QUICK GUIDE

Your First 24 Hours

Immediate priorities:

1. Register your arrival at your accommodation

2. Get a local SIM card or activate international roaming

3. Download essential apps (see below)

4. Locate nearest supermarket and pharmacy

5. Find your nearest GP and find out the registration procedure

FIRST DAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

FIRST WEEK ESSENTIALS

• Visit Gemeente Almere (Stadhuis) to start BSN registration process

• Open a Dutch bank account (bring passport, proof of address, BSN appointment confirmation)

• Register with a local GP (huisarts)

• Apply for health insurance

• Get an OV-chipkaart for public transport or pay with debit or credit card

Almere Specific Tips:

• Almere has excellent bicycle paths - consider getting a bike early

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

• Free WiFi is available at the library, shopping centres, and many cafes

For BSN Registration (Bring ALL documents)

✓ Valid passport

✓ Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)

✓ Rental agreement or proof of address

✓ Employment contract or proof of income

✓ Marriage certificate (if applicable, apostilled and translated)

✓ Children's birth certificates (if applicable)

For Bank Account Opening

✓ Valid passport

✓ BSN (or appointment confirmation)

✓ Proof of address in Netherlands

✓ Employment contract or proof of income

✓ Sometimes: reference from previous bank

For Health Insurance

✓ BSN

✓ Proof of income

✓ Bank account details (for automatic payments)

For GP Registration

✓ BSN

✓ Health insurance details

✓ Previous medical records (translated if not in Dutch/English)

✓ Valid ID

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Transportation

• 9292 - Public transport journey planner

• GVB - Amsterdam region transport

• NS - National train services and tickets

Daily Life

• iDEAL - Mobile payments (once you have Dutch bank account)

• Too Good To Go - Reduce food waste, get discounted meals

• Thuisbezorgd - Food delivery

• Marktplaats - Second-hand marketplace (Dutch Craigslist)

• Albert Heijn App

Government & Services

• DigiD - Digital identity for government services

• MijnOverheid - Government communications

• 112NL - Emergency services with location sharing

Banking

• ING Mobiel Bankieren - If you bank with ING

• Rabobank - If you bank with Rabobank

• ABN AMRO - If you bank with ABN AMRO

• App of your chosen banking provider

ESSENTIAL APPS

"I can't get BSN without bank account, but can't get bank account without BSN"

Solution: Call banks to confirm. Some banks accept BSN appointment confirmation. Book your BSN appointment, use the confirmation to open a bank account, then complete BSN registration.

"Everything requires DigiD but I can't get DigiD"

Solution: You need BSN first. Once you have BSN, apply for DigiD online or at participating Post offices. Process takes 5-7 days.

"I can't find housing and viewings require immediate decisions"

Solution: Take time to learn about the housing shortage reality. Prepare a complete application package beforehand: recent payslips, employment contract, bank statements, personal letter in Dutch (use Google Translate if needed), and be ready to make quick decisions. Consider temporary housing first.

"Healthcare is confusing and expensive"

Solution: Basic health insurance is mandatory (~€100-150/month). Choose a basic package initially. GP visits are fully covered. Always go to GP first before specialists. Keep receipts for your deductible (eigen risico).

"Public transport seems expensive"

Solution: Get an OV-chipkaart and load monthly subscriptions if you travel regularly. Cycling is often faster and cheaper in Almere. Consider NS Flex for occasional train travel.

"I feel isolated and struggle to meet people"

Solution:

• Join language exchange groups at the library

• Attend events

• Use apps like Meetup or Nextdoor

• Join sports clubs or hobby groups

• Volunteer for local organisations

• Take Dutch classes - you'll meet other newcomers

"Dutch bureaucracy is overwhelming"

Solution: Take it step by step. Don't try to do everything at once. Ask for help - many Dutch people are willing to assist if you approach them politely. The library has IDO (Informatiount Digitale Overheid) that offers assistance for government digital platforms-related questions and issues.

"Language barrier in important situations"

Solution: Use Google Translate's camera function for documents. Many service providers have English-speaking staff - always ask. Bring a Dutch-speaking friend to important appointments when possible.

COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS