My Life in Amsterdam 🇳🇱 / work in tech, rent, taxes / best place ever? 😍

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00:00 Intro
00:49 Why I moved here
01:59 Visa Process
02:22 Apartment Hunting
03:53 My Apartment
04:40 My Neighborhood - De Pijp
10:16 Public Transport
11:47 Trains
12:31 Working from home, my setup
13:36 Language
14:55 Tax Benefits
15:23 Weather
16:19 Dealing with the Gov
16:58 10/10 Country
17:20 Why I Left
18:00 Plot Twist lol
19:42 The Plan
21:03 Sending back work setup
21:20 Leaving
22:40 Conclusion
Other social media:
/ lennywinter
/ lennywinter_

[@Eline_Meijer]

As a Dutch person living in London I can say that the Nederland is 10/10 compare to anywhere in the world.

[@user-by7bh1in1p]

Hello, can I get to know you?

[@augustoguglielmi5764]

So Dutch directness is real 🤣

[@morganarodrigues4715]

This is hands down the best video about living in Amsterdam. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you so much!!

[@yvonnebirch6026]

I was so impressed with your video. What a smart young woman you are ! Amsterdam was my city, born there in 1935. I left in 74 to marry my late American husband and moved to California. Still a little homesick after all that time ! I am glad you had some good successful years in my little country. I wish you continued success in London. 🇳🇱💕🇳🇱

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you for your comment 🩷

[@Tameemterminator]

And you’re 88 years old

[@R4FRASH1_FN]

​@@lenny.wintermy dad is ur neigbor damn

[@noordurrani678]

!

[@noordurrani678]

!

[@kirill4531]

I'm glad that really happy people exist. Young, beautiful, high paying professional who lives in free countries, can travel and enjoy life ❤

[@deetgeluid]

It’s the Dutch work/life balance. We work to live, not live to work.❤

[@lenny.winter]

Love it 😍

[@engineeredtruths8935]

that's bullshit. You clearly havent noticed the extreme and out of proportional rise in the cost of living. You must be rich or something, because the low and middle class are HURTING. Socialist country with horrible taxes, horrible healthcare with up to 1.5 years waiting lists, uncaring and secretive doctors, lying and corrupt politicians pretending to be righteous. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

[@heimdall4148]

Depends on you salary. Minimum loon and huizenmarkt sucks realy hard atm.

[@deetgeluid]

@@heimdall4148 agreed. I just got an appartment, and I cant work because of Neuropathy. But.. i can handle.

[@clauuuuuuuuuuuuuu]

amen

[@sarache5238]

I don't usually comment but I have to say, you are so inspiring! i'm looking for a city in Europe to study (tech related degree) and I, just as you did, plan to relocate multiple times throughout my career. Knowing that you were able to make it work is really inspiring. Thank you so much for posting on KZbin and I wish you all the best going forward !

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you so much for your comment and good luck!

[@Sonyboj]

if you are outside EU good luck... it is very hard, as it should be

[@jerbear7952]

Why do people feel the need to mention that they don’t comment?

[@jsb7975]

​@@jerbear7952as well as yours. And now mine....

[@CheeseStickzZ]

Thank you for taking us with you on your dutch adventure! Was a pleasure experiencing it

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks for watching!

[@andirodriguez8767]

You're so inspirational! Thank you for sharing so much amazing detail and putting together such a well done video!

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks so much for your comment! 🖤

[@rickbullard]

I've been to Amsterdam twice and absolutley love that city. Watching your video makes me want to get back there ASAP. Maybe next year...

[@mikedanyurs5126]

Enjoyed your video. Informative and fun. Congrats on your future success. Made me nostalgic for my time living in Amsterdam.

[@cocodhali8557]

I’m moving to Amsterdam in a few weeks for work and this video kind of showed me the next few months of my life. Lol. Thank you Lenny. All the best in London 💖

[@lenny.winter]

Yayyy best of luck on your new adventure!!! and thanks! 💖

[@cocodhali8557]

@@R.Hydra. Actually moving to my fiancé’s house so not really contributing that much to your housing problem. But you’re welcome 😉

[@nabillanastyf]

Thank you for sharing! I love your story. I'm living in Indonesia now and I really want to know how it feels like to live abroad. Your video represents it well. Good luck on your new journey!

