Franck Wang 
If you’ve clicked on this article, then congratulations are in order! It’s more than likely that you’ll soon be starting your new life in the Netherlands, and you’re doing a fair bit of research beforehand. The Netherlands is an incredibly beautiful country with fantastic scenery, culture, and, most importantly, great people.
Not only are Dutch people super friendly, but most of them also speak great English. Although you should make a conscious effort to learn the native language, you can take comfort in the fact that you’ll be able to communicate with ease. They’re also quite direct, so don’t be startled if you get an honest reply to your question!
The Netherlands also has impressive infrastructure and organisation. The country is practically flat throughout, so cycling has become one of the main forms of transport for people in the country.
The country is also progressive, as it was one of the first countries to decriminalise and legalise marijuana for recreational use. However, it’s also forward-thinking in many other ways. For example, they place a high emphasis on saving the environment and becoming greener in their operations. They were also the first country to legalise euthanasia back in 2002.
Now that we’ve touched on some reasons why this country is a great place to live in, here’s what you should know before you get started.
Check If You’re Eligible for a Visa
Before you start planning your great big adventure, you’ll need to make sure you’re eligible for a visa first. Depending on the length of your stay, the purpose of your move, and what your nationality is, you’ll have different options. For example, if you’re moving over for educational purposes, securing a visa is much easier. Nevertheless, it may be worth speaking to a professional to help you.
You’ll Need Medical Insurance
No matter where in the world you are, health and safety come first. We recommend that you take a look at expatriate medical insurance to find a solution that best fits your needs. Even if you’re incredibly healthy, you never know when things may go wrong, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Having a great policy to keep you protected can result in your saving thousands of dollars in medical expenses or bills.
Get a bike
Get a Bike and Start Cycling
Dutch people are some of the most physically active citizens in the world, and this is partially because they cycle almost everywhere. The cities are designed with cyclists in mind and, since most of the land is flat, bikes can be seen everywhere. However, as a pedestrian, you should be very careful not to get into the way of any cyclists as this could cause a nasty accident.
Flowers are Abundant
Any flower or plant enthusiast will be sure to feel right at home in this nation, as the Netherlands is the world’s leading exporter of flowers, many of them being tulips. Almost 80% of the world’s flower bulbs originate from here, travelling to all parts of the globe. The field of flowers at Keukenhof Gardens are a must-see for anyone visiting. However, you may be surprised to know that the country’s most iconic flower, the tulip, did not grow naturally in the area, and it was originally imported from Turkey.
Petrol and Diesel Cars Will Be Banned
As part of the Netherland’s national climate agreement, the Dutch government has promised to reduce carbon emissions by a whopping 49% by 2030. To achieve this, the nation will need to enforce some pretty drastic changes. This includes banning petrol and diesel field cars in favour of battery-powered vehicles. Not only will you enjoy better tax rates, but you’ll also be doing your part to help save the planet.
You’ll Be Well Connected
If you’re moving to the Netherlands because you’d like to experience what all of Europe has to offer, you’re in the perfect geographical position to do so. The country is incredibly well-connected, and hundreds of flights leave each day. So, whether you’re feeling homesick and want to spend a week with the family or you’d like to go for a weekend getaway with some friends, you have plenty of options. You can even take the bus or train to venture into new countries.
All in all, you should enjoy your time in the Netherlands as good as you possibly can. Although some aspects may come as a culture shock, and you may take some months to feel settled in, we’re sure it will start feeling like home in no time. If you are feeling homesick, just pick up the phone and speak to your family and friends. It’s important that you don’t neglect those relationships just because you’re in a different country.
