-Where were you born?

Moscow, Russia

-In which country and city are you living now?

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my husband

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

3 years

-What is your age?

26

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?

I was offered a job in The Netherlands

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Yes

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No

-How do you make your living in the Netherlands? Do you have any type of income generated?

Work for a law firm

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Ja, I speak Dutch but it is not necessary. Amsterdam is very international and everyone speaks English.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Of course, mostly I miss my twin sister who lives in Madrid, Spain. 

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Help other expats to set up in Holland!

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I am renting an apartment, but I am paying too much,))

-What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?

High

-What do you think about the Dutch?

Amsterdam is very international, I find Dutch people very friendly. 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Netherlands?

 Positive: Dutch are very sporty so in 3 months time even lazy bones find themselves sweating in the gym, sailing or cycling.

Negative: Weather, food 

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Netherlands?

Check your paperwork before coming to Holland (work permit, tax issues, health insurance). If you come out EU country, it will be difficult to find the job without the right permits and fines are severe if you don't have your paperwork in order. 

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Netherlands?

General overview: www.expatguideholland.nl 

Good explanation of all the legal issues: www.devreede-law.nl

-Where were you born?

 Australia.

-In which country and city are you living now?

The Hague, Netherlands.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my husband. 

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

Two years and nine months. 

-What is your age?

Thirty-one. 

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?

My husband was offered a job at a MNC based in Den Haag (The Hague). It was a good offer and we were both keen to spend some time in Europe as we'd not done the traditional gap year before or after University that many Australians spend over here in Europe. 

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

It was very easy as it was facilitated by my partner's company. We are both on Knowledge Migrant visas, which we received within approximately 4 weeks of application. 

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

We had international medical insurance provided by the company until we had arrived and had the visas granted, which prevented the circularity problems that some time pop up in terms of medical insurance being required for visas. 

-How do you make your living in the Netherlands? Do you have any type of income generated?

I am studying a Masters degree by distance from my home country.

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Whilst I can now read quite a lot of Dutch, I speak only basic Dutch, just the stuff one gradually picks up from the locals. Our intention was to only be here for a few years so we felt we could attempt to get by mostly in English. We were told prior to our arrival by my husband's company that speaking Dutch was not necessary to get by here comfortably, and I have to say after a few years in the Netherlands I very strongly disagree with this. Outside of Amsterdam I would say it is vital to speak Dutch. Whilst many of the locals do indeed speak English, many would clearly prefer not to, and will treat you very differently if they must speak English with you. If you address them in English a certain "glazed look" comes over them and they suddenly become cold and distant! There is currently a government campaign entitled "one must speak Dutch in the Netherlands" - contrary to some reports, the locals do take linguistic integration seriously.

It is also an exaggeration that everyone speaks English in the Netherlands. In fact the older Dutch (over 50), the Dutch outside of the Randstad, and the less educated Dutch (tradesmen, mechanics, etc.) very often speak only Dutch. All of your mail will of course be in Dutch (and being a very bureaucratic culture there are many letters you will need to translate!) 

So if you are planning a move over here I would say it is vital to learn Dutch from the onset. It was a mistake on our part not to, even though our planned stay was quite short.  

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Yes, it is impossible not to miss one's family and home to some extent. In particular we miss the wide open spaces of Australia, the ample potential for getting out into real nature, and the much lighter cuisine. 

-Do you have other plans for the future?

We intend to move to home or to the U.K. within the next six months. 

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We have bought a home here as an investment, which may or may not have been another mistake unfortunately. Mortgage repayments are deductible here, so the option of buying can look very tempting.  Our plan was always to rent the property out when we left the Netherlands, and we had to get special permission from our bank to be able to do this when we signed the mortgage. We have heard some horror stories about renting properties out here, however, and are not looking forward to the process. The Dutch are very, very kind towards the tenant when it comes to landlord/tenant rights so we will have to be very careful. Having learned the things I now know about Dutch housing culture I would not make the same choice again, it is not a place to purchase an investment property. On the other hand we have managed to save around 20,000 euro in two and a bit years compared to where we have been had we rented an equivalent property, thanks to a low variable interest rate and the mortgage deductions. 

-What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?

It is not too bad. Food is very cheap compared to Australia. Getting things fixed is also a lot cheaper. Clothes and restaurant meals are the two things that seem a lot more expensive. Financially, we are much better off here than how we were in Australia. 

-What do you think about the Dutch?

Sadly as much as I would like to say positive things it is very difficult to do so. I think it's important to preface what I say with an acknowledgment that it is always dangerous to generalise and you should take each individual on their own terms.  I have met some good people here. Overall though, my experiences with the Dutch have been poor. I was not surprised to see that in the 2010 HSBC Expat survey the Netherlands came up as the hardest country in which to get on with the locals. It is very hard to make friends here as social circles are formed at a very early age and foreigners have difficulty breaking into these cliques. The Dutch also often seem to regard the non-Dutch as inferior beings.

They are very traditional, very set in their ways, impervious to external innovation and change, and surprisingly conformist. 

They are a cold bunch and prone to fits of temper, particularly in the depths of winter when everyone is at their crankiest. I'm a polite, law-abiding sort of person but have been verbally abused by virtual strangers on a number of occasions for some of the most ridiculously trivial things. People blow up about small things as a way of releasing their day-to-day unhappiness I think, and there does seem to be a lot of unhappiness in the Netherlands.

They are also prone to staring bug eyed at anything remotely unusual. This can be a bit offputting. For example if I take my camera out to the park with a longish lens on it (I am a keen photographer) they will gape at it as it's something slightly out of the ordinary. Wear a bright coloured coat in winter and they will stare at you. It's quite bizarre. 

Customer service is non-existent here. This has been covered by others on here so I won't elaborate.

They are very money focused and as long as they expect money out of you they will be as friendly as they can muster. As an expat you will be treated well by service providers right up until you hand over the cash, at which point you will be at best treated indifferently, and at worst like slime. Expats are regarded as cash machines, to be milked as much as possible. 

So yes, not good things to say. Bit by bit the general unfriendliness and the occasional receipt of unprovoked abuse or blunt inappropriate comments will wear you down. I suspect my experience has been somewhat coloured by not being a fluent Dutch speaker. 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Netherlands?

 Positives:

* As a non European it has been great to use the Netherlands as a base to explore the rest of Europe. Having said that, it's always painful coming home as just about everywhere else in Europe has seemed cleaner and friendlier! Also airfares and train tickets are expensive ex the Netherlands. For cheap airfares try driving to Dusseldorf of Brussels and flying from there.

