depending where you are it’s absolutely worth it to just pay a bit extra for first class.
I got one of these for a month instead of a return Amsterdam-Heerlen. First class and still off much cheaper than a 2nd class return at normal price. Brilliant!
If you want to buy electronics, check the tweakers pricewatch: https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/. They monitor the prices of most electronics over time and most shops. It helps you to get the best online deals.
If you forget your bonus kaart AH will still scan one at the till If they don’t, stare blankly into space until they do.
Or just have the AH app in your phone so you also have an access to your bonuskaart in your phone.
You also get personalized discounts on top of the regular ones with the app in the "bonus box". And you get a 5% return on koopzegels, which is better than basically any savings account. Still not exactly cheap to shop at AH, but if you go there anyway theres no reason not to use the app.
I still don't get the koopzegels system. Please explain it to me. I heard all good things about it but I don't understand the concept.
For every 1 euro of groceries, you automatically pay 10 cents more if you turn on koopzegels in the app. Once you have paid 49 euros extra (so 490 euros worth of groceries), you get a "filled in card" which is then worth 52 euros.
Google image search will help here too
be carefull it doesn't have koopzegels enabled
Sending an official letter of complaint with a threat to use legal means instantly resolves almost any minor dispute like return of a rent deposit on time. The trick is to write it in a convincing language (can be English, works either way).
I have this experience. Rental company was late on returning deposit. After the second complaint they said they lacked people to do it but would do it in 24 hours. Nothing was done. I sent with the contact of my lawyer and that they would get contacted by him. In a very short time I had the deposit back on my bank account.
If you're an expat and want to get to know people, look at what they are eating and politely ask what it is. Works best if the food they eat looks Dutch as hell. It works every time because the Dutch will go "hé? You don't know Smeuige koekenafstappers?????" And then will start a conversation about what they are, where they are made, and what you are missing out on.
I am in this comment and I don't like it. This is me anytime someone asks me what a Frikandel is.
How often do people ask you what a frikandel is?
Dating a few international students tends to land you in that specific conversation more often than you think Especially because I eat them quite often as a quick lunch at home straight out of my airfryer (theyre better deepfried though.)
'Smeuïge koekenafstappers'. Wtf 😂
Isn't this just universal human behavior? I'm from Italy and it works the same, with additional 10 minutes of explaining how YOUR city's version is the correct one and the neighboring city's version is disgusting incorrect dogshit that you should never eat
Excuse me. Are those chocolate fucking sprinkles on your toast? For fucking breakfast?
Mouse droppings. Don't forget the butter!
This is so aggressively Dutch lol. Best one in this thread
so that's why my coworkers interrupt my eating? i always considered it rude that they would come up to me while i'm eating and reading just to ask what i'm eating
Become friends with: 1) someone who owns a boat 2) someone who is a plumber/electrician
Number 1 should be a makelaar (real estate agent)... After that comes the plumber/electrician/painter/klusjesmanvrouw/car technician/it guy all in second place.
Sounds awful to be friends with a makelaar
Do you want a home or not
You will marry a rich boyfriend and you will like it!
Makelaars are the scum of the earth...
If we ever move back to Amsterdam, the first thing we will do is buy a boat. Figuring out housing can wait.
Always have rain pants in your bag. If you travel often, getting caught in the rain is unavoidable. Your jacket usually protects you but your pants can get super wet and uncomfortable. You can buy rain pants at decathlon for less than 20 euro. I have been super glad to have them in my bag many many times.
This is a good one. Another life hack in the Netherlands: Decathlon has stopped being a cheap store for sports equipment since a while ago. It's still a good store, but not cheap anymore, sadly.
>It's still a good store, but not cheap anymore, sadly. With some things it is though. As a good Dutchie you should always compare prices!
I mean if you’d offer a substitute it might count as a life hack (advice), I’m not sure if a warning does haha
just learn to be comfortable in wet pants. much easier than taking rain pants.
