First Week in Almere - Essential Guides

FIRST WEEK CHECKLIST

Day 1-2: Immediate Priorities

• Register your address at the municipality (GBA/BRP registration)

• Apply for your BSN (Burgerservicenummer)

• Secure temporary accommodation if needed

• Notify your employer of your arrival

Day 3-4: Financial and Health Setup

• Open a Dutch bank account

• Arrange health insurance coverage

• Register with a local GP (huisarts)

Day 5-7: Integration and Connectivity

• Get a Dutch mobile phone plan

• Register for Dutch language classes

• Explore your neighborhood and locate essential services

• Connect with local newcomer groups and networks

BSN REGISTRATION

Our BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is our social security number in the Netherlands and is required for almost everything - from opening a bank account to getting health insurance.

Where to Register:

Almere City Hall (Stadhuis), Stadhuisplein 1 1315 HR Almere

Phone: 036 539 91 11

What to Bring:

• Valid passport or EU ID card

• Birth certificate (with apostille if non-EU)

• Rental agreement or proof of address

• Employment contract (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate (if applicable, with apostille if non-EU)

Important Notes:

• Make an appointment online at almere.nl or by phone

• Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks

• Ask whether you'll receive a temporary extract while waiting for official BSN card

• The service is free of charge

HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and must be arranged within four months of arriving.

Basic Insurance (Basisverzekering):

• Covers essential medical care

• Costs approximately €100-140 per month

• Compare providers: Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ, Menzis are popular options

Additional Coverage (Aanvullende verzekering):

• Covers dental care, physiotherapy, and other services

• Optional but recommended

Getting Started:

• You need a BSN before applying

• Contact insurance companies directly or use comparison websites like Independer.nl

• Your employer may have group arrangements with better rates

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT

A Dutch bank account is essential for receiving salary, paying bills, and daily transactions.

Major Banks in the Netherlands:

• ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank (full-service branches)

• Online banks: Bunq, N26, KNAB (quicker setup)

Required Documents:

• Valid passport or EU ID card

• BSN number

• Proof of address in the Netherlands

• Employment contract or proof of income

Tips:

• Some banks offer English-speaking services

• Many transactions in the Netherlands are card-only

• Consider banks with good mobile apps for convenience

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Emergency Services:

• Police, Fire, Ambulance: 112

• Non-urgent police: 0900-8844

Local Emergency Services:

• Flevoziekenhuis (Hospital): Hospitaalweg 1, Almere - 036 868 8888

• Almere Municipal Emergency Line: 036 539 91 11

Utilities Emergency Numbers:

• Gas Emergency: 0800 9009

• Electricity: Contact your energy provider

• Water: Vitens 0800 0200

Important Services:

• Dutch Immigration Service (IND): 088 043 0430

• Tax Authority (Belastingdienst): 0800 0543

• Social Services (Gemeente): 036 539 91 11

BASIC DUTCH PHRASES

Learning a few key phrases shows respect for local culture and helps with daily interactions.

Essential Greetings:

• Hello: Hallo

• Good morning: Goedemorgen

• Good afternoon: Goedemiddag

• Good evening: Goedenavond

• Goodbye: Tot ziens

Polite Expressions:

• Please: Alstublieft

• Thank you: Dank je wel

• Excuse me: Excuseer me

• I'm sorry: Het spijt me

Useful Questions:

• Do you speak English?: Spreekt u Engels?

• I don't understand: Ik begrijp het niet

• Can you help me?: Kunt u me helpen?

• Where is...?: Waar is...?

Shopping and Services:

• How much?: Hoeveel kost dat?

• I would like...: Ik wil graag...

• The bill, please: De rekening, alstublieft

ADDITIONAL FIRST WEEK TIPS

Administrative Efficiency

Take care of official matters early in the week and early in the day when offices are less busy. Many Dutch services operate on appointment systems, so plan ahead.

Cultural Integration

Almere is a diverse city with residents from many backgrounds. Participating in local activities, joining sports clubs, or attending community events helps build connections with both Dutch residents and fellow newcomers.

Local Resources:

• Almere Library ( de Nieuwe Bibliotheek) offers free Dutch conversation groups or Taalcafe

• Many supermarkets and services have multilingual staff

• The city centre (Almere Centrum) has most essential services within walking distance

Remember, settling in takes time, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed in your first week. Take things step by step, ask for help when needed, and don't hesitate to reach out to local newcomer networks for support and advice.