* The quality of the fresh fruit and vegetables is good compared to home.

* The open political culture - even if it has given oxygen to the likes of Geert Wilders, you have to respect the open political culture and political engagement in this country. 

* The architecture is very beautiful. If you can, try and live on a canal. 

Negatives:

* The people (as discussed).

* The food. Very oily. And all of the supposedly ethnic food is ruined by it being changed to suit Dutch tastes which are very non-subtle (i.e. too sweet, too fatty). It's hard not to gain weight here.

* The weather. You won't see the sun much in winter, and often you won't see much of it in summer either.

* The litter. In Den Haag in particular the streets are full of rubbish.

* The pollution. Whilst not anything like Hong Kong, the Netherlands has the worst air quality in Europe (it has special exemptions to pollute more due to its concentration of heavy industry).  

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Netherlands?

You must have a thick skin or you will find it very tough here. If you're a sensitive soul give some serious thought as to whether the move is worth it. The place will either make or break you. The Dutch don't respect the timid or shy. 

Learn Dutch early on, even if you are planning a relatively short stay!  

Budget for a trip to somewhere warm and sunny in winter. The unrelenting grey skies for 4-5 months will get you down otherwise.  

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Netherlands?

http://dutchnews.nl/

http://www.expatica.com/nl/main.html 

-Where were you born?

I was originally born in Taipei, Taiwan.  I left Taiwan when I was 3. Since then I have lived in Indonesia and the US, where I established my home and career for the past 15 years. 

-In which country and city are you living now?

I just relocated to the Netherlands with my partner a month ago. We are currently living in Rotterdam. 

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my partner whom I married about 2 months ago. We're newlyweds.  

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

We are on our 5th week living in Rotterdam.  

-What is your age?

I am 32 years old. 

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?

I met my partner back when I was still living in Long Beach, California. He was a Norwegian expat working as an assistant pastor for a Norwegian Church in Los Angeles. He was on a religious working visa, which was valid for 5 year and it was not renewable. Since the US does not recognize gay marriage, we decided to be domestically partnered and  we would move to wherever his work is relocating him. Since I worked in arts education, his work decided to relocate us to a city where there is a lot of arts and culture, specifically dance, to accommodate us. 

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Not at all. There was a bit of confusion at first but it was relatively easy compared to the US immigration. Apparently, there is an EU law that allow an EU /non-Dutch citizen to bring a non-EU spouse. I had to get a facilitating visa, which allowed me to enter the Netherlands at the same time as my partner. The Dutch officials were really helpful during the process. I registered with the IND (Dutch immigration) and the Rotterdam City Hall. Now I'm waiting for my Residence card (which needs to be renewed yearly for the first 5 years) and Sofi number (equivalent to US social security number) which will allow me to work. 

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

I am currently on a travel medical insurance until I get my Sofi number, then I will have the option to buy medical insurance. As far as my understanding, it is not difficult at all and it seems to be a lot cheaper than medical insurance in the US. 

-How do you make your living the Netherlands? Do you have any type of income generated?

I'm currently still waiting for my Sofi number which would allow me to work. I was told it would take about 3 to 4 weeks for a non-EU citizen. I used to work for a professional dance company in Los Angeles. Rotterdam has a much bigger dance community compared to Los Angeles. The arts organizations here received government subsidies which help them flourish. There are several dance organizations here in the Netherlands that keep the professional dancers in this country networked and informed with all the possible jobs in this country and other European countries. I have been offered a few possible teaching jobs here in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. As soon as I receive my Sofi number, I should be able to work again. 

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I currently don't speak Dutch. I am enrolling myself into a Dutch language course at a local university. I think it is important to know Dutch since I'm planning to live here indefinitely. Although everyone in Rotterdam seems to speak English fluently, almost everything at the grocery stores and restaurant menus is in Dutch. It would be helpful to know Dutch to live comfortably here.  

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I do miss my home and family in Long Beach. I miss the convenience of Trader Joe's grocery store. I used to live right next to the beach, so I miss the option of being able to walk on the beach whenever I want. I miss being able to surf and kayak all year round. All my closest friends and family are back in California. Since I don't have very many friends in the Netherlands yet, I do get homesick a bit. Other than that, I don't miss the LA traffic, rude DMV officials, and Southern California polluted air. 

-Do you have other plans for the future?

As of now, I'm quite set in Rotterdam. I love the city and I really enjoy living in this country. It seems that there is always some sort of celebration or festival filled with arts and culture every weekend. The development of arts, culture, and architecture seems to be a lot more advanced compared to the US. I do plan to explore the rest of the European continent as soon I'm settled here.  

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We are currently living in a loft centrally located in Rotterdam. My partner's work provides our housing, so we did not have to worry about looking for housing when we moved here. I believe the rent for our current loft is 1,000 Euros. 

-What is the cost of living the Netherlands?

I think it's relatively similar to living in Los Angeles. Food and drinks are a little expensive in my opinion. Sodas and Chinese food, which are really cheap in California, cost a lot more here. You can live cheaply here as long as you know where to shop. Shopping in the Netherlands is not as convenient as in California. Unlike mega stores in the US, there is a lot more small shops that are specialized in one or two things. 

-What do you think about the Dutch?

I find the Dutch people are really friendly. Dutch government officials are definitely more helpful and friendlier than the US government officials. Locals in Rotterdam are very patient and tolerant with foreigners maybe because Rotterdam is a port city with a high non-Dutch population. All the dance institutions and companies here operate in English because there are a lot of expats in the dance field. 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Netherlands?

 I think I pretty much covered the positive things of living here: beautiful architecture, unpolluted sky, friendly people,  great public transportation services, tons of theaters, dance, arts and culture. The negative part is quite obvious for most Americans: no refills at restaurants, no iced drinks, hard to find real smoothies like Jamba Juice, no Trader Joe's, and most of the TV and movie programs are a bit behind. 

 -Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Netherlands?

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Netherlands?

My partner and I have a blog site mainly dedicated for our friends back in California. We try to cover a bit of our adventure here in the Netherlands. http://www.williamandhowie.com

Rotterdam Info has a lot of information about Rotterdam. It even has a great app for iPhones that includes great information on Rotterdam. http://www.rotterdam.info

Rotterdamse Schouwburg is a local performing arts center in Rotterdam. It has a great program that include theater, dance, and music. http://www.rotterdamseschouwburg.nl

They are probably the most successful contemporary dance company in the world. It's worth checking out. Even the Dutch Queen Beatrix is a big fan and supporter of this company. http://www.ndt.nl

-Where were you born?

