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Netherlands

1235

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 1,169 ✭✭✭denhaagenite


    pajor wrote: »
    More genuine probably.

    This I can't agree with. OK, I don't have someone kissing my a*se and begorra- ing at me when I'm trying to have my lunch or buy a pair of shoes but the Dutch are COMPLETELY genuine, far more so than the Irish.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,573 ✭✭✭pajor


    This I can't agree with. OK, I don't have someone kissing my a*se and begorra- ing at me when I'm trying to have my lunch or buy a pair of shoes but the Dutch are COMPLETELY genuine, far more so than the Irish.

    That wouldn't be my opinion.. :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 389 ✭✭Tuesday_Girl


    Dutch service has improved since I moved over in the 90's but it's still got a fair way to go. I went to a cafe in Amsterdam yesterday and after 20 minutes sitting outside with no service I went inside to order from the waitresses who were having a great old chat. Another guy came in and ordered a drink and told the waitresses that several tables of people were waiting to order outside. The waitress gave him his beer then sat up on her high stool again and continued her chat for another 15 minutes before finally reluctantly going to serve her customers. My friends live nearby and said this happens all the time, they've stopped going there and to another similar place nearby. I guess as long as customers are going there and willing to put up with ****e service places like this will stay in business. I won't be going back anyway, and I didn't leave a tip.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    I didn't leave a tip.

    I never leave a tip unless I get exceptional service. One of the advantages of here you don't have to tip.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,169 ✭✭✭denhaagenite


    I'm sorry, i refuse to believe that you got good customer service in the Netherlands.

    The fact that you did not have to get your own menu and no-one shouted at you does not mean it is good customer service. :pac:

    I was there, it happened. Was so good we even tipped over the odds. To be fair he was Antillean, I think Curacao or Surinaam.

    While service isn't always the friendliest, it is genuine. I find us Irish can be OTT at times and it's just a difference in culture.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    I was there, it happened. .

    Are Keithclany & denhaagite an item? :cool:


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,169 ✭✭✭denhaagenite


    Sinds 8 jaar, getrouwd 4 :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,573 ✭✭✭pajor


    Sinds 8 jaar, getrouwd 4 :pac:

    Awww wat lief! :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,299 ✭✭✭spiralism


    Early to mid 30s. Ya, I think Amsterdammers can be a bit much sometimes. Met a lot of them here at a festival over the weekend, the contrast between them and the locals was quite apparent.

    Random question but what festival was that? Was at a festival in Eersel around the time, definitely did find that locals at it were much nicer than the Amsterdammers i was used to.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,169 ✭✭✭denhaagenite


    Ya it was the E3 Strand in Eersel for We Are Electric. It's the first time it's been on during the summer with camping so we wouldn't normally see so many but there were a few who were just obnoxious. Should have learned our lesson from A Day at the Park in Amsterdam last year.

    I spend a lot of time in Amsterdam but it was never this apparent. Music festivals obviously just attract a special kind of Amster- w*nker :p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,317 ✭✭✭kevohmsford


    Hi all I am just looking for some information.

    I was in the Gemeente Eindhoven earlier finding out information about the social number. I am relocating here from Ireland. In relation to the birth certificate do I need the original and a special stamp on it ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,822 ✭✭✭irelandrover


    Hi all I am just looking for some information.

    I was in the Gemeente Eindhoven earlier finding out information about the social number. I am relocating here from Ireland. In relation to the birth certificate do I need the original and a special stamp on it ?

    They wouldnt take my birthcert without the apostille stamp on it.

    However they would register me with the gemente. I was just an orphan for the first 3 years until I produced the apostilled birthcert.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    They wouldnt take my birthcert without the apostille stamp on it.

    However they would register me with the gemente. I was just an orphan for the first 3 years until I produced the apostilled birthcert.

