The International School of Amsterdam. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS a small survival guide for living in Holland from your PTA

Transcription

1 The International School of Amsterdam YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS a small survival guide for living in Holland from your PTA

2 Several people have volunteered their time and effort to ensure the information contained in this document is efficient, effective and accurate. However, if you find any inaccuracies, or if you have suggestions for additional information, please inform the ISA PTA president who will relay your comments to the Guide s editor. This booklet is not intended to be completely comprehensive. We hope to provide information to help all families, new and old, unlock the secrets, and not-so-secret information, crucial to an educational and fun experience in this new culture. We wish you all good luck on your journey! Newcomer s Committee PTA (updated May 2009) Parent Teacher Association International School of Amsterdam PO Box 920 Sportlaan AX Amstelveen The Netherlands Tel: Fax:

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS EMERGENCY INFORMATION Who do you call when you find yourself in a critical situation? BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THIS LAND AND THE PEOPLE Do enough research and you will be impressed and amazed by the Dutch influence. ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING There is so much to see and do. Find out about museums, parks, zoos and more. BIRTHDAYS The Dutch have a special way to celebrate. CHILDREN Everything from having a baby here to options prior to their school years. CUSTOMS Receiving or bringing goods in and out of the Netherlands. DUTCH & ENGLISH LANGUAGE Do you need to bother learning the g sound without spitting all over listeners? EDUCATION - BEYOND ISA The Dutch school system and educational opportunities for parents. EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Addresses, phone numbers and some services they provide. FINANCIAL DISTRICT All about: the Euro, PIN transactions, ChipKnip, credit cards and paper checks. GARBAGE Enter the world of re-cycling and proper trash disposal. HEALTH CARE Choosing your huisarts or any specialist. Hospitals and medicines. HOLIDAYS Important dates recognized in the Netherlands.

4 HOUSING Should you rent or buy? KITCHEN AIDES Food translations and various measurement conversions. PERMITS Residence and tax expectations. PETS The world for your furry (or not) family member. POST OFFICES Stamps and stationary. READING RESOURCES Recommended books and bookstores.. SHOPPING Size chart conversions and other bits. SOCIAL GROUPS Kids go to school and spouses go to work... find out some places YOU can go. TAXES (BELASTINGEN) Taxes. One of life s certainties. TELEPHONE TRANSLATIONS Speak easy. TRANSPORTATION Rules of the road (and sidewalk / pavement). Car, Bicycle, Tram, Bus, Taxi and Help via Internet. WORSHIP Some places where you can go worship. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Telephone numbers, conversion charts, & general websites on Holland. NOTES PAGES Blank pages for you to jot down your additional, necessary findings.

5 EMERGENCY INFORMATION The emergency number for all of the Netherlands is State the town / place you are calling from and what kind of assistance you need (police, ambulance, fire). The operator will put you through to the appropriate organization. If you find yourself in a critical, but NOT life-threatening situation, call the following number for police assistance: OTHER IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Police Station Amstelland: Foreign Police (Vreemdelingen Politie): hour Medical Service: (doctor) (dentist) Gemeentehuis (City Hall): Amsterdam: Amstelveen: Amsterdam Hospital The VU Medical Centre De Boelelaan HV Amsterdam Tel: Amstelveen Hospital Kieken Huis Amstelland Laan van de Helende Meesters AM Amstelveen Tel: Pick up a brochure about disaster relief from your local city hall (Gemeentehuis). YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 01 Amsterdam Hospital The AMC Medical Centre Meiberg Dreef AZ Amsterdam Tel: Sirens are tested once a month (check which day for your area). If you hear the siren at any other time, close the doors and windows of your house. If you are not at home, seek shelter inside a building as soon as possible. Do not use the telephone keep the line clear for emergency services! Tune your radio to the following frequencies for additional information: Amsterdam 93.3 FM or 95.2 FM Utrecht FM Den Haag 88.4 FM Rotterdam 93.4 FM EMERGENCY INFORMATION

6 BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THIS LAND AND THE PEOPLE The Netherlands is surrounded by the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south and Germany to the east. The Queen symbolizes the unity of the Netherlands as a democratic state. More than half of this country s residents live below sea level. Holland is not the proper or official name of the country. North and South Holland are merely two of the most populated of 12 provinces. The official name of this country is the Netherlands. The climate is moderate in temperature with the warmest time between June and September. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THIS LAND AND THE PEOPLE The native language is Dutch, though many natives speak fluent English. It is common to meet people who know several languages, especially English or German. With a population of approximately 17 million people, the Netherlands is the most densely populated country in all of Europe. The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary system. Currently, Queen Beatrix is the Head of State. Under the constitution, ministers (not the monarch) are responsible for parliament. Soft drugs are not actually legal. However, law enforcement does often look the other way when smokers are away from children or the elderly. The Dutch treasure their religious freedom and freedom of speech. They exercise a high degree of tolerance for diversity of opinions, lifestyles and cultures. Parliament consists of two houses: the Upper House. 75 members elected by the Provincial Council elected members. the Lower House. 150 members elected by voters over the age of 18. If you are an EU citizen, you are allowed to vote in municipal elections under the same conditions as Dutch nationals. If you are a non-eu national, you may vote IF you have been a legal resident in the Netherlands for a continuous five years or longer. If you are a member of consular or diplomatic staff, you, your spouse and your children are not permitted to vote in the Netherlands. If you are an EU citizen AND a resident of the Netherlands, you may vote in the European Parliament elections as long as you don t vote in these elections in your native country. These are only the basics to voting. There are some other conditions which apply. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 02

7 BRIEF OVERVIEW OF AMSTELVEEN RELATIVE TO AMSTERAM BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THIS LAND AND THE PEOPLE Amstelveen is a municipality and a city in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. It is part of the metropolitan area of Amsterdam. Until 1964, the municipality of Amstelveen was called Nieuwer-Amstel. Amstelveen has a light rail and tram connection with Amsterdam. The municipality of Amstelveen consists of the following cities, towns, villages and/or districts: Amstelveen, Bovenkerk, Westwijk, Nes aan de Amstel, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel (partly). Amstelveen has a population of approximately 78,000 and is considered a small town. General Websites on MAJOR DUTCH CITIES The City of Amsterdam: Amsterdam.info: iamsterdam.com: Time Out Amsterdam: The Hague Visitors & Convention Bureau: The Hague Online: City of The Hague: or Gemeente Rotterdam: Gemeente Utrechtt: Gemeente Groningen: Gemeente Maastricht: YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 03

8 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MISCELLANEOUS The VVV tourist offices provide information on local activities, hotels, etc. They have information about cycling or walking routes, sailing and boating, renting bicycles, summer houses, and things to do and see in The Netherlands. Every city has it s own office, so if you are visiting a town far away, contact the VVV in that town and they can provide information on the surrounding area. Autotron Graafsebaan NL Rosmalen Tel: Some models include veteran cars, racing cars, antique cycles, and many more. Racing films are also shown. Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer Boat Rental SESA Clara Maria Concertgebouw Amsterdam Dartel Dorp Floating Flower Corso (Floats) in Holland Legmeerdijk BA Aalsmeer Tel: Stuurmankade 2 Amsterdam East Tel: Bovenkerkerweg XH Amstelveen Tel: Concertgebouwplein LN Amsterdam Tel: Montageweg PH Beverwijk Tel: cultural/flowers/ flowerparades/ The world s largest flower auction. Open year round, days and times may vary. Rent an environmentally friendly boat, sloop or launch and tour silently and fume-free through the canals. Cheese farm and clog factory. Tours provided. Open year round, days and times may vary. Every Wednesday afternoon, an entry to a lunch concert is free. It starts at p.m. (September June only). Gigantic indoor play land (section designated for kids 1-6 years old and 6-12 years old). Open year round, days and times may vary. Spectacular flower parades April - September. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 04 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MISCELLANEOUS

9 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MISCELLANEOUS Heineken Brouwerij Stadhouderskade 78 Amsterdam Tours: Mon-Fri 9:30, 11:00 and 15:00. Closed Sundays and public holidays. Holland Experience Waterlooplein 17 Amsterdam Tel: Sightseeing, 3-dimentional show featuring Holland. Open year round, days and times may vary. Holland Railways Museum Maliebaanstation Utrecht Tel: Model railway displays. Open year round, days and times may vary. ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MISCELLANEOUS Jaap Eden Ijsbanen Ice Skating Rink Labyrint Drielandenpunt Vaals Madurodam Midgetgolf New Metropolis (NEMO) Noordwijk Space Expo ESTEC Radioweg NJ Amsterdam Tel: Viergrenzenweg BM Vaals Tel: George Maduroplein RZ Den Haag Tel: Amstelpark 2b 1083 HZ Amsterdam Oosterdok VX Amsterdam Tel: Keplerlaan AZ Noordwijk Tel: Open-air ice rink to include an indoor rink, fitness centre, restaurant, equipment hire and lockers. Largest and most modern labyrinth of Europe. Features electronically controlled waterfalls. Open April October, days and times may vary. Over 1,000 models of famous Dutch sites (canal houses, cheese market, windmills, etc.) at 1:25 scale. Open year round, days and times may vary. Midget (putt putt) golf located inside the Amstel Park. Science and technology center exploring energy, human existence, communication, etc. Open year round, days and times may vary. European Space Research & Technology Centre is a permanent space exhibit. Open year round, days and times may vary. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 05

10 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MISCELLANEOUS Kuekenhof Stationsweg 166a Lisse Tel: A landscape garden showcase of Dutch-bulb growers since Open March May. National Park De Hoge Veluwe Snowworld Woltheus Cruises Yellow Bike Zee Aquarium Stichting Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe Tel: Buytenparklaan AX Zoetermeer Tel: Kanaalkade 60 Alkmaar Tel: Nieuwezijds Kolk 29 Amsterdam Tel: info@yellowbike.nl Van der Wijckplein AP Bergen ann Zee Tel: The largest park in the Netherlands. Inside is Kroller- Muller Museum and the Beeldenpark sculpture gardens. A skiing and snowboarding theme park. Open year round, days and times may vary. Sail on fully equipped ship to Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans, Alkmaarder Lake and the canals of Alkmaar. Open May October, days and times may vary. Bicycle tours through the city or country-side and bike rental. Open April October, days and times may vary. Wonder world under water. Sea aquarium with world-wide marine life and a huge shell collection. Open April September, days and times may vary. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 06 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MISCELLANEOUS