I was born in the province São Paulo in the city of Campinas, southeast of Brazil

-In which country and city are you living now?

I'm living in the Netherlands, in Deventer, Overijssel.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my husband.

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

Since January 2008 , so a little bit more than a year and a half.

-What is your age?

I'm 26 years old.

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?

During the new year of 2006 in Paris when my husband and I noticed during that second time we actually met (the first was during my summer vacations of 2006 in the Netherlands) that it shouldn't be only a vacation love, we decided to see if it would be possible to start a life together somehow in Brazil or in the Netherlands. He couldnt find a job in Brazil and I got the chance to finish my medical studies here. So that's the reason I'm here today.  

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

It was a lot of work. In my case my partner should have a minimum income (this information can be found in the website of IND) and you need some documents (birth certificate, declaration that you're single and everything should be translated to Dutch or English by a certified translator - a list can be found on the website of the Dutch embassy).

You will also need to pass an exam, the basis examenin burgering, that consists of answering questions about Dutch history, Dutch habits (book with questions and answers and everything else for the exam can be bought in the NL), also questions about opposite words and repeating some sentences. If you pass, you get a paper that together with all the docs should be sent for approval, and if everything goes right you pay for your MVV ( it was around 800 euros). When you get here you need to register and later you get another visa (around 200 euros).  I can tell that it is a lot of work but if you meet all the requirements there is no reason to be worried. But it 's expensive, I need to say.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No, this could be easily arranged in the Netherlands by my partner. But when you get your new visa here you need another type of insurance, the same type Dutch inhabitants also have. 

-How do you make your living in Holland? Do you have any type of income generated?

At this moment I've just gone back to university. Currently doing the 4th year in medical school. My husband is tha one who works. I've tried finding a job during my first months here but without speaking Dutch there's not much you can do here in the region where I live (I think it's slightly different if you are in the Randstad where more foreigners live). I would advise others to look for job agencies like Randstad (tempo-team) and you can also check it out online via monsterboard.nl.

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

I think at this moment my Dutch is pretty good. I still have some problems when it comes to writing in a more elaborate way, but I think it's good for now. I believe that if you want to have a complete life here in the Netherlands you need to speak the language and to do it good. Speaking Dutch is the most important thing if you want to make it work here.

What I can tell about the Dutch. I think if you ask a Dutch person, he/she may give you a standard answer, like tolerant, happy...or they will answer you with another question: people from which part in the Netherlands, you mean. There are many differences among Dutch people. People in the north and south are more into themselves and people in the west are more open.

But in general, Dutch people are tolerant because they respect the individuality of one another and not really because they accept another point of view. They are very systematic; for example, everything should be done via appointement (afspraak) what also includes social events. So don't be surprised if you ask your new Dutch friend if he wants to come over and he comes up with an agenda to check if there's time available.  Anyways, no matter how strange some Dutch customs may seem to be, I would advise you to observe and try to understand before you make a pre-judgement.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

Yes, a lot. Especially my friends in Brazil and the food. Well, I love to travel and every time I get a break I try to book something. That's the advantage of being in Europe, you can go everywhere in no time and that shouldn't be expensive. I'm trying to make some time for hobbies. I love music and I really want to do something about it: learn how to play an instrument or to dance.  

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I want to travel, travel, travel. I have a long list of places to visit and I hope I can make it before having kids. I will be finishing my studies in 2012 and I want to move. Deventer is a gorgeous city but there is not much to do here. I wish I can find a good hospital to specialize and then a job that doesn't mean no free time. Another point is that I want to meet more people here.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

The first year we were living in a rented apartment (around 500 euro per month) but now we have bought a house, cheap one (around 135,000 euro) but we have a lot of luck with the place and everything else. Because it was cheaper we got some money to do some building in the house (new bathroom, new kitchen, some repairs). The location is awesome, just behind the station. This is very useful for us because we're totally dependent on the public transport. The east is cheaper if you want to buy a house or apartment. If you can get a higher mortgage you can also buy a converted farm, that means huge houses.

-What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?

Very expensive. A lot of your income goes for taxes (around 40% that includes pension funds too) and you need to pay the health insurance (around 100 euro per person), personal insurance, the mortgage (around 700 euro but you get some of the money back from the government under certain circumstances) and house insurance. The Dutch LOOOVVE insurance.

-What do you think about the Dutch?

I felt myself in the beginning a little discriminated against, but I noticed later that it comes from the low educated people, also bad for other people. If you speak Dutch, you can tell that it makes a world of difference in how you're treated. It also depends on where in the Netherlands you are. As I said in the big cities where people are more used to foreigners, you will have less problems with discrimination. 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Holland?

Positive: beautiful landscapes, everything is very organized, the Dutch are very family-oriented people.

Negative: it is difficult to make real friends, following procedures for almost everything, the weather (too hot, too cold, too windy and unpredictable)

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Netherlands?

I've read a book called The Undutchables. It's funny and gives you some sense of how life here is. And a tip I would give is: before moving for good, try to live for some time here (3 months for example). Not just as a tourist but try to see what daily life is like before you make a  definitive choice.  

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Holland?

http://www.nederlandsalstweedetaal.nl/

http://nt2.kennisnet.nl/oefenen/nederlands

http://www.kijkopdeventer.nl/

http://www.leren.nl/rubriek/talen/nederlands/

-Where were you born?

Oakland, California, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?

Utrecht, The Netherlands

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my dog (Turner) and husband (Bram)

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

Since December 8, 2009 (almost 9 months at the time of this writing)

-What is your age?

26

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?

My husband is Dutch and we met when he was in the US on vacation, so when things started to get serious, we knew one of us was going to have to make a move to another country. The US economy being what it is and the fact that I was halfway through grad school and more or less jobless, it didn't take us long to figure out who it was going to be. Not to mention that trying to get into the US is 10 times worse than trying to get into the Netherlands – if you can imagine that!

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

The worst part was the waiting. I turned in my application 10 March, 2009. It was exceedingly expensive, but relatively easy to fill out as the US and the Netherlands have a pretty tight relationship. I finally got the actual document in June 2009. The expiration date? 10 March 2010. Gotta love Dutch bureaucracy!

