Netherlands

stickybookmark · 27-11-2015 3:51pm

keithclancy wrote: »

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)

On this link that you posted, there are no details about what each bundle actually contains, I take it you have to search through other parts of the site to find the details?

I dunno I find it hard to beat Vodafone prepaid over here.
For 34.50 a month I get my dutch calls, dutch texts and 1GB of data

I top up by sending a text and it comes off my visa card. I activate my plan for the month then by sending another text. No need to go online.

Then I activate an international bundle of 60 mins calls or texts (so 1 min = 1 text) for 6 euro by sending another text. That's 10 cent per minute to call Ireland (mobile or landline) or 10 cent to send a text to Ireland. I'd text the parents in Ireland a lot.

On some months where I'd have a lot of calls to make to Ireland, and the bundle of 60 mins runs out, I can activate another bundle straight away by sending another text.
It might cost a couple of euro more than Lyca but it's so convenient...

Asmooh · 27-11-2015 3:57pm

Everyone is saying it's easy to move to Netherlands and get a job and everything with "just English"
There are many unemployed people in the Netherlands that finished HBO/Uni and don't get a job.
That speak Dutch, English, German, French.

You maybe able to work at Shell or ASML but why would they hire you/anyone instead of someone who is Dutch with the right education?
Netherlands is not Ireland that is looking for people that speak a special language, everyone speaks English, Dutch and many more languages.

People need to sent 4 job applies a week just to keep their social money...

and if you want cheaper internet: www.simyo.nl

keithclancy · 27-11-2015 4:41pm

stickybookmark wrote: »

On this link that you posted, there are no details about what each bundle actually contains, I take it you have to search through other parts of the site to find the details?

I dunno I find it hard to beat Vodafone prepaid over here.
For 34.50 a month I get my dutch calls, dutch texts and 1GB of data

I top up by sending a text and it comes off my visa card. I activate my plan for the month then by sending another text. No need to go online.

Then I activate an international bundle of 60 mins calls or texts (so 1 min = 1 text) for 6 euro by sending another text. That's 10 cent per minute to call Ireland (mobile or landline) or 10 cent to send a text to Ireland. I'd text the parents in Ireland a lot.

On some months where I'd have a lot of calls to make to Ireland, and the bundle of 60 mins runs out, I can activate another bundle straight away by sending another text.
It might cost a couple of euro more than Lyca but it's so convenient...

Hmm .. Strange, here's what I see. (Attached)

With Vodafone I found it was grand in the City but not so good on the Motorway/Train which was annoying with Google Maps, KPN I have no problems and was able to watch Netflix on the train all the way from Den Haag to Eindhoven.

Also VoIP was blocked when I tried it on Vodafone, not sure why.

As I said I'm only really interested in the Data Packages, Vodafone were a bit pricey for me for out of bundle minutes

Asmooh wrote: »

Everyone is saying it's easy to move to Netherlands and get a job and everything with "just English"
There are many unemployed people in the Netherlands that finished HBO/Uni and don't get a job.
That speak Dutch, English, German, French.

You maybe able to work at Shell or ASML but why would they hire you/anyone instead of someone who is Dutch with the right education?
Netherlands is not Ireland that is looking for people that speak a special language, everyone speaks English, Dutch and many more languages.

People need to sent 4 job applies a week just to keep their social money...

and if you want cheaper internet: www.simyo.nl

I tried Simyo and also Vectone but they were dog slow, was limited to 1meg down and 384kb up

With Lycamobile I'm getting around 14-18meg down on 3G and 40meg down on 4G.

dissed doc · 27-11-2015 10:56pm

Asmooh wrote: »

Everyone is saying it's easy to move to Netherlands and get a job and everything with "just English"
There are many unemployed people in the Netherlands that finished HBO/Uni and don't get a job.
That speak Dutch, English, German, French.

You maybe able to work at Shell or ASML but why would they hire you/anyone instead of someone who is Dutch with the right education?
Netherlands is not Ireland that is looking for people that speak a special language, everyone speaks English, Dutch and many more languages.

