AMSTERDAM EXPAT Q&A WITH CHERYL | Finding a job, renting vs buying, making friends & more!

You asked, we answered!
In this collab video with Cheryl from the Cheryl & Jesse channel, we select and answer the most popular 8 questions that we got via Instagram 😊
Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions for us, and don't forget to watch the Expat Tag collab video I did with Cheryl over at Cheryl & Jesse’s channel here: • What we love, hate and...
TIMESTAMPS:
00:59 Living in Amsterdam as an English speaker
02:05 Learning Dutch
03:48 Small/less obvious things to pack when moving to the Netherlands
05:36 Finding a family doctor/other health professionals
08:47 Biggest cultural difference between the Netherlands and home country
13:46 Pros and cons of buying vs renting in Amsterdam
16:16 Favourite neighbourhood in Amsterdam
19:36 Best way to meet new people/make new friends
23:45 How long it took to find a job
***
VISIT + SUBCRIBE TO CHERYL & JESSE'S VLOG CHANNEL: / cheryljesse
⊹ How to be an expat freelancer in Amsterdam: • How to become an EXPAT...
RESOURCES FOR DUTCH LANGUAGE LEARNING:
⊹ Nederlands Ingang textbook (everyone uses this one): www.bol.com/nl/nl/f/nederland...
⊹ Learn Dutch with Kim: / dutchiestobelearndutch...
⊹ Learn Dutch with Bart de Pau: / learndutchorg
⊹ Free Dutch lessons from City of Amsterdam (selected eligibility): www.amsterdam.nl/en/education...
⊹ Dutch Pod 101: www.dutchpod101.com/
NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE AMSTERDAM:
⊹ netherlandsinsiders.com/11-be...
⊹ www.iamsterdam.com/en/about-a...
⊹ www.lonelyplanet.com/articles...
⊹ www.expatica.com/nl/moving/lo...
LET’S CONNECT
⊹ Subscribe to my channel - ​
bit.ly/3jXAM2V
⊹ Instagram: ​ / leesa.yu
RELATED VIDEOS BY ME
⊹ Week in my life as an Amsterdam expat: • WEEK IN MY LIFE AS AN ...
⊹ Netherlands winter survival guide: • NETHERLANDS WINTER SUR...
⊹ How to make friends in Amsterdam: • HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS IN...
⊹ 10 tips on how to find a job in the Netherlands: • HOW TO FIND A JOB IN T...
⊹ Cost of living in Amsterdam: • COST OF LIVING IN AMST...
⊹ 10 tips when moving to the Netherlands: • MOVING TO AMSTERDAM & ...
⊹ How much I spend in a week in Amsterdam: • HOW MUCH MONEY DID I S...
MUSIC
⊹ Chief Takinawa - Baeo: thmatc.co/?l=A6BE6842
ABOUT ME
Welcome to my channel! I'm an Australian expat living in Amsterdam. I moved here with my husband in October 2020, and make videos about my expat life in the Netherlands.
TAGS
expat q&a, expat experience, amsterdam vlog, living in amsterdam, amsterdam expat, australian in amsterdam, canadian in amsterdam, moving to amsterdam, moving to netherlands, moving to the netherlands, asian in amsterdam, australian in amsterdam, working abroad, moving abroad, living overseas, life in holland, life in the netherlands, moving overseas, expat experience, life in the netherlands, making friends in amsterdam, cultural differences in the netherlands, renting in amsterdam, buying in amsterdam, expat tips, youtube collab video, moving to amsterdam from canada, moving to amsterdam from australia
#livinginamsterdam #amsterdamexpat #movingtoamsterdam

[@SumitSharma-jv5lw]

Thanks Lisa for your very practical videos as always , informative and helpful before for expats

[@LeesaYu]

Thank you for your lovely comment and glad you enjoyed this video! ♥️♥️

[@VaneezyTV]

Yay!! I'm so happy to see you back! Definitely missed you!!

[@LeesaYu]

So sweet, and thanks for being here + hope you enjoyed this video! 🧡🧡

[@angelasharma7049]

I watch both of your channels and I love that both of you collaborated on videos!

[@LeesaYu]

That’s so nice to hear - hope you got something out of both/either one of our videos!