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Not at all. It was taken care of through my husband's work. Far easier to get insurance here than it is to get residency!

-How do you make your living in the Netherlands? Do you have any type of income generated?

Right now I'm a floater. I do some freelance writing and a bit of nanny work. I'm still working with the company my mother and I started in the US in 2005 (medievalmaidens.net) as writer and webdesigner. Hopefully, I'll have some of my craft wares on etsy.com soon. I've also started my own company, Little Broadway, which is an 8-week after school musical theatre program.

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Only a month after I arrived, I started with a Dutch language class at a local university. I also regularly attend Let's Talk Dutch meetings through the International Women's Contact Utrecht of which I am a member, and my husband and I have Dutch Wednesdays and Sundays. I'll be picking back up with a year-long language course at the end of October, funded by the government.

For only having been here a little over half a year, my Dutch is pretty darn good! Learning the language of your new country is a MUST. Otherwise, you will never fully be able to integrate. Plus, it's just plain rude to make your home in a new country and expect everyone to speak your language just because you're too lazy to learn theirs. I can sympathize with those finding it not so easy – Dutch is an extremely difficult language!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I do miss family and friends, although I don't miss the US as much as I probably should… Luckily, because of my father's job (he's a pilot for Delta Air Lines), my parents can fly anywhere for free and my brother, my husband, and I fly for incredibly low rates and usually sit in business class! As far as missing "home," the Netherlands is my home now and I absolutely love it here!

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Obviously, I'll be working on Little Broadway and increasing awareness of the program. I'd also like to get set up selling my handcrafted items. Becoming a writer is a dream I have realized over the past few years and I hope to make that a reality. Eventually, we'd like to start a family (with non-hairy children) and move into a house with a garden!

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We live in a 2 bedroom apartment measuring 65 m². When my husband bought the place 6 years ago, he paid approximately €165K for it.

-What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?

Much more expensive than in the US! I've finally trained myself not to do Dollar to Euro conversions anymore, which lets me shop without constant heart attacks when I look at price tags!

-What do you think about the Dutch?

They're great! Extremely nice people. I do think it's funny that, no matter how crowded it is and how invasive they are when they push by you, no one ever utters an "excuse me," or "sorry." Once, I even had a man grab me by both shoulders and literally move me out of his way! The service is also very slow. But then, I think it's too fast in the US. I wonder if there's a country out there that has something somewhere in between?

In Utrecht, everyone speaks English and is more than willing to do so! This can hurt if you're actively trying to learn the language. In general, the Dutch are very helpful!

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Holland?

Obviously, you'll have to learn another language but, look on the bright side: you get to learn another language! You have to be flexible with the language, people, and cultures as they are different from your own. This helps you integrate better and become a better person, but can be trying at times.

The administration is terrible! I have never seen people take so long to do anything and no one seems to have the slightest bit of knowledge about what's going on. If you need something from city hall, plan to be there the whole day!

The waiters will let you sit and rot if you don't hunt them down so you can be served. However, it is nice to be in charge of when you are served and when you get the bill. No one's going to breathe down your neck wanting to know if they can get you anything else or if you are enjoying the meal or are ready for your check!

I have also fallen in love with the cycling culture and I'm tickled by how eco- and pet- friendly the Netherlands is. It thrills me to no end that I can take Turner out shopping and then to lunch, followed by a stroll in the park sans leash!

Health care is so much better here – a dream compared to the US! Not to mention the vacation benefits and sick, parental, maternity and paternity leaves! With the Dutch, you always know where you stand!

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Holland?

Be easy going – roll with the punches. As small as the Netherlands is, it is extremely rich in culture and history, so be sure to check out as many museums, parks, and castles as possible.

Many shops are closed or open late on Mondays and stores are usually closed by 6pm every day of the week except Thursdays when they stay open a bit later. The first Sunday of every month, stores are open. If you decide to wait until Sunday any of the other weeks that month, you'll be out of luck!

If you can, take some driving lessons or at least learn some of the basic driving theory here. Driving is very different and the Dutch take it very seriously.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Netherlands?

• http://clogsandtulips.blogspot.com/
• http://www.iwcu.nl/
• www.howtosurviveholland.nl/noflash.html
• http://www.2bdutch.nl/
• http://dutchnews.nl/

-Where were you born?

In Hong Kong, my dad's from there and my mom's a Taiwanese. We moved to Singapore when I was 9. 

-In which country and city are you living now?

In Den Haag in The Netherlands. 

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I'm living here with my Dutch husband. My parents and sister still live in Singapore.

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

About a year now. 

-What is your age?

25 

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?

Well, my husband has a job here since last year, whereas I was still studying in Australia and Germany. Nothing to lose if I moved. Plus, there's the higher income in Holland compared to Singapore, meaning for the two of us who are just starting up (and might move yet again to somewhere else), the higher income will come in more helpful.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

I was really lucky, it took a month for the visa and just 2 weeks (!!!!) for a residence permit (you have to get an MVV visa* for entering Holland, in order to apply for residence permit in Holland). Heard from other people that it took 3 months for their residence permit applications to be approved. 

* You need to pass a basic cultural/language test to be eligible to apply for the MVV.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

That is the confusing part: You need to have be registered with the city and have a social security number to get medical insurance. BUT, it is illegal to enter EU without medical insurance.

So I had to get temporary travel insurance while I waited for the city to give me a social security number (Burger Service Nummer). 

-How do you make your living the Netherlands? Do you have any type of income generated?

Although most people speak English and many companies' official working language is English, you will find out they also want you to know Dutch. That makes finding a job difficult. Currently I am still trying to find work, through employment agencies mainly. 

Anyway, most people who move here will need to take integration courses (inburgeringscursus); I would recommend that before you start working. 

So no, I generate zero income and my husband's currently the only breadwinner.  

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Thanks to having learnt German for a number of years and lived in Germany, Dutch - being a cousin of English and German - poses little problems for me. I pick it up quickly and am still learning it. Although in Holland it is hard to learn Dutch; people usually switch to English once they detect that you're an English-speaker. Locals delight in showing off their prowess for the English language.

Although almost everyone converses in English with little problem in NL, from what I have experienced so far. But without Dutch it is hard to really bond with anyone here, especially when people here are already more protective of their personal time and space. 

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available. 

