Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Rotterdam

What is special or unique about your city?

With a population of 600,000, the "Water City" of Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands. Rotterdam also boasts the world's largest port - with which a great part of its history and people are intertwined. In addition to being a major economic center, Rotterdam Port and its waterways also provide numerous recreational possibilities.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

While Amsterdam, the nation's capital, is said to have a more relaxed and 'laissez-faire' type of lifestyle, Rotterdam is much more of a business-oriented city by comparison. In general, Rotterdam's inhabitants are known for their serious dedication to hard work. Nevertheless, Rotterdam does have a lot of cultural appeal and recreational activities to offer. In addition to bustling shopping centers, Rotterdam has numerous restaurants with international cuisine, a diversity of theaters, cinemas, museums and concert halls.

Are these impressions likely to change?

No.

What is the local language?

Dutch.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

It would be very unlikely that you would have to speak Dutch. Almost everyone living and working in the Netherlands is able and willing to speak English.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

Nothing special.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

The warmest months of the year are June to August, when temperatures range between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius (70 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit).There are rarely extreme temperatures, and even in winter the temperature does not often fall far below freezing point.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

All in all, Rotterdam is a very international oriented city with a mixed, open and tolerant atmosphere that will never bore you.

Useful Links

Official City of Rotterdam site www.rotterdam.nl General Rotterdam information www.vvv.rotterdam.nl/engels/ Rotterdam Experience www.rotterdamexperience.nl Expatica: local news and relocation information www.expatica.com/index.asp

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

A non-EU citizen must have a work permit. It is primarily the responsibility of the employer to apply for this permit. An expatriate who intends to stay in the Netherlands for longer than three months must register with his or her municipality. The Aliens Police in your municipality will also issue a residence permit to you. In some cases, an authorization for provisional sojourn (MVV) is needed before an application for residence permit is possible. The Aliens Police will check if the MVV and work permit have been obtained.

What kinds of visas are available?

Before entering the Netherlands for a period of less than three months (either for business or tourist purposes), foreigners from a number of countries need to be in possession of a visa. There is an extended list of visa-duty countries which changes every three years. Most foreigners also need to be in possession of the MVV Visa - provided by the Dutch embassy or consulate in the transferee's home country. A MVV is a national visa in the form of a sticker in your passport. Exempted from MVV-duty are EU-countries, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland and Monaco.

What is required to obtain these visas?

Foreigners who need visas must request them in person at the Dutch embassy or consulate in their home country. Required documents are a passport and an invitation letter from your employer in the Netherlands. This letter should state your name and date of birth, the purpose of your visit, your passport number, a description of the relation between you and the company and a guarantee regarding the possible costs made by your visit.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

Yes, although a spouse needs his or her own work permit. Crown Rotterdam can explain in detail which rules apply in your case.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

A passport and / or driver's license are the main forms of identification.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

Upon move-in, register with your municipality. The Aliens Police in your municipality will also issue your residence permit. Documents needed for registering with the municipality and for obtaining a work permit include: passport employment contract work permit (if required) proof of valid health insurance employer's statement (werkgeversverklaring) 2 color passport photos birth and marriage certificates (please check with Crown Rotterdam to find out if these documents require legalization) rental contract

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Do not bring weapons or drugs into the Netherlands.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

Be sure to extend your permits before they expire.

Useful Links

Immigration and Naturalization service www.ind.nl The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.minbuza.nl

 

What is the local currency?

Euro.

What denominations does it come in?

Notes (euros): 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Coins (cents): 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Coins (euros): 1, 2

What is the best way to exchange currency?

With a bank, post office or at a GWK money exchange office. You will find GWK offices at railway stations, the airport and other places where there are a lot of tourists.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Cash and bank card (debit card).

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

Restaurants, hotels and department stores generally accept all major credit cards. However, paying by credit card is less common in smaller shops. Instead, you'll need to pay by cash or bank card.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Pre-authorized debit is an efficient way of paying gas, water and electricity bills. This way your bills are automatically deducted from your bank account. Some utility companies will send you a bill with an acceptgiro which you sign and post to your bank.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

To open a bank account, you must furnish an address, passport and a sofi number (local tax/social security number). A sofi number puts you into the financial/tax and social system. Both the tax office (which provides one) and your employer will need this number, which is personally bound. For EU citizens, you simply take your passport to your local tax office and ask for a sofi number. Non-EU citizens will need to present a valid passport, proof of registration with the Aliens Police and proof of registration from the Register of Population to receive a sofi number. To open a bank account with the Postbank you also need a residence permit. To open a bank account with the ABN Amro you also need a Dutch employment contract.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

Foreign residents will be able to find banking services in their native languages, though there are few brochures and application forms available in foreign languages. English is spoken by most people in the Netherlands - including bank employees.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

Foreign residents will be able to find banking services in their native languages, though there are few brochures and application forms available in foreign languages.

