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Dutch guide to Apps - Here you will find all commonly used apps in the Netherlands. Should you know of more, please let us know.

Should there be any broken links please let me know ASAP. Note that I will share the website link for these apps, but you can also visit your playstore or apple store to download the actual app

Governmental

Digid - Authentication app

Digid is a very important app to get once your arrive. Logging into govenment sites like the tax authority, hospitals, doctors all use Digid to authenticate with.

Belastingdienst App

Manage and view Dutch taxes, benefits, allowances (toeslagen). Remember you need a Digid to log in

MijnOverheid

Access your digital government mailbox, check personal data, taxes, fines, and more

RDW (Vehicle-related services)

Check car ownership, road tax, APK (vehicle inspection) status, etc.

DUO app

Manage student loans, grants, and educational debts. Also used for inburging

IND  App

Track residence applications, permits, and appointments.

 

Food Store apps

Online Grocery apps

Jumbo App

Order groceries online, save recipes, find weekly offers. You can also get points, use self scanning and get discounts.

Lidl Plus

Digital loyalty card, weekly offers, scratch card rewards.

Picnic

App-only online supermarket with free delivery (on schedule).

Flink

Not available evrywhere. Superfast grocery delivery in big cities.

Albert Heijn (AH)

Shop online, collect bonus offers, manage your personal bonus card.

Coop Supermarkt

Online grocery shopping, offers, and loyalty points.

 

Getir

Not available everywhere. (formerly Gorillas). 10–20 min grocery delivery in urban areas.

HelloFresh

Meal kits with fresh ingredients delivered weekly.

PLUS

Shop online, use loyalty cards, weekly discounts.

Spar

Local and express grocery shopping; also student-focused locations.

Crisp

Not available everwhere. Online supermarket for fresh, high-quality ingredients and local products.

Marley Spoon

Another meal box service with diverse recipes.

Animals

Zooplus

  • For dogs, cats, birds, rodents, fish, reptiles.

  • One of the biggest in Europe.

  • Frequent discounts, loyalty program.

Brekz

  • Known for competitive pricing on pet food.

  • Brands like Royal Canin, Eukanuba, and Hill's.

Medpets

  • Focus on veterinary products, special diets, and pet care.

  • Great for pets with medical needs.

Dierapotheker

  • Veterinary pharmacy online.

  • Pet medications, supplements, and health products.

Pets Place

  • Big chain with both physical stores and online shop.

  • Broad range of pet food, accessories, and care.

Jumper

  • Nationwide pet store chain with a strong online presence.

  • Variety of pet supplies, frequent promotions.

Weather and transport

Buienradar

  • Real-time rain radar and weather forecasts.

  • Extremely popular in the Netherlands.

  • Alerts for rain showers by location.

  • App: “Buienradar” on App Store / Google Play

NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)

  • Train times, disruptions, tickets, subscriptions.

  • For intercity and regional train travel.

  • App: “NS” on App Store / Google Play

OV-fiets / NS app

  • Rent shared bicycles from Dutch train stations.

  • Integrated into the NS app.

Parkmobile / ParkBee / Yellowbrick

  • Pay for street or garage parking from your phone.

  • Works in most cities.

  • I only added one link but feel free to look at all of them

Weeronline

  • 4-day forecast, weather per hour, pollen info.

  • App: “Weeronline”

9292 (OV Planner)

  • Complete door-to-door public transport planner.

  • Covers buses, trains, trams, metros, ferries.

  • App: “9292”​​

Donkey Republic / Check / TIER

  • Shared bikes and e-scooters in many cities.

  • Location-based unlocking and riding.

Bolt / Uber

  • Ride-hailing in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and other cities.

  • I only added one link but feel free to check out both.

KNMI

  • From the official Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.

  • Reliable for extreme weather warnings.

GVB (Amsterdam), RET (Rotterdam), HTM (The Hague)

  • Local transit apps by city.

  • Timetables, tickets, and updates.

  • Apps: “GVB”, “RET RealTime”, “HTM” — per city.

ANWB Onderweg

  • Dutch drivers' app for traffic, parking, fuel prices, and roadside help.

Savings, points and payments

A lot of times when you just came over and look for an app in the store and you don't find it, note that you need to change your app store settings from South Africa to the Netherlands. Kom nou jys nie meer in sunny south africa nie.

Tikkie

  • Send/receive payment requests via WhatsApp or link.

  • Extremely popular for splitting bills (by ABN AMRO). 

  • App: “Tikkie”

Jumbo Extras

  • Loyalty card for Jumbo supermarket.

  • Save for discounts and prizes.

  • App: “Jumbo Extra’s”

Stocard or Curve Loyalty

  • Store all your loyalty cards in one app (AH Bonuskaart, Etos, HEMA, etc.).

  • Scan cards directly in-store from your phone.

  • App: “Stocard” or newer rebrand “Curve Loyalty” in some regions. NO WEBSITE

Hema

  • Offers, savings stamps, and digital receipts.

  • Points for discounts and gifts.

  • App: “HEMA app”

AH Bonuskaart (Albert Heijn)

  • Digital bonus card for discounts, personal offers, and stamps.

  • Inside the Albert Heijn app.

Loads more

  • Store like Kruidvat, Gall & Gall, Plus, Gamma, praxis etc all make use of Loyalty cards. If you go to these shops ask for a card. 

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