It is only natural to feel that way. I have lived away from home for about 3 years now (1 in China, 1 in Australia and 1 in Germany), but I miss how in Hong Kong and Singapore (actually in every Asian state) shops are open til 11pm, supermarkets open every day of the week, there is always something to do (and eat!!!!) in the neighborhood or city at any hour of the day. I also wish eating out in Holland would be cheaper. more relaxed than having to always make reservations (in my opinion it means planning) and available around the clock. 

But if we moved to eg. Singapore, I'd definitely miss cycling safely in Holland.  

-Do you have other plans for the future?

My husband is not a fan of winter so we have tentatively planned for a move to a warmer place. I am happy with winter but not the prolonged one that you get in Holland - sunrise at 8am and sunset at 5pm for about 3 months... quite dampening to the spirits, really. 

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We are currently renting from a real estate agency. If you choose to rent socially (from the city) you will probably find yourself waiting for 3 years before it's your turn to pick a place. Ours is in one of those typical old houses in Holland, taking up half the floor with 2 rooms and a terrace - not as big as it sounds. 

Because we live in the randstad, and really close to the city-centre, in a neighborhood close to all the embassies, for the type of housing we rent it's about 800 euros a month all inclusive. 

-What do you think about the Dutch?

People are in general very nice and at eg. post office or banks, they're much more patient, taking time to really answer customers' queries (sometimes too long). Also they are good-natured, very kind people. 

On the other hand, Dutch are keen on sticking to their traditions. There has to be an appointment for everything, even if you just want to drop by at your in-laws', which makes it rather stifling and not spontaneous. I also find myself having to ask for everything, instead of being asked. For instance when I first got here, rather than asking how am I settling in, they ask if I have done anything fun so far. I realised they conclude my well-being from what I have been up to. They prefer to say, 'if it makes you happy', or 'whatever makes you happy', instead of actually asking what makes you happy or if you are happy. I think the Dutch should realise it is nice to be the ones asking sometimes, because it is not as prying as they think it might be. 

 -What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Netherlands?

It is a very good country for setting up a family. The living pace is nice in the sense that there is a work-life balance, but on the flip side it is too slow sometimes. If you live in the randstad like I do, life is pretty ok, a little faster but still lack the food & activities around the clock though. 

Although Holland is renown for its high tolerance and threshold, it does not equate to life being easy here. Tolerance for different people and different lifestyles does not translate exactly into harmonious relationships among people.  

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Netherlands?

i. patience is a virtue

ii. do not be too easily affected by everything that gets on your nerves or upsets you

iii. remember that in any place there is always something bad about it, especially the longer you stay in one place - if you still can't handle it, pack and leave. It IS only natural that there is always somewhere that not all of us are suited for.

-Where were you born?

I was born in Selangor, Malaysia. The capital city Kuala Lumpur is 20 minutes away by car.

-In which country and city are you living now?

Arnhem, The Netherlands.  Arnhem is a city with about 160 000 people.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my Dutch boyfriend.

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

For 3 years now!

-What is your age?

23

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?

I did not particularly want to move to Europe as I was perfectly happy in Malaysia. Things changed when I met my boyfriend. I am a lot more open to new things than he is, so I decided to pack up to be with him!

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

No. My visa was approved in just 5 weeks as my partner and I fulfilled all the conditions.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Yes, it was frustrating. I needed health insurance to apply for a residence permit. Yet, I couldn't get health insurance without a residence permit! I was told that once my residence permit had been approved, my insurance would be backdated. I thought that would be risky (in the event my residence permit application is denied, I wouldn't be covered and could be stuck with a giant medical bill if I got into an accident) and bought temporary travel insurance. 

-How do you make your living in the Netherlands? Do you have any type of income generated?

I am a full-time student at a college in Arnhem. For extra money, I babysit a little girl. I found the family through Marktplaats. I would like another part-time job but it's hard as I am not fluent in Dutch yet.

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

I speak some Dutch - enough to communicate what I want and answer questions. I can read Dutch very well and can fill out tax forms and other applications by myself. I cannot, however, reply in gramatically correct Dutch nor can I fully participate in conversations. I have passed the integration exam but the level of Dutch there is extremely low.

I think expats should definitely respect local customs but that doesn't mean you have to forget who you are. I was very unhappy for a long time as I felt as if I'd given up my great life, family, a possible good career (I was a student then), friends and simply, a sense of self-worth. Moving here as an 'immigrant' and having to feel like an outsider was hard. Now that I am a student in an international stream, I feel much better. My life does not have to completely change just because I chose to be with my boyfriend. 

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Yes. I have a very close family and 3 very good friends. My parents are going to visit me in the summer and my boyfriend and I holiday in Malaysia once a year.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

My degree obviously comes first. From first hand experience, looking for a job, when you live in a small town and can't speak Dutch, is very difficult! I'm afraid to say that my future plans are somewhat mundane- graduate, get a good job and hopefully, work abroad (if the bf agrees ), have babies... you get the picture! I would love to move back to Malaysia for a while simply because the support system I have there is very good. Here, it's hard to get someone to babysit our cat when we're on holiday!

Don't get me wrong - I am happy here now and I am aware that there are certain things I will miss about The Netherlands. However, my parents are extremely important to me. 

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We rent a simple unfurnished 2-bedroom apartment. We pay 1000 euro per month and it includes gas, water and electricity.

-What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?

Living in Arnhem is cheaper than Amsterdam. Dollar to dollar (or should I say euro-ringgit), The Netherlands is cheaper than where I lived. Taxes are high but I guess I don't really mind paying as that means I would have a safety net if I get retrenched or fired. I also will not need to save for my children's education. In Malaysia, tertiary education cost between 11 000 euro (excl. living expenses) right up to 220 000 euro (medical studies in the UK with very basic living expenses). Groceries in The Netherlands can be expensive or cheap depending where you shop. The Aldi is ridiculously cheap and as can be expected, speciality shops can be costly. 

In short:

Cheaper - alcohol, going out, eating out at restaurants, education, gym, cars etc.

More expensive - washing machines, kitchen aids (!!!), Asian food, cleaning services, clothes.

-What do you think about the Dutch? 

As I am not a Muslim immigrant, I think the Dutch in general are somewhat indifferent to me. They are not normally mean to me nor are they helpful. 

I have Dutch friends now but they are different from the Dutch people I've met outside school. I think my Dutch friends are more open-minded (or they wouldn't have chosen an international course). 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Netherlands?

