1. Moving to the Netherlands, this is where you need to start! Moving to Europe, ask yourself this!

[@y.v.l.]

Word of advice: No matter how good the natives speak english, learn to communicate in the local language! It is the best, if not the only way to really integrate and become part of the local community. If you stick with english you will probably always be an outsider and only part of the expat community.

[@ronnie9187]

As a dutch living in Switzerland i can confirm that for 100%.

[@jordan5898]

But I’ve heard some Brits, for example, say they attempt to practice their Dutch, to find locals automatically switch to English if they’re struggling. Appreciate that’s anecdotal, but I’ve heard it more than once. How does one overcome that?

[@y.v.l.]

@@jordan5898 I have heard that too, but that is usually only in the big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam where most of the foreign nationals live. Elsewhere you will find that the locals soon change to Dutch. My advice: watch the sports and news on Dutch television, try listening to the Dutch radio and start reading Dutch papers and books (starting with childrens books). Once you have a basic knowledge speak consistently Dutch and ask people to speak Dutch back.

[@froglifechannel]

@@jordan5898 Maybe expat groups? Other foreign nationals looking to practice. Or other kinds of clubs.

[@elisabethtucker7229]

I agree. it is better if you speak Dutch and know the language. its ok if you dont know it if you just come on vacation but if you live there you need to know it

[@HylianTom]

After having watched a pretty sizeable number of videos on moving to the Netherlands, this three-part series has to be the best one on the topic. Husband and I started planning an eventual move via the DAFT Treaty, and you’ve made the sequence of steps much clearer; it went a long way in convincing us that we can actually pull this off. The move is still several years away, but that’ll give us a chance to learn Dutch in the meantime. (Thank you!)

[@helena19741]

It's so nice to see you grow as a content creator. I really enjoy watching your progress both online and as new Dutch citizens. I've moved to different countries and know how exhilarating it can be. Looking forward to the next one!

[@Dutch1961]

About the phone numbers: you don't need to get your phone plan from the same provider as you got your prepaid sim from in order to keep your phone number. We have number portability. If you switch from one provider to another you can keep your own phonenumber. So every time your plan is about to expire you can research what provider suits you better and just switch and ask them to get in touch with your old provider to port your number. That's the law overhere.

[@emiuittokio]

I'm currently at the middle of those process since I'm about to move to Rotterdam (from Tokyo) in March, so that your video seems like a good guideline for me now. Thanks for the tips, and look forward to seeing next one too!

[@-phantom-8207]

Are you there yet?

[@ljclauson]

This is so thorough and helping me to decide if I want to move from Seattle to Rotterdam where my daughter’s family lives.

[@Paul_C]

Buienalarm and Buienradar are handy for perception over a two hour period which updates every ten minutes. For travel NS and 9292 are the two you can use. 9292 is door to to door.

[@basvanderwerff2725]

the postnl app for tracking any packages on the way to you is very usefull also, also be aware we use 240 volt here!

[@Gunnl]

Also good to know for higher educated people who wish to work in the Netherlands. There are some measures to attract qualified people to the Netherlands which is called the '30 % ruling'. If you attain all the required conditions you can get a big discount on taxes for a few years period. The rules are constantly changing and they continue over time to decrease the benefits but this is a big one not to miss so far. However, one of the conditions is that you 'move from abroad for work', this requires that you sign a contract before registering as citizen in the town hall. The company should issue the request to the government and justification, so discuss this also upfront during your hiring process. So, perhaps instead of moving straight into the country and then search for a job, it would be best to first find a job and then move in. You can find plenty of details online, with the most up to date rules and benefits.

[@Gunnl]

Also related to this ... one of the nastiest taxes here in the Netherlands is the wealth tax. I have never heard of any other country that does this but, the Netherlands taxes the money you accumulated, e.g., in savings (above a certain threshold). This alone may make any other country in Europe more attractive to move into to. However, if you do attain the 30 % ruling, your possessions abroad are exempt from this tax .. which also could influence your decision to close, or not, your bank accounts abroad.

[@ljclauson]

Thanks Eric, I’m rewatching this from a couple years ago. I keep thinking I want to move to Rotterdam to be close to my daughter and family, you give me a lot to think over though.

