Amsterdam Expat - Top 10 practical tips
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So, you are new to the city of Amsterdam. Or you’re planning on moving to Amsterdam soon. Expat life is challenging. Tons of new things to get used to, a new apartment, a new social life, a new environment. We try to create the best possible environment for you to get settled easily.
Therefore, here are 10 practical tips for those that are planning an Amsterdam short stay or long stay.
- Don’t think too much about what’s better back home. Focus on everything that is positive. Talk and share about what’s better about living in Amsterdam or Amstelveen. We’ve created an Htel facebook page where you can get in touch and share for people that are staying at one of our Hotel serviced apartments
. - Get to know Amsterdam. There really is so much to do. My personal favorite thing about the city is that it's the perfect mix between a big city (all the restaurants, events, museums, bars, amenities), and a town. You can cycle from one side to the other in an hour or so.
- Accept invitations for socializing, all of them. Even if it is with people you would normally not hang out with. They may just end up becoming your best friends.
- Don’t get stuck in an expat bubble. Amsterdam is a great city. Get to know the locals, learn a bit of Dutch and get out of your comfort zone. 90% of the Dutch speak English, so that shouldn’t be a barrier. Embrace the differences and simply enjoy the quirks.
- Do more. Do more of everything. The expat lifestyle is ideal to take advantage of things that you might take for granted in your hometown. Stuff like going to summer festivals, sports, museums, day trips, events etc. And one of the best things about doing more is that you tend to meet new people which is something most of us don't do much of in our own cities.
- Do a bit of the same. I believe it’s really important when moving to a new place to find some things you’re familiar with, things that you loved doing at home. If you enjoyed playing tennis at home, ask us for help to find you a tennis club here.
- The Dutch are frank, sometimes too frank. They’re literally famous for being direct. Keep in mind; they’re not trying to insult you. They’re very open, and everything is open to discussion. No holds barred. It comes back everywhere in the Dutch society, and it will blow you off your feet every now and then. Just don’t take it personal.
- Read the book ‘The Undutchables’. It’s a good laugh, and it tells you quite a bit of the funny habits the Dutch have.
Get a map and one of our bicycles and see the whole of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a great city to explore by bike. Drive over bridges, by the adorable canals, see the architecture, and get to know the more intimate corners of the city. I recommend not to read the map during cycling.- Watch left and right before crossing the road. Bicycles and trams come out of unexpected corners. Local Amsterdam bikers tend to ignore red lights. They carry friends and family on the backs of their bikes. They ride on the sidewalks. They closely speed by fellow bikers without warning. They don't use lights at night, even though the law tells differently. They chat on cell phones while racing through crowds. And, a last thing, do not walk in cycle lanes.
Book your Amsterdam Stay with us now!
I look forward to be your host in Amsterdam
Ingmar Sloothaak
General Manager
Htel Serviced Apartments