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you so much for your comment, good luck!

[@chrisbotos]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am going to Leiden, Netherlands next year in a lab that accepted me and I am so stressed! Your happy attitude in the video cheered me up

[@kristinemendoza7355]

I love this video!!! Honest, appreciative and very well detailed ❤

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you for your comment! ❤️

[@user-by7bh1in1p]

Hello, can I get to know you?

[@pedroanjos91]

This was a great video! You are very structured in how you present the content and it's aesthetically pleasing. If I had to point something out, I'd say I would have loved it if you included some content on healthcare in the Netherlands (e.g., how the system broadly works, what a typical experience is like), which I consider a key part of living in a country

[@SH-to2xr]

Thanks for this video. You inspired me to visit Amsterdam.

[@Anastaidi]

So thankful for this hands down on the lovely inspiring! person on KZbin ❤ i just love your personality thank you for sharing

[@JasmineWuMeeee]

love your video so much! I'm new in Amsterdam and just went on apartment hunting found your video so touching

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you for your comment, good luck with your move and apartment search! ❤️

[@user-by7bh1in1p]

Hello, can I get to know you?

[@ahillvfr]

Great look at Amsterdam, hope things are going well in London for you 👍 it’s a love or hate it place, but I’m sure you will really love it.

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you!

[@sergeibrin]

I'm contemplating about moving to the Netherlands , probably Amsterdam. Your video is such a great resource and you're so inspirational and motivating. I'm just hoping not to be disappointed with the weather/ climate out there. Living in Colorado, I'm so used to sunshine

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks for your comment! Yeah the weather can be challenging to get used to 🫣 good luck!

[@kd1309]

Well the weather is shit here if u were wondering

[@HendraLanguages]

I love how you describe story❤clearly informatif

[@xuanhungcao3677]

Hey Lenny! I have watched your Dublin video before I relocated there also to work in a tech company and I couldn't find it more accurate :) Interestingly enough, my long-term partner is in the Netherland (at Groningen if you know) and Amsterdam is apparently top of our mind when it comes to finding a new city to live together. Thanks for this insightful video, I wish you all the best on your London chapter and please keep us posted about the city!

[@lenny.winter]

Hey! I 100% recommend Amsterdam, best of luck to you and your partner 🤩 and yeah I know Groningen! Thank you so much, already working on some London videos 🙌

[@ohhi5237]

amsterdam is great to live if you can afford 3000 in rent :)

[@amityboy14mo]

This is amazing thank you for sharing!!!😊

[@DaveyBooBoo]

Just quit my job after a few years without a backup plan, this video was perfect timing

[@lenny.winter]

Rooting for you! 🙌

[@user-bg2ip3zt8m]

I started watching your videos before I moved to Dublin and you were just moving to Ams. Now I’m moving to Ams and you’re leaving! I’m also in tech and enjoy watching others with a similar life story :) all the best in London ❤️

[@lenny.winter]

Aww thank you for this comment, best of luck with your move to Ams! ❤️

[@dcflag]

I had seen that Peruvian restaurant a few times myself when I was visiting from Germany as an American. Was saying that out loud right before you basically said the same thing about seeing many times before. Thank you for such a quality VLOG.

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks for watching!

[@chizi7456]

I went to Amsterdam for 2 days by myself to check it out and thought it was amazing, deffo wanna live there one day

[@raphaeloladokun1767]

This is such a great video, thank you.

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks for watching!

[@eksteinmalan3517]

Considering on making the big jump from South Africa 🇿🇦 Thank you so much for the info! 🙏

[@psolidstate]

Brilliant clip. Best of luck in London!

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks!

[@22rnd]

Great video!!! Good luck for your next steps!!!