[@blinkybillist]

Always interesting to listen to your clips, you come from a large country to Holland and I went from Holland to a large country (Australia). For me, it was the distances to everything I had to get used to. Australian cities are like American cities. Traffic was rather different as well including driving a car, going from the right side to the left side. I only had to do a theoretical test and not a practical test, which was a bit weird since I would most definitely have failed it at the time. Been back to Holland a few times and now I'm not too confident driving there. Australians like to portray themselves as being laid back - don't believe a word of that when it comes to driving, especially in cities. I cycled for a few days to work and gave that up very quickly, it's just dangerous. But I do miss it. And you're right about language, it's not what you say but how you say it. I'm 100% Dutch Directness and although they appreciate it here, they just don't like it, which I think is seriously weird

[@robertdegroot8302]

Being Dutch I always used to say I liked the Dutch directness, until I started working for a British company. It was a refreshing experience to not have my ideas slammed whenever I proposed something new. Directness can definitely be passive aggressive sometimes, and I'm affraid some jerks like to add it on even thicker when they're talking to foreigners, to show off this cultural trait. In general I still think it's a good thing, but we cross the line of rudeness too often.

[@blinkybillist]

@@robertdegroot8302 I've never been rude and I never changed. I worked here mainly for Government agencies in the compliance sector - can't call it enforcement anymore because that suddenly became too "aggressive". Getting the usual threats and abuse from those who don't get their way. I have had dozens of complaints against me over the years and none were upheld. But we're now in "progressive and contemporary" Australia. Complaints against me became about, I didn't use the correct pronouns. I should be more culturally sensitive, I don't treat women with enough respect. It's totally bonkers here at the moment and I most definitely tell them that.

[@pebertje]

After reading some comments: Dutch banks are legally obliged to pass on the financial data of their American customers to the American government. This is a result of an agreement between the Dutch and American governments to prevent tax evasion by American citizens.

[@davidcollier6520]

Thanks for posting this. We lived in Netherlands including a year just off Coolsingel in the early 1990s and loved it. We're British and thanks to Brexit our hopes of returning are a lot more complicated. This was very useful and I've subscribed and will watch more. Thanks😊

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Thank you very much for your kind words and for subscribing, David! 😊

[@jiriwichern]

Concerning mobile telecommunication in Europe, if you want to use your American (smart)phone, especially if it's an older phone, please make sure it works on the European mobile frequencies. Many carriers in the U.S. use other bands than the Europeans do and some use even completely different signal encoding systems (TDMA vs. CDMA). Also, quite a few phones do not support 'international' bands (the ones uncommon or not in use in their respective domestic markets). Or they may support some, in which case you have degraded service. So, try to find your phone manual and take a look at the technical specifications. Then look if the European frequencies and CDMA are supported. If they are, you're good to go. WiFi does almost always work because differences between the WiFi bands allowed in various parts of the world are quite minimal.

[@Bethers817]

Lots of useful information! I already had a few of the apps but got the other ones (except for the transit one). My husband and I had settled on Amsterdam but knowing it's only 40 minutes from Rotterdamn opens things up a bit.

[@mcmov]

I absolutely love this. My husband and I travel to the Netherlands a lot and dream of moving there. We're around your age. Are you both retired? I love your videos. Thanks for all the good info.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Yes we are…kind of…next video will explain what I mean by that…thanks for watching!

[@jasonharris3277]

Excellent and very helpful video. Thank you! My wife and I are visiting Netherlands for the first time here in late July! :)

[@DaveParsons]

I wish I'd watched this a month ago. I'd never heard of apostille before. We're waiting right now on apostille for our documents via mail which can take 2+ weeks. The state office is temporarily not open for in-person requests. I'm starting a job in Amsterdam in early March, so we'll see if all of the paperwork is done by then.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Wow…I’m sure it will be! Very cool I’m really excited for you. I don’t know if you been to Amsterdam before but it’s an exciting city with a lot of very cool places to visit…good luck 🍀!!!