[@jackodonovang]

Love this (and your other) videos so much, I’m moving to Amsterdam in the next month and these are so helpful 🥰

[@LeesaYu]

So glad to hear this! Good luck with your move! 😍

[@emiuittokio]

Enjoyed your video! as I’m new in the Netherlands since last month, I’ll have to go through similar paths to yours soon or later. So I found your video very informative and practical😃 Thanks x

[@LeesaYu]

Glad to hear this! Hope you’re settling in well in the Netherlands! 🥰

[@clairekim3778]

I am very glad to watch your channel and I am also living in Holland as an expat

[@LeesaYu]

That's awesome! I hope you're liking it here! :)

[@CherylJesse]

Absolutely loved filming this with you!! Can’t wait to do this again 😍

[@LeesaYu]

🥰😍😘

[@limphomokoena8639]

Loved the conversation ladies- I just moved here from South Africa and I can't wait to feel much more settled

[@LeesaYu]

So glad to hear you enjoyed our video, and welcome to the Netherlands! You will get there in time and soon you will be like a local ☺️☺️

[@jakesieboy]

I completely agree with the essential oils :-D It's been so hard to find good essential oils and candle oils. So far, all the varieties I've bought here have been quite weak in fragrance. The only option seems to be to buy in bulk and bring it with :-D

[@LeesaYu]

Going to have to ask Cheryl where she gets her non-Canadian essential oils stash from!

[@sayuritube]

This was a great conversation! It's so nice to hear your experiences as expats. Would love to hear more about the job search process and what the Dutch do value, especially if you don't have a completed masters. It seems like everyone has a masters at a minimum and often also a doctorate! :) I'm in a similar position as you were, based on your work video, and not sure how my skills translate across to the Netherlands job market.

[@LeesaYu]

I definitely would like to make more videos about my job search process/experience working here so thanks for the idea! I just went through a new successful job search process recently so had better get started on that video before I forget what I did:)!

[@sayuritube]

@@LeesaYu Thank you :)

[@jeannetitor]

its not just the netherlands but you will find a good chunk of western europe has the What You See Is What You Get when it comes to product offerings and customer service and yes especially in the netherlands you will see that a very large majority feels they are on an even level in standing no matter the position of your job in or outside of work, especially becomes apparent outside of work, treating your boss just like your next coworker is totally normal and accepted here

[@LeesaYu]

True, I do notice there seems to be less of a hierarchy. Although I think we are both also commenting on how little people push to expand their business offerings, expand their customer base, or have an ‘above and beyond’ mentality compared to North America and Australia. In blunt terms, there seems to be less motivation to earn more/invest more/do more than what is absolutely necessary (or their respective job description). Not a criticism, just a culture shock and as a customer it requires a readjustment of expectations.

[@mpbg0210]

Hi! First, thanks a lot for the information! I moved to Den Haag two weeks ago and your videos (even though you mostly speak about Amsterdam) have been VERY helpful. I can totally relate, I feel so proud of myself when I get good deals, now I know not get to the office speaking about how I got something really cheap. On that note, could you maybe recommend some good places to buy clothes that are not that pricey? I am Colombian, and I saved a lot before coming here, but the exchange rate form Colombian pesos to euros is insane! Thank you again, hope to keep learning!

[@LeesaYu]

So happy to hear that our video (and my other videos) have helped you! Den Haag is so beautiful and such a lovely place to live. I hope you're enjoying it so far! I'm exactly the same as you. I hate buying overpriced clothes (but also don't want to buy bad quality clothes that are bad for the environment, like H&M/Shein, etc). If buying brand new, then: Uniqlo is very affordable, followed by mid-range priced places like & other stories and Zara. But these days, I buy most of my clothes from Vinted which is a second-hand site based in Europe! Just last week I bought a coat worth 200 EUR for 20 EUR on Vinted :) It's a game changer for me :)

[@mpbg0210]

@@LeesaYu Oh God, I cannot believe it took me a week to read this! I am downloading the app right now! I tried using the Too goo to go app, but I have not being able to (I think I have to adjust the settings on my AppStore). Hope you are having a great day!

[@libbysmathilda5202]

When you are sick and cannot go to the dokter, call him, he will come to your home sometimes between 12.00 pm and 01.00 pm. Sometimes after 3.00, but they will come. Customer service is a no no over here. If you go to a restaurant you will see the waiter when you arrive and when he brings the food. But after that you don't see him again, it's considered rude. People have to take time to digest their meals. If you take 3 or 4 hours eating, it's considered normal. Over here the customer is king.

[@LeesaYu]

That’s interesting and good to know because I actually really prefer to have a waiter come by more frequently :) it stresses me out if I can’t flag someone down to pay the bill or order. Now at least I know it’s normal :)

[@MrPootzen]

Great discussion - I have been watching lots of Cheryl's videos to figure out how to move to the Netherlands. One question I had was at 14:35 - what are strada meetings?

