Living in Amsterdam

Living in Amsterdam in The Netherlands, offers expats a interesting lifestyle that is rich in culture and entertainment. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and is rated as the fourth most popular European city after Paris, London and Rome. It is extremely cosmopolitan and very liberal, which adds to its charm and attracts visitors from all around the world. English is widely spoken throughout Amsterdam and expatriates living in Amsterdam find that there are no major communication difficulties.

Amsterdam is highly developed and the city is very compact and easy to navigate. However, it still retains much of its historic character and an interesting mix of old and new exist side by side, thus ensuring that expatriates living here get the best of both worlds. Facilities are abundant and everyday amenities are similar to those found in other developed cities. There is a close-knit expatriate community which offers a support network and will help you and your family to settle in. Many of the locals in Amsterdam are equally accommodating and you will not have to look too far for help, advice and assistance.

Amsterdam boasts a number of excellent schools, both international and local, and there is no shortage of educational establishments that are able to offer American and English curricular learning experiences. It is generally a safe city in which to raise children and there are no shortage of activities and entertainment facilities for the whole family.

If you are relocating from somewhere in Western Europe or America, you will find that the lifestyle and conveniences on offer here are very similar to what you are used to and you not experience too many issues adapting and fitting it.

The expat guide to Living in Amsterdam

Our indispensable international relocation guide to living in Amsterdam covers all the practical aspects of moving to this European city and offers destination specific information about a wide variety of different topics.

1) Living legally in Amsterdam

Detailed information about the type of visa you will require, what type of work it will allow you to engage in and how to navigate the immigration system and the application and renewal processes. We’ll give you the knowledge you need to cut through the bureaucracy and remain stress free when living in Amsterdam.

2) Setting up home in Amsterdam

An insider’s view of popular living locations in Amsterdam and their local amenities, together with a step-by-step guide to finding a home and agreeing a contract. Arrive prepared and avoid any hidden pitfalls.

3) Navigating the infrastructure in Amsterdam

Thorough information about the practicalities of living in Amsterdam, from banking, taxation and insurance, through to communication, transportation, shopping and education facilities. Allow us to take the mystery out of the unknown and smooth your transition when moving overseas.

4) Having fun in Amsterdam

An expat’s guide about where to go to meet people, network and find entertainment. The relocation guide contains detailed information about where to find like-minded people or let your hair down. We have “been there and done that” and would now like to show you around.

5) Staying safe and healthy in Amsterdam

Moving overseas can be daunting. We give you an honest lowdown on how you can stay safe and avoid problems. We also point you in the right direction for finding healthcare services and support when living in Amsterdam.

6) Blending in

Making yourself truly at home means understanding and fitting in with the locals. We provide an in-depth view of languages, traditions and cultural customs. Let us help you to prepare for living in Amsterdam and avoid any cultural traps that may offend.

7) Reality bites

The most important content of our relocation guides is cold, hard facts that are written by people who live and work in Amsterdam. We do not give you the “official version”, we give you the “real version” and that’s exactly what you will need to have the best possible start to your new life abroad.

Your only expat guide to living in Amsterdam; Feel at home abroad – Fast!

Price of this guide:£19.00 / €22.00 / $29.00

Don't forget you'll receive a 20% discount on our prices if you complete our questionnaire during the purchase process.

About the guide authors

Denis Burke Denis Burke became an Amsterdam resident after several visits. He has lived in the city for three years; first as a student, later as a writer and now in communications in the non-government sector. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Denis has traveled all over North America, Europe, and Asia. He has written for several travel guides with pieces about far away places and the differing social and lifestyle issues in different parts of the world. Following the completion of his masters degree in Amsterdam he began writing about international affairs. Why does Denis love Amsterdam? The work-hard, play-hard mentality, the rich cultural life, and the opportunity to cycle home every day along breath-taking canals.

Filippos Mitchell When initially confronted with the option of moving to Amsterdam, Filippos had a vague idea of what to expect. He did not, however, have any knowledge of the Dutch language or Dutch way of living. After arriving at just 18 years old, he was lost in Amsterdam. He found himself in a city free from rules, where drugs, prostitution and euthanasia are all acceptable. He had to manage his way through the trials of living in a new place, discover the city, and solve the mystery called Amsterdam.

Fortunately he was not alone; he was accompanied by his dog "Oia". The two of them made new friends, especially on walks through Vondelpark. Together, they travelled around the Netherlands, meeting new people and getting to know the Dutch culture. Three years later, the city feels not just like a place where he studied, but more like a second home. His next stop will be Barcelona to continue his studies, but he often says in a nostalgic tone "Amsterdam, I'll be back!" -- and he will be.

Gail Zuckerwise Though one might suspect "a total New Yorker," Gail M. Zuckerwise stumbled into Amsterdam's wonderland as an undergraduate student in need of inspiration. After returning to Amherst College to complete her degree, she knew it was time to head back to the city that had been her muse. Four years later and nearly two degrees further, Gail's fascination with the city has only become enhanced with time and understanding. With the two-fold goal of teaching at a Dutch University and being Dutch when she grows up, Gail has no intention of turning away now, watching in awe as the city moves forward, and wondering, can it actually get any better?

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