[@DaveParsons]

@@SoultoSoulTravels We're very excited too! Visited Amsterdam a long time ago. You're right that it's expensive there. We'll probably get a place in the city for the first year, but then maybe further out of town after that to save some money. On banking, some friends have recommended Bunq. I guess it's one of the few NL banks that doesn't require you to be there, but does have a monthly charge. I'm planning to use that at least initially. We're an unmarried couple, so that's a whole extra layer of documents with immigration.

[@MB-co6qj]

@@DaveParsons Bunq is nice! And all online (the first actually, but there are hardly any banks in the street here anyway, ATMs are going to be just one type soon. Oh and paying with card or Apple/Google Pay is 99% accepted here, even at markets). You are unmarried you say, I suggest you take a look at going to the notary here for a 'samenlevingsovereenkomst', this might provide your partner with extra certainties (and a part of your pension) might something happen to you and vice versa. (Perhaps immigration docs of you together are enough, but Im not sure)

[@hcjkruse]

Cheque for a car? Yes banking is different in NL. Have not seen a cheque in 30 years. In NL cash is used less and less. No credit card but PIN/IDEAL. You already know that .

[@JaapGinder]

Credit card is mostly offered by the banks here, mostly for an extra fee, but be sure only have a credit card that directly charges your bank account (so will never build up debts). For the Dutch, like me, a credit card is only handy abroad, here we use the PINpas (debit card).

[@hcjkruse]

@@JaapGinder or have a prepaid creditcard. Credit history is not something to have in NL. I only use mine if I have to pay an American company. Even hotels I prepay or use my pin/Ideal.

[@nightraven7904]

One thing you didn't mention, if you move to Europe and wish to obtain a mortgage to buy a house or apartment, you may find that extremely difficult. Due to US Banking rules, many, many banks do not give mortgages or loans to American citizens due to US Banking Reporting requirements. There are some that do but you will need to search. This will make putting down roots more difficult. Been here for 36 years now. Good luck with your move.

[@timdettmann4067]

Prepaid SIM card question. Where would I buy a prepaid SIM card, in the Netherlands or here in the U.S.? I love you channel! I as an American want to move to Europe and The Netherlands is my first choice.

[@eskiltester3913]

You can pick one up at a gas station or supermarket or countless other places. They're widely available everywhere.

[@joanneswyckmans5921]

In the Netherlands there are local car dealerships that buy second hand cars etc

[@DaveParsons]

One more thing on apostille. I read somewhere that the certificate (or maybe the apostille?) needs to be issued within the prior 6 months for the NL gov. So not "good forever" unfortunately.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

You know you could be right about that… I’m 100%… thanks!

[@jk47h3]

So happy you confirmed my suspicions of you being from New England. Every time you mentioned Southern California I kept thinking to myself your mannerisms and “accent” sound so familiar to me as someone born and raised in MA. Love the videos. Hi 👋🏼 from Amsterdam!

[@rachelvanegas814]

Regarding the virtual Mailbox: Was that thru USPS if not how did you obtain it? Love you videos, very helpful..

[@erodddd03]

American in Texas here. Thinking about moving to the Netherlands soon. Wish me luck lol

[@bibikarim1506]

Greetings from United States! Hello to both of you and all your followers. I am an English Teacher and Hospitality Trainer. I have families in The Netherlands 🇳🇱, excellent contents, you both are doing a fantastic job keeping us abreast . 👌

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Bibi, thanks so much for watching and thanks so much for commenting.

[@chipsellarole267]

We are considering relocating and retiring in the NL. How much Social Security do we need to have per month to get a long term visa. Is it better to buy real estate also. Thanks

[@hartjeslips4061]

Hi Eric and Tammy I would love to run into you guys when I´m in the Netherlands ) I live in Madrid Spain) My youngest daughter is living in Rotterdam, she is dutch, as am I, but currently living in my 6th (!) country. We might even think of interchanging appartments for a week or two? love, Susan

[@rondotexe]

Very helpful video! Thanks for sharing!

[@elsotto3314]

As a matter of fact you can get a bankaccount without having a phone. But you will need a computer to do your banking. A lot and I mean almost everything is done via the internet. Great video and I hope you will love our tiny country.

[@angeloavanti2538]

we all know we don't go to northern europe for the weather. i love the weather.