 I like the 4-seasons - although it can be quite dreary in the winter. It's dark, gloomy and people are SO grumpy but then, I love The Netherlands in the summer. I like how the sun shines right til 10 p.m. and how happy everyone is.

Every country is different so I can't really say what's positive or negative but only MY perception of them. I think the only negative aspect I can think of (all the other small negative details are probably sub-categories of this!) is that this is not my home country and I therefore will not have the same support system here nor will I have the same sense of belonging or purpose, and I am never quite sure if what I'm doing is 'strange' or not to Dutch eyes. I once wanted to give a neighbour a tart I'd baked as he'd cleaned the hallway for us but was told that would be inappropriate! So yes, there's a sense of constantly being unsure.  

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Netherlands?

Learn the language (that's obvious. I am aware that being fluent is really hard though!), keep an open mind, don't worry if you start to hate the country after a while - that's normal! You'll get over it eventually, do try to make friends but don't get bummed out if the Dutchies don't want to be (you can always meet expats). If you can, try to live in a big city or close to one as there will be shops and more possibility to meet people.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Netherlands?

My Blog: http://deliciouslylekker.blogspot.com, which is mostly about food and my life here. 

Dutch transportation system: http://www.9292ov.nl

-Where were you born?

Singapore

-In which country and city are you living now?

I live in a town called Geleen in the province of Limburg in the south of The Netherlands.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my husband and 4-year-old daughter.

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

This summer will be my 8th year here.

-What is your age?

33

 -When did you come up with the idea of living in Holland?

I met my Dutch-born husband through the Internet in 2001 and we decided I would move here after we got married. His job was better paying than mine and plus he had already owned a house so it made more sense for me to come here than for us to have to start from square one all over again in Singapore.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

We were married first in Singapore and I have the advantage of coming from a first world country so there were no bureaucratic hang ups. That being said, there was a lot of paperwork and a long waiting time, which I have since found out is normal here. I made it just in time before 9/11, after which they have made it extremely difficult and a lot more tedious.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Yes, because once I arrived in the Netherlands, my temporary visa was revoked and I had to re-apply and wait for another one. The long waiting period meant that only one insurance company would accept me and we had to go along with it for about six months before I received my new visa. It wasn't difficult per se just very infuriating and frustrating.

-How do you make your living in Holland? Do you have any type of income generated?

My lack of prowess for the Dutch language and the dialect made it difficult for me to get a job, any job.  I even tried housekeeping and it only lasted a day. My luck changed in 2004 when I got a job as an assistant archivist with an aircraft maintenance company in Maastricht-Aachen Airport through the employment agency Randstad. They needed someone with a strong command of English to help in their archives department and to communicate with their counterparts in other parts of the English-speaking world like Canada and Nigeria.

I didn't even bother trying to speak Dutch at the interview and it did the trick because I beat out several other candidates, all Dutch natives. I have been told by many people that if I live in the Randstad area (in the North where the big cities Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam are), I would not have a problem getting a job but because I am in the provincial, less progressive part of the Netherlands, it will forever be a challenge unless I get really lucky again.

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I had tried to learn Dutch in Singapore with private classes but a skill is useless unless it is being used and I had to wait for another half a year before I could begin my 'inburgeringscursus' (a mandatory integration course for all immigrants to the Netherlands where we were supposed to be taught how to integrate but it was just mostly learning the language). In the meantime, I went for private lessons once a week and whilst it did give me an edge during my first level of Dutch classes, the inefficient teacher I had for my second held me back. The one teacher I had, my husband, was a very bad (language) one and could never explain to me the rules of grammar and vocabulary in the Dutch language so I didn't learn as fast as I could have.

I never hesitated to learn the language as I come from a multi-racial country so I understand the importance of knowing another language to be able to communicate with your friends and neighbours. Unfortunately, my progress was hindered by the locals I met who all spoke the provincial dialect, Limburgese (a mix of Dutch and German). It is so varied that it even differs from town to town so it took me a long time to get comfortable with the language enough to speak it as fluently as I do now. I was already very apprehensive in practising the standard Dutch I had learnt and it was made worse by everyone else speaking Limburgese. As glad as I am to receive the compliments I do now, I almost always point out about the intractable annoyance that is the dialect.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

I think it is very natural to miss home the first few years but I missed my independence most of all. I was used to getting things done on my own and here I had to wait for my husband for every little thing until I learnt enough to do it on my own. As a food lover, I miss our local cuisines the most as we have almost everything from Italian pasta to Chinese wok (the real deal and not the horrible stuff they serve in Chinese eateries here). I miss hanging out with my friends at the food centres and stuffing our faces until our belts burst. You can't eat like that here. I used to love going to the movies and dinner every Saturday night but eating out is expensive here so if I go the movies, I can only afford coffee afterwards.

I loved cycling but Singapore is so busy that I could only do it at certain designated places and when I came here, it was my main source of transport. I need it to get to everywhere so that has made up for the lack of other recreational facilities.  I do wish they have more things to do here especially in winter when the weather gets so depressing.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I hope to be able to get a part-time job and build it up from there. I would also like to learn German so it can help in my job search and I can communicate better when we shop and visit friends in Germany. I don't always have to wait for my husband to translate every little thing for me then!

The Netherlands has been good to me and I have had a happy, good life since I moved here but I do hope to move to another country in the future, preferably one with a warm climate but still within the confines of the continent. I don't rule out returning to my homeland but only if things change for the better there.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

My husband bought his childhood home from his father for a steal of 90,000 guilders (±€40,000) back in 1997 and we have continued living in the same house. We renovated it in 2004 in time to receive our daughter and I have been told I am fortunate as housing in the bigger Dutch cities are more expensive and for the same price, I would probably get something half the size. There are a lot of new houses being built now which mostly caters to either the yuppie couple or a family with 2 working parents where space is constraint and prices are steep. "Old" houses like mine are more spacious and reasonably less expensive but require a lot of maintenance.

-What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?

Everything is twice as expensive here but living near the German border enables us to take advantage of lower shopping costs there. Online shopping has also eased some of our budgetary constraints. I still can't get used to the high taxes here though.

-What do you think about the Dutch? 

Prior to coming here, I had met some of my husband's friends who were kind enough to travel to Singapore for our wedding and they were all warm, friendly and kind people. It gave me a false illusion of the real Dutch person and thus, I am still not used to the brash honesty and 'in-your-face' approach the Dutch have. It's hard to not take it personally when they are so blatant and for someone who wasn't raised in this culture, we aren't as quick to retaliate. I get the ‘honesty-is-the-best policy' bit but they should realise that it's not what you say, it's how you say it.