11 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MUSEUMS Purchase a Museum Card for Amsterdam and Museums in Holland The card represents a personal pass to enter more than 400 Museums in the Netherlands! It is valid one year and it costs Aboriginal Art Museum Oudegracht NP Tel: The place in Europe to experience contemporary Aboriginal visual arts from Australia. Amsterdam Historical Museum Kalverstraat 92 Amsterdam Tel: +31-(0) An impressive collection of books, maps and objects illustrating the city s history. Anne Frank House Prinsengracht 263 Amsterdam Tel: +31-(0) Museum relating to of Anne Frank and her Jewish family who hid from the Germans in a secret annex. Open year round, days and times may vary. ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MUSEUMS Aviodome Schiphol CoBraA Museum Frans Halsmuseum Houseboat Museum Hendrika Maria Jewish Historical Museum Westelijke Randweg 201 Schipol Airport Tel: Sandbergplein EA Amstelveen Tel: Groot Heiligland 62 Haarlem Tel: Prinsengracht opposite #296 Amsterdam Jonas D. Meijerplein RE Amsterdam Tel: Small museum associated with air and space travel. Open year round, days and times may vary. Modern art museum located very near the school. Open year round, Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-17:00. Museum containing collection of 17th-century works. Open year round, days and times may vary. Look at the way residents live in a typical houseboat. Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00. The Great Synagogue became the center for the Dutch Jewish community. This museum was restored and is now devoted to Jewish history. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 07

12 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MUSEUMS The bookcase at the Anne Frank House. The Cobra museum. Inside the houseboat Madam Tussaud Scenerama Dam 20 Amsterdam Tel: Wax museum concentrating on Dutch history. Museum Amstelkring (Our Lord in the Attic) National Museum of Natural History Nederlands Openluchtmuseum Rembrandt s House Oudezijds Voorburgwal GE AMSTERDAM Tel: Darwinweg 2, Leiden Tel: Schelmseweg 89 Arnhem Tel: Jodenbreestraat NK Amsterdam Tel: An interesting church in the city hidden inside a 17th-century canal house. Naturalis is the National Museum of Natural History of the Netherlands An open-air museum that provides visitors with a picture of every-day life in the Netherlands between 1600 and A recently refurbished house of the world famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn, who lived and worked here from 1639 until OPEN MUSEUM DAY All Museums in Amsterdam Have Free Admission YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 08 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MUSEUMS

13 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MUSEUMS Rembrandt The Night Watch can be found at the Rijksmuseum. Van Gogh s Sunflowers Rijksmuseum Stadhouderskade 42 Amsterdam Tel: The country s national museum housing a vast collection of Rembrandt s paintings and other artists. Monday Sunday 10:00-17:00. Stedelijk Museum Paulus Potterstraat 13 Amsterdam Tel: An eclectic collection of 19th and 20th century art represented through paintings, prints, dance, theater, music, and cinema. Frequent special exhibitions. ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: MUSEUMS Tropenmuseum Van Gogh Museum Zaanse Schans Zuiderzee Museum linnaeusstraat CK Amsterdam Tel: Paulus Potterstraat 7 Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Schansend Zaandam Tel: Wierdijk Enkhuizen Tel: The Tropenmuseum illustrates how people in tropical and subtropical countries go about their daily lives. Home to works by Vincent Van Gogh and his brother s fine collection of art. Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00. A country-side windmill village. Museums, restaurant, wooden shoe factory, delft ceramics, cheese farm, etc. Open year round, days and times may vary. A living museum with the opportunity for children to dress in traditional clothes and wear clogs. Opening days and times may vary. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 09

14 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: PARKS Bosbad Hoeven Recreattiepark Antwerpsepostbaan 81 Hoeven Tel: Park with big swimming pools, slides, mini golf, row boats, little railroad train, etc. Open May August, days and times may vary. Duinrell Duinrell JP Wassenaar7 Tel: Attraction park. Adventures include water rides, toboggan runs, playgrounds, etc. Camping grounds too. Open April October. Days and times may vary. Efteling Europalaan KW Kaatsheuvel Tel: ww.efteling.nl Attractions, fairy tales, and spectacular shows. Voted the best theme park in the world. Appeals to all ages. Hellendoorn Luttenbergerweg PB Hellendoorn Tel: Boat trip in a tree trunk over rapids, ending in a free fall of 12 meters; an electric theater show, Place de Paris; roller coaster and more. Land van Ooit Linnaeushof Oud Valkeveen Six Flags Holland Slagharen Amusementpark Drunen Tel: nl.ooit.nl Rijksstraatweg AE Bennebroek Tel: Oud Huizerweg 2a 1411 GZ Naarden Tel: Spijkweg RJ Biddinghuizen Tel: ZG Slagharen Tel: The theme is medieval and a stage is created devoted to the olden-days of dames and knights. Europe s largest playground. Recreations include pedal boats, trampolines, mini-golf, space bikes, etc. Open April September. Recreational park with swings, a merry-go-round, petting zoo, climbing balls, etc. Open April October, days and times may vary. Amusement park including haunted house, moon-walk, train rides, etc. Open April September, days and times may vary. Choose adventures speeding downwards, turning around or swaying back and forth. You choose and do it as often as you like! YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 010 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: PARKS

15 ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: ZOOS Artis Zoo Plantage Kerklaan CZ Amsterdam Tel: A classic display of caged animals, plus an aviary, aquarium, penguin island, and zoological gardens! Apenheul J.C. Wilslaan AB Apeldoorn Tel: A fantastic park displaying a wide variety of monkeys, many of which are running free. Burgers Zoo Schelmseweg SH Arnhem Tel: Zoo and Safari Park. Contains the largest covered tropical forest in the world. Plus a great ocean. Open year round, days and times may vary. Noorder Dierenpark (Zoo Emmen) Hoofdstraat 18 At Zoo Emmen, the animals live in the continent 7801 BA Emmen representing their original habitat - Tel: you can make a trip around the world in a few hours! ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING: ZOOS Dolfinarium Harderwijk Safari Beekse Bergen Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) Wetlands Safari Vogelpark Avifauna Strandboulevard Oost AB Harderwijk Tel: Beekse Bergen NJ Hilvarenbeek Tel: Van Aerssenlaan AM Rotterdam Tel: (north of Amsterdam) Tel: Hoorn 65 Alphen a/d Rijn Tel: Visit the largest marine animal park in Europe! Watch the sea lions perform, pet the sting rays, relax on the beach or play on the playground. Experience a real safari, either in your own car or by bus. It is possible to rent bungalows. Royal Rotterdam zoo. Includes reptile hall, bats and wolves. Open year round, days and times may vary. See landscapes that Rembrandt and Ruysdael painted. Monday Friday, by appointment only. Park focusing on birds. Other activities include bumper cars, bumper boats, slides, etc. Open year round, days and times may vary. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 11

16 BIRTHDAYS It is the Dutch custom to bring your OWN cake to share with others on your birthday. A person s birthday is an important celebration for the Dutch. All elementary school children have a birthday party and take a bag of sweets or goodies, or healthy alternatives like fruit or cheese, to school for their classmates. People in the workforce are expected to bring cakes or healthy substitute for their colleagues. Often, the adults celebrate their birthdays by opening their home to family and friends for drinks. In general, this means you are expected around 20:00 for coffee which will be followed by a borrel. A borrel literally means jenever, but in general, it is a term for having drinks or a happy hour. Everyone invited will usually bring a small gift as a token of appreciation for the host/ hostess. Turning 50 is a special birthday. The birthday person is said to be seeing either Sarah or Abraham (depending on whether they are female or male). The family will often display a funny characteristic picture of the birthday person in the garden outside of the person s house and plaster small posters on several street poles, especially ones that are sure to be seen. There are many places to have a birthday party besides your home. Some of the places that have proved successful in recent years with ISA families include the following: Chimpie Champs - A large indoor playground with several party rooms to choose from. Color Me Mine - Parents can pre-select or children can choose any object to paint from many colors. If tableware is chosen, items are fired so that they will be safe to eat from and dishwasher safe. De Kegel bowling alley - A two hour party includes bowling and a meal plus the option of a disco. De Meerkamp Swimming Pool - Splash in the waves then dine in the café. Rocca - Climbing and adventure center. Kinderboofe Café Vondelpark. Spokk Laser Games, Noorddammerlaan 99, Amstelveen Tel Check out the following website: It s in Dutch, but work your way through it and find LOADS of suggestions! Chimpie Champs YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 12 BIRTHDAYS

17 CHILDREN Kinderdagverblijf (day care) is available for children between zero and four. Arrangements may be made for older children (up to 12) for after school and during school holidays. Surf the internet to find a kinderdagverblijf. Locate thousands of listings from searching kinderopvang on Two specific sites, both in Dutch are: the website of Stichting K i n d e r o p v a n g N e d e r l a n d a n d Gastouder (host parent) is usually a parent who opens her home to other children. Find registered gastouders in your gemeentegids. Oppas (baby sitters) are often students who watch your children in your home on evenings or weekends. The best way to find a good baby sitter is word-of-mouth from other parents who are satisfied with their own baby sitter. Au Pair is a young person who lives with you and helps care for your child(ren). Locate an au pair from a specialized organization. Check an international newspaper for this information. Buitenschoolse / Naschoolse Opvang (After school hours) cares for children after school hours and during school holidays. Call Landelijk Informatiepunt BSO or the Stichting Kinderopvang Nederland for more information. Peuterspeelzalen (Toddler groups) are for children between two and four years old. These groups usually meet in the morning and are connected with a primary school making the transition to school a bit easier. Flexibel Kindercentrum (Flexible child center) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You might find this center in the larger cities. Project is an arrangement where a certified teacher comes to your house and looks after a maximum of four children. International Women s Clubs often offer their own Moms and Tots groups. Other aspects of children worth mentioning: CHILDREN You have a right to 16 weeks pregnancy leave which can begin up to eight weeks before your due date. You are not allowed to work from between four weeks before the due date until eight weeks after the baby has been born. During pregnancy leave you receive a benefit equal to 100% of your wages. With certain legal exceptions, you may not be fired during pregnancy or during the 12 weeks following the birth. If you are living in the Netherlands or are employed and pay Dutch wage taxes, you are entitled to receive the child benefit (kinderbijslag). Begin this process when you register your child at the city hall. To ensure that your last wishes would be granted should something happen to both parents, it is critical to have a last will and testament notarized by a Dutch notary. A will from another country may not be valid in The Netherlands. Every year ISA distributes a babysitter list for use WITHIN the ISA community. There are often responsible young adults, from your town, who will gladly watch your child(ren). Also, ask you neighbors for references of sitters within your neighborhood. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 13

