Get active!
Let’s get settled! If you live in the Netherlands for a while you might want to get back into your sports routine or meet some new people at the local gym. Most cities in the Netherlands offer a wide range of sports activities. Everywhere in the Netherlands there are a lot of gym, in- and outdoor. Good to know: in the Netherlands a membership to the gym usually cost between €20 and €40 a month. Also there are a lot of different team sports in the Netherlands. Like hockey, soccer, volleyball, tennis are quit popular. You might want to google these to find a club nearby.
National holidays in the Netherlands!
If you work in the Netherlands, you might want to know the days you are officially off. In comparison to other European countries, the Dutch don’t have that many National holidays. The National Holidays in the Netherlands are:
- New Year’s Day (1st January)
- Easter Day & Easter Monday
- King’s day (27th April)
- Ascension day
- Whit Sunday & Monday
- Christmas Day & Second Day of Christmas (25th and 26th December)
Explore the Netherlands!
Let’s get settled!Living in the Netherlands, you might not want to stay in your city as there is a lot to explore in the Netherlands. Make sure you’ll purchase a public transport card. It allows you to travel with all public transport within the Netherlands.
Get a Dutch driver’s license!
Let’s get settled! You can continue to use your foreign driver’s licence for a certain period after arrival. The length of this period depends on the country where you obtained your driver’s licence. If your driver’s licence was issued in a European country before you registered in the Netherlands, you are allowed to use your driving licence for another 15 years after registering in the Netherlands. Check the website of the RDW (Dienst Wegverkeer) for more information regarding the length of the period.
However, if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for a more extended period, it might be beneficial to exchange your foreign driver’s licence to a Dutch one. E.g. in case of loss, it is much easier to apply for a new drivers licence if you already have registered your licence at your municipality. Check the website of the RDW for more information about how to exchange a foreign drivers licence when living in the Netherlands. Need help?
Celebrate King’s day!
Let’s get settled! One thing you should not miss if you live in the Netherlands is King’s day. On 27th of April, the Dutchies celebrate the birthday of their King Willem Alexander. There are multiple activities on King’s night and day. You heard right, one day of a party would not be enough for the party-friendly Dutchies, so they start celebrating the night before. On King’ s night, in most cities, simply go to the city centre, and you’ll find enough to see and do. Especially in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Nijmegen, there are stages and stands throughout the whole town. Also, watch out for the flea market. On King’s night and King’s day, citizens are allowed to sell things on the street, and that’s just what people do. In most cities, the flea market is restricted to certain areas.
DON’T FORGET: everyone is wearing something orange or the colors red, blue and white.
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