    You only need your Passport:
    http://www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/services/Registration-procedures-for-nonresidents-of-the-Netherlands.htm

    Apostilled birth cert we only needed when registering our marriage (along with our apostilled marriage cert)

    Edit:
    Also here

    http://www.eindhoven.nl/documents-2/registration-of-nonresidents-and-delivery-BSN-1.htm
    Requirements

    BSN for adults:

    • Valid proof of identity (passport or identity card)
    • It will help to speed up the processing of your application if you write your address in your country of origin and the address where you are staying or intend to stay in the Netherlands on the form entitles 'Address in country of origin and in the Netherlands' before you take this form to the Municipality.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,822 ✭✭✭irelandrover


    You only need your Passport:
    http://www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/services/Registration-procedures-for-nonresidents-of-the-Netherlands.htm

    Apostilled birth cert we only needed when registering our marriage (along with our apostilled marriage cert)

    Edit:
    Also here

    http://www.eindhoven.nl/documents-2/registration-of-nonresidents-and-delivery-BSN-1.htm

    As I said I was able to register. I wasn't able to register my parents names.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark



    Apostilled birth cert we only needed when registering our marriage (along with our apostilled marriage cert)

    Just wondering why you'd do this - so one could claim unused tax credits for the other or is there another reason to do this?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,573 ✭✭✭pajor


    'feliciteerd.

    'feliciteerd.

    Ook feliciteered.

    Gefeliciteerd.

    :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    Just wondering why you'd do this - so one could claim unused tax credits for the other or is there another reason to do this?

    Lots of reasons.

    One big one is that when my Wife isn't working she's covered by my German Health Insurance policy

    Also if something happens to either of us then there is no confusion with arrangements (hospitals, bank accounts,house etc)

    Tax as well, it's possible to write off your Tax partners expenses against your income.

    I'm not sure why you wouldn't register as married though if that was the case :confused: ?

    The above is not the reason we got married though :D:D:D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    Lots of reasons.

    One big one is that when my Wife isn't working she's covered by my German Health Insurance policy

    Also if something happens to either of us then there is no confusion with arrangements (hospitals, bank accounts,house etc)

    Tax as well, it's possible to write off your Tax partners expenses against your income.

    I'm not sure why you wouldn't register as married though if that was the case :confused: ?

    In Ireland the only point in letting the tax office know your married is if one earns significantly less than the other or one doesn't work and the other does.

    I assumed it would be the same in Holland and I suppose we'd be unusual in that we both work and earn the same as each other, so I didn't see any point

    when you say it's possible to write off your Tax partners expenses against your income I assume you mean when one isn't working/is earning significantly less than the other. I assume in a case where both work and earn the same as each other this doesn't apply.

    You could have a point about if something happened to one of us there would be no confusion in hospital or with a bank account.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    Apostilled birth cert we only needed when registering our marriage (along with our apostilled marriage cert)

    This sounds like a lotta hassle though....think we'd need like you have -a financial incentive - to go to that hassle rather than a hypothetical 'what if something happened to one of us''

    :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    This sounds like a lotta hassle though....think we'd need like you have -a financial incentive - to go to that hassle rather than a hypothetical 'what if something happened to one of us''

    :pac:

    Nah, it was 30 minutes and 40 euros in the office at Stephens Green, or you can do it in the Embassy in the Hague as well, you don't even need to go in yourself.

    It's just security really, it's not like Ireland where you can just show your marriage cert, it's whatever is in the BRP.

    I don't even pay income tax in NL anyway :)


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    Nah, it was 30 minutes and 40 euros in the office at Stephens Green, or you can do it in the Embassy in the Hague as well, you don't even need to go in yourself.

    Was that for both birth certs and the marriage cert to be apostilled?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,317 ✭✭✭kevohmsford


    I am currently looking for a place to live in Eindhoven. Rents for apartment's are high so was looking at maybe renting a room in a house.
    What are the best places areas of the city to look ? Will need a car parking space as well.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    I am currently looking for a place to live in Eindhoven. Rents for apartment's are high so was looking at maybe renting a room in a house.
    What are the best places areas of the city to look ? Will need a car parking space as well.

    Depends on budget and where you work really. Eindhoven's bus routes all go to the Center of the City, no Orbital routes so getting from one side to the other means taking two buses.