People need to sent 4 job applies a week just to keep their social money...
www.simyo.nl

Everything you say is true but with the right qualifications you can definitely get a job, and that is why some places are so full of English speakers. It completely depends on your skill set, and that means certain qualifications like: sciences (marine science, food science, etc.,), medical specialists, specialist IT, or even management consulting and accounting and so on.

With the right demand and qualifications, you might also get paid Dutch lessons but it depends on how much they want you. Certain fields are always in short supply everywhere so someone with a unique skill set can certainly move quite easily.

stickybookmark · 29-11-2015 11:49am

I can only speak for Amsterdam, the vast vast majority of my irish and expat friends & colleagues working here don't speak any dutch. But the poster who originally asked is talking about going to Uni in some other part of Holland so I really wouldn't have a clue about english speaking jobs there.

pajor · 27-04-2016 7:47am

Fijne Koningsdag allemaal!

Tompouce and oranjebitter all round? :P

annalucia · 02-05-2016 9:35pm

Hi, I'm hoping to reach out to Irish expats living in the Netherlands who have bought houses in the Netherlands.
I have noticed a few annoying differences between the Irish and Dutch system:
1 Use of buying agents- 1-2% of property value to negotiate and tell you about the area.
2 non disclosure of other bidders bids
3 you get the mortgage approval after you find the house.
4 you can't access a property register to find out how much similar properties in the area have sold for. I found a website that charged me €3 to show me how much 2 houses in the one street went for.

If you know any useful websites or agents that were helpful, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks:D

denhaagenite · 03-05-2016 9:49am

www.funda.nl can give a general idea of the area you are interested in, and how much other similar houses are going for. Also, use of a makelaar (mortgage advisor) is common, paid for by the bank and you can go to as many as you like for advice.

minnow · 15-05-2016 7:11am

Hi, I'll be moving home from NL to Ireland in the summer and was alarmed by this article on high car insurance premiums for returning emigrants: http://m.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-news/return-migrants-facing-skyhigh-car-cover-costs-34715693.html

Does anyone have experience in getting NL insurance cover recognised by Irish insurers? In my case, I have a completely clean record, but my wife had a small claim over 1 year ago. I'm not sure that the NL insurance differentiates between us.

pajor · 15-05-2016 7:58am

I'd suggest consulting the motors forum on that. But from what I've read before on there, Irish insurance companies don't bother accepting NCB from other countries except the UK. No harm in giving some of the big companies like Liberty, FBD or Allianz a call before you move back though.

They can also be difficult about accepting other EU countries licences, despite what they should be doing.

Good luck with that though. I'd probably be paying about double for my insurance in Ireland compared to here.

stickybookmark · 15-05-2016 2:46pm

Actually does anyone have experience getting NL car insurers to accept irish NCB? I have the irish NCB ready to post off to them wondering will they actually accept it though.

unkel · 15-05-2016 6:08pm

minnow wrote: »

my wife had a small claim over 1 year ago. I'm not sure that the NL insurance differentiates between us.

It doesn't. It's the one insurance on the car. You will be able to get a NCB cert for 1 year though, it will help a little bit, but expect very high premiums on your return

Getting your NCB recognised is not a problem, but you will need a certified translation of the Dutch NCB (basically a translation from an official translation company approved by your Irish insurer)

Alun · 15-05-2016 6:12pm

unkel wrote: »

Getting your NCB recognised is not a problem, but you will need a certified translation of the Dutch NCB (basically a translation from an official translation company approved by your Irish insurer)

I managed perfectly OK with a letter on official headed notepaper, in English , from my Dutch insurer when I moved here in 2001. I had to go through a broker though as the insurance companies themselves weren't interested. Things could have changed in the meantime though.

unkel · 15-05-2016 9:27pm

Respect for your Dutch insurer

My experience is even older than that, and back then (mid 90s), an officially translated letter did the trick. Can't remember if that was directly with an Irish insurer though or through a broker...

redcup342 · 18-05-2016 2:16pm

Alun wrote: »

I managed perfectly OK with a letter on official headed notepaper, in English , from my Dutch insurer when I moved here in 2001. I had to go through a broker though as the insurance companies themselves weren't interested. Things could have changed in the meantime though.