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you! 🙌

[@TheWalkingDutchman4K]

Nice video, thanks for sharing!

[@sentokigames151]

Living in any major city is quite expensive, unless you get social housing. But it all depends on your salary and if you are willing to pay the amount. Also getting a place in Amsterdam is quite hard, so you were sort of lucky.

[@angelakloer3338]

a very nice vlog ❤ It's 10 out of 10, lovely🥰 i used to live in amsterdam many years ago

[@user-by7bh1in1p]

Hello, can I get to know you?

[@chrischris5337]

Nice vid! I wish everyone could live abroad for a while just to have a taste of how life works in other parts of the world. I’ve lived in 4 countries at this stage and preparing for the next move

[@srinip]

Very, very nice video. Having been to Amsterdam more times than I can remember in my younger days, I can understand how you loved it so much. Unlike you, however, I didn't do the "nomad" thing - it didn't exist in my day - although I wish I had. Good luck to you, although I doubt you'll need it; you seem like a highly intelligent, well adjusted young lady who is bound to succeed.

[@jeffrystephan6992]

What a great video. Love it !

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks for watching!

[@MarcoOneManTaco]

Moved here, from South Africa, over a year ago - it's been an amazing journey so far! Is "My life in Utrecht" on "the cards"? :) Absolutely love it there; but seriously, biking here should be considered as an extreme sport on its own😄

[@Arcadiez]

lived in England for 6 months. Nooo thank you. But been vacation in Netherlands a couple of times, love it. Fantastic ppl.

[@letmemakeitsimple4655]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@TheWalkingDutchman4K]

Absolutely!

[@valentinberne1827]

International employee at a dutch company, the do speak dutch between them. However, as soon as they notice you they start speaking in english

[@pascaltatipata]

ah De Pijp , my old neighborhood. Thanks for sharing.

[@lenny.winter]

Love De Pijp! 😍

[@writersblack5360]

🎉 you made no mention of the coffee shops? 😊 thanks for sharing your experiences. Best of luck for the future.

[@dannacuba1504]

Thank you for this video! I’m moving to Amsterdam in a few months time and I’m also eyeing De Pijp! Hope to get an apartment there, too! ☺️

[@lenny.winter]

Good luck with your move!

[@someonecurious7600]

this was so helpful I want to move to amsterdam a few months later I also work in tech , kept watching videos about where to live this was by far the best-detailed video I have seen.

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you, I’m so happy to hear that! Good luck with your move!

[@daytonarol3x]

I moved to Amsterdam 3 years ago fortunately I own a property out here, and I speak some dutch which helps. Its a great city and I prefer it to London

[@vietus1040]

My Life in Amsterdam , work in tech, rent, taxes / best place ever?. Video has attractive content and form. Watched the video on May 28, 2023 very like. Thank you

[@TheKayaklover]

Talk to me once the warm weather ends !!! ... You will be basically indoors for at least 8 months !!! Weather is extremely erratic, bitterly cold and a lot of times you have snow all the way until almost beginning of May.

[@lenny.winter]

I talk about this @ 15:23 :)

[@EGO0808]

Quite an objective and thorough sum up of life in Amsterdam. Being my hometown, I agree with most of your observations and experiences, except for the transparency and efficiency of the governmental processes and policies. There’s way too many authorities and responsibilities in governance are confusing at times. Having said that, Amsterdam is a fabulous city where one can be who one wants to be. Nevertheless, I am glad we moved out to SE Asia and just can visit it when we feel like. Housing is a nightmare in Amsterdam and the city is run by absolute misfits (my personal opinion). Thanks for the vlog, very entertaining.

[@ajay55556]

My gf is from Peru and we are going to Amsterdam. So we will be checking out that restaurant … thanks!

[@lenny.winter]

Enjoy your trip!

[@_joepaz_]

Hi Lenny! I watched this video and your Amsterdam vs. Dublin video too and it was just what I needed. Me and my partner are both considering those two cities to move to and can't decide yet. None of us work in the tech industry but we think those are two great European destinations to live in. If you would have to move back to one of those two cities, which one would you choose and why? Do you have a much bigger preference for one over the other?