The Dutch are sticklers for their tradition and culture and get very offended if you break them. You have to make an appointment for everything, even just a simple visit, which leaves no room for flexibility and spontaneity, two fun virtues sorely lacking here. If I need something, even help, I have to ask for it and whilst it's quite alright to ask for some things, I get tired of having to ask for everything all the time so I have stopped asking altogether.  They should also realise that it's nice to be asked, even if once in a while. Whilst they like to think of themselves as friendly, they are, but only to the people who are similar to them. Being friendly and being left-wing is two different things but the Dutch like to think of them as the same.

I have only recently befriended the rest of my 9 neighbours (prior to this summer, I only knew 2) and it's pretty useless now because I could have used their company when I first came here 7 years ago. I realise they like to take their time to get to know a person before they become friendly with them but all we need is a friendly face. After 7 years, I finally made my first full-fledged Dutch friend (our children attend the same playschool) and she is warm and friendly but I am not about to run out and make new (Dutch) friends.The phrase 'once bitten, twice shy' comes to mind.

 -What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Netherlands?

It is a child-friendly country with generous maternity packages and a comprehensive and balanced education system (students get every Wednesday afternoons off). There are also many alternatives for education after the mandatory secondary school so if one is not academically inclined; it is not the end of the world for them, unlike back in Singapore. They have tough recycling laws here which sit well with ecologically conscious people like me. I also prefer the absence of the paper chase and/or appearances upkeep and altogether rat face which haunted me back in Singapore. The pace of life (at least here in suburbia) is slow and unexciting which is perfect if you want to raise a family but unfortunate if you are a young adult with an active social life.

Customer service here is probably the worst in the world (I have seen cashiers chatting with each other whilst I'm waiting in line to make a purchase) so shopping isn't exactly a joy. Living costs are high because of the taxes so unless you are in a high paying job, be prepared to cut back costs. For those who love varied cuisines, there aren't many here and most 'exotic' restaurants amend their food to adapt to the Dutch taste buds. The Dutch refuse to eat anything the least bit spicy or the least bit different and dining out is very expensive.

The Dutch have a long history of tolerance towards immigrants but just because it is easy for immigrants to enter and stay in the country (not anymore), doesn't mean to say it is easy period. They have an uncomfortable relationship with immigrants here and on the whole, they are just basically tolerating them because they have to. They have a high opinion of themselves because they are admired internationally for their left-wing politics but that has caused them a lot of trouble in recent years and tides are turning. They have also done all the wrong things when it comes to immigration and there are cases where immigrants have been here for decades without learning the language nor doing a day's job which causes a lot of friction with the Dutch natives who pay high taxes for the immigrants to live on. They are now only just beginning to rectify it but it is too little too late. Privately, they mostly leave the immigrants alone but they don't do much to help them integrate either.

 -Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Netherlands?

• If you don't have a thick skin, get one. You need it to deal with the Dutch mentality.

• Don't take anything personally or you'll drive yourself crazy. They are who they are but do not let them suck you in either.

• Have patience. Lots of it. You need it when dealing with official matters like getting your visa. The waiting alone is enough to make you go crazy.

• Do not compare yourself with anyone else who has migrated here, especially someone who did it at the same time you did. We all lead our lives in our own pace and whilst one person might take a month to fully adapt, others will take years. Just try your best, which is all you can do

• Try to make friends but do not expect people to show you any mercy just because you're a foreigner or new to the country.

• You must want to give it a chance. Complain all you want but be fair enough to yourself to give it your best shot if not for anything so at least you can tell yourself (and others need be) that you tried your best. Be honest about your expectations but be realistic about them as well.

• Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to adjust and if you still find that you can't handle your new living situation, either do something about it or get out of the country. Not all of us are meant to live in a country other than our own.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Netherlands?

www.9292ov.nl – this will tell you how to literally get from one address to another.

www.undutchables.nl – a tongue-in-cheek but honest site about living here.

www.dutchnews.nl – online English language Dutch news website.

-Where were you born?

Reading, the United Kingdom

-In which country and city are you living now?

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

-Are you living alone or with your family?

Alone

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

Three years

-What is your age?

28

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?

I studied at the University of Amsterdam for a year as part of a student exchange scheme when I was 21. I fell in love with the city and always intended to move back here once I'd finished my degree. After a couple of years working in London, I made the decision to return to Amsterdam permanently to live and work.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

As an EU citizen, I didn't need a visa or work permit.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Medical insurance is a legal requirement in the Netherlands, so I set it up as soon as I started working in Amsterdam. Everything in the Netherlands requires a certain amount of form-filling and bureaucracy though.

-How do you make your living in Holland? Do you have any type of income generated?

I work as a copywriter and project manager for a communications agency in the centre of town. I was extremely lucky to find a good job within two weeks of my arrival, and I'm still in the same office now. I actually advertised myself on an expat website and was approached by the then Managing Editor of the company. I'm not sure it would be quite so easy in the current economic climate! Many of my friends worked for companies in the UK and were then posted over here, but as an English speaker it's not too difficult to find work here directly.

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

I've made quite an effort to learn Dutch, although it's taken a lot of time and money! It's hard to learn the language by osmosis because English is all around you and the locals are very keen to speak it. So lessons are pretty much a must. But for me, knowing that I want to make the Netherlands my permanent home, it's important to try to learn and practice my Dutch.

I think the great thing about living abroad is that you can take the best customs and traditions from both your home country and your adopted country: I support the Dutch football team and wear orange for Dutch festivals, but I still celebrate Christmas more than Sinterklaas and I still say thank you and sorry at every unnecessary opportunity!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I rarely miss friends and family in England – largely because I go back to visit them regularly; equally, they're very keen to make use of my spare room. But there are a few things I miss about England: being able to have a banter with the coffee barrister or the barman – you can't do that unless you’re a native speaker!

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I may well travel, but my home will always be in Amsterdam. My passions lie in food and writing, so my ambition is to combine these in my career. I'm considering everything from food writing (which I already do on a freelance basis) to giving cookery lessons to conducting gastronomic tours of the city…

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I've bought a 55-square-metre apartment just north of the Westerpark. Generally, you can find a one-two bedroom place for under €200,000 if you're not looking in the centre or the most popular areas.

-What is the cost of living in Holland?

