Smartphones are an important aspect of everyday life, and nowadays apps can be used for everything from ordering food to learning a new language. But apps can also be used to make the lives of an expat or tourist in a new and unfamiliar country much more manageable. Make your life easier by trying some of these really handy apps for living in the Netherlands!
Leading programs for living in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a wide selection of amazing apps that are very useful for people who live here or visit them for just a few days. Here are our app choices that are a must have for everyone in the Netherlands.
1. Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go is a really cool app that connects people to shops and restaurants that have unsold surplus food. This app not only offers great offers on fresh food, but also helps reduce waste. Everything in the app is reduced by a third from the original price, making it great to get amazing food on a small budget. Thanks to the customizable features, it is also available for people with dietary restrictions. Other great food-related programs to check out are Gorillas, Flink and UberEats.
2. 9292
9292 is an app that allows people to plan their trips on Dutch public transport, giving information on everything from the metro to the ferry. It lists all the different public transport options that make it vital to living in the Netherlands, and can sync your phone’s current location so that if you’re new and accidentally lost, it can take you back to your hotel or apartment. You can also buy e-tickets directly in the app. Other programs that help with transportation in the Netherlands are Google Maps and NS.
3. Google Translate
Google Translate is needed if you’re going somewhere you don’t speak the local language. Although English is commonly spoken in the Netherlands, many signs and inscriptions can be written in Dutch, making the instant translation function from the camera very useful. Finally, languages ​​can be downloaded offline so you can translate without an internet connection. Other language programs that are useful for learning a language, especially if you are going to live in the Netherlands for a while and want to learn Dutch, are Duolingo and Babbel.
4. Tikkie
Tikkie is a very common application among locals in the Netherlands. If you are a new immigrant, it will greatly facilitate the division of accounts into anything. Tikkie allows you to send and receive payment requests via WhatsApp for free, and it works with banks from all over the EU. Tikkie also offers unique offers that allow you to return money from major brands by scanning the QR code in some stores or on promotional pages. Paying for drinks with friends from university has never been easier! Other useful banking programs are Wise and PayPal.
5. Marketplace
Marktplaats is the largest online marketplace in the Netherlands with more than 8 million visitors a month, and the app is the most convenient way to buy or sell goods. Almost everything can be found on Marktplaats, so if you just want to browse or are looking for something special, this is a great place to start. The program has messaging so you can contact sellers for any questions or get great deals. Other programs that are ideal for online shopping in the Netherlands are Amazon.nl and Bol.com.
6. Foundation
Finding a home in the Netherlands is no joke, and it is one of the things new residents are struggling with the most. Funda is great for helping people find housing and understand the Dutch housing market, as it gives you an idea of ​​prices, availability and surrounding areas. You can filter your search by city, district, budget and more. However, the program is mostly in Dutch, so you may need the help of Google Translate. Other great platforms for finding housing in the Netherlands are Kamernet, Marktplaats, Facebook and, of course, IamExpat Housing!
7. Buenradar
Buienradar is one of the most popular weather apps in the Netherlands. Dutch weather can be extremely unpredictable: at one point with heavy rain and great sunshine, so Buienradar is perfect for checking the rain forecast so you don’t get wet before leaving. The app is insanely accurate as it is constantly updated throughout the day and also offers seasonal radar maps that are perfect for monitoring pollen and mosquitoes. Another great weather app is Accuweather.
8. DigiD
The DigiD app is absolutely necessary for emigrants and new residents of the Netherlands. It is an identification management platform that the Government of the Netherlands uses to identify residents and is used for everything from paying taxes to booking a test on COVID-19. Your DigiD must first be activated on the website, and this ensures the protection of your data.
Download these Dutch programs today!
There are many wonderful apps that are beneficial for immigrants, visitors and residents of the Netherlands, but this is our top choice! If you have any more recommendations, let us know in the comments below.