18 CUSTOMS (DOUANE) The tasks of the Dutch Customs (Douane) are: controlling the import, export and transit of goods. Levying and collecting import and domestic excise duties. Enforcing Dutch and EU regulations. There are several conditions which must be met in order for some or all of your household goods to be exempt from these duties. The Customs agents are typically unsympathetic and require you to prove your case. This can be a long, expensive battle - most frustrating when you are in the right, but do not have all your paperwork for proof. Check out the following websites for further information: Dutch Customs. K N B, K o n i n k l i j k e N o t a r i e l e Beroepsorganisatie. Consumentenbond. CBS, Central Bureau voor de Statistiek. Vereniging Eigen Huis. NVM, Nederlandse Vereniging van Makelaars. Do you really need to learn the Dutch language? Maybe - maybe not. It depends on what you want to get out of this experience. Most places, especially in the big cities (Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam) have no problem with the English language. If you watch BBC, CNN, MTV, and Cartoon Network you can surround your home with the sounds of English speakers all day. Most music uses English lyrics and you can even find a few talk radio stations speaking the English language. It is possible to do many things in whatever your home language is: French, German, Japanese, or any myriad of other choices. But, you are living in the Netherlands now and you owe these kind hosts the respect of learning at least a few words that indicate your generosity toward them. Learn to say Dank u wel (Thank You) and Alstublieft (please). It is always nice to communicate in Dutch with DUTCH LANGUAGE YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 14 the grocer, bus driver, gas station attendant, fellow diners, whomever you meet on the street. Especially in cases of emergency, people tend to use their native language, so if you (and your children and spouse) understand some words, it could make a strong impact on your life. Is it easy or difficult to learn Dutch? The answer depends on your dedication and also your native language or other languages you have already learned. If you already know a language which is similar to Dutch, this new language should be easier than someone who knows languages which are very dissimilar. Should you choose to take the time and effort to learn Dutch, you have a few learning options. You could buy a book with a tape or cd and practice at home or in your car. Install computer software and you could practice at your leisure. Private tutors are available to come to your home to teach you lessons. You could sign up for lessons at a local school with a group of other students at a similar level. CUSTOMS DUTCH LANGUAGE

19 DUTCH & ENGLISH LANGUAGE Dutch Language Courses in Amsterdam Dutch Language Courses in Amstelveen Learn on Line Beginners/Intermed/Adv. Cost 75/month, 11 months Includes workbooks, assignments, & endof-year exam. Leise Onderwijsinstellingen Leidsedreef 2, 2352 BA Leiderdorp Tel: (071) Tel: Leiden Instituut Nederlands als Tweede Taal (INTT) Leading institute for Dutch in Netherlands Offers six levels at various levels with conversation, grammar & exams. INTT Spuistraat 134, 1012VB Amsterdam Tel: Volksuniversiteit Amsterdam Dutch courses at this open university. Three hours/week for 24 weeks Volksuniversiteit Amsterdam Rapenburgerstraat VK Amsterdam Tel: Vrij University Four hours/four days per week for Nine weeks 760 Main VU De Boelelaan 1105, 1081HV Amsterdam Tel: Private Tutors Volksuniversiteit Amsterdam Most foreigners participate in Dutch courses at this open university. 12 weeks, 2-2 1/2 hour per week. Volksuniversiteit Amsterdam Rapenburgerstraat VK Amsterdam Tel: University of Amsterdam (UvA) Offers intensive summer courses and courses throughout the year. University of Amsterdam Spui 21, 1012 WX Amsterdam Tel: Dutch & Such Dutch & Such Voetboogstraat XL Amsterdam Tel: English Language Courses in Amstelveen Volksuniversiteit Amsterdam Dutch courses at this open university. Three hours/week for 24 weeks. Volksuniversiteit Amsterdam Rapenburgerstraat VK Amsterdam Tel: Private Tutors YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 15 DUTCH & ENGLISH LANGUAGE

20 EDUCATION - BEYOND ISA EDUCATION - BEYOND ISA Upon arrival to this new country, you probably interviewed at other schools, maybe even considering to totally immerse your child(ren) into the Dutch system. The education system in the Netherlands is governed at all levels by national legislation. There are, of course, certain exceptions to this. In the Netherlands, children from age four to 12 attend primary school. A family has three types of primary schools to choose from: public schools, schools based on educational philosophies or denominational schools. Beginning at the age of 5, students have an obligation to school which means they are not permitted to leave school, even to return back to your home country, for extended periods of time. After primary school, the family select a secondary school. The primary school will make a recommendation for which of the three types to choose. The types of secondary education include vocational, senior, general or university preparation. Following in the first patterns, there are three streams of higher education. Those options include: universities, universities of professional education and international education. Volks Universiteit Amsterdam Rapenburgerstraat VK Amsterdam Tel: Children are not the only ones who may be interested in spending some time at a learning institution during the daytime hours. British Open University Postbus EB Den Haag Tel: European University Laan v. Meerdervoort AK s-gravenhage Tel: Executive University Bachlaan RP Helmond tel: university@executive-trust.nl Offers accredited Bachelor and Master Degrees and Ph.D degrees. Facilities in the major cities. NUFFIC (Netherlands Universities Foundation for International Cooperation). Kortenaerkade AX Den Haag Tel: University of Amsterdam Oude Zijds Achterburgwal DL Amsterdam Universiteit Nyenrode Straatweg BG Breukelen tel: mba@nyenrode.nl For expats looking to accelerate their international career. Webster University Boommarkt EA Leiden Tel: YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 16

21 EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Albania - Embassy Anna Paulownastraat 109 B 2518 BD Den Haag Tel: Australia - Embassy Carnegielaan KH Den Haag Tel: Belgium - Embassy Lange Vijverberg AC Den Haag Tel: w.diplobel.org/netherlands Brazil - Embassy Mauritskade HD Den Haag Tel: Canada - Embassy Sophialaan JP Den Haag Algeria - Embassy Van Stolklaan JS Den Haag Tel: Austria Van Alkemadelaan AS Den Haag Tel: Bolivia - Embassy Nassaulaan JS Den Haag Tel: Bulgaria - Embassy Duinroosweg KJ Den Haag Tel: Chile - Embassy Mauritskade HG Den Haag Argentina - Embassy Javastraat AN Den Haag Tel: Barbados - Consulate Blekersveld NL Overveen Tel: Bosnia - Embassy van Bleiswijkstraat LJ Den Haag Tel: Cameroon - Embassy Amaliastraat JC Den Haag China Adriaan Goaekooplaan JX Den Haag China-Consulate Willemlodewijklaan JT Den Haag Cuba - Embassy Mauritskade HG Den Haag Dominica Labradordreef AN Utrecht Egypt Badhuisweg CL Den Haag Estonias Parkstraat JD Den Haag Colombia - Embassy Groot Hertoginnelaan EG Den Haag Cyprus - Embassy Surinamestraat GG Den Haag Dominican Republic Tulpenburg NK Amstelveen El Savador Wijnhaven WG Rotterdam Ethiopia Frederik Hendrikplein AT Den Haag YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 17 Costa Rica - Embassy Laan Copes van Cattenburg GB Den Haag Denmark - Embassy Koninginnegracht AB Den Haag Ecuador Koninginnegracht AJ Den Haag Eritrea Sweelinckplein GK Den Haag Finland Groot Hertoginnenlaan EG Den Haag EMBASSIES & CONSULATES

22 EMBASSIES & CONSULATES French Vijzelgracht 2 - Postbus HR Amsterdam Germany Groot Hertoginnenlaan EG Den Haag Ghana Ln Copes v. Cattenburg GD Den Haag Great Britain Lange Voorhout ED Den Haag Greece Amaliastraat JC Den Haag Hunary Hogeweg JD Den Haag India Buitenhof KD Den Haag Indonesia Tobias Asserlaan KC Den Haag Iran Duinweg JX Den Haag Iraq Johan de Witlaan JR Den Haag Ireland Dr. Kuyperstraat BA Den Haag Israel Buitenhof AH Den Haag Italy Alexanderstraat JL Den Haag Korea (South) Verlends Tolweg JV Den Haag Mexico Burg. Patijnlaan CB Den Haag Japan Tobias Asserlaan KC Den Haag Luxembourg Nassaulaan JS Den Haag Morocco Oranjestraat JB Den Haag Jordan Badhuisweg CD Den Haag Malaysia Rustenburgweg KE Den Haag New Zealand Carnegielaan KH Den Haag EMBASSIES & CONSULATES YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 18

23 EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Other Embassies Information Services Norway Lange Vijverberg AC Den Haag Pakistan Amaliastraat JC Den Haag Paraguay Goudsesingel 8, 3e/ KA Rotterdam Philippines Ln Copes v. Cattenburch EZ Den Haag Poland Alexanderstraat JM Den Haag Portugal Bazarstraat AG Den Haag Portugal-Consulate Willemskade DM Rotterdam Romania Catsheuvel KA Den Haag South Africa Wassenaaresweg CJ Den Haag Spain Lange Voorhout EG Den Haag Turkey Jan Evertstraat BS Den Haag US-Consulate Museumplein DJ Amsterdam Sweden Burg van Kamebeeklaan BB Den Haag UK-Consulate Koningslaan AE Amsterdam United States Lange Voorhout EJ Den Haag Tourist visa information for all countries and passport holders. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 19 Switzerland Lange Voorhout EE Den Haag United Kingdom Lange Voorhout ED Den Haag EMBASSIES & CONSULATES

24 FINANCIAL DISTRICT Are you used to writing checks and mailing them off with your bills? Did you normally pay for your groceries with your VISA card? Are you used to the option of calling your bank s customer service department any time 24-hours a day? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you have been or will be shocked with the financial actions required in Holland. CHECKS / CHEQUES Personal checks are rarely used in The Netherlands as form of payment. If a bank accepts a personal check, especially an international one, it will be honored only after the check follows a collection process and probably at a high processing charge. CREDIT CARDS Visa and some other credit cards are accepted in many larger stores. However, it is not typical for grocery stores, smaller shops or shops in the smaller towns to accept credit cards. PIN CARDS A debit card which is connected with your bank account. You (or the clerk) swipe your card, enter your pin code and the bank reports whether or not the funds are available. CHIPPER / CHIPKNIP A method for transactions which cost relatively little. This method requires no pin code making it less secure than other plastic cards. This is useful for parking metres and to pay small amounts such as bread, newspapers etc. ELECTRONIC BANKING All Dutch banks offer software which allows you to make payments from your home computer. This software is usually available in English and have added features which assist you in your personal budgeting. CASH MACHINES Usually marked with the sign, geldautomaat, or giromaat. These automated teller machines accept almost every kind of bank card. Just make sure to match the symbol(s) on your card with at least one on the cash dispensing machine. CASH Paying in cash is common and acceptable for even high Euro transactions. Bills of Euros100, 200 and 500 are not widely accepted in stores. CURRENCY CONVERSION To check the currency conversion, go to The front of each coin has a common design for the 12 countries in the euro area. The reverse side displays different designs for each country, created by their own national artists. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 20 Several of the popular financial institutions include: ABN-AMRO, Fortis Bank, ING, RaboBank and Postbank (the post office). Your best option is probably to locate a bank branch near your home or a location you frequent and open your account there. Most adjustments to your account will need to be made at your home branch. FINANCIAL DISTRICT

