Relocation guide netherlands by Shaun Giblin

Relocation Guide: Netherlands Our guide to living and working overseas

Netherlands Overview of Holland

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. No matter where you go, you are never far away from civilization. Cities can be crowded especially in the Randstad area, where congestion is a serious problem. Much of the country is flat making it an ideal place to cycle. Industrial activity in the Netherlands predominantly consists of food processing, chemicals,

Area: 41, 528 km2 Capital City: Amsterdam Currency: Euro Government: Parliamentary Democracy Language: Dutch Population: 16.4 million Population Density: 394/km2 Religion: Roman Catholicism/ Protestant

petroleum refining as well as electrical and electronic machinery. It has a dynamic agricultural sector and is well known for plants and cut flowers.

Air Energi in Holland

Mobilizations to The Netherlands are dealt with by the UK office.

Geography

The Netherlands shares borders to the south with Belgium and to the east with Germany, while the North Sea lies to the north and west. Large areas of the Netherlands have been reclaimed from the sea and consequently one-fifth of the country lies below sea level.

Areas reclaimed from the sea, known as polders, are extremely fertile. The landscape is broken by the forest of Arnhem, the bulb fields in the west, the lakes of the central and northern areas, and coastal dunes that are the most impressive in Europe.

Main Cities

The Netherlands has many cities and towns of interest to travelers. Below are ten of the most notable ones:

1. Amsterdam 2. Arnhem 3. Delft 4. Groningen 5. The Hague 6. Leiden 7. Maastricht 8. Nijmegen 9. Rotterdam 10. Utrecht

Climate

Summers are generally warm with changeable periods, but excessively hot weather is rare. Winters can be fairly cold with the possibility of snow. Rainfall is prevalent all year.

Banking Information

If you are living and working in the Netherlands you will almost certainly need to open a bank account in order to receive your salary, rent or buy property or open a utilities or telephone account, for example. The main commercial banks offering personal banking facilities in the Netherlands include ABNAMRO, Rabobank and ING. Although Visa and Master cards are widely used in NL there are still many outlets that will not accept these and will only accept a Dutch debit/ credit card. The national train network is included in this. www.airenergi.com

SOFI Number

In order to open a bank account in the Netherlands you will usually be asked to provide your passport or another form of identify, proof of address such as a utility bill, and your Social-Fiscal Identification Number (sofi-number). You may also be asked for evidence of your income, such as an employment contract or salary slips; your residence permit or proof of application for this, and if you are a non-EU national, a record of registration with the foreign police. It is important that you apply for your SOFI number as soon as possible when you start working in the Netherlands as without it you can’t apply for the 30% ruling. If you don’t have a permanent address you will need to contact the tax office (Belastingienst) and arrange an appointment to get your SOFI number.

Accommodation Hotels

The Netherlands has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels in the big cities to modern motels along motorways and holiday villages in the countryside.

Renting Property

For assignments of less than three years, in the current market, it is almost always better to rent. Rental costs are fixed, contracts can be ended if you need to go back home, and the headaches of repairs and maintenance are the landlord’s responsibility. Also, there is no loss through having to resell before your costs can be covered, or the hassle of waiting for the property to sell should the market slow again.

Benefits of buying

Rent is not tax deductible and, if your employer either pays the rent or contributes to a housing allowance, it is taxed as a benefit. Buying a house can offer very good © Air Energi 2013

tax deductions and benefits if you are a longterm resident under the current taxation system.

Food and Drink

‘Typical’ Dutch food tends to be wholesome and hearty rather than elegant. Large towns, however, have a wide range of restaurants specialising in international dishes. Indonesian cuisine, a spicy legacy of Dutch colonisation in the East Indies, is particularly good in the Netherlands.

National specialities:

A Dutch breakfast usually consists of fresh bread, cheese, cooked meats and sausage, butter and hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), jam or honey and often a boiled egg. Lunch is generally similar. Broodjes (sandwiches) are a common daytime snack, served in the ubiquitous sandwich bars - broodjeswinkels. Poffertjes (pancakes) served with butter and sugar are a teatime favourite. Matjes (salted herring) is widely available from street stalls, and smoked eel is another seafood speciality. Holland is famous for its cheeses, among them the Gouda, Edam and Leiden varieties.

Social Etiquette

hourly on all principal routes. Rail and bus timetables are integrated, and there is a common fare structure throughout the country www.ns.nl is the state-owned rail company and operates most services within the country. Regional railway companies include Syntus www.syntus.nl and Arriva www.arriva.nl, which runs a network in the north of the country.

Bus Networks

Extensive regional bus networks exist. Longdistance coaches also operate between the cities, but costs are generally on a par with trains. Interliner, operated by Connexxion, is the main coach operator within The Netherlands: www.reiziger.connexxion.nl

Taxis

Taxis have an illuminated sign on the roof. Rather than hailing taxis in the street, it is more usual in the Netherlands to book by phone. Taxis should have meters inside to indicate the fare, including the tip. Train taxis (Treintaxis) are shared with others at a reduced price per person, serving many railway stations.