[@lenny.winter]

So happy the videos were helpful! 😊 I would 1000000% choose Amsterdam!!! If you have the option to choose between the two - absolutely go with Amsterdam. Good luck!!

[@nickbejan4914]

Thanks a lot for you videos!

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks for watching!

[@davecordes6121]

A-dam was my favorite city to visit . . . Way back in1967 - 71, when I was in the Army. I could be there in 1 hour 20 mins (at 100 mph in my Fiat 124 Coupe). No stopping at the border, as it had Green US military tags. Loved the Rijts (spelling??) Art Museum. My wife and I haxe visited 3 times in our European travels. Great story!!

[@lbacchus]

Speaking English at work depends on the company. International companies generally use English internally.

[@DonCesar93]

Nice to see you back on YT! I had a similar situation this year, I quit my job also without having a new one. But I also saved a lot during the covid years.

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks for watching, good to be back!

[@sheilagrayman7147]

Lovely! Yes.❤ Happy 2024!🎉

[@KaranOdedra]

Nice video! The best part about the country is the language. I am currently working as a software engineer in Germany, and the language is a big issue for me. Anywhere you go, it is mostly German, and when you don't know the language, it feels like you're an uneducated one.

[@Jila_Tana]

14:55 Tax benefit : This 30% tax break for expats has to be abolished. It means that expats can afford the rent in places like Amsterdam and Utrecht and in part due to that prices are elevated, many Dutch just can't afford it. Come next elections, the political climate will change, more to the centrum-left of the spectrum. A new party NSC will look into changing the tax climate of the country. Expect that tax break for expats to be gone next year.

[@dojadog4223]

But then expats wouldn't advertise the Netherlands as a 10/10 country anymore 🙂. But I agree it has to go, homelessness has doubled, the Netherlands has a million 'economically homeless' (people moving back in with parents etc.). It's getting really dire, and most certainly not a 10/10 place to live for many locals at this point.

[@fgjsdfgjkl]

you really think this will change when the highest parties in the predictions right now are centre-right? 💀

[@aragorn318]

Interesting. I live in the US and also work remotely in IT. And I'm traveling to London, Amsterdam, and Paris for the first time in May!

[@lenny.winter]

Enjoy your trip!

[@johncillis3431]

I enjoyed Amsterdam. I stayed in Haarlem, I found it a nice base, the way Amsterdam used to be. Amsterdam was a nice walking city. Its train station was incredible. It reminded me of San Francisco and Venice, or Nice. Water cities are special, so many boats. I live in Phoenix where rents are cheap. I like cities and urban living for its vibe, and living close to people keeps one from getting lonely. My rent, which includes utilities, is half yours, probably because Phoenix is so hot, no one wants to live here, lol....

[@dimrrider9133]

Wow you found an appartment in just 2 weeks, thats great. Dutch people have to wait for a year or longer. Have a great time in Amsterdam (Disneyland for the rest of the Netherlands ;p )

[@lenny.winter]

I got a few comments about Dutch people having to “wait” and I’m curious - do you literally mean “wait” as in you’re put on some list and wait to hear back regarding a specific accommodation solution? Or are people viewing apartments for a year or longer until they find one? Mind you, my experience is from 2019 and I mentioned that as far as I know it’s worse now

[@dimrrider9133]

@@lenny.winter Jup 1 year is even very quick ;p And now its even worse so you where very lucky i guess

[@Fenix.1111]

Yes wait as in: being put on a waiting list. Sometimes for more than 10 years. Thanks to the rich and the expats. People originally born in Amsterdam who want to move out, even have to move to other cities because they can't find housing in their own city.

[@altberg__]

I have to say, this video was so inspiring. Thank you. 😊 I am in a similar situation right now, as you mentioned in the last part. I am looking for the next step, and Amsterdam is really a place where I would love to take this step. cheers from austria.