25 GARBAGE (AFVAL) The Netherlands is a very environmentally conscious country. Many residents discard organic/bio-degradable matter in a special white trash bag purchased from select Albert Heijn stores. These white bags are collected, usually once a week, from specially marked tiles on the sidewalk/pavement. Some cities still issue separate containers to separate the biodegradable from the paper or synthetic garbage. The green containers are for food/organic matter and the gray containers for everything else. Food may be put in the gray containers, however, non-biodegradable material may not be put in the green container. If you pack your container incorrectly, the garbage collector will ignore it and it will still be full at the end of the day. Some green containers are divided inside. For those containers, the food/organic matter goes in the front of the bin and everything else goes in the back of the holder. The same rule applies to these containers as the green-gray ones. If you do not follow the directions properly, you may find your container full after collection day. Different Gemeentegids have different rules for each city. Contact your local Gemeente Huis for your city s rules as the ones mentioned above may not apply to your city! LARGE TRASH (grof huisvuil) AND OTHER TRASH Any refuse that is not suitable for the doublecompartment container or collection container can be taken to the Waste Collection Point. Amstelveen address: Grutterij 26, Amstelveen Open Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Staff from the waste collection point can be contacted by telephone from Mondays to Thursdays between 8:30 hrs and 16:00 hrs on telephone number: (020) THE RECYCLING CENTER Most towns have a dump (GAD) where you can discard items. This is a free service, within a reasonable limit. When dispensing trash at the Afval Scheidings Plaats (see your gemeentegids), you must be conscious to separate the trash. RECYCLE POINT UNDAMAGED & CLEAN ITEMS The recycle point Kringloopwinkel De Boemerang will come and collect these items, or if you wish, the items can be taken to De Boemerang. GARBAGE Get an ophaalkalendar (collection calendar) from your town hall to find out which container is collected on which days. The earliest you may set out trash is 18:00 on the day before collection. You can find public containers designated for paper, glass, or textile recycling in many supermarket parking lots. Contact the town hall for a listing of more recycling container sites. WARNING YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 21

26 HEALTH CARE To many newcomers, the system may seem different. However, health care in Holland is a very thorough and organized system centered on the belief that your body is your responsibility. In the Netherlands, it is unlikely that you will go through unnecessary testing or be given medications if not clearly indicated. The preferred route towards health includes diet and exercise along with the curative power of letting nature take its course filters through the system. Awareness and respect for these beliefs when accessing the health care system in the Netherlands will lead to a more healthy and enjoyable stay in this country. MEDICAL CARE One of the first things you should do is find a Huisarts or Family Practitioner. This person is the medical doctor who is your main contact with the rest of the Dutch health care system. He/she can open up doors for you. A specialist, ambulance or midwife will ask for a huisarts referral. So, as soon as you move into the Netherlands, you should register your family with a huisarts. Most huisartsen work from an office or their home and treat private patients as well as government-insured patients. The doctors are very busy, so a scheduled appointment will only last about 10 minutes, but the doctors will make time for house calls. Choose your huisarts carefully! It is not customary to doctor-shop or doctor-hop. The Dutch tend to stay with the same huisarts for life. SELECTING A FAMILY PRACTITIONER (HUISARTS) It is customary to choose a huisarts from the town in which you live. Find a list of local huisartsen in your town s telephone book or Gemeentegids. Look up Artsen-Huisartsen, or ask your neighbors for recommendations. Or, find doctors in your area using the website (fill in your postcode in the second text box and click zoek). Your first visit should be an interview in which the following may be discussed: Methods and philosophy Manner and approachability Office hours and house calls Most, if not all, will bill for appointments that are a no show. At the end you may ask yourself, Will my entire family feel comfortable with this doctor? As there is a shortage of huisartsen, many times there is not a lot of choice in the selection. Many times practices are full and the doctor does not accept any new patients. That is another reason to consider your choice very carefully. Check with the ISA nurse for a Doctor s name. When you do arrive at the office for an appointment, ask who is the last person in line since the staff will probably not call you by name when your turn comes. SPECIALISTS Though there are specialists in the country, you are expected to consult with your huisarts before seeing one. Your huisarts will provide a written referral. This helps keep a highly organized system efficient and thrifty. You can make an appointment with a specialist if you have private insurance or want a second opinion, but this is not common practice or much appreciated. HOSPITALS Except in the case of a life-threatening situation, you must call the huisarts first, before the ambulance or hospital. In an emergency situation, call the Netherlands emergency number: Many huisartsen have a 24-hour on-call service number so that they, or a colleague, are accessible in case of an emergency. If the huisarts or specialist determines you need hospitalization, you must first register your insurance information and receive a plastic ID card or ponskaartje. Each hospital has its own ponskaartje. Your ponskaartje needs to be presented for each service received. MEDICINE You may find the following medicines at these stores: HEALTH CARE YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 22

27 HEALTH CARE HEALTH CARE... continued from previous page PHARMACY APOTHEEK All prescription and some non-prescription medicines. A brochure of the off-hours pharmacy or Nachtdienstregeling Apotheek is available at your local apotheek. It provides you with the name and address of the pharmacies that will help you at nights and on the week-ends. This information is also in your town s weekly newspaper (free distribution at your home) as the locations do change each week. The next time you visit your local pharmacy, ask them for the listing of the locations which will be open in the nighttime and on the weekends. DRUG STORE DROGISTERIJ (Ex: Etos, Kruidvat) Non-prescription medicine, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, cosmetics, toiletries. NATURAL MEDICINE / HEALTH FOOD STORE REFORMHUIS Vitamins, health food products, herbal teas, some fresh produce. OPTICAL CARE Eye doctors are listed in the health care or Gezondheidszorg section of your Gemeentegids. Routine eye exams are performed at local optical stores. Discuss the cost before the service is received! Optical stores carry glasses, contact lenses and solutions. For special needs, ask your huisarts to refer you to an ophthalmologist or oogarts. KEY WORDS Police Politie Fire Brandweer Doctor - Huisarts Dentist Tandarts Hospital Ziekenhuis Pharmacy Apotheek Veterinarian Dierenarts BABY RELATED An excellent website with a lot of information about pregnancy-related and child care topics is If you are just curious and want to have an ultrasound, check out the site The organization, ACCESS, offers English information on having a baby in Holland. Call them at Contact the central registration of yoga teachers who are qualified to teach pregnancy courses. Their number is ADDITIONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION YOU MAY FIND USEFUL AIDS Foundation Tel: Rutgers Stichting Information on sexuality and birth control. NL Ministry of Foreign Affairs Find out about ethical issues and policies on drugs, euthanasia and abortion. Alcoholics Anonymous (in English) Tel: Center for Alcohol and Drugs Tel: YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 23

28 New Year s Eve / Oudejaarsavond Oud en Nieuw 31 December/ 01 January HOLIDAYS The country celebrates this occasion by shooting fireworks at midnight to welcome the new year. A Dutch custom is to eat Oliebollen and Appelflappen on this evening/day. Shops & banks are closed. Carnival Three days preceding Lent - Six weeks before Easter Having the same origins as carnival in Rio, this is a time when people go from café to café singing and drinking. People dress up, parades go through towns, everybody dances and has fun. Parties in the south of the Netherlands can last for several days. Easter (Pasen) Date varies. Some time in March or April. In the Netherlands, people celebrate Easter Sunday. Easter Monday is a holiday and usually a day off for most people in the Netherlands. It is a tradition that small children hunt for hidden eggs, which are hard boiled and painted. You can buy delicious chocolate eggs everywhere. Shops are usually closed Monday. Koninginnedag - the Queen s Birthday 30 April Koninginnedag Is along Amsterdamseweg in Amstelveen The former Queen Juliana, now a princess, celebrated Queens Day on her birthday, April 30th. When she was queen, she shared her birthday with the whole country. Her daughter Beatrix, the current queen, maintains this tradition. All over the country there are festivities, with the most famous, the Vrijmarkt in Amsterdam. All over the city, people offer their second hand goods for low prices this will also happen in most towns. For a good spot, be up early with your children. When in town, you spread out your unwanted goods and people will buy them! Music is everywhere! It is great fun! It is an event you are sure to remember. Dodenherdenking 04 May Ceremonies are held all over the Netherlands to remember all those who died during the Second World War. Parades are held at the War Remembrance Day Waalsdorpervlakte near Den Haag and at the National Monument on The Dam in Amsterdam. From 20:00-20:02 the radios are silent and most people recognize this and sit quietly as well. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 24 HOLIDAYS

29 HOLIDAYS Liberation Day 05 May The Dutch celebrate their total liberation from the occupying forces in Flags are hung at full-mast. Prinsjesdag 3 rd Tuesday in September Every third Tuesday in September is the State Opening of Parliament, called Prinsjesdag. The Queen rides in the golden coach through the streets of Den Haag to the building of parliament, Het Binnenhof. St. Maarten 11 November One stormy night, Bishop Martinus was riding his horse when he saw a poor beggar. The man was freezing and very hungry. The Bishop cut his cape in two halves as well as his bread. He gave half of each to the beggar and sang, this is all I have, so I share it with you. Now, children celebrate the festival of Sint Maarten every year by making a lampion (paper lantern) and walking in the evening with friends. The children ring the doorbells and sing special songs in exchange for candies, healthy treats or sometimes small change. Sinterklaas 05 December Sinterklaas arrives from the south of Spain, by boat, on the third Saturday of November. From that time on, children put a shoe next to the chimney and hope that Sinterklaas will put a little present in it. Of course, Sinterklaas would be very pleased to find a painting or a carrot for the horse in the child s shoe. Sinterklaas celebrates his birthday on the evening of December 5th when he gives children presents. A whole family will sit together and eat goodies like pepernoten, gevulde speculaas, and chocolate letters and wait anxiously to see what Sinterklaas will bring. His birthday is on the 6th of December. ISA also joins in this festival and Sinterklaas, himself, arrives at school during the morning, visiting classes. This is not a public holiday. HOLIDAYS Christmas/ Kerstmis 25 December 26 December (Second Day of Christmas) Christmas is celebrated in many countries all over the world. Your personal family s customs and traditions lend to why Christmas may be special to you. Many view this holiday as too commercial, but keep traditions alive (cooking special dinners, decorating trees, listening to carols, etc.) renewing the joy that is associated with the birth of Christ. Post offices, banks and most businesses and most stores are closed. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 25

