FIRST MONTH IN ALMERE

GETTING DIGID

DigiD - Your Digital Key to the Netherlands

DigiD is our secure digital identity for accessing Dutch government services online. We need it for almost everything official in the Netherlands.

What we need:

• Valid passport or European ID card

• BSN (Burgerservicenummer) - you get this when you register with the municipality

• Dutch address where you're registered

How to apply:

1. Register first at Almere City Hall (Stadhuisplein 1) if not yet

2. Apply online at digid.nl or visit a library/city hall for help

3. You'll receive an activation code by post within 5-10 working days

4. Activate your DigiD with the code

Pro tip: Many services require DigiD, so prioritize getting this sorted in your first two weeks. If you need help with the process, the city library offers free assistance sessions.

UTILITIES (GAS, WATER, ELECTRICITY) SET UP

In the Netherlands, we need to arrange our own utilities when moving to a new home.

For rental properties:

• Check with your landlord first - sometimes utilities are included or already connected

• If not included, you'll need to contact utility companies directly

Main utility providers in Almere:

• Liander - for gas and electricity connections

• Waternet or Vitens - for water supply

• Energy suppliers - Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent (you can choose your own)

Steps to take:

1. Contact the grid operators (Liander for gas/electricity, Waternet or Vitens for water) to get connected

2. Choose an energy supplier for your gas and electricity contracts

3. Read your meter on move-in day and report the readings

4. Set up direct debit payments to avoid late fees

Money-saving tip: Use comparison websites like Independer.nl or Gaslicht.com to find the best energy deals. Many providers offer discounts for online-only contracts.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT & OV-CHIPKAART

We now can pay public transport with debit or credit card. Another option that is still chosen by many is OV-chipkaart, our ticket to all public transport in the Netherlands - buses, trains, trams, and metros.

Types of cards:

• Anonymous card (€7.50) - buy immediately at stations, no registration needed

• Personal card (€7.50) - links to your identity, offers better protection if lost

• NS Flex - for frequent travelers, monthly subscriptions

Where to buy:

• Train stations (ticket machines or service desk)

• Many supermarkets and tobacco shops

• Online at ov-chipkaart.nl

How it works:

• Load money or buy subscriptions

• Always check in AND check out - forgetting to check out means paying the maximum fare

• For buses in Almere: check in when boarding, check out when leaving

Local transport in Almere:

• Allgo buses serve the city

• Bus routes connect all districts (Almere Haven, Stad, Buiten, Poort, Hout)

• Consider a monthly bus subscription if you'll use it regularly

Money-saving tips:

• Off-peak train travel (weekends, weekday evenings) costs 40% less

• Consider NS Flex Weekend Vrij for unlimited weekend train travel

• Some employers offer public transport allowances

FINDING & REGISTERING WITH GP/HUISARTS

Why We Need a GP

Your GP is your first contact for all health issues and the gateway to specialized care. They can perform minor procedures and refer you to specialists when needed.

How to Find a GP in Almere

1. Search tools:

   • Zorgkaart Nederland (enter your postal code)

   • KiesUwHuisarts.nl

   • Ask other internationals or your neighbors in Almere for recommendations

2. Almere-specific options:

   • Zorggroep Almere: Over 30 years experience, offers services in English, multiple GP practices.

Registration Requirements

Bring to your registration:

• Valid ID

• BSN (Burger Service Nummer)

• Health insurance details (name and policy number)

• Medical records from your home country

• List of current medications

Practices also provide online registration. Check their websites.

Important Notes

• GPs only accept patients within their service area (15-minute travel time for emergencies). Check the nearest GPs in your area.

• Most GPs in Almere speak English

• If language is an issue, GPs can use interpreter services (you pay for this)

BASIC TAX INFO

Understanding Dutch taxes helps you avoid surprises and claim benefits we're entitled to

Key tax concepts:

• Income tax (Inkomstenbelasting) - progressive rates from 36.97% to 49.5%

• Tax year runs from January 1 to December 31

• Tax return deadline/belasting aangifte - usually May 1 of the following year

Important for newcomers:

• You become a Dutch tax resident if you live here more than 6 months

• Your worldwide income becomes taxable in the Netherlands

• Various deductions and credits available

Common deductions:

• Arbeidskorting (work tax credit) - automatic for employees

• Algemene heffingskorting (general tax credit) - everyone gets this

• Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) - helps pay insurance premiums, for low income

• Huurtoeslag (rent allowance) - if you meet income requirements, for low income

30% ruling: If you're a skilled migrant recruited from abroad, you might qualify for the 30% ruling, allowing 30% of your salary to be paid tax-free.

Getting help:

• Many employers handle tax paperwork except if you're a freelancer or ZZP'er

• Consider hiring a tax advisor for your first year

• Belastingdienst.nl has English-language information

• Free tax help available at libraries during tax season

INTERNET & PHONE PLANS

Staying connected is essential for work, keeping in touch with home, and navigating daily life.

Main internet providers:

• KPN - largest network, reliable but pricier

• Ziggo - cable internet, good for streaming

• T-Mobile - competitive prices, growing fiber network

• Budget providers - Tele2, Ben, Online.nl (often use KPN network)

Internet options:

• Fiber (glasvezel) - fastest, increasingly available in Almere

• Cable - good speeds, widely available

• DSL - slower but cheaper, being phased out

What to expect:

• Installation usually takes 1-3 weeks

• Most providers offer bundled internet, TV, and phone packages

• Minimum contract periods typically 12 months

• Installation fees range from €0-€50

Mobile phone plans:

• KPN, T-Mobile, Vodafone - major networks with best coverage

• Budget options - Ben, Simyo, Lebara, Lycamobile

• Prepaid vs. postpaid - postpaid usually offers better deals for regular users

Money-saving tips:

• Compare packages on sites like Belsimpel.nl or Mobiel.nl

• Many providers offer student or young adult discounts

• Consider separate internet and mobile contracts for flexibility

• Check if your employer offers telecom discounts

INTEGRATION PLAN

While handling these practical matters, remember that settling in Almere or any other new olace is also about building connections and understanding the culture. Consider joining local clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organisations. Learning Dutch, even basic conversational skills, will significantly improve your daily interactions and show your commitment to making the Netherlands your home.

Almere's diverse population means you'll find many others who've made similar journeys. The city offers integration courses, Dutch language classes, and various cultural activities that can help you feel more at home while contributing positively to your new community.

Take it step by step - you don't need to complete everything in week one. Focus on the essentials (DigiD, utilities, transport) first, then gradually work through the other items as you settle in.

Need more help? Visit Almere's city website (almere.nl) or stop by the city hall information desk. Many services offer assistance in English, and there are often volunteers available to help newcomers navigate these first crucial weeks.