[@LeesaYu]

Strata meetings are regular meetings between apartment owners, to talk about building management matters :)

[@elizabethpoon8244]

Strata meetings are for home owners, to make decisions on their home.

[@StraugBard]

Hi guys, thanks for the vid, super insightful! I just had a question on the process that I would to get your insight on: If I am currently employed in Australia in a field that fits into the Highly Skilled Migrant visa type, with the plan to quit and find work in the same field in NDL, would it be possible for my partner and I to fly over there first without me having landed a job yet and then commence the job hunt? Once I obtained a job and received confirmation of sponsorship could I then switch visas? Is that a thing? Really appreciate the help here.

[@LeesaYu]

These are really good questions! I can't speak from personal experience, as this is different to my situation (and pretty sure for Cheryl's situation too). Therefore I cannot answer your questions with 100% confidence. I would contact IN Amsterdam: www.iamsterdam.com/en/our-network/in-amsterdam/contact-us - they are the office that processes 30% ruling applications on behalf of companies so should be able to answer your questions!

[@StraugBard]

@@LeesaYu thanks Leesa!

[@RichardB013]

FYI if you need a more specialized "eye"doctor you have to ask for an "optoimetrist". The better "opticien" stores have mostly one or two working for them. This way you don't have to go to the doctor for a specialist.

[@LeesaYu]

Good tip!

[@azucenazhou]

Thank you for your videos, the public transportation one was super helpful to me. I just moved here and I am struggling to find an apartment… do you recommend any specific brokers?

[@LeesaYu]

I’m so glad to hear that the public transportation video was helpful for you! Apartment hunting is a HUGE challenge for lots of people. My husband and I used an agency called Expat Housing Network, and got the package where they even attend the inspections for you. We had a great experience with them! They found our place in a matter of weeks, all while we were still in Australia! Otherwise I know some people who have first looked for temp accommodation via Housing Anywhere or subletted from others. I hope this is helpful!

[@azucenazhou]

@@LeesaYu thank you, yeah, I saw that video too but unfortunately the prices for their services have gone up drastically… I think I’ll try to find a place to share, cause if I keep staying in a hostel I will use up all the money I have saved for the deposit (until I register, aka June, I’ll have to keep paying tourist taxes 🥲)…

[@LeesaYu]

Oh that’s a shame! But yes even back then, they were a significant cost. Sharing is a good idea and also a nice way to meet someone new too. Most people I know of found their room via Facebook groups - both flat sharing specific ones or groups that you might already be a part of and therefore trust (eg Americans in Amsterdam/Canadians in Amsterdam etc). Just be careful to not get scammed!

[@Mahenaw]

Can you please make a video on how to find your "first" apartment when you just arrive in the Netherlands? Assuming the person does not have a local address, bank account or a permanent phone number. All the house-hunting videos are for someone who has all those three things. But I could not find one video that tells you how to find an apartment when you first arrive and have no bank account.

[@LeesaYu]

I'm not equipped to make a video like this unfortunately because we hired an agency to help us find an apartment before we arrived (so had a place to move into right away upon landing here). We also moved during COVID so it was a less competitive period. The only tips I can give: - Try setting up a bank account with Bunq first - no BSN is needed for the first 60 days. You need an address to receive the card, so I'd recommend finding a temporary place first (or you can get it sent to a friend/your employer) - Try to find a temporary place first, then use that time to get your affairs in order - Hire an agency like we did - it costs extra money, but they can walk you through each step of the way and help you get the best possible place + do all the negotiating with landlords. Because of their relationship with real estate agents/agencies, they are more likely to secure a place for you even in the absence of bank accounts/payslips/formal BSN number.

[@Mahenaw]

@@LeesaYu thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my question. Very helpful and so kind of you. I appreciate it. On a different note, I watched all of your videos, very helpful as I plan to move to Netherlands next year. If possible would love to get a coffee with you when I’m there. ❤️

[@sh200031]

Hi Lisa im Isabelle

[@LeesaYu]

Hi Isabelle :)

[@Paul_C]

Eh, no. Just no. If someone is not willing to learn Dutch she shouldn't be here. Certainly if she pretends to be a business woman! It is common decency to at least make an effort, you wanted to be here. If not, go home. Sorry but you would expect the same from someone moving to Canada from the Netherlands.

[@LeesaYu]

She just said in the video she is willing & planning to learn Dutch?!? Lol