What are typical banking hours?

Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Larger Postbank offices are also open Saturday mornings

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Yes.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

To pay for small items, many people use a form of rechargeable electronic purse called a chipknip. Loaded at the bank, a chipknip can be either a separate card or your regular bank card with this added feature. Usually there is a machine next to the ATM machine that says 'chipknip.' What you can load onto your chipknip depends on the amount of money in your bank account. Please note that ALL parking meters in Rotterdam only take chipknip, no cash!

Useful Links

All about the euro www.euro.nl Local banks: ABN AMRO www.abnamro.nl Postbank www.postbank.nl ING www.inggroup.com Fortis www.fortis.com SNS Bank www.sns.nl Rabobank www.rabobank.nl

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Consider the characteristics of the neighborhood, type of dwelling you desire (house, apartment, etc), traffic in the area (for security and noise) and parking possibilities. Also note the proximity to public transport, schools, work, shops, cinemas, churches and other places you'll need to visit on a regular basis.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Hillegersberg - considered Rotterdam's jewel, this is a leafy suburb on the northeast edge of the city. Home to several international schools, the area escaped wartime bombing, leaving the old village center and elegant residential streets intact. As Hillegersberg is just a 15-minute drive from the center of Rotterdam, homes in this area are sought after by the Dutch and expats alike. This popularity makes it quite expensive. Kop van Zuid - favored by young expats, this is a trendy new development right in the middle of the harbor, directly across from the city center. Like the London docklands, it is a mix of renovated old warehouses and smaller, newer housing and apartments. Up-market urban prices apply. Kralingen - appeals to many young singles and dual-income-no-kids couples. 10 to 15 minutes east of the city center, Kralingen has multi-million euro mansions alongside students digs and council housing. Near a lovely lake and woods, the area has a very international feel and a huge variety of affordable and up-market housing available. Other suburbs - the suburbs of Schiebroek and newer Prinsenland and Ommoord are becoming favored areas. For those looking to rent rather than buy, Ommoord is an area where it is relatively easy to find family accommodation at reasonable prices.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Rent.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Generally, one month commission and a one to three month deposit has to be paid - depending on the estate agent and owner.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities are excluded in the rent of unfurnished houses. However, in the rent of fully furnished houses, the utilities are generally included.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

Always lock your bicycle - if you have one! And do not leave any valuable things in the car. The areas around Central Station and Rotterdam South might be ones to avoid during the night when you are alone.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

The electric current is AC 220 - 240 volts. Frequency (Hz) is 50. Electrical appliances from the UK are compatible. However, appliances from the US (110 volts / 60 Hz) need step-down transformers. For most appliances from EU countries, a simple adaptor should work for everything except the heavier appliances. These may require transformers as well. Plug shape is the standard two-pinned type. Plug adapters can be bought in most electrical shops.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

For most expats, rentals available from government housing corporations are not an option. Most expat rental properties are owned and rented on a private basis (vrije sector, estate agents or landlords).

Useful Links

Information about housing www.expatica.com/housing

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

In Rotterdam, most expat parents choose to send their children to private international schools. There is a wide range of these schools in Rotterdam and its surrounding areas. Also, Rotterdam is only 25 kilometers from The Hague, where many additional international schools are located.

What are some examples of these schools?

International primary and secondary education in Rotterdam: American International School of Rotterdam - primary and secondary education, ages 4 to 18 De Blijberg - primary education, ages 4 to 12 Japanese School of Rotterdam - ages 6 to 15 Rotterdam International Secondary School Wolfert van Borsselen - English stream, secondary education, ages 11 to 19 International schools in The Hague: The British School in the Netherlands - foundation, junior and senior school Deutsche Schule Den Haag - ages 3 to 19 Lycee francais Vincent van Gogh - ages 3 to 18 Iranian Community School - ages 5 to 18 The International School of The Hague - ages 11 to 18 HSV/The Hague International Primary School - ages 4 to 11 International higher and post-graduate education in the area: European University of The Hague International School of Economics Rotterdam Erasmus University Rotterdam The Rotterdam School of Management

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Waiting lists are quite common. Please contact Crown Rotterdam for up-to-date information on waiting lists and admission in general.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Yes, but keep in mind that a lot of these schools also have waiting lists.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Most schools have school bus transportation. Public transport, drop-off by parents or going to school by bike are also possible options.

When does the typical school year start and end?

September to June or July

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Some local schools have an international department. Please contact Crown Rotterdam.

Useful Links

Foundation for International Education in the Netherlands - includes listing of all international schools www.sio.nl

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.