Also had no issues in 2007
Went through independer.nl and sent them my Quinn Direct NCB Cert in English.

Mena · 21-05-2016 10:11am

stickybookmark wrote: »

Actually does anyone have experience getting NL car insurers to accept irish NCB? I have the irish NCB ready to post off to them wondering will they actually accept it though.

Didn't see a reply to this. My Irish NCB was accepted with no issues by my Dutch insurer.

Hope that helps.

shortys94 · 27-05-2016 11:16am

Quick question guys, anyone on this forum living in Amsterdam who has worked in Dublin?

I've lived in Amsterdam for the past three years, never lived in Dublin but am originally from Ireland. I really like life here but my job not so much, and since its a specialised position its difficult to find other positions in Amsterdam. There is an offer from Dublin.

My query is what are the biggest differences between Amsterdam and Dublin in terms of living standards? I find Amsterdam very easy to live in, with a high standard of housing accomodation, I feel as if Dublin is not good in that regard. I don't find the Dutch friendly, but other than that and my job its great.

Just looking for some views on the differences and whether if you had the chance would you go back to Dublin.

kevohmsford · 27-05-2016 12:17pm

I am planning to move home in a few months time. Used to live in Dublin. Won't be able to afford to live in Dublin when I move back. The rental market is beyond breaking point now.

I have friends who had to turn down jobs in Dublin recently because of the rental shortage. Some family have recently moved out of Dublin to a commuter town. I will probably do something similar.

kevohmsford · 27-05-2016 12:19pm

I like living in the Netherlands but it is difficult to save money.

pajor · 27-05-2016 1:58pm

shortys94 wrote: »

My query is what are the biggest differences between Amsterdam and Dublin in terms of living standards? I find Amsterdam very easy to live in, with a high standard of housing accomodation, I feel as if Dublin is not good in that regard. I don't find the Dutch friendly, but other than that and my job its great.

Just looking for some views on the differences and whether if you had the chance would you go back to Dublin.

My impression now would be that rent costs between Amsterdam and Dublin probably aren't that different i.e. both sky high. But I think you'll find that the quality and general availability of rental places will be a lot better in Amsterdam (or even anywhere in NL) better than in Dublin. I saw an article on NOS earlier saying that rent in Amsterdam has never been so high. Like any country there's also a big difference in rent between Amsterdam and anywhere else in the country, even in the Randstad.

And on the idea of Dutch people not being friendly, I will never agree on that. Dutch people are definitely more direct and don't tolerate BS, but not unfriendly. IMO Dutch city folk, especially Amsterdammers are just.. eikels. :pac:

kevohmsford wrote: »

I like living in the Netherlands but it is difficult to save money.

Why so?

shortys94 · 27-05-2016 2:15pm

pajor wrote: »

My impression now would be that rent costs between Amsterdam and Dublin probably aren't that different i.e. both sky high. But I think you'll find that the quality and general availability of rental places will be a lot better in Amsterdam (or even anywhere in NL) better than in Dublin.

And on the idea of Dutch people not being friendly, I will never agree on that. Dutch people are definitely more direct and don't tolerate BS, but not unfriendly. IMO Dutch city folk, especially Amsterdammers are just.. eikels. :pac:

I find the prices of rent ok in Amsterdam to be honest. Some of my friends living Dublin say a lot that the rent is very high indeed.

Should not have generalized to the remainder of the country, but Amsterdammers I find the coldest of the cold.

In regards to saving, same, no issues whatsoever on that front, pay is high here.

irelandrover · 27-05-2016 2:20pm

shortys94 wrote: »

I find the prices of rent ok in Amsterdam to be honest. Some of my friends living Dublin say a lot that the rent is very high indeed.

Should not have generalized to the remainder of the country, but Amsterdammers I find the coldest of the cold.

In regards to saving, same, no issues whatsoever on that front, pay is high here.

I think there is a big difference where you are in the country as well as regards to the friendliness of people. I've lived in a few different places and Eindhoven/ Brabant seems the friendliest.

shortys94 · 27-05-2016 2:24pm

irelandrover wrote: »

shortys94 wrote: »

I find the prices of rent ok in Amsterdam to be honest. Some of my friends living Dublin say a lot that the rent is very high indeed.