30 HOUSING TO RENT OR TO OWN? This is obviously a personal decision that relies on numerous factors which we cannot decide for you in a book (at least not this one). However, we will mention a few points of interest... If you buy a house, you get tax relief on the mortgage interest payments. Real estate agents (makelaar). Most deal with property sales, but can help (or direct you to help) with rentals. Be sure that they are registered with an association of real estate agents - NVM, LMV and VBO are some recognizable ones. When buying real estate, you pay close to 11% of the purchase price as a one-time buyers expense. If you rent a house, you avoid a lot of the problems and risks. Any person, two years old and up, intending to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months must obtain a residence permit. You must apply for a residence permit from the Aliens Police. The residence permit will be valid for Americans for a maximum time of one year and must be renewed upon expiration. EU citizens must renew, on average, every three to five years. A Dutch residence permit does not allow the holder to live in another European Union (EU) country. Rental Agents. These people probably will not help find a house to purchase, but they have access to a huge amount of rental properties. WARNING: BE EXTRA-ORDINARILY CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY. VERBAL CONTRACTS ARE BINDING HERE IN HOLLAND AND YOUR INTENTIONS COULD BE TAKEN AS AN OFFER. BE CAREFUL! International clubs. Sometimes the local social groups (American Women s Club, etc,) advertise rentals. Notice boards. In shop windows, supermarkets, even in the ISA main foyer, you can find houses for rent or sale. Some expats have found great success this way. WHERE TO FIND YOUR HOUSE Okay, you have decided to start looking for a house. You have several paths you can take. Following are some: Classified ads. The catch here is that all the text will be written in Dutch. WEBSITE RESOURCES HOUSE-HUNTING SITES house for sale portal site of the NVM Dutch Makelaars vereniging available rental properties in the Netherlands YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 26 HOUSING

31 NETHERLANDS-RELATED COOKBOOKS KITCHEN AIDS Hollandse Keuken Dutch Cuisine by Henk Brandsen Dutch Cooking and The Netherlands, by Heleen A.M. Halverhout The Flavour of Holland, by Hilary Keatinge and Anneke Peters From Holland With Love, Delicious Dutch Recipes, by Jan Morgan Holland Days, From: The American s Women s Club of Amsterdam A collection of American and other international recipes adapted for the Dutch kitchen. The Netherlands Cookbook, by Heleen Halverhout SHOPPING, SPECIALTIES, AND FOOD Albert Heijn near the Bovenkerk in Amstelveen is now open Sunday afternoons! Bitter s Naarderstraat, Laren Sells a selection of American and British foods. Eichholtz Leidsestraat 48, Amsterdam A range of international foods. Kingsalmarkt Rembrandtweg, Amstelveen International and American foods sold here. Open Monday mornings, but closed all day Tuesday. Meidi-Ya Beethovenstraat 18, Amsterdam A Japanese grocery. Moll s Delicatessen Huiserweg, Bussum Sells international specialty foods. Okura Hotel Ferdinand Bolstraat, Amsterdam Sells Japanese products. Oscars Groenelaan, Amstelveen. Selection of international foods. Delivers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. A Taste of Ireland Herengracht 228, Amsterdam Selection of Irish and British foods. Theeboom Supermarket Maasstraat 18 A kosher store that is open on Sundays. A kosher butcher is located across the road. Delivers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Dominoes, Pizza Donna, Al Capones, and New York Pizza are some pizza delivery services found in most major towns. KITCHEN AIDES MARKETS Market Days are in every town and village, one day a week. Here you can buy a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as fresh fish, fresh baked products, poultry, and clothes. In fact, you are guaranteed to find almost anything you could be looking for. Your town s market day is well worth a visit. Following are some of the area markets: Albert Cuypmarkt General Goods Location: Albert Cuypstraat Monday-Saturday 9:30-17:00 Antiekmarkt de Looier Antiques Location: Elandsgracht 109 Saturday-Wednesday 11:00-17:00 and Thursday 11:00-21:00 Amstelveen Bio Market Tuesday Stadplein Amstelveen Bloemenmarkt Flowers Location: Singel Monday-Saturday 9:30-17:00 Kunstmarkt Thorbeckplein Art Location: Thorbeckplein Saturday 10:30-18:00 Waterlooplein Flea Market Waterlooplein Monday Saturday 9:00-17:00 Lapjesmarkt Fabrics Location: Westerstraat Monday 9:00-13:00 Boerenmarkt Biological Fresh Market Location: Nieuwmarkt Saturday 9:00-17:00 Stadshart Amstelveen General goods (fresh food, clothing, household goods, etc.) For shopping hours go to YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 27 continued on next page...

32 KITCHEN AIDES... continued from previous page SHOPPING LIST, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES VEGETABLES GROENTEN Artichokes Artisjokken Asparagus Asperges FRUIT VRUCHTEN Beans Bonen Apples Appelen Beets Bieten Applesauce Appelmoes Broad Beans Tuinbonen Apple-Eating Handappel Brussel Sprouts Spruitjes Apple-Stewing Stoofappel Cabbage Kool Apricots Abrikozen Capsicum Paprika Bananas Bananen Carrot Wortel Berries Bessen Cauliflower Bloemkool Blackcurrant Zwarte Bes Celery Bleekselderij Blueberries Bosbesen Celery Root Knolselderij Cherries Kersen Chinese Cabbage Chinese Kool Chestnuts Kastanje Corn (Sweet) Mais Dates Dadels Cucumber Komkommer Dried Currant Krenten Eggplant Aubergine Figs Vijgen Endive Witlof Gooseberries Kruisbessen Escarole Andijvie Grapefruit Pampelmoes Fennel Venkel Grapes Druiven Field Lettuce Veldsla Juniper Berry Jeneverbes Kale Boerenkool Lemon Citroen Leek Prei Melon Meloen Lettuce Sla Nuts Noten Marrowfat Peas Kapucijner Oranges Sinaasappelen Mushroom Champignon Peaches Perziken Onion Ui/Uien Pears Peren Peas Doperwten Pineapple Ananas Pickles Augurken Plums Pruimen Potatoes Aardappelen Pumpkin Pompoen Radishes Radijsjes Raisins Rozijnen Red Cabbage Rode Kool Rasberries Frambozen Spinach Spinazie Redcurrants Rode Bessen String Beans Sperziebonen Rhubarb Rabarber Tomatoes Tomaten Strawberries Aardbeien White Cabbage Witte Kool Tangerines Mandarijnen Winter Carrot Winter Peen Seedless Zonder pit Zucchini Courgette YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 28 continued on next page... KITCHEN AIDES

33 KITCHEN AIDES... continued from previous page SHOPPING LIST, FISH FISH VIS FISH VIS Carp Karper Kippered Herring Kippertjes Catfish Meerval Lobster Kreeft FISH VIS Cod Kabeljauw Mackerel Makreel Shrimps Garnalen Crab Krab Mussels Mosselen Smelt Spiering Eel Paling Oysters Oesters Smoked Eel Gerookte Paling Flounder Bot Plaice Schol Sole Tong Haddock Schelvis Salmon Zalm Trout Forel Halibut Heilbot Sardine Sardientje Tuna Tonijn Herring Haring Sea Pike Geep Turbot Tarbot SHOPPING LIST, HERBS / SPICES HERB/SPICE KRUIDEN HERB/SPICE KRUIDEN HERB/SPICE KRUIDEN Basil Basilicum Dill Dille Pepper Peper Bayleaf Laurierblad Garlic Knoflook Rosemary Rozemarijn Capers Kappertjes Horseradish Mierikswortel Sage Salie Chives Bieslook Mace Foelie Salt Zout Cinnamon Kaneel Nutmeg Nootmuskaat Sugar Suiker Cloves Kruidnagelen Parsley Peterselie Tarragon Dragon KITCHEN AIDES SHOPPING LIST, SOUP SOUP SOEP SOUP SOEP Soup Meat Soepvlees Brisket pieces stewing meat Poulet Soup of the Day Dag Soep Shin bone with meat Schenkel met been SHOPPING LIST, BAKERY ITEMS THE BAKERY DE BAKKERIJ THE BAKERY DE BAKKERIJ Bread Brood French Bread Stokbrood Cookies / Biscuits Koekjes Pastries Gebak Bread with nuts and raisins Muesli Brood You may find a variety of breads and rolls: with or without (met or zonder) seeds, white or brown (witte of bruin), etc. The assistant will always ask gesneden? which means would you like the loaf sliced? YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 29 continued on next page...

34 KITCHEN AIDES... continued from previous page SHOPPING LIST, CHEESE Old Cheese (Strong Taste) Older, More Crumbly (8-9 months) Ripened (Medium Taste) (5-7 months) Mild in Taste (2-4 months) THE CHEESE SHOP DE KAASWINKEL Oude Kaas Farmers Cheese Boerenkaas Extra Belegen Goat Cheese Geitekaas Belegen Kaas Kind of Danish Blue Blauwfort Licht Belegen Cheese Spread (Goudkuipje is good) Smeerkaas Very Mild Young Cheese Jonge Kaas Holland is famous for cheese. You can visit some cheese farms to see how the cheese is actually made. In the summer, Alkmaar, Gouda, and Edam hold special cheese markets where you can see men in traditional costumes carrying cheese the old-fashioned way. SHOPPING LIST, DAIRY PRODUCTS DAIRY PRODUCTS ZUIVELPRODUCTEN Butter Boter Milk Melk Butter for Frying,/Baking Braadboter Skim Milk Magere melk Margarine Margarine Lowfat/Semiskimmed Halfvolle Egg / Eggs Ei / eieren Whole/Full Cream Milk Volle melk Free Range Hen Eggs Scharrel Eieren Butter Milk Karnemelk Cream Room Milk Powder Melkpoeder Coffee Cream Koffieroom Dutch Milk for Coffee Koffiemelk Yogurt Yoghurt Whipping Cream Slagroom Thick cream is not common. To make slagroom thicker, when beating, use slagroom versteviger which can be found in the baking ingredients section of the supermarket. Italian mascarpone is also available and is a good substitute when needing very thick cream. Vla is the Dutch custard or pudding. It comes in a variety of flavors that children (and adults) love. Dubbelvla is two flavors in one pack, which pours out exactly as that. NATURAL MEDICINE/HEALTH FOOD Albert Heijn s private label of organic products are called Biologisch. These products include everything from beer to yoghurt and back to bread and are produced free of pesticides, artificial colorants and preservatives. Albert Hein will also indicate on their brand products if an article is gluten and/or lactose free. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 30 continued on next page... KITCHEN AIDES

35 KITCHEN AIDES... continued from previous page SHOPPING LIST, MEATS Meat from Holland usually has no bones and has very little fat. Ask your butcher to special-cut pieces for you if you would like meat with a bone. In general, the Dutch tend not to roast their meat, but brazen it (prepare the meat on the stove). Sear the meat, add butter and cover. Occasionally turn the meat until it becomes evenly brown. Since there are so many types of meat, you may encounter something which you do not know how to prepare. Always ask your butcher for proper cooking instructions. KITCHEN AIDES PIG/PORK VARKENSVLEES Chops Karbonaden Miscellaneous Pieces Varkenslappen Loin Chop Haaskarbonade Best Quality Lappen Hamlappen Rib Chop Ribkarbonade Cut from Underside Doorregen Speklappen Shoulder Chop Schouderkarbonade Shoulder Piece Schouderlappen Pork Fillet Varkensfilet All Rolled Pork Roast Varkensrollade Rump Fricandeau Spare Ribs Krabbetjes Hot Dogs Knakworstjes Smoked Sausage Rookworst Bacon Spek Ham (sandwich meat) Achterham or Beenham are best Thick Bacon Slices Bakbacon Very Thin Bacon Slices Ontbijtspek Ground Pork Varkensgehakt CALF/VEAL KALFSVLEES Veal Fillets Kalfsoesters Veal Steak Kalfsbiefstukje Veal Cutlets Kalfskoteletten Veal Rump Kalfsfricandeau Rolled Roast of Veal Kalfsrollade COW/BEEF RUNDVLEES Steak Biefstuk Filet Mignon Biestuk van de Haas Whole Filet Ossehaas Rib Eye Steak Kogelbiefstuk Tournedos Tournedos Entrecote Entrecote Roast Beef Rosbief Sirloin/Porterhouse Lendebiefstuk/Contrefilet Rolled Roast Rollade T-Bone Steak Entrecote met Lendenwervel Rib Piece Riblappen Less Tender Cut Rump Lendelappen Shoulder Piece Sukade Lappen Miscellaneous from Steer Runderlappen/Stooflappen Ground Meat/Mince Gehakt Ground Veal Kalfsgehakt Ground Beef Rundergehakt Ground Pork and Beef Half Om Half Lean Ground Beef Eaten Raw Tartaar LAMB Leg of Lamb LAMSVLEES Lamsbout YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 31

36 KITCHEN AIDES MEASURES SOME DUTCH WEIGHTS = OTHER DUTCH WEIGHTS 100 grams = 1 Dutch ounce (ons) 5 Dutch ounces = 1 Dutch pound (pond) 10 Dutch ounces = 1 Dutch Kilogram (kilo) AMERICAN / BRITISH WEIGHTS = DUTCH WEIGHTS Half ounce = 15 grams 1 oz. = 30 grams 1 3/4 oz. = 50 grams 3 1/2 oz. = 100 grams 4 oz. or 1/4 lb. = 115 grams 8 oz. or 1/2 lb. = 230 grams 16 oz. or 1 lb. = 460 grams 1 quart = 1 liter (10 deciliters) 1 pint = 5 deciliters (a half-liter) 1 cup = 2 1/2 deciliters (a quarter liter) 1 US gallon = 3.78 liters FAHRENHEIT = CENTIGRADE 265 = = = = = = = = 240 YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 32 KITCHEN AIDES

37 PERMITS Any person, two years old and up, intending to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months must obtain a residence permit. You must apply for a residence permit from the Foreign Police (Vreemdelingen Politie) within eight days of arrival to the Netherlands. The residence permit should be valid for a maximum time of one year and must be renewed upon expiration. European Union (EU) citizens must renew, on average, every three to five years. A Dutch residence permit does NOT allow the holder to live in another EU country. PERMITS PETS POST OFFICES Like many countries, the Dutch has a vast array of animals to choose from for a pet. Anything from dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, ferrets, snakes, turtles, spiders, and even ponies, pigs, sheep and more. to You must register your dog at the City Hall (Gemeentehuis). Dog owners must pay an annual tax (Hondenbelasting). Rates increase for additional dogs. This tax does not apply other types of pets. Medical care for your pet should be first-rate. Find a nearby dierenarts (veterinarian) in the yellow pages or ask neighbors or friends to The Dutch Postal System is privatized. Post offices are located throughout every town and neighborhood. Mail is delivered Monday through Saturday though most post offices are not open on Saturdays. A few offices in Amsterdam are open Saturday mornings. At the post office, strippenkaarts (see Transportation) can be purchased. These tram/ bus passes are an economical choice for frequent users of the mass transit system. Money orders, PETS recommend one. POST OFFICES phone cards, mobile telephone subscriptions, and a wide variety of stationery supplies including shipping materials are usually available. Additionally, larger post offices carry greeting cards, gift wrap, small gifts, and magazines. Mailboxes on the street are orange. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 33 Other services available include animal hospitals, ambulances and crematoriums. You can also find people who will walk your dog while you work or play. There are many pet shops which sell a variety of animals, pet food and accessories. If you want to buy a pet through a recognized breeder, look under Raad van Beheer op Kynologishe Gebied in Nederland. If you would rather acquire your future family member from the animal homeless shelter, look under dierenasiel.

38 READING RESOURCES WHAT IS IT? The Gemeentegids is an annual booklet printed by the City Hall or Gemeentehuis that lists local services and organizations, with phone numbers, addresses, hours and some brief descriptions. HOW DO I GET ONE? Each year the Gemeentehuis sends an updated issue to each resident of its town. You may also get one by picking it up at your Gemeetehuis or having them mail you one. WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION IS IN IT? The Gemeentegids contains information regarding everything from emergency numbers or alarmnummers, to art and culture, to sports and recreation, to medical and health information. Act Normal! 99 Tips for Dealing with the Dutch by Hans Kaldenback. ADD Boekhandel Van Rossum Beethovenstraat JH Amsterdam Tel: +31-(0) van.rossum@xs4all.nl Amsterdam by Knopf Guides Series. At Home in Holland by The American Women s Club of The Hague. A practical guide for foreigners who have moved to The Netherlands. Tel: +31-(0) The Blue Guide to Holland by John Tomes. D is for Dutch by Jules Farber. Dealing with the Dutch by Jacob Vossestein. The Dutch Today by Frank E. Huggett. The Embarrassment of Riches by Simon Schama. An interpretation of Dutch culture in the Golden Age. Find it in tgooi From: Bussum VVV, a library, or The American Women s Club. Here s Holland. by Sheila Gazaleh-Weevers. A guide to cities, sites, excursions and loads more. Holland handbook.. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 34 or try Inside Information by Carol Gelderman-Curtis and Nyks- Corkum. A practical guide to living in Holland with useful advice. Tel: +31-(0) Kidsgids English-The Children s Guide to the Netherlands Discover the Netherlands with your children. Book packed with ideas and comprehensive info for children. Living in the Netherlands by Jane Meijlink. The Low Sky, Understanding the Dutch. by Han van der Horst. The Low Sky in Pictures. by Han van der Horst. Minding your Manners. by Tirion. A guide to Dutch business and social etiquette. Roaming Around Holland by Patricia C. Erikson and Sheila Gazaleh- Weevers. Slow Walks in Amsterdam by Michael Leitch. A Time Out Guide to Amsterdam. A more alternative approach to the city. The Undutchables by Colin White and Laurie Boucke. A humorous view of the Dutch culture. When Abroad - do as local Children do as local continued on next page... READING RESOURCES

39 READING RESOURCES... continued from previous page LIBRARY (BIBLIOTHEEK) In every town you will find a library (bibliotheek). Most of the libraries will have books in English and other foreign languages (German, French), as well as a good supply of children's books. Next to that, they often have a reading room where you will find foreign papers. Most libraries have computer access. In some libraries it is also possible to rent CD s. As it rains frequently in The Netherlands, the library is a good place to seek shelter. Amstelveen Library: Stadsplein 102. Opening hours: Monday , Tuesday-Thursday , Friday- Saturday *Is open on the first Sunday of the month same as the Amstelveen Mall READING RESOURCES Books (and more) in English Only: American Discount Book Center Tel: The English Bookshop. Lauriergracht 71, Amsterdam. Tel: Waterstone s. Kalverstraat 152, Amsterdam. Tel: Book (and more) in English and Dutch: De Slegte. Kalverstraat 48-52, Amsterdam. Tel: Book Discount. Kalverstraat 223, Amsterdam. Tel: Scheltema Holkema Vermeulen. Koningsplein 16, Amsterdam. Tel: Eastern European: Pegasus. Singel 367, Amsterdam. Tel: French: Athenaeum Boekhandel BV, Spui 14 16, Amsterdam Tel: Italian: Bonardi Libreria. Entrepotdoklaan 26, Amsterdam. Tel: Japanese: Japans Winkeltje. Nieuwezijdse Voorburgwal 175, Amsterdam Tel: The Okura Hotel: Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, Amsterdam. Tel: Spanish/Portuguese/Latin American: Boekencentrum. Jose Marti, Herengracht 259, Amsterdam. Foreign Language Educational Bookstore: Intertaal. Van Baerlestraat 76, Amsterdam. Tel: Boekhandel Van Rossum. Beethovenstraat 32, 1077 JH Amsterdam, YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 35

40 SHOPPING Normal shopping hours in the Netherlands are: Mondays after 13:00 (or closed for the whole day) and Tuesday through Saturday from 09:00 until 17:00. Large grocery stores are generally open until 20:00 on week days and until 18:00 on Saturdays. Most of the little local shops will close between 15:00 and 17:00. Many Albert Heijn are open till (check for details). Most stores are closed on Sundays except for some shops in Amsterdam and in designated tourist towns where it is acceptable for stores to open in the afternoon. Each town also has a koopzondag on either the first or last Sunday of the month. Do not be surprised if some smaller shops are closed during their lunch hour (generally around 13:00 to 15:00). One evening a week the shops are open until 21:00. This is called Koopavond. Late shopping night differs in each city or village. For example, in Amsterdam and Amstelveen, it is on Thursday night. In Bussum, Koopavond occurs on Friday night. SHOPS TIL YOU DROP There are a couple of popular department stores in the Netherlands. Those and some other specialty shops are: which is in Amsterdam. There is another in the Rembranthof section of Amstelveen Centrum. Decathlon Specializes in sporting goods. Ballet, basketball, bikes, camping, football (soccer), judo, roller blading, tennis, weight machines and more. Located near the Arena. (Park in P1.) HEMA An inexpensive, good quality store found in most major towns. Het Oosten Gigantic gardening shop with real and fake flowers, patio furniture, pots, and much more. IKEA A large scale, generally good quality furniture chain-store. Intratuin Plants and Gardening Store. MediaMarkt Electronics and more. Full range of televisions, household appliances, cameras, computers, radios, and more. Located near the Arena. (Park in P1.)stores found in many cities. Praxis, Gamma, and Karwei Major hardware/ do-it-yourself shops. Villa Arena Not a shop, but a massive collection of furniture shops. Located next to the Arena. Stadhouderstade 4, Amsterdam Vroom & Dreesman A department store found in most towns and large shopping areas. One of these stores can also be found in Amstelveen Centrum, in the Binnenhof section. BCC Electronics and household goods Bever Sports Camping, hiking, & outdoor sports apparel and equipment. Blokker Good household and appliance store found in most major towns. C&A Clothing store found in many of the larger towns of the Netherlands. De Bijenkorf A traditional department store, the largest of YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 36 Zara men, women, children, & household goods. There are many more reputable shops offering quality merchandise. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend shops when you are searching for something specific. continued on next page... SHOPPING

41 ...continued from previous page INTERNATIONAL CLOTHING AND SHOE SIZES These sizes are only NL approximate! FR It is always DE better IT to try things SCAN on, especially ES shoes. GB US 34 38/34N / /36N /32 8 Ladies 38 42/38N /34 10 Clothes 40 44/40N / /42N / /44N /40 16 Ladies Shoes Men s Shoes Men s Shirts SHOPPING SHOPPING Men s Shoes In Europe, a child s height in centimeters determines the clothes size (92, 128, 164, etc.). To calculate Dutch shoe sizes, multiply the foot length in centimeters by 1.5 (20 cm x 1.5 = size 30). YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 37

42 SOCIAL GROUPS American Baseball Foundation (ABF) ACCESS Accueil Amsterdam Alliance Française, La Haye American Women s Club Of Amsterdam (AWCA) Deijlerweg AC Wassenaar Societeit de Witte Plein CS, Den Haag Tel: contact@amsterdamaccueil.org Kettingstraat AN Den Haag Postbus KC, Amsterdam Tel: Amitié Club de la Haye Tel: Amsterdam British Council Amsterdam Toastmasters British Society of Amsterdam Canadian Women s Club of the Hague English Speaking Contact Group of Haarlam Maison Descartes Institut Francais des Pays-Bas International Women s Contact Amsterdam Keizergracht EH, Amsterdam Postbus JK Amsterdam Postbus AB Den Haag Tel: Vijzelgracht 2A Amsterdam Tel: Postbus AM Amsterdam iwc_amst@euronet.nl The ROBBEBURG Tel: The Singapore Netherlands Association Women s International Network ( WIN ). Postbus BG Amsterdam Tel: A volunteer organization providing athletic (baseball and more) programs for children ages four and up. They also offer opportunities for adults to play friendly, organized games. Members come from many nationalities - programs are in English. Access is a group aimed at helping the English speaking community in areas of relocation, counseling, and offers courses on having a baby in Holland, as well as job finding. A non-profit association of French-speaking women living in or around Amsterdam Cultural activities (lectures and discussion) and French language tuition on an individual or group basis in and around the Hague. General meetings held September to June on the first Thursday of the month, at Go to for meeting location In Amsterdam A friendly group of mostly older women from France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada (French) who meet regularly for social events and lectures. British group based in Amsterdam. A worldwide, non-profit club dedicated to improving your public speaking skills. Regular meetings are held twice a month. This society brings together English-speaking people to enjoy social, sporting and cultural events. Social club offering a various events and information to Canadian expatriates living in the Netherlands. About 60 families, with a very active mums and tots group. They also organize a variety of ad hoc events. Maison Descartes is a French institute in the Netherlands, which provided among others French language courses and organizes cultural events. IWC is an organization which offers women of all nationalities opportunities to meet in friendship and understanding. There are monthly meetings. The ROBBEBURG is an international play group with Dutch, English, Japanese, and Swiss children. It is a nonprofit organization run on a voluntary basis by the parents. Children, age 1-4, attend the ROBBEBURG with their mother or caregiver. Main contact point for all Singaporeans living in the Netherlands. This is for female executives in business and other professions. Web: the_websheikh@csi.com YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 38 SOCIAL GROUPS

43 TAXES (BELASTINGEN) If the accompanying partner is not working, you may apply for a tax deduction called Heffingskorting op inkomstenbelasting. Because the tax laws in the Netherlands change often, you are advised to consult a reputable tax advisor (belasting adviseur) to ensure proper procedures are followed. People residing in the Netherlands are subject to many types of taxes. Some include: PERSONAL INCOME TAX (Inkomsten-belasting) Tax on a resident s worldwide income. Anyone liable for income tax must acquire a social fiscal (sofi) number. The local tax office will help you apply for the number when you provide them with proof of residency paper (many employers will arrange this). PROPERTY TAX (Onroerend goed belasting) If you rent, the bill is split between you and the owner. Along with the property tax, a variety of street, polder, and garbage-collection taxes may be assessed. These extra taxes amount to a small fee. DOG TAX (Hondenbelasting) Annual tax only for dog owners. The rate increases for multiple dogs. This tax does not apply to other types of pets. Register your dog at the City Hall (Gemeentehuis). RADIO AND TELEVISIONS TAX (Luister en Kijkgeld) Tax for the privilege of owning a radio or a television set, regardless of working (or non-working) condition of the appliance(s) or the channel(s) you listen to or watch. This is in addition to the yearly fee you pay for cable. Obtain a registration form from the post-office. TAXES (BELASTINGEN) ROAD TAX (Wegenbelasting) Payable for each car you own. The amount is based on the weight of your car(s) and its fuel type. Obtain a registration form from the post office. VALUE ADDED TAX (BTW) A 19 % value-added tax added to the cost of most goods and services (normally included in the price). KINDERBIJSLAG EU nationals who fall under the 30% tax ruling may be eligible for a small return in the form of the children s allowance (kinderbijslag). Families with children may be entitled to this quarterly allowance instead of receiving tax deductions. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to qualify for kinderbijslag, Application forms can be obtained from the post-office and must be made in the name of the mother. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 39

44 TELEPHONE SYSTEM All telephone numbers in the Netherlands consist of two parts: the area code (0 + two, or more, digits) and the individual number. If you want to make a call to another number with your same area code (a local call), just dial the last seven numbers. Example: area code 020 calling another number within the 020 code, dial When calling a different area code, dial the area code first, then the individual number. Example: area code 020 calling a number with the 068 code, dial To call into The Netherlands from outside the country, dial the appropriate international access code (standardizing to 00 within Europe), then 31 (for The Netherlands) and the last digits of the area code., followed by the seven digit phone number. Example: calling Amsterdam from outside The Netherlands, dial To make an international call, dial 00 (the international access code), then country code number, the area code, and the private number. Example: calling Mr. Smith in New York, USA, dial Calls to 0800 numbers are free of charge. Calls to 0900 incur a charge set by the receiver. These costs vary. THE TELEPHONE BOOK The Netherlands telephone book (Telefoongids), has the names listed alphabetically by last name, then by street name. First names or initials do not play any role. Dutch names, such as van den Berg are listed under B, not v. For example, van den Berg, R.J. who lives on Alphastraat is found under B and first on the list. The character ij is considered y and will be found in the telephone book following the letter x. You will automatically receive a local telephone book from the KPN. Telephone books from other towns can be ordered at a small cost from the KPN. Telephone directories for major cities throughout the Netherlands are often on display and freely available for use in larger post offices. You can also find additional information on the internet. Go to to find the information on-line. DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE Numbers within the Netherlands: Numbers outside the Netherlands: All area codes are listed in the first few pages of your telephone directory. All telephone calls, even local ones, will incur some charge. Calling card companies can be accessed by dialing (AT&T) and (MCI) and (Sprint) - Sprint s international access number is When you call these numbers, you will probably hear a recording in Dutch. The voice is saying, There are... people ahead of you. Wait for a non-recorded voice an operator will help you. TELEPHONE COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION If you need to reach KPN customer service, their hours are: Monday - Friday 08:00-22:00 Saturday 08:00-18:00 The service line is: The website is: When answering your telephone, you should say, Met (your name). The Dutch identify themselves when they answer the telephone and expect you to do the same. YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 40 TELEPHONE SYSTEM

45 TRANSLATIONS TRANSLATIONS accountant accountant confectioners banketbakkerij airline luchtvaartmaatschappij cosmetologist schoonheidsspecialist airport luchthaven / vliegveld crafts handwerkartikelen ambulance ambulance dentist tandarts art gallery kunsthandel/galerie/museum department store warenhuis artists supplies kunstnijverheid dermatologist specialist dermatoloog attorney notaris/advocaat/procureur dietician dietiste auction veiling D.I.Y. doe-het-zelf auction house venduhuis doctor huisarts/arts specialist arts and crafts kunstnijverheid dog kennel hondenkennel/dierenpension baby goods baby artikelen dog salon hondentrimsalon babysitter babysit/oppas dress rental (evening) kledingverhuur bakery bakkerij/brood & banket dressmaker naaister/kleermakerij barber herenkapper dress material modestoffen bathroom badkamer driving school rijscholen bathroom goods sanitaire artikelen drugstore drogisterij beautician schoonheidssalon dry cleaner stomerij bicycle fiets/rijwiel electrical appliance electrische apparaten bookshop boekhandel embassy ambassade/consulate builder aannemer emergency numbers alarmnummers burglar alarm alarminstallatie employment (gov t) ardbeidsbureau butcher slager employment (private) uitzendburo car dealer auto-dealer estate agent makelaar car parts auto-onderdelen fire brigade brandweer carpenter timmerman fish (monger) vis (handel) carpet tapijt flower shop bloemen en planten car rental autoverhuur formal dress gelegenheidskleding car repair garage furnishing materials meubelfournituren central heating centrale verwarming furniture meubelen cheese kaas furniture storage opslag inboedels chemist/prescriptions apotheek garden center tuincentrum chemist (other) drogist garden-landscaping tuin land schapsarchitectuur children s clothing kinderkleding gifts geschenkartikelen/kados children s hospital kinderziekenhuis golf courses golfbanen chimney sweep schoorsteenveger greengrocer groetenboer chiropodist pedicure groceries levensmiddelen chiropractor manueel therapeut gynacologist gynaecoloog church kerk hairdresser (dames)kapper cinema bioscoop hardware store ijzerhandel clothing alterations kleding reparaties health club fitness centrum YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 41

46 TRANSLATIONS health food reform/natuurvoeding pediatrician kinderarts home furnishing huishoudtextiel pedicure pedicure/voetverzorging horticulturist tuinders pest control ongediertebestrijding en hospital ziekenhuis ontsmetting house cleaning schoonmaakbedrijf pet shop dierenwinkel ice rink ijsbaan pharmacy apotheek insurance verzekering photography shop fotozaak interior design binnenhuisarchitect physiotherapist fysiotherapie iron mongery ijzerwaren piano tuner pianostemmer/reparateur jeweler juwelier picture framer lijsten makerij key cutting sleutel/slot service plumber loodgieter kitchen keuken police politie ladies clothing dameskleding post office postkantoor language school talenonderwijs poultry shop poelier launderette wassalon produce (vegetables) groenten lawyer advocaat railway station spoorwegstation leather goods lederwaren realtor makelaar legal advice advocaat removal firm verhuisbedrijf leisure pool golfbad riding stable manege library bibliotheek roofing service dakbedekkings bedrijf lighting verlichting safe brandkast/kluis luggage koffers en tassen maternity clothes positiekleding solicitor advocaat medical services kruisverenigingen stationary boeken en tijdschriften men s wear herenkleding supermarket supermarkt/levensmiddelen motorcycle bromfiets/motor swimming pool zwembad movies films tailor kleermaker moving companies verhuizingen tax consultant belastingadviseur museums musea theater schouwburg/concertzaal music school conservatorium/muziekschool timber merchant houthandel newsstand kiosk tools gereedschappen nursery (plants) kwekerij town hall gemeentehuis notary notaris toys speelgoed office supplies kantoor-benodigheden travel agent reisburo optician opticien upholsterer stoffeerder paint lak/verf veterinarian dierenarts painters schilders window cleaner glazenwasser party dresses/goods feestartikelen window repair glashandel party ware feestartikelen wood supply houthandel YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 42 TRANSLATIONS

47 TRANSPORTATION HELP VIA THE WEB 9292 has been and still is the leading expert on travel information using Dutch public transportation for over 15 years. It,s best-known services are: telephone service the internet site the mobile service mobiel.9292ov.nl is the phone number for complete, current and personal travel advice with all form of public transport in the Netherlands offer travel info on your mobile phone. This free mobile service also offers delays and pricing information. Travel advise from home: ( 0,70 p/m / max. 14,-) TRANSPORTATION HELP VIA THE WEB English or Dutch 9292 introduced a Dutch planner that combines car and public transport advises. It tells exactly which means of transportation is the fastest to get to your destination. offers names of public transport providers. Use this website to help you plan your journey by inputting the TO/FROM destinations, time of travel, and means of travel (tram, ferry, bus). Car & Public Transport 9292 recently started giving information on car routes and P+R-traveling, a combination of car and public transport, including information on parking and expected traffic jams. You will find this information on (in Dutch). Ticket Prices gives you ticket prices for bus, tram, and the metro and where to purchase train tickets, too. Information about OV-chipkaart, prices, and where to purchase OV-chipkaarts is available at this website also. MILES = KILOMETERS.62 = 1 1 = = = 161 YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 43

48 TRANSPORTATION: BY CAR When you leave your house with the destination of Centrum or city center in mind, you have a wide variety of transportation choices: train, tram (streetcar), bus, metro (underground metro only in Amsterdam and Rotterdam), taxi, bicycle, car or by foot. Each mode of transportation has its own set of rules and customs. TRANSPORTATION: BY CAR DRIVER'S LICENSE BASICS Residents of the Netherlands, over the age of 18, are required to have a Dutch driver's license when driving a motor vehicle. (A resident is one who spends at least 185 days per calendar year in the Netherlands.) A few exceptions are as following: If you have a driver's license issued from: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, or the United Kingdom, you are entitled to drive in the Netherlands on your foreign license for one year after registering as a Dutch resident. To use your license for more than one year, you must register at municipal offices. It will then be good for ten years after the original issuance of the license. If your driver's license was issued in any other country, you may drive in the Netherlands on your foreign license for a period of six months (185 days) after registering as a Dutch resident. After six months, you must take a driving test in the Netherlands to acquire a Dutch driving license, or exchange your own, foreign license for a Dutch one. Special rules apply to those who have been accorded diplomatic or consular staff status, as well their families. Contact the Dutch Road Traffic and Transport Authority or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Protocol Department) for more information. Furthermore, you must be at least 18 years of age to drive a car in the Netherlands. WARNING: When applying for a DUTCH license, be sure to request that your U.S. driver s license be returned by mail. Otherwise, authorities will retain it permanently. maximum speed limit end of speed limit closed to all vehicles do not enter closed to motor vehicles except motorcycles closed to motorcycles YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 44 no entry for all motor vehicles overtaking prohibited for all 2+ wheeled motorized vehicles

49 TRANSPORTATION: BY CAR EXCHANGING A FOREIGN DRIVER'S LICENSE In some cases you may trade in your foreign-issued driver's license for a Dutch license. This is only possible if you live in the Netherlands and possess valid residential status. Driver's licenses issued in the following countries can only be exchanged if they cover the categories listed here: Taiwan, B (passenger car); Israel, B (passenger car); Japan, IB (passenger cars and motorcycles larger than 400cc); Singapore, Class 2 (motorcycles larger than 400cc), Class 3 (passenger car). It is not possible to exchange an international driver's license for a Dutch license. One condition for trading in a foreign-issued driver's license is that it must be valid at the moment the request is made. The driver's license must also have been issued within a one-year period during which the holder resided at least 185 days in the issuing country. The 30 percent-ruling and getting licensed If you have recently become entitled to benefit from the 30 percent tax ruling, you and the other member(s) of your family can simply exchange your license, no matter where you are from. Ask for an exchange form for your foreign driver's license at your local municipal office. The procedure In order to exchange your foreign driver's license, you must go to your local municipal office. There you request (and pay for) a document stating who you are and where you live, also referred to as the uittreksel bevolkingsregister; a health form (called eigen verklaring); and an exchange form. The health form should be filled in by you and a doctor, who is not the family doctor. Once it has been completed, you should mail it and the uittreksel bevolkingsregister in a pre-printed envelope to the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheid - Central Road Aptitude Bureau). They will process this and send you a "certificate of fitness" (see more about this certificate further on) in the mail, after which you can return to the municipal office, where you will submit: the original, valid foreign driver's license the certificate of fitness two identical, recent passport photographs the exchange form, which has been partially been filled in by you and partially by a civil servant from the municipal office (if you are benefiting from the 30 percent-ruling:) a copy of a statement issued by the Tax Office in Heerlen proving that you or the other member(s) of your family are entitled to benefit from the 30 percent tax ruling. As soon as the municipal fees have been paid, the municipal office will send the entire application to the RDW, who will evaluate the request and if they grant it, send you a Dutch driver's license at your home address within two to three weeks. This means that you will leave the municipal office without a license, so you are not legally allowed to drive. Be sure to make a photocopy of your license and the request should you need to drive during these weeks - which, however, you are strongly advised not to do as you will not be insured! end of prohibited passing no parking for motorcycles or bicycles no stopping stop sign wait for counter traffic pass on right side YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 45 obligatory driving direction obligatory driving direction TRANSPORTATION: BY CAR

50 TRANSPORTATION: BY CAR TRANSPORTATION: BY CAR RETURN OF YOUR ORIGINAL DRIVER'S LICENSE The original driver's license will be returned to your country of origin, unless you are an EU citizen and benefiting from the 30 percent-ruling, in which case it will be sent to your address in the Netherlands. If you have a clearly demonstrable interest in having your foreign driver's license returned, you should submit a written request with your exchange application, enclosing any documents proving this interest, such as a letter from your employer stating that you need your foreign license. Subject to certain conditions, depending on your country of origin, your driver's license will be sent to your Dutch home address. LICENSE VERIFICATION As so many different types of driver's licenses from various countries are submitted for exchange, the validity or authenticity of every document has to be verified. The Department of Road Transport may therefore ask you to have the validity and significance of certain information confirmed by the Consulate or Embassy of the country that issued the foreign driver's license. You may also be required to have the content of the foreign driver's license translated by an approved interpreter/translator. For Japanese, Taiwanese and Chinese licenses, this is obligatory. RETAKING THE TEST If your driver's license cannot be traded in, you will have to take a theory test and a road test at the Dutch Driver's License Authority (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheid, or CBR). Holders of a non-exchangeable Category B (passenger car) license can opt (just once) to take an "accelerated" test, which is given in the knowledge that you have prior driving experience. More information on this subject can be obtained from the Special Driving Test Office (Bureau Nader Onderzoek Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen, or BNOR). If you fail the accelerated test, you will have to take a normal theory test and road test. For other categories there is no "accelerated" test option. More information may be found in the pamphlet A Dutch driver's license: getting it, having it and keeping it - published by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS In several instances, the Dutch Driver's License Authority (CBR) requires a "certificate of fitness" over and above the health form when applying for a driver's license. These instances are: when a Dutch license is first issued when trading in a license issued by certain countries For more information on driving schools, ask for the brochure when the application is made by diplomatic or consular Erkende Rijscholen staff or their families from the when certain medical issues are involved Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijders Bond when you are older than 65. (ANWB the Dutch Motorists Association), Obtain more information on the "certificate of fitness" from phone number the CBR, your town hall, or the RDW. or fax CBR/BNOR, Postbus 1910, 2280 DX Rijswijk Tel: The driving license website of the Dutch government is For general information about driving licenses, call The National Transport Authority at obligatory driving direction obligatory driving direction roundabout no u-turn end of all prohibitions YOUR KINGDOM IN THE NETHERLANDS - PAGE 46 right-hand curve left-hand curve uneven road