    Here's a rental map on Kamernet:
    https://kamernet.nl/huren/map/kamer-eindhoven?minprice=0&maxprice=400&surface=2&radiusid=2&pageno=1&itemsperpage=15&sortorder=1


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,401 ✭✭✭shortys94


    Does anyone know how to cancel the health insurance allowance, I can only change my salary earnings, but I want to make sure the allowance is cancelled entirely so I dont have to back pay


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    Saw this .. might be of Interest to someone

    https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/dutch


  • Registered Users Posts: 768 ✭✭✭wardides


    Saw this .. might be of Interest to someone

    https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/dutch


    Absolute gent, that will come in very handy.

    Thinking of making the move over in about 16 months. Could anybody who has recently moved over answer a couple of questions for me? Myself and GF are planning on going over January 2017 (long way away I know due to job commitments and such). We've been to Amsterdam 4 times in the past 18 months and just love the place. Happy to move a bit outside of course or even further afield as it's more so the outskirts of amsterdam that appeals.

    1.In terms of job availability. We're both in decent enough jobs (30k circa salary 9-5 office jobs). I know it obviously depends on circumstances but are these jobs widely available for people from abroad? Is there a high rate of Multinationals around?

    2. I've heard the rental market is pretty pricey? Obviously even though it is subject to change within the next year would it be relatively close to dublin? For example 1/2 bedroom apartment cost the same as dublin city?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,489 ✭✭✭dissed doc


    wardides wrote: »
    Absolute gent, that will come in very handy.

    Thinking of making the move over in about 16 months. Could anybody who has recently moved over answer a couple of questions for me? Myself and GF are planning on going over January 2017 (long way away I know due to job commitments and such). We've been to Amsterdam 4 times in the past 18 months and just love the place. Happy to move a bit outside of course or even further afield as it's more so the outskirts of amsterdam that appeals.

    1.In terms of job availability. We're both in decent enough jobs (30k circa salary 9-5 office jobs). I know it obviously depends on circumstances but are these jobs widely available for people from abroad? Is there a high rate of Multinationals around?

    2. I've heard the rental market is pretty pricey? Obviously even though it is subject to change within the next year would it be relatively close to dublin? For example 1/2 bedroom apartment cost the same as dublin city?

    If you speak Dutch then yes there are jobs. If English the job market is much more limited, especially at your salary range. You need to define exactly what sort of job it is you want or can do and how much you expect to earn.

    30k a year is around 1900 net a month. Expect to pay around 1000-1200 for an okay apt. E.g. Oud west, spaardamerbuurt or somewhere 15 minutes bike away.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    wardides wrote: »

    1.In terms of job availability. We're both in decent enough jobs (30k circa salary 9-5 office jobs). I know it obviously depends on circumstances but are these jobs widely available for people from abroad? Is there a high rate of Multinationals around?

    2. I've heard the rental market is pretty pricey? Obviously even though it is subject to change within the next year would it be relatively close to dublin? For example 1/2 bedroom apartment cost the same as dublin city?

    Yes rent is similar to Dublin city and I assume what you mean by the ''outskirts'' is probably the areas that most people live here. Very few live in the city centre.

    We live in Rivierenbuurt (which would be a good neighbourhood) and pay 1500 p/m for a 3 bedroom. That actually was more but I got our rent reduced by the Wijkspunt Wonen. Previously I have rented shared rooms in the same neighbourhood - 800 sharing with one person (2 flatmates sharing a 2 bedroom place), 600 sharing with 2 (3 flatmates each with our own room).

    As you're a couple, you'll have to get your own place so even if you live in the less-desirable areas of Amsterdam you're still looking at the kind of rent dissed doc mentions.

    As for jobs - most people that I know here are here for the 30% rule. In order to get that your gross salary has to be circa 50k. If we weren't getting the 30% rule not sure if living here would have that much more appeal over Ireland to be honest. Especially with the economy in Ireland picking up now.
    I'd say your take home here would be less than Ireland coz tax is comparable and PRSI in Ireland is only 4%, over here it's more like 14%.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,169 ✭✭✭denhaagenite


    As for jobs - most people that I know here are here for the 30% rule. In order to get that your gross salary has to be circa 50k. If we weren't getting the 30% rule not sure if living here would have that much more appeal over Ireland to be honest. Especially with the economy in Ireland picking up now.
    I'd say your take home here would be less than Ireland coz tax is comparable and PRSI in Ireland is only 4%, over here it's more like 14%.

    Be clear about it though, in order to get the 30% ruling there are increasingly strict criteria. You need to have a skill that's in short supply in the Netherlands. 5 years ago they would give it to anyone. It's more difficult now. FYI the 30% ruling is a 30% tax free allowance granted to knowledge migrants for a period of 10 years.

    Cost of living is higher in the Netherlands, and higher still in Amsterdam. If your timeline is so long, I would first look at gaining language skills (as a lot here are multilingual), upskilling in the job you're in and putting the feelers out to multinationals with offices in Amsterdam and surroundings. Check www.monsterboard.nl , they're generally the most complete for job searches.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    FYI the 30% ruling is a 30% tax free allowance granted to knowledge migrants for a period of 10 years.

    Cost of living is higher in the Netherlands, and higher still in Amsterdam. If your timeline is so long, I would first look at gaining language skills (as a lot here are multilingual), upskilling in the job you're in and putting the feelers out to multinationals with offices in Amsterdam and surroundings. Check www.monsterboard.nl , they're generally the most complete for job searches.

    It's reduced to 8 years now as well!

    Doesn't sound like the guy asking the question is going to be a contender for the 30% rule, he said they earn circa 30k gross, so that's why I didn't bother going into detail about what it is, I was more making the point that if they aren't coming over here for that.....they'd want to be clear what it is they are coming over here for. If it's for the party lifestyle/the smokes/the bicycles fair enough! :P That alone wouldn't be enough to entice me over if there wasn't a financial incentive.

    One thing that's cheaper here in Amsterdam than home - Groceries! They're a good bit cheaper. Think it has to do with VAT rates.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,169 ✭✭✭denhaagenite


    It's reduced to 8 years now as well!

    Ya to be honest I don't see it lasting too much longer. I know Dutch people who actually do two Bachelor degrees at the same time because you only have to pay registration once. Education is changing here. It's really unfair and ridiculous to have people like that being valued less just because they're not expats. Also having worked in HR with expat employees, you'd want to see the temper tantrums when the time is up. Like they don't know or something!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 535 ✭✭✭NoCrackHaving


    One thing that's cheaper here in Amsterdam than home - Groceries! They're a good bit cheaper. Think it has to do with VAT rates.

    What is the food from Dutch supermarkets like? The few times I've visited the Netherlands I always found it pretty dire foodwise apart from cheese.


  • Registered Users Posts: 768 ✭✭✭wardides


    It's reduced to 8 years now as well!

    Doesn't sound like the guy asking the question is going to be a contender for the 30% rule, he said they earn circa 30k gross, so that's why I didn't bother going into detail about what it is, I was more making the point that if they aren't coming over here for that.....they'd want to be clear what it is they are coming over here for. If it's for the party lifestyle/the smokes/the bicycles fair enough! :P That alone wouldn't be enough to entice me over if there wasn't a financial incentive.

    One thing that's cheaper here in Amsterdam than home - Groceries! They're a good bit cheaper. Think it has to do with VAT rates.

    Definitely not coming over for the party lifestyle/smokes. Just enjoy the way of life over there. Uncles brother in law has lived there for 17 years and has nothing but positives about it. More or so due to the fact that we're both 25 & looking to experience a different culture, live a different way of life for a couple of years. Basically experience something new before we throw ourselves into the pitfalls that is the Irish property market.

    In terms of the 30% rule. Whilst I've heard of it, what is the actual definition of criteria. When you say skilled are you talking as in trades like we have over here? (Builder etc?). I work in marketing within FMCG & the girlfriend works for a large translation company and can speak a couple of languages.

    100% throwing myself into learning Dutch, as I'm not sure why anybody would move to another country and not make an effort to speak the language. Irregardless of how well that country speak English, I'd feel it's the minimum to make an effort (even for your own development there is no harm).


  • Registered Users Posts: 768 ✭✭✭wardides


    Sorry, I'm just seeing you said your wage has to be circa 50k to benefit from 30% rule, so that makes more sense as to why I probably wouldn't get it. Industry I'm in, my next move would probably be towards that pay scale (I've had offers circa 45k) but obviously not sure whether that correlates to Holland. Not looking for an answer there either, as it's practically impossible for someone to say whether there is or not without knowing the full details.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,169 ✭✭✭denhaagenite


    wardides wrote: »

    In terms of the 30% rule. Whilst I've heard of it, what is the actual definition of criteria. When you say skilled are you talking as in trades like we have over here? (Builder etc?). I work in marketing within FMCG & the girlfriend works for a large translation company and can speak a couple of languages.

    100% throwing myself into learning Dutch, as I'm not sure why anybody would move to another country and not make an effort to speak the language. Irregardless of how well that country speak English, I'd feel it's the minimum to make an effort (even for your own development there is no harm).

    No, you need degrees at the minimum (or professional experience). Most people receiving it now would have Masters or PhD level. It really would depend on you and your girlfriend's exact skills, when I was processing these applications they were on a case by case basis. I know things have changed in the mean time. The companies that you apply to would be able to give you a better idea as to whether you will qualify or not, as salaries offered often depend on this. For example, they would be able to offer you a lower gross wage if you were a candidate for the 30% ruling.


  • Registered Users Posts: 768 ✭✭✭wardides


    No, you need degrees at the minimum (or professional experience). Most people receiving it now would have Masters or PhD level. It really would depend on you and your girlfriend's exact skills, when I was processing these applications they were on a case by case basis. I know things have changed in the mean time. The companies that you apply to would be able to give you a better idea as to whether you will qualify or not, as salaries offered often depend on this. For example, they would be able to offer you a lower gross wage if you were a candidate for the 30% ruling.

    Yeah that's the impression I got. Whilst we both have degrees, it does seem very open to interpenetration as to what they class as a skilled worker. I did hear the tax was fairly high, I think I worked it out that I'd need to be earning around 10k more over there to come home with the same wage as I take home here.

    Does the cost of living even it out to some extent? Any time I've been there I've found groceries & alcohol to be relatively cheap? Now I could have just been lucky in terms of where I have been, and maybe I have that wrong all together.

    On another note, is there anywhere else that would be a hub for large MNC's to set up, or another city which is similar? Should make it known that we're not set on amsterdam (although being high first preference) somehere like The Hague, Alkmaar for example also appeals to me. I've also been to Nijmegen a couple of times and loved it (albeit a few years back and visiting college friends).


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,169 ✭✭✭denhaagenite


    I mean, any of the major cities really. We used to live in Den Haag and are now in Eindhoven, much prefer Eindhoven. I know Amsterdam quite well and would still prefer Eindhoven. Off the top of my head, Utrecht (might think about a move there at some point in the future), Leiden, Haarlem, Den Bosch, Tilburg, Breda, Maastricht, Venlo, Groningen, Roermond, Sittard would all have plenty of jobs to offer expats.


  • Registered Users Posts: 768 ✭✭✭wardides


    Cheers. Appreciate all the feedback here folks!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    wardides wrote: »
    Definitely not coming over for the party lifestyle/smokes. Just enjoy the way of life over there. Uncles brother in law has lived there for 17 years and has nothing but positives about it. More or so due to the fact that we're both 25 & looking to experience a different culture, live a different way of life for a couple of years. Basically experience something new before we throw ourselves into the pitfalls that is the Irish property market.

    Well that sounds like a good reason to come over. Living abroad for a few years before settling down is a really great thing to do in my opinion.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    What is the food from Dutch supermarkets like? The few times I've visited the Netherlands I always found it pretty dire foodwise apart from cheese.


    Last time I criticised dutch food on here there was a backlash :D:D
    Suffice to say I'm not a fan, no....

    Funnily enough on the cheese thing. There are 2 cheese shops on my street and not one of them has a solid, crumbly cheese like cheddar. All of the cheeses in the shops even what they consider a hard cheese (usually the ''Oud'' ones) is still squashy if you pushed it with your finger.

    Despite living in the land of cheese, I've recently started bringing cheddar back over with me from Ireland when I go home ....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    wardides wrote: »
    Sorry, I'm just seeing you said your wage has to be circa 50k to benefit from 30% rule, so that makes more sense as to why I probably wouldn't get it. Industry I'm in, my next move would probably be towards that pay scale (I've had offers circa 45k) but obviously not sure whether that correlates to Holland. Not looking for an answer there either, as it's practically impossible for someone to say whether there is or not without knowing the full details.

    There are a couple of websites with the criteria like this one:

    http://www.expatax.nl/30ruling.php

    As it says here your salary has to be gross 52,436 to qualify.
    However if you are under 30 and have a masters then your gross salary only needs to be 39859 (maybe do a masters between now and moving over ha!)

    As it says on there in very confusing language:
    Since the law requires a minimum taxable salary and doesn't mention the gross salary and also states that under the 30% ruling a tax free allowance can be paid of up to 30%, it is possible to reduce the tax free allowance to a lower percentage as such that the minimum required taxable salary is met
    (which may have been what denhaagite was referring to when she said salaries can be adjusted) there is another option if your gross isn't high enough but it's close-ish.
    My friend was in that category, he wasn't earning 52,436 he was earning somewhere in the 40s and he was still able to get a reduced version of the 30% rule (just need to find an accounting company that knows their stuff) so he gets a 20% rule or something like that.

    When you do move over & if you're looking for recommendations for good tax crowds that are adept at getting people the 30% rule let me know I can recommend one or two.

    Denhaagite - you said you live in Eindhoven, not sure if you have kids but do you know of any irish mothers living there? A friend of mine just moved there, she has 3 kids and would love to meet other expat/irish mothers.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,489 ✭✭✭dissed doc


    What is the food from Dutch supermarkets like? The few times I've visited the Netherlands I always found it pretty dire foodwise apart from cheese.

    the food in supermarkets and in restaurants is notably poorer in quality than Ireland or UK. you will not get the likes of what used to be Superquinn, or M&S (well yes there is a small m&s in amsterdam) there. Marqt is okay but pricey and mostly a place that small local suppliers can sell organic food to.

    overall the food is simply poor. it is not Africa but beyond ham toasty, cheese toasty or (i am not actually joking) ham/cheese toasty, and then deep fried snacks you will find it is a massive step down in quality compared to what Ireland has.

    however, if you come from Scandinavia then Amsterdam will seem like heaven.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,169 ✭✭✭denhaagenite



    Despite living in the land of cheese, I've recently started bringing cheddar back over with me from Ireland when I go home ....

    I think all Dutch cheese is the same. Obviously there's M and S for cheddar but Jumbo also have Cathedral which is absolutely fine for me.
    dissed doc wrote: »
    the food in supermarkets and in restaurants is notably poorer in quality than Ireland or UK. you will not get the likes of what used to be Superquinn, or M&S (well yes there is a small m&s in amsterdam) there. Marqt is okay but pricey and mostly a place that small local suppliers can sell organic food to.

    overall the food is simply poor. it is not Africa but beyond ham toasty, cheese toasty or (i am not actually joking) ham/cheese toasty, and then deep fried snacks you will find it is a massive step down in quality compared to what Ireland has.

    however, if you come from Scandinavia then Amsterdam will seem like heaven.

    While the supermarket food isn't generally amazing quality, there is quality to be had and restaurants are amazing in Amsterdam. It's not really that fair to generalise. Plus there does seem to be a food revolution going on with festivals, food trucks, pop ups, you name it. The Dutch do love a good bandwagon to jump on :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,489 ✭✭✭dissed doc


    I think all Dutch cheese is the same. Obviously there's M and S for cheddar but Jumbo also have Cathedral which is absolutely fine for me.