[@jeanP309]

is the Ideal app like paypal and which bank did you go to open an account?

[@peterhansmuijzenbergvanden5956]

I don't think I've ever had problems opening a bank account without a phone. You go to the bank, give them your address and other toys for them to play with, and presto. If you're to scared to go to a bank, there are some more-or-less banks that will do bank accounts per phone. But going that way, you're better off asking a large US bank to set things up for you. This has the advantage that the account will be there waiting for you when you land.

[@nfboogaard]

Or just skip *all of that* and get yourself born in the Netherlands, you won't have to lift a finger!

[@colourmehonest7935]

Hi, curious Dutch person here... what is the function of an apostile? Oh and digiD is pronounced di-gi-d ( i is pronouned ea as in easy and the last letter as day).

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Thanks so much…Apostile just an official seal and their way of making a few more dollars! Thanks for watching!

[@carolalookermans9372]

Notarieel goedgekeurd document.

[@JaapGinder]

@@carolalookermans9372 Niet persé notarieel, kan ook de gemeente zijn. Dus een gecertificeerd document. Is mijn ervaring.

[@elisabethtucker7229]

Hello, my name is Elisabeth, i am 1000 % Dutch but live currently in the US. we have plans to move back in the next few years. my youngest daughter actually has a dutch passport but she let it iexpire. Hopefully she can get it renewed. what kind of things do we need to do for them to move with me.

[@Patsworldbaby]

I don’t have a business. I know that’s a ticket into that country. I would like to move there. But I’m just a trucker.

[@frankteunissen6118]

Wouldn’t it be a good idea to do a recce before you decide to move?

[@TimothyHalkowski]

very helpful.

[@jilliangrahammusic]

Enjoying your vlogs! You two are adorable! We are currently in Netherlands visiting and looking for locations we might like to live. Question for you, can we rent a home, long-term, in Netherlands before we obtain residency? Not sure how that works- did you book a one way flight to Netherlands, and just stay? I can't tell the order you did things when coming from US in terms of renting, BSN, IND, etc. Thank you!!

[@TheOBOM]

Did you ever considder becoming a teacher, sir? Because I think you'd be pretty good at it.

[@chriseaker]

How is your Dutch now? Are you making friends in Rotterdam? I'm going to start applying for jobs in the Netherlands. I'm a university librarian specializing in open access and data. If you know of anything, please let me know.

[@Asdos.]

Just watched a couple of videos on your channel tonight. Its great content. Keep it up. I remember you mentioning not talking about politics and religion. Shame really they could be great topics. Especially politics i would be greatly interested in. Have a good one :)

[@robertboender5816]

Missed one BUIENRADER 😁

[@dutchman7623]

So he would have known it was raining outside without using the highly complicated window. 😄 But I get it... It gives info about very local weather forecasts, for the next hours. So you can see what's coming and prepare yourself for it. Or change your plans accordingly.

[@IliaKemp]

The 'parking app' ? So you can park your car anywhere you want and avoid tickets..

[@Iris156]

Appriciate your efforts guys! Warm welcome .. but must learn the language and our ways.. Say “Goedemorgen” to your neighbours. ☺️

[@luizacezimbra6598]

you're so great!

[@globalonemusic2381]

You posted this two days ago, so the "implied" time frame is that you arrived in the Netherlands within the past two months to one year ago. Is it still true that the Netherlands will NOT allow Americans into the country unless they have been double vaxxed ? Thank you for your help. :). Happy New Year. :)

[@eskiltester3913]

I hope so. Actually I hope it's boostered 🤣

[@vanderquast]

Respect for you courage to move here to The Netherlands 😊👍

[@domingogarcia3594]

Great video, what about visas ?

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Americans don’t need a visa…but when your here and start the process the IND will put special stamp into your passport to extend beyond the 90 days while your residency permit is being processed!

[@domingogarcia3594]

Yes, I know, but do they have requirements for the residency, like minimum retirement income or real estate investment?

[@Paul_C]

@@domingogarcia3594 for Americans: they can use the DAFT treaty. It is probably the most used treaty recent years. Both the Dutch and American governments have a page somewhere on their respective websites.

[@domingogarcia3594]

Ok, I will look into it, also looking Portugal, We are from Texas.

