How can I help

Liability insurance

• So we might not have south african taxis but there are still alot that can go wrong. a Bike rides into you on your way to work. Or your dog decides to bite another dog. Your child scratches a car in the parking lot. You help a friend move a sofa down some dutch stairs and you break something. You need liability insurance as accidents like these can cause you alot.

Other Important Insurance

• Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering (Liability Insurance): Covers damage you accidentally cause to others. Highly recommended.

• Inboedelverzekering (Contents Insurance): Covers damage or theft of personal belongings.

• Reisverzekering (Travel Insurance): Optional for trips abroad.

• Woonverzekering (Home Insurance): If you own property.

Transport

Bikes are king. You should:

• Learn biking rules (and always lock your bike!)

• Get a bike insurance if it’s expensive

• Public transport: Use OV-chipkaart or mobile check-in (NS, 9292, GVB).

• Driving? Exchange your license if you’re eligible (check with RDW).

Work and Income

• Get a BSN before starting any job.

• Contracts may be: Vast contract (permanent) Tijdelijk (temporary) ZZP (freelancer/self-employed)

• Payroll tax (loonbelasting) is automatically deducted.

• You may need to file a yearly tax return (Belastingaangifte) if you’re employed or self-employed.

Everyday Life Tips

• Grocery stores: Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, Plus, Dirk

• Online shopping: Bol.com, Amazon.nl, Marktplaats

• Appointments for everything: doctor, haircut, city hall, etc.

• Most people speak English well, but learning basic Dutch helps a lot.

• Use DuoLingo, NHA, or free integration courses from the gemeente.

DigiD

• Get DigiD installed and configured as soon as possible. In NL you cant log into governement sites like belastingsdienst, or the hospital you went to if you dont have a DigiD. This is an authentication app. 

Registering Your Address (Inschrijven bij de gemeente)

Within 5 days of arrival (or moving), register at your local gemeente (municipality).

You’ll get a BSN (citizen service number) – needed for jobs, banking, health insurance, etc.

Take ID, rental contract, and birth certificate (may need translation).

Children Education

• School is compulsory from age 5.

• Public and private schools exist, but many public schools are excellent and free.

• Vaccinations are offered for free through the national program (RIVM).

Taxes and Allowances

• Common benefits you might be eligible for:

• Zorgtoeslag – health insurance allowance

• Huurtoeslag – rent allowance (if renting and income is low)

• Kindgebonden budget – for families with children

• SVB for all parents with kids irregardless of income. Normally pays every quarter

Health Insurance (Zorgverzekering) – Mandatory

• You must have Dutch health insurance within 4 months of registering at the gemeente (city hall).

• Choose from providers like:

• Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, Menzis, CZ, DSW etc

• Costs: ~€130–€160/month for basic coverage.

• Toeslag (healthcare allowance): Available if your income is below a certain threshold. Apply via mijn.toeslagen.nl

Having Pets in the Netherlands

• Dogs must be registered with your municipality (dog tax may apply – varies by city).

• Microchipping dogs is mandatory; cats optional.

• Vets are widely available; emergency clinics too.

• Pet stores: Zooplus, Pets Place, Jumper

• Most public places are pet-friendly, but leashes and poop cleanup are required.

GGD

Mental & Youth Health

• Jeugdgezondheidszorg (Youth Health Care)

Sexual Health

• Free or low-cost STI testing and HIV consultations.

Health Promotion & Prevention

• Campaigns about healthy eating, quitting smoking, safe sex, etc.

• Public information during heatwaves, pandemics, or other health threats.

Environmental Health & Safety

• Monitor health risks from pollution, noise, asbestos, and radiation.

• Handle complaints about unhealthy living environments.

Medical Examinations & Travel Health

• Conduct medical checks for certain professions (e.g., taxi drivers).

• Provide travel vaccinations and health advice for travelers.

Crisis Management

• Play a key role in local health crisis response (e.g., during pandemics, disasters).

• Vaccinations

• Coordinate with national institutions like RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).

Welcome to the Netherlands

Yes its hard to adapt to a world you don't know. Rules are different, systems are different, Not everyone will like you. But something I learned in my years in this country, it might be grey in the winter but every season has its beauty. Things are different but humans adapt. You will learn and you will get use to how things are done here. Just hang in there!​