Should not have generalized to the remainder of the country, but Amsterdammers I find the coldest of the cold.

In regards to saving, same, no issues whatsoever on that front, pay is high here.

I think there is a big difference where you are in the country as well as regards to the friendliness of people. I've lived in a few different places and Eindhoven/ Brabant seems the friendliest.

Funny you say that because 4 of my Dutch friends are from the south!

MilfordBud · 30-05-2016 10:34am

Hello,

Moving to Venlo for a 3 month contracting role starting next Monday. It seems next to impossible to find accommodation for that length of time. I've contacted the three agencies that I could find in the town, all of whom say that they only deal in 6 month+ contracts. I'd like my own place as I'll be working long hours so just want somewhere that I can crash.

Also, will my Irish health insurance be sufficient for the 3 months?

Thanks in advance

redcup342 · 30-05-2016 1:14pm

MilfordBud wrote: »

Hello,

Moving to Venlo for a 3 month contracting role starting next Monday. It seems next to impossible to find accommodation for that length of time. I've contacted the three agencies that I could find in the town, all of whom say that they only deal in 6 month+ contracts. I'd like my own place as I'll be working long hours so just want somewhere that I can crash.

Also, will my Irish health insurance be sufficient for the 3 months?

Thanks in advance

3 Months for a furnished apartment is very short, it will be pricey.
Try AirBNB and try to negotitate a rate for a 3 month rental period.

denhaagenite · 30-05-2016 3:59pm

Might be worth looking in Helmond or Eindhoven for more options, lots of students will be leaving for the summer so will be looking to sublet their accommodation, if you're lucky there might be some nice studios for short term let. The commute is not bad, 40 minutes from Eindhoven and 30 from Helmond. In Eindhoven I know there is a really good Facebook page for finding accommodation, I've found 2 tenants there. As regards health insurance, it really depends on your terms at work. If you are on a Dutch contract, getting paid in the Netherlands and paying Dutch taxes I'm 99% certain that you have to get Dutch health insurance. If not then you should really ask your employer what the situation is.

MilfordBud · 31-05-2016 7:37am

redcup342 wrote: »

3 Months for a furnished apartment is very short, it will be pricey.
Try AirBNB and try to negotitate a rate for a 3 month rental period.

Cheers. Ya, I've been looking at AirBnBs. Hoping to take one for 1 week and chat to the owner about pricing. Very little on offer though.

MilfordBud · 31-05-2016 7:39am

denhaagenite wrote: »

Might be worth looking in Helmond or Eindhoven for more options, lots of students will be leaving for the summer so will be looking to sublet their accommodation, if you're lucky there might be some nice studios for short term let. The commute is not bad, 40 minutes from Eindhoven and 30 from Helmond. In Eindhoven I know there is a really good Facebook page for finding accommodation, I've found 2 tenants there. As regards health insurance, it really depends on your terms at work. If you are on a Dutch contract, getting paid in the Netherlands and paying Dutch taxes I'm 99% certain that you have to get Dutch health insurance. If not then you should really ask your employer what the situation is.

Thanks for the response. I've been looking at that commute alright but I could be working 10/11 hour days and wouldn't mind a short enough drive home in the evenings to just crash. Might have to keep it in mind though.

keeponhurling · 31-05-2016 7:43am

MilfordBud wrote: »

Hello,

Moving to Venlo for a 3 month contracting role starting next Monday. It seems next to impossible to find accommodation for that length of time. I've contacted the three agencies that I could find in the town, all of whom say that they only deal in 6 month+ contracts. I'd like my own place as I'll be working long hours so just want somewhere that I can crash.

Also, will my Irish health insurance be sufficient for the 3 months?

Thanks in advance

If you are ok with just taking a room, given it's short term, Kamernet is a good website

MilfordBud · 31-05-2016 11:03am

keeponhurling wrote: »

If you are ok with just taking a room, given it's short term, Kamernet is a good website

Ya, I might have to do that alright. Seems to be the cheapest option alright. Thanks

pajor · 27-04-2017 4:36pm

Dunno if anyone still looks at this thread.