[@thedappercook]

2 weeks and 18 viewings is nothing and so easy, here in Melbourne AUstralia it may take 50+ viewings and a few months. Great video, would love to move to Europe but as a business owner.

[@anneZev]

I wishI was young again. This is amazing what you are doing. Enjoy your life...

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks for watching!

[@sannynjoo9776]

Well so sad to see you go :P but hope you had a wonderfull stay in my country. Also I used to work for an American company (based out of Cambridge, MA) in Amsterdam /Utrecht.. (but company doesn't exist anymore) and the internal spoken language was English. There were like 15+ different nationalities and all communication was in English.

[@Tweeteketje]

I believe you're American, but I think you have more a European spirit :) I'm happy that you enjoyed your stay here ^^ I wish you a lot of fun in London

[@homeofcreation]

I moved from Amsterdam to Almere (20 minute drive by car or train) and I just found out that more people born in Amsterdam live in Almere than in Amsterdam.

[@nikentrimahayani1661]

Wow..I just found your youtube channel. Suscribed immediately! I am curious how you managed your luggages to the central station. Did you use agency to send those luggages?

[@andyh964]

Hi! I'm actually doing the opposite this upcoming summer - a Canadian living in London moving to Amsterdam :) Do you have any resources on job posting, especially in tech (Data Scientist) and for apartment rentals? Thank you and good luck!

[@lenny.winter]

Hey, how exciting! For jobs I’d look on LinkedIn, and for apartment rentals I’d look on Funda and I actually made a video about how I found my apartment. Good luck!

[@roachtoasties]

Good luck. I've been to both London and Amsterdam and it is a hard choice to say which is better. As a tourist, I say it's a draw. If I was to move, I would choose London because it's a bit closer to what I'm used to living in California, and also more entertaining, but this is just me.

[@lenny.winter]

Yeah they’re very different! London does have a lot more options when it comes to entertainment, but it is also a much much bigger city so there’s naturally more places to go. Thanks!

[@renatosurca324]

Wonderful, good luck. I wish I could work and travel someday like you do. Greetings from Peru

[@lenny.winter]

Thanks for watching, hope you will! 🙌

[@koekelmetperen]

Expats killig the soul of Amsterdam

[@allinmohana5289]

your life seems like my dream life!

[@user-by7bh1in1p]

Hello, can I get to know you?

[@yuvashreep2187]

Hey Lenny, your video is really inspiring. Thanks for sharing! Could you please share in what domain you work if possible? Thank you!

[@philippededeken4881]

Looking forward to My life in London.

[@lenny.winter]

Working on it! 🤩

[@veronicadcf]

Best of luck on your new journey! If you were to start undergrad school again, would you have chosen Bocconi?

[@lenny.winter]

Absolutely, 100%!!! It opened many doors for me, and I keep meeting Bocconi grads everywhere I go haha and thank you!!

[@BGMA01]

TWO WEEKS, this sounds amazing. I was thinking you were gonna say two months and even that would have surprised me. Seems its not that crazy hard to find a apt. in Amsterdam then?

[@fgjsdfgjkl]

if you get overpaid lmao. if you get a normal amount of money each month you shouldn't come here. most people that have a massive paycheck still live month to month because their rent is at least half of their salary

[@MohamedMahmoud140]

I like this video❤

[@Beun007]

1500 bucks excluding utilities is a darn hefty sum!

[@dougpotosky4102]

Great information! I think I would also not use a bike. Plus being a photographer I would miss so much by not walking.

[@ohhi5237]

thats just plain stupid

[@jsb7975]

​​@@ohhi5237ou're a photographer too then ?

[@soofnic2087]

Do you find the language barrier as a tough as it can be? Me and my girlfriend considering moving to ams and she is afraid of that. She also works in the tech industry. Thanks

[@lenny.winter]

Not at all! Everyone seems to be speaking English in Amsterdam (huge generalization probably but this has been my experience)

[@Tinky1rs]

As a Dutchie, everyone under 50 speaks English. In a professional environment (esp. science or tech) most documentation is in English. There are some jobs wherein speaking Dutch is required, but in most international tech companies English will be the main language. You'll find that it might actually be hard to integrate completely as you won't get much opportunity to practise your Dutch.