[@hcjkruse]

Cold in the 30s that is hot! Oh you mean Fahrenheit 🤣🤣🤣.

[@jobfranschman8436]

Hahaha he needs no switch to Celsius. It’s more logical.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Stairs.... NO ELEVATORS? the horror...........

[@marcusfranconium3392]

Ehmm i dont use whatsapp , and many do not . Actualy there are quite many people that dont have, never had or removed facebook completely .

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Cool, thank you.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Facebook is for boomers lol.

[@RinoWati]

Welcome to Nederlands👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼😘😘😘

[@erikdenbrokje2587]

And your bsn nummer?

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Next video…thanks!

[@Be-Es---___]

You can't have WhatsApp without a phone number

[@ronalddejong3017]

Weapons are not allowed in the Netherlands, with one exception. One has to be a member of a gun sportsclub and guns can only be used there and have to stay at the club. The best place to buy your illegal guns is in Belgium (just like your illegal fireworks and tobacco). Or try Pistolen Pietje at the AKO in Amsterdam Grand Central Station. Code word: Franka and Henk Kuypers sent you.

[@SatumangoTheGreat]

Actually, you need to have a license in order to own a very limited number of guns, you indeed have to be a member of a "shooting club" but you can actually keep your guns at home if you want, although there are very strict requirements regarding storage (never loaded, gun and ammunition stored in separately locked compartments in a gun locker or in two separate lockers) . Also transporting guns to or from the shooting range needs to be done in an locked gun carrier case. Having said that, I once spoke to a guy that owns a German WW2 Kübelwagen (the German version of the Jeep). He rented it out as a movie prop (including Saving Private Ryan). He had a real MG42 mounted on it. I thought it would be a non-working replica or something, but he assured me it was working and told me he needed a special license (like museums have) in order to own it. No trips to the shooting range though :-)

[@mbontekoe3358]

Lots of wrong information here - especially the birth and marriage certificates and the stamping there of - may be this is just for Americans.. Dutch rules are different to other European countries do not generalise moving to Germany is different than moving to NL We do not use Fahrenheit temperatures - learn Celsius or 30 degrees is very hot here There are large companies who buy used cars from you at a predetermined price Having a non- Dutch bank account has to be declared on your Dutch tax returns and you will pay Dutch tax on the balance Ideal is automatically given with every bank account - you do not need to ask it You can get a landline without a bank account

[@DaveParsons]

From what I've read, if one has the 30% ruling there is a way to opt out of the NL wealth tax on foreign investments. But definitely do your own research on this. Americans do need to get apostille for any government certificate or notarized declarations. My partner and I have had to get 4 of them so far. My guess is this is mainly the Dutch government penalizing the U.S. for having such a terrible immigration system. Landline 🤣 Luckily there are better options for a bank account without NL residency, e.g. Bunq.

[@dutchman7623]

@@DaveParsons It is not the Dutch penalizing the US... In the Netherlands we have the GBA (Gemeentelijke Basis Administratie - Municipal Core Administration) in which every citizen is registered with all their data. Big advantage is that you only need the local municipality to get a (Dutch) passport, driving licence, EU id-card, etc, etc. To get your entry correctly done, they need everything you can think off. And once you are in, you never get out. After that an Uittreksel van het Bevolking Register (Extract from the Citizens Registration) from the local municipality is as valid as a Birth Certificate - Marriage Certificate - and all others combined. And internationally valid. So it's a big fuzz at the start, but an enormous convenience after that.

[@visje9184]

@@dutchman7623 To be correct: the GBA does not exist anymore sinds 2012. It is now called Basisregistratie Personen (BRP)

[@JaapGinder]

@@visje9184 Klopt! GBA is the old name, BRP (Basic Registration of Persons)., but in fact exactly the same. (in my work we use that daily).

[@dutchman7623]

@@visje9184 Correct. But the law behind it is still called...🙂

[@deetgeluid]

Complaining is usually a good way to start.😉

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

lol lol

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Need at least a bachelor in complaining to even be concidered for residence in the netherlands

[@hcjkruse]

Might want to blur the birth certificates. Interesting for Identity fraud.