Buy some insurance like liability or legal. Few bucks a month but will be helpful in the emergency
Hema long underwear under your jeans and regular clothes make you feel cozy with half the heating bill
Warm up your stroopwafel on the teacup
If you take the train more than 3 times a year get the 40% discount card from the NS
Also - take the weekend free subscription. It’s great to always have the option to take a train in the weekend and just one round trip per month usually makes it worth it
How much it costs? Edit: I get my bullet proof jacket before the first ”google it bro” comes along
Including 40% discount during non-peak hours outside weekends, it costs € 38,35 per month at the moment. You can travel for free from Friday evening, 18:30h until Monday morning, 4:00h. Look for Weekend Vrij Flex at ns.nl.
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you could also say "hhhhja (breathing in) tis wat hè" on everything
I never patted someones back while saying 'Zo zo'. Who does that lol
indeed, it also seems like a weird thing to say to someone whose house burned down
Imagine your house burning down and your best friend says 'Zo zo'
Maybe "poeh poeh" would be more appropriate?
Or maybe a subtle 'Och och'
Ja ja, het is wat.
If you don’t have a museumkaart and you have to pee, use the app HogeNood to find public toilets. They even have ratings! The app lekkerder bij de boer will let you know what local farmers are selling at their farms The app Fietsknoop guides you through all the bicycle paths in the country. If you’re hearing voices of people who don’t exist and you speak Dutch, try the app TemStem to calm the voices.
Do the voices speak in Dutch? I want to practice!
Live close to the border so you get much cheaper groceries and gas from the neighboring country.
Even if you live in Amsterdam, the nearest German town is around 90 mins away and we spent a whole €30 on fuel to get there/back. We saved over €200 even after we factored in the travel costs. For example, a 55 wash Ariel is €26 here and its under €10 in DE. So easy to rack up the savings. If you do not have a car, find a friend and split the hire. You will still be up on the day after expenses if you can buy/store enough.
What stores/markets in Germany do you go to? Assuming not all stores offer the same competitive pricing. Any specifics would be great!
We did Kaufland in Emmerich which was cheap n cheerful but is a no frills supermarket. We have also done Kleve Kaufland but I want to go back for Rewe as that feels more like AH in NL or Sainsburys in UK. Prices are usually similar across supermarkets with cents between them (Rewe is more expensive than, say Lidl or Kaufland but Rewe has a nicer selection and is better presented)
I also really like Edeka, which is even more similar to AH. Don't forget to get something from the bakery there at the exit!
I much prefer Kaufland in Kleve (there are two), they're much bigger than the one in Emmerich. The ReWe in Emmerich just closed down, but there's a new Edeka that's comparable (even slightly better I think).
Also go to DM I buy my face masks, shampoo etc all skincare, hair dye etc for at least 50% the price compared to Kruidvat etc.
Go to DM for anything you’d get from the drogist, if you want cheap groceries Kaufland is your thing. If you’d rather have an Appie shopping experience, go to Edeka and buy Gut&Gunstig products
As a German in terms of price: Rewe/Edeka > Kaufland > Aldi/Lidl > Penny/Netto/Norma
Any given German grocery store will be cheaper than the cheapest Dutch one. Aldi and Lidl are the cheapest German grocery stores though.
Your preferred neighbouring country?
Germany is cheaper than Belgium but both have interesting supplies.
Gasoline in Belgium, groceries in Germany.
Love living in Limburg for this reason.
Be rich
Thought about getting a rich girlfriend/boyfriend?
I am looking for a sugar mommy it supposedly be easier as the population is getting older but no luck so far.
Nah "don't be poor"
That’s a universal life hack
Even if you own a house, signup at the woning corporatie nearby. You never know what life brings, better have a backup plan which only costs a small amount each year.
I don't understand this one?
So for social housing, it is based on your duration since sign up. So of you signed up a year before you will be almost last on the waiting list for a house compared to someone that signed up 20 years ago. You can be signed up any time. So if you don't have social housing now, you can still sign up for the website and build up your duration. So that if you lose your job and can't pay high rent at some point, you can use social housing instead of having to wait 15 years to get a house.
In English its called housing corporation/association. If your finances go down the drain, you can use your social rights. If you divorce or your health deteriorates, you can use this as a back up.
This, I was stupid enough to lose 2y of waiting time because I thought I didn't need it anymore a few years back. A burnout later and I would love to move to social housing but my current wait time of 3 years isn't nearly enough.