Car Hire

In small shops you will often be required to take a ticket on entering, with a number which indicates your turn to be served. If there is no ticket system, the customers waiting generally just keep aware of the order in which they arrived; it is not normal practice to queue. It is customary to greet or acknowledge the shopkeeper on arriving and leaving a small shop in Holland. The Dutch are known for directness in business - they like to cut to the heart of the matter in hand straight away. Following introduction, it is quite normal to dispense with titles and formality.

You can hire cars from airports and main hotels, where most major European car hire companies are represented.

Amsterdam Airport

The four underground lines all originate at Central Station and serve the southeastern business district and the suburbs.

www.schiphol.nl is a major international air transport hub 15km (9 miles) southwest of the city (journey time by train - 15 minutes). To/from the airport: The eight-seater Conexxion Schiphol Hotel Shuttle bus provides a frequent daily service, stopping at 100 hotels and returning to Schiphol. In addition, many major hotels in the city operate courtesy buses, and there are many public bus services from the airport to major towns. There is a direct rail link between the airport and Amsterdam Central Station, with frequent trains between 0600-0000 and every hour through the night. There are also direct connections to most Dutch towns and cities, and numerous destinations in Germany and Belgium. Plentiful taxis are available to the city. Facilities: restaurants, duty-free shops, currency exchange machines, banks, art gallery, business

Public Transport

The highly developed rail network is efficient and cheap, and connects all towns. Both intercity and local trains run at least half© Air Energi 2013

Bicycle Hire

Bicycle hire: Bicycles can be hired from all main railway stations, but must be returned to the station from which they are hired.

Trams

Amsterdam’s 17 tram lines provide a fast, frequent and reliable service, making it the easiest way to travel around the capital.

Metro

Rotterdam & The Hague

Both cities have excellent bus and tram services and a two-line underground network

Health Care

Working through Air Energi, You will be treated on the same basis as a Dutch resident. It is important that you ensure you are treated by a state healthcare provider as you will not be covered for private healthcare. Any costs incurred for private healthcare are nonrefundable. Non-EEA nationals are covered in the Netherlands. For further information while in the Netherlands: AGIS Zorgverzekeringen Groep Buitenlands Recht PO Box 1725 3800 BS Amersfoort Telephone: 0031 (0)33 445 68 70 Extensive information on the Dutch health insurance system is also available online on the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport website.

Treatment & Coverage Doctors

You should consult a doctor working under the ‘AGIS Zorgverzekeringen’ scheme. Treatment is free. Please ensure that you present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Dutch insurance card if you are living in the Netherlands.

Dentists

Everyone has to pay for dental treatment, which is not refundable.

Hospital treatment

Together with your doctor you will have to get authorisation from the Dutch authorities, ’AGIS Zorgverzekeringen’ in order to receive free inpatient hospital treatment. If you are admitted to hospital before consulting a doctor e.g. in case of emergency then you will need to present your EHIC or Dutch insurance card if you are living in the Netherlands, on admission. Ask the hospital administration to contact AGIS Zorgverzekeringen immediately.

Emergency Contacts

Police, Ambulance, Fire - 112 National Police (Non-Emergency) - 0900 8844

Driving in the Netherlands

Traffic drives on the right. All roads are well signposted with green ‘E’ symbols indicating international highways, red ‘A’s indicating national highways, and smaller routes indicated by yellow ‘N’s. There is an excellent road system, although it can become very busy at times around major centres. There is a chronic shortage of parking space in central Amsterdam, and the rush hours (07000900 and 1700-1900) should be avoided throughout the whole country. Drivers should be particularly aware of cyclists; often there are special cycle lanes. Which work on a zonal system. Information is available from the Central Station.

www.airenergi.com

Travel Tips Be prepared

Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order. It will be beneficial to have some vehicle maintenance knowledge if you are planning on travelling to the more remote areas of the world, where a breakdown in harsh conditions can cost your life.

Copy your documents

In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.

Vaccinations

Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.

Taking medicines with you

Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, dbefore you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, 3

and dosage. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-the-counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.

Your health on long-haul flights

Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.

Scuba Divers

If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.

Coping with Jetlag

Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor.On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up! www.airenergi.com

Lost Luggage

If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mal account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.

Personal Safety

Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.

Unsafe Water - What to do

If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.

Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter the Netherlands? Those who are not EU citizens will require a valid entry visa. We will advise and assist you with the process of obtaining one if necessary. Can I take my family with me? Those who are non EU citizens will require a valid visa / permit. We will advise and assist you with the process of obtaining one if necessary. Do I need a local bank account? No. Will I need a medical? You may be asked to complete a medical examination for the client you are working for before you go.

Contacts Air Energi Netherlands Mauritskade 1 Den Haag The Netherlands 2514 CH Phone: +31 70 311 5900 europe@airenergi.com