[@Larzh220469]

Lots of useful information here, basically for anybody contemplating a move to another country. But it's a bit strange to me that you start off with the need to have a passport and birth certificate with apostille, without saying what these are good for... The elephant in the room that you don't mention is that you cannot just move to the Netherlands or any other country - you need a permit! I am sure you will cover this extensively in upcoming videos, but for somebody with little knowledge about how international migration works, you could actually give the impression that it's all just about arranging the practicalities. I am just trying to be constructive. Have a pleasant day!

[@rebeccaalbrecht771]

Believe me, the first thing you need is to get your certificates apostilled ( spelling is wrong, sorry) BEFORE you leave your country. You will need those papers when you apply for your permits to stay in the Netherlands. At least that is how it is for Americans. We have three months from the time of arrival to make our application for Dutch permits. My husband and I used an immigration lawyer.

[@KootFloris]

After seeing so many videos of Americans moving to the Netherlands, let alone Europe, driving up house prices, we have to wonder. How dystopian is the USA getting? Are they willing to adapt or do they bring their own 'values', which is bringing down their own house around them? I do see many have good intentions, are willing to learn and teach others. But I start to feel as the inhabitant of an indigenous tribe, visited by backpackers, who want to see the real thing, not realizing it's actually them bringing coca cola, capitalism, tv, etc and suddenly the tribe is surrounded with shiny white hotels. Amsterdam is already like a expat town or open air museum for tourists. So Americans, what if you improve the 'best' country in the world? You have the money. Only the will to be more social and committed to the collective is lacking. Those people are many in the USA, sadly feeling lost, because of the fear for any idea that feels like "socialism" (hooo, scary). This the big companies prey upon and keep you consumers for their profits. If you can change that, there's hope. Because this video is an escape plan video, much like prepping. That does not change the root of the problem at home. Just wondering.

[@timdettmann4067]

What are you trying to say? Are you upset that Americans are coming to Europe? Do you feel that Americans are bringing their values and what is wrong with American values? Why do you feel that America is the greatest country? Maybe it is not. Are you an American? We can't fix it, America is headed in the wrong direction. European countries take care of their citizens. There are many reasons why Americans have the desire to move to Europe.

[@KootFloris]

@@timdettmann4067 Yes, many are coming, and many make videos on how to plan your 'escape'. And what is wrong with American values? Well, if the country is heading in the wrong direction, and people dig in, into their convictions, then yes. Let alone how hypocritical US politics have been around the world, like dirty wars for oil, eh, freedom. And now these same kind of 'leaders' have also begun to rob their own people into poverty, into lack of consumer protection and more. And they buy politicians, so no real voting leads to big changes. That kind of stuff. The moral: a company must maximize profits is dead wrong. It should be companies are to provide a service or stuff that people actually need for a decent profit while not harming the planet. Should be common sense.

[@timdettmann4067]

@@KootFloris you have plenty of reasons of how bad and corrupt the United States is, I agree with you. Therefore why would you criticize Americans that are trying to escape this awful place? There are much worse places in the world, but it's not all wonderful over here. Guns, crime, murders, schools having active shooter drills, health-care allowing people to die, choosing profits first, medication that costs 10 times more than what the rest of the world pays. I could go on and on. So why would you spite someone from trying to escape this way of life. I want better for my children and grandchildren.

[@KootFloris]

@@timdettmann4067 This is a very honest and reasonable reply. Thanks. Indeed we can ask the same questions in many places: Why would Americans stop fleeing latino's at the border? Or the Dutch stop Syrians, but allow Americans in? I have no reasons, you're right to flee, where I hope many would fight harder to change their country. And yes, I see, that seems hopeless right now. Yet in the 5 years I live in my street, the amount of Expats around me has gone up a lot. People talk much more English (American) around me. And they all make videos as if we are the 'promised land' (with some added realism). Meanwhile I see that the Dutch right wing culture gets more American, businesses get more American in mindset and greed. House prices go up insanely. Is our future American? I hope not. And I hope you help prevent that happening, by warning those that want the Dutch to become like US elites. :)

[@michielsaman7368]

Just stay away!

[@Spliffie37]

Please dont start stay where ever you r