Maar alweer, fijne Koningsdag allemaal.

Blind Eagle · 29-11-2019 12:39pm

irelandrover wrote: »

I think there is a big difference where you are in the country as well as regards to the friendliness of people. I've lived in a few different places and Eindhoven/ Brabant seems the friendliest.

Happy to here this as I'll hopefully be moving to Noord Brabant soon!

Any other housing websites that I should know about? I've used Kamernet, huurwoningen, friendly housing, funda. I'll be there for 2.5 years doing a masters.

Can anyone give some recommendations as to what phone company to go for?

And bank too? Apologies if this has been asked but it's quite a long thread!

And is it true that the Dutch are sticklers for having set dates for everything, even going for a coffee haha?

pajor · 29-11-2019 12:47pm

Blind Eagle wrote: »

Can anyone give some recommendations as to what phone company to go for?

And bank too? Apologies if this has been asked but it's quite a long thread!

And is it true that the Dutch are sticklers for having set dates for everything, even going for a coffee haha?

I’ve been with Lycamobile for nearly 5 years. €10 per month prepaid for unlimited calls and texts and 5GB data. You’ll need a form of Dutch ID for bill pay with a phone. If you want sim only bill pay, then Simyo might be a good bet.

I have accounts with both Rabo and ING. Both are decent for everyday use.

Koffietijd is 10am and 8pm

Blind Eagle · 29-11-2019 12:50pm

pajor wrote: »

I’ve been with Lycamobile for nearly 5 years. €10 per month prepaid for unlimited calls and texts and 5GB data. You’ll need a form of Dutch ID for bill pay with a phone. If you want sim only bill pay, then Simyo might be a good bet.

I have accounts with both Rabo and ING. Both are decent for everyday use.

Koffietijd is 10am and 8pm

Jaysus 8pm... I'd be up all night... Unless you mean that other stuff!

Ye I will have a dutch ID and bank account before I get a phone. Do you have to have had a bank account for certain amount of time before you can get bill. T'was the case when I moved to the UK.

irelandrover · 29-11-2019 12:54pm

Blind Eagle wrote: »

Jaysus 8pm... I'd be up all night... Unless you mean that other stuff!

Ye I will have a dutch ID and bank account before I get a phone. Do you have to have had a bank account for certain amount of time before you can get bill. T'was the case when I moved to the UK.

Pretty sure that companies like Vodafone will give you a bill pay almost straight away but they are expensive. The smaller companies need 3 months of accounts first. You could always get a prepay sim for the first few months and then just port your number over to a cheaper plan when you have the 3 months. I have a youfone plan and its €10 for 10gb and 100 minutes.

pajor · 29-11-2019 12:56pm

Blind Eagle wrote: »

Jaysus 8pm... I'd be up all night... Unless you mean that other stuff!

Ye I will have a dutch ID and bank account before I get a phone. Do you have to have had a bank account for certain amount of time before you can get bill. T'was the case when I moved to the UK.

I don’t drink coffee anymore after 7, otherwise I don’t sleep.

I don’t think there’s a restriction on needing a bank account for a certain amount of time. The account needs to be verified but once you’re up and running, should be fine. You’ll have a Dutch driving licence then?

Blind Eagle · 29-11-2019 1:11pm

pajor wrote: »

I don’t drink coffee anymore after 7, otherwise I don’t sleep.

I don’t think there’s a restriction on needing a bank account for a certain amount of time. The account needs to be verified but once you’re up and running, should be fine. You’ll have a Dutch driving licence then?

Sorry, when you said Dutch ID I had registering with the local authority in my head for some reason. I won't. How long does it take to switch your license to a dutch one do you know?

pajor · 29-11-2019 1:12pm

Blind Eagle wrote: »

Sorry, when you said Dutch ID I had registering with the local authority in my head for some reason. I won't. How long does it take to switch your license to a dutch one do you know?

My gemeente say 5 working days.

Blind Eagle · 29-11-2019 1:17pm

pajor wrote: »

My gemeente say 5 working days.

Grand. Cheers for your help!

Netherlands

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