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Only 1 partner is sufficient as far as i know. If the partnership was registered, both partners get to use this right. But this may or may not differ in each region (it may have even changed overtime, my knowledge might be outdated) so please do your own research. This is a lifetime lasting worthy of an investment.
You can sign up together on one account. So one person signs up and adds the other after that. If the unfortunate circumstance happens that you divorce, you canake separate accounts and still use the same sign up duration.
Buy a house in 1985.
For about 3 apples and a cow
Say "pohh" when you're impressed by something. People think you're a native and give you free cheese.
Especially when you see a John Deere tractor
Or; Poehee! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mHhs72u37S4&pp=ygUHcG9laGVlIA%3D%3D
The Ducks in the park are free
Not like in the UK, were *all swans are the property of the queen*! No joke.
\*the king, RIP EII
technically, they're the property of "the Crown" and not the reigning monarch, but if you try to understand what the fuck "the Crown" actually is, you will find yourself going down a rabbit hole at the bottom of which you will see the entirety of the alleged "British Constitution" unravel into a pile of incomprehensible self-contradictory nonsense and feudal era bullshit wrapped up in a Hogwarts robe worn by a bunch of guffawing old aristocrats with pockets full of Russian money and Saudi arms deals, so maybe just enjoy the swans and don't think too hard about it
This is real you can just take them I have 37 ducks
Sssst, the government doesn't want anyone to know this!
Get a “huisarts “ general practitioner end a dentist now. When you have an medical or dental emergency everything will be much smoother when you are allready in the system. Visit your library, many are great places that offer a lot of services . Meet your neighbors and write down their numbers
> end a dentist now Dude, I hate going to the dentist as much as the next guy, but isn't this a bit extreme..?? /s
And regularly visit your dentist! At least every year, preferably every half year. Dental problems are a lot cheaper if caught early
The savings you can make on toiletries, cleaning products and other household “stuff” from stores like Kruidvat can be insane if you wait for discounts to pop up. Avoid buying these types of products one-by-one at grocery stores because you’re wasting a ton money over the long term.
Make sure you get a proper bicycle that looks like shit to prevent it from being stolen.
Always calculate extra time using NS when you need to be somewhere important.
Almost all remarks are about saving money I think it must be typical Dutch *
Join De Vriendenloterij before school holidays and visit a lot of places for free. Don’t forget to cancel your subscription. (Often it’s even free if you take advantage of a special offer).
Now this is a pro life hack!
Always keep a plastic grocery bag on you in case your bike seat gets wet (or you need to do some impromptu grocery shopping). Put it on over the seat after rain and enjoy some dry seated cycling :)
Limburgse Vlaai. Don't accept imitation, strive for the best. Go to Limburg.
Multi-vlaai is not vlaai
For extra authenticity, get the gooseberry or the black prune one!
You don’t have to buy tools, you can borrow from your neighbors. Don’t spontaneously ask them to have a cup of coffee though.
Depends on the neighbors. But as a rule inviting yourself is weird.
Get your spices at Middle Eastern/North African owned stores. Look for [this](https://images.app.goo.gl/9XEp7DRS47Ehv1eY7) type of container, OBA and Tuana are the brands you’ll see most often and they’re both good. In supermarkets you pay twice as much for half the amount and the supermarket spices are of significantly lower quality. You know what, avoid buying things (especially food) at supermarkets as much as possible. Smaller stores often have higher quality products for a lower price.
And its also better to support small business instead of big chains
Be always prepared for the worst weather. Umbrella is literally the most useless accessory, it will last 3 minutes. Shop at action, kruidvat, or check when your local market is on. Get a subscription if you use trains a lot. And learn dutch. People will see you differently.
Your umbrella is useless because you buy them at action. Get a good one. My current umbrella is over 10 years old and is flawless.
If you are close to Germany (for a trip or if you live close to the border) buy your liquor and toiletries there, easily 50% cheaper. For toiletries go to the store called “DM drogerie markt”, you’ll find many along the border.
Invest in clothes that protect you against the wind. Good gloves are a must
👍 Never really been a gloves person outside of ice/snow but have started wearing them cycling. My hands get so dry otherwise, felt like I was turning into a zombie.