[@DraxTheDestroyer]

Crime in UK is pretty high so I always kept it off my list along with USA. Netherlands is definitely a country I am looking to move tho!

[@ohhi5237]

its one of the safest in the entire world, if this isnt safe, nowhere is

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

Herring should be a quite tasting there. BTW, did you learn what are sprinkles used on sandwiches there?

[@ohhi5237]

salt nothing should be sprinkled on sandwiches.

[@johnroekoek9864]

Three years ago it was much better because the prices of everything rose so much here in the Netherlands, that even a family with working parents struggle to pay the bills these days. And people who have to visit the foodbanks grow. And housing is a problem because of the immigrants for Dutch people.

[@semaph0re]

she gets an american tech salary, which is generally twice as much as Dutch salary + immigrant tax benefits.

[@keviaaar]

As a Dutch person, I will never even consider moving to Amsterdam. €1600 a month to live in a bedroom is just insane

[@majorlancelot2580]

Great video! What do you do in your job btw?

[@jend8555]

How easy was it to make friends in the Netherlands?

[@zyzzyvacation]

13:35 I've worked with a lot of Dutch people over the years and English is compulsory at all levels of the Dutch secondary education system. They speak English as well as the English themselves. Therefore, you'll never encounter any language barrier in the Netherlands... unless you're speaking double Dutch 😟

[@mustaphaali438]

how time did you give to the previous company before you leave? months or weeks?

[@jojoshae]

hi, i loved your vlog, it was inspirational. i wanted to ask, how do you and your partner mantain a healty relationship even when you travel abroad a lot? your advice would help me a lot, thank you!

[@jeffdonalds7473]

The affected speech is wild, you have to be Albanian. Loving Paris is so perfect.

[@alesiakhomych2108]

I like your video, u have positive energy, it super❤️❤️❤️🫶🫶🫶🫶

[@lenny.winter]

Thank you! 🫶❤️

[@LEKIPE1]

How and why did they give you UK sponsorship?

[@rimachak124]

Hi Maam. Could you tell me if Amsterdam is a pet friendly city? Me and my partner are looking to move there and we have a husky pup.

[@Beun007]

The Albert Cuijp market offers everything God forbids! LOL!

[@scottabdavidson88]

Amsterdam is a beautiful place.

[@Joey-ct8bm]

You also can find cheaper options to live outside Amsterdam. It's all very close together in the Netherlands. The housing market got even worse in Amsterdam. If you live here then you can get 40% off on train transportation. Not to other countries though. You need to pay a small amount a month to do so. Plane tickets from Amsterdam are also very cheap to the rest of Europe. They can be way cheaper than train even if you look for them off season. I traveled once to Hungary and back for 34 euro's with hand luggage in September. Schiphol is one of Europe's best connected and busiest airport. The Netherlands is actually number 1 one the EF English Proficiency Index list for non speaking English countries. Even my grandmother did at least 4 years of English and since i was born it's 8 years. I got English class just as long as Dutch language class. The cut the 30% expat tax benefit. Only high skilled workers get those. It's probably coming back this year, but that isn't certain. They are talking about it in politics that it was a mistake to cut it. If you want to make the most money in Europe go to Luxembourgh.

[@HiiPPi3]

like...what sort of work do you have to do to afford rent in the Pijp on your own without flatmates as a foreigner. Teach me master xD Medior data scientist in NL here, never could afford that xD

[@dilyaraabushayeva5039]

Hi Lenny! Your content is so inspiring! Could you share please in which role do you work in a tech? Is it technical or product or company based? (Очень классно видеть успешных девушек в этой сфере 🫶🏻)

[@andrewstorm8240]

You have to visit Edinburgh / best 2nd tier city in Europe

[@israelshabtay6226]

החיים הטובים 🙂