The cost of living in Amsterdam is relatively high compared to other European countries, not least because tax is high. But somehow the quality of life doesn't suffer – I think riding a bike everywhere must cut the cost of getting from A to B!

-What do you think about the Dutch?

Dutch people are known for their directness, which is a quality I appreciate. They're quite hard to infiltrate, though, and I still have very few Dutch friends even after three years. I find the international Amsterdammers rather easier to befriend.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Netherlands?

For me, being able to cycle to work every day rather than take the polluted London Underground is a major plus. I also love the canals – the presence of water all around me is somehow calming, and the reflection of lights in the dark water at night never fails to enchant me.

On the downside, every foreigner and Dutch person alike complains about the service. Finding a café or restaurant where the waiting staff are polite and attentive is to be regarded as a minor miracle!

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Netherlands?

Just do it!

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Netherlands?

www.amsterdamfoodie.nl – a site/blog dedicated to Amsterdam restaurant reviews and other food news in the city.

www.elynx.nl – the bible for expats in Holland; find a house to rent, look for jobs, buy and sell goods or services…

www.monsterboard.nl – your first port of call for jobs.

www.timeout.com/amsterdam - listings site with useful tips for hotels, sights and entertainment.

-Where were you born?

Tel Aviv, Israel

-In which country and city are you living now?

Bussum, the Netherlands (between Amsterdam and Utrecht)

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my British husband and our three daughters, age 12, 9 and 7.

-How long have you been living in the Netherlands?

8 years

-What is your age?

45

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Netherlands?

We were living in North London with 2 young girls and were desperate to get out of the big city and change scene. My husband was also looking for a change from his solicitor career. When a job offer to move into the international business world in Holland came his way, we literally didn't think twice.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

Not an issue, being EU citizens. Just a lot of paper work!

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

E-a-s-y. So long as you pay, you get the cover…

-How do you make your living in the Netherlands? Do you have any type of income generated?

I am a qualified nutritionist and in London had my practice. When we moved here there was too much going on what with a relocation, 2 young children and a baby on the way. Four years ago, when our youngest was about to start full-time schooling (age 4), I decided to go back to work as a nutritionist. Since then I have had two books published in the Netherlands; I give private nutritional consultations; work closely with companies at Health & Wellness events; write for several websites and publications; and serve as an industry trend-tracker and consultant. My hands are full, and they are the ones that got me to where I am now.

-Do you speak Dutch and do you think it's important to speak the local language?  

My Dutch is more than enough for casual conversation, daily affairs and even TV and newspaper interviewing… But I do not feel as confident or fluent in it as in the other languages I speak. Most Dutch people speak reasonable to excellent English; it must be the easiest country in Europe to get by in English.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Home is Israel, where I grew up for the first 26 years of my life, 5 minutes from a beautiful Mediterranean beach. I miss the SUN, light and heat very much and the palpable human warmth, but get my annual 'homeland fix' every summer, when we go there for 7 weeks and have one big, long, non-stop party in shorts and sandals, surrounded by people who love us lots. We go to the beach, spend hours by the pool, visit friends and family and travel around the fascinating country that Israel is.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Many, most of which include travel, but I try to live in the present and not get caught up in too much planning.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

The common advice here is that if you intend to live here for more than 3 years, you'd be better off buying than renting. So we did. Without us realising it at the time, we ended up living in one of Holland's nicest areas ('t Gooi), towns (Bussum) and neighbourhoods (het Spiegel). Prices are very high here and houses are very much in demand.

-What is the cost of living in Holland?

Holland isn't cheap, certainly if you take into account the whopping income tax charged if you're not under the 30% rule (which exempts you from paying income tax on the first 30% of your income; it's applicable to most expats). When we moved here, in 2000, everything was 15-20% cheaper than in the UK, but prices have gone up significantly when the euro made its appearance. Car and petrol prices are the highest in Europe, and housing is also very expensive. But some services (e.g. state-subsidised international schools, public sports facilities, and, since the change in law, medical insurance) are excellent value for money.

-What do you think about the Dutch?

The Dutch mind not only their business, but yours as well: they like to 'educate' you with their reproachful stares should you 'misbehave'. Dutch people can also be very rude, and the service mentality here is abominable: as the customer you are by definition at fault. On the whole the Dutch are fairly cold, cliquey and not the kind you'd signal out as full of joie de vivre. The dinner party culture is by and large foreign to them, making socialising awkward. Still, it's always down to the individual and we have met some lovely people here. However, where we have made inroads into Dutch society, it's been invariably with international Dutch people – mixed marriages, or those who have lived abroad for many years.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Netherlands?

Holland is a safe, clean, practical, green and pleasant country to live in. Out of the big cities, it's a haven for children, who can and do have their independence here very early on. You can also cycle everywhere, which is a real joy. So long as you stick to the rules and behave yourself, no one will bother you too much. One more thing we like about Holland is that the Dutch don't make a big fuss about anything, so you won't come across the sometimes hysterical attitudes to, say, safety or health that you see in other nations.

The only real downside of living here is the grim, grey, cold and wet weather. You end up wearing the same clothes (in ubiquitous black-brown-grey) 10 months of the year. Yuck. Oh, and if you like good food, don't come here. The Dutch are as good with cuisine as the Germans are with humour.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Netherlands?

There are loads of good things here, including plenty of expats and a nice international feel.

Learn some basic Dutch and learn from the Dutch, who must be the most physically active European nationals, way into old age.

Holland is a small country and public transport tends to be good, so you can live in a nice countryside-like place (where your money will get you a larger house or garden) and still be 20-30 minutes from the centre of town. It's an option worth exploring if you're going to work in one of the big cities.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Netherlands?

If you have an interest in nutrition, health and self-care, check out my website, you'll find lots there – www.forgoodness-sake.com.

Want to shop for health food in Holland? (now there's a challenge for you!) Then check out this article -
http://www.expatica.com/nl/life_in/leisure/health-food-shoppingbr-in-the-netherlands-41724.html  

For the best Dutch teacher in Holland (Sylvia Clements) who'll teach you Dutch quicker than you ever thought possible, using an unusual and creative method
www.learndutchfast.nl

The two books which I co-authored are:

Snoep Goed (Healthy Sweets & Treats for Children)
http://www.forgoodness-sake.com/ss&t.htm

Koken in Kleur (Cooking In Colours)
http://www.forgoodness-sake.com/cooking_in_colours.htm