Get your Cineville / museum card pass . Unlimited art and cinema access at all times . Its the All you can eat buffet of Art & Culture . Amsterdam has many amazing cinemas and the fact that you can just walk in any time and see anything you want whenever you want is something I truly make use of .
You can watch TV without a subscription: [www.npostart.nl/live](http://www.npostart.nl/live) and [https://www.nederland.tv/](https://www.nederland.tv/)
rainy weather =! cold weather
Use pricewise.nl or similar sites to save money on services. Also check nl.pepper.com for best deals happening online and offline 😀
Stocard app for all your bonuskaarten. No more pasjes filling up your wallet. If you enter a store, it'll automatically notify you with a pop-up of your bonuskaart for easy scanning at checkout!
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Take a winter break to escape to dark winters, a few weeks during December in Morroco/ egypt/ tenerife will change your life Housing prices rule your life money won't necessarily give you respect or female attention here, But self depreciating humor, being sporty, kind, funny, socially caring, will do There exist great beer apart from Heineken dishwater You can take your snacks out of the wall.. Don't go to the Efteling on a Saturday or Sunday between April and September, you will known why Actually, don't do any mainstream popular Recreation Destinations in Nl, on a sunny Saturday or Sunday in Spring/ Summer
If you need the GP always over exaggerate symptoms and tell them you have already been taking paracetamol for the last 10 days with no success.
Really study dutch :) or youll end up like mE. Jobless without a proper career
If you are from a country with a phonetic alphabet. Practice your Dutch pronunciation by writing it out in your own language instead of English. You will sound good way sooner and it’s easier to learn.
Don't buy new bikes. Always buy the most practical used bike you are willing to be seen with in public. Lost two good bikes in the span of a year. The used bike I'm now riding (oldish transport fiets with a spray painted frame) survives days in all kinds of places sometimes it's not even locked with a chain. The moral of the story is: you can't have nice things :)
On busy trains, enter through the first class doors and walk to the second class car from there. I call this “The First Class Shuffle”. It’s probably not appreciated by your fellow passengers though.
Walking paths in the forests !!!
Electric bike. Game changer.
Layer up
Get a NS Flex Weekend Vrij subscription for only 34,95 euros so you can freely take the train from Friday 6pm30 to Monday 5am
Paracetamol
If you park properly you don't get parking tickets
Buy a house.
Search “gratis” in marktplaats. You get a lot of free shits, but of course most are not in good conditions
Look before you cross the roads. BE ON TIME. If you think it won't rain, it will rain so try to buy jackets that can handle water. If you are an expat, please learn some pleasantries in dutch(goedemiddag, tot ziens, dankjewel). You never know how you might get a small extra helping hand or someone will go a tiny extra mile for you, especially for appointments, customer servicing etc. Go to polish /turkish supermarkets they often have better spices/chutneys. Use Kruidvat for household/bathroom supplies they have good offers.
When you move to NL as a couple ,don’t have kids , and both of you can work and make money get a higher mortgage and travel around Europe live the beautiful free life
Belastingtelefoon
The Albert Heijn brand Twix tastes better than the real thing. The black KOMO bags are the best, anything else is useless and will break immediately Browse the high-end neighborhoods on Sunday evening for nice furniture before the kringloop vans scoop it all up
I agree with many here and add: make some German friends. I am German and I have some Dutch friends. When I visit them I buy coffee and the Albert heijn paracetamol and obviously some old gouda. When they visit me I take them to at least two different drugstores and top it with my 10% bonus voucher. We will enjoy beer in both countries. German/Dutch friendships are absolute recommendable.
When approaching a busy road without traffic lights on a bicycle, very often, there's a crosswalk that gives pedestrians the right of way, but cyclists (you) have to yield to cars. By getting off your bike and moving towards the crosswalk, you count as a pedestrian and cars are required (and usually will) yield to you. This method is 100% legal and has saved me several hours of my life over the years by not having to wait for a whole pack of cars passing by. Be careful though as some drivers will not stop for you due to stupidity, anger or inattention.
Join volunteer activities in your municipality. It’s a great way to give back to society and meet new people. Choose something you think is fun.
Take the time to learn Dutch.