    While the supermarket food isn't generally amazing quality, there is quality to be had and restaurants are amazing in Amsterdam. It's not really that fair to generalise. Plus there does seem to be a food revolution going on with festivals, food trucks, pop ups, you name it. The Dutch do love a good bandwagon to jump on :D


    yeah fair point, there are a lot of the markets like Neighbourfood and so on. But, a lot of it is fast food, hipster burgers etc. . the fish is quite good though in the fishmongers.

    the food becomes immediately better and very noticably in Maastricht for example, in even casual restaurants.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    dissed doc wrote: »
    the fish is quite good though in the fishmongers.

    I had to take out a bank loan last time I went to the fishmongers :eek:
    Back to the catfish in Albert heijn for me! :p


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  • Registered Users Posts: 20 JellyBeanx


    Hi Guys,

    I am thinking of moving to the Netherlands in a couple of months. Just wondering what it’s like there to live there. I’ve been on holidays a couple of times there and really liked the country.

    I’ll be going over there hopefully before starting college in February 2017(I have applied for a transfer to AUC, Tilburg Uni and Utrecht for liberal arts, it’s taught through English)

    Are there any pros or cons to living there? I have done some research into most things but just wanted people’s opinions who live there!
    My boyfriend was also considering moving over with me... He has a masters and is currently working in Intel. He'd really need a full time job before moving over. Is it difficult to get a job before moving over? I have read that most places won’t consider you if you don’t have a word of Dutch? (Neither of us do but we’re considering taking classes) I myself, wouldn’t mind finding a job before college in Feb but I know because I don’t have a completed degree it may be difficult!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    JellyBeanx wrote: »
    Hi Guys,

    I am thinking of moving to the Netherlands in a couple of months. Just wondering what it’s like there to live there. I’ve been on holidays a couple of times there and really liked the country.

    I’ll be going over there hopefully before starting college in February 2017(I have applied for a transfer to AUC, Tilburg Uni and Utrecht for liberal arts, it’s taught through English)

    Are there any pros or cons to living there? I have done some research into most things but just wanted people’s opinions who live there!
    My boyfriend was also considering moving over with me... He has a masters and is currently working in Intel. He'd really need a full time job before moving over. Is it difficult to get a job before moving over? I have read that most places won’t consider you if you don’t have a word of Dutch? (Neither of us do but we’re considering taking classes) I myself, wouldn’t mind finding a job before college in Feb but I know because I don’t have a completed degree it may be difficult!

    No you can work in ASML, Shell and many other companies with just English,

    These posts also address your questions.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=83982257&postcount=2
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=94534367&postcount=153


    On a separate note Mobile Viking is finishing in NL :(

    Went with Lycamobile as they have decent prepaid deals

    1 cent per minute to Ireland landlines, 9 cent per minute to Irish Mobile Numbers.

    Free Roaming too when in Ireland.

    Also this bundle is fairly decent if you call Ireland a lot:

    http://www.lycamobile.nl/en/bundle?id=6

    30 euro package gets you unlimited national calls (International Bundle) , 1 GB of Data and 500 minutes to many countries (including Ireland) or take the other one and get 1000 minute to National and selected countries (Ireland included)

    Or of you just want data 1GB is 10 euros, 2GB is 20 euros, 3 GB is 25 euros. (Data Bundles)


    You have to topup online to get the prices above.

    Also with KPN so good coverage all over NL :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭stickybookmark


    Sounds great keithclancy. I'm guessing local or international texts are not included in their bundle as I don't see them mentioned?
    That would be the only downside of that 30 euro package for me


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    Sounds great keithclancy. I'm guessing local or international texts are not included in their bundle as I don't see them mentioned?
    That would be the only downside of that 30 euro package for me

    The All in 1 International is 100 SMS to International .... although I haven't use SMS in I don't know how long, normally it's all Whatsapp for me :)

    Actually at the moment all I have is a 3GB Data Bundle, I don't really call or SMS anyone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,573 ✭✭✭pajor


    I've been with Lyca since about March. Wanted prepaid as that's what I've always had, and all the big networks will screw you on prepay here. I never call or text, I use skype when calling Ireland. But a fiver for 500mb of data per month can't be beat.


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