Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, but with the help of technology, settling down in a new place can be much easier. When I moved to the Netherlands, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of useful mobile apps available, and now I cannot imagine living without them. Read further about some of the must-have apps I used regularly, as well as some additional apps that are useful for life in the Netherlands.
NS – Nederlandse Spoorwegen
The NS app is perfect for those who frequently travel by train in the Netherlands. It provides real-time train schedules and platform information and allows to purchase tickets and store them in the app. Once or twice a year, the NS offers a promotion that gives you a 50% discount on a yearly subscription, which is an excellent deal for those who use the train often.
9292
The 9292 app helps travel with local buses, metro, and trams in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and other cities. It provides real-time travel information, route planning, and estimated travel times. It is important to note that having an OV-chipkaart is handy, as buying tickets on the tram or bus is impossible. Find out more about OV-chipkaart in this blog.
Citymapper
Citymapper is another excellent app when navigating cities in the Netherlands. This app provides detailed information on public transportation, bike-sharing options, and walking directions, making it easy to get around efficiently. It also offers real-time travel updates and alerts, helping you avoid any potential delays or disruptions. However, it works only in some cities.
Efita – Fietsnetwekr
The Fietsnetwerk app provides turn-by-turn directions along the route, and points of interest are highlighted along the way, including restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions. This makes it easy to plan your stops and take in the sights and sounds of the beautiful Dutch countryside.
Fietsknoop
The Fietsknoop app uses a unique system of numbered nodes that are placed along the bike routes. These nodes are marked on signs along the bike path, and users can enter the node numbers into the app to create their custom bike routes. The app provides turn-by-turn directions along the route, as well as information on points of interest, such as restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions.
ANWB
The ANWB app is essential for anyone planning a road trip or driving in the Netherlands. The app is developed by the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club), a non-profit organization that provides roadside assistance, travel advice, and other services to motorists in the Netherlands. One of the main features of the ANWB app is its route planner, which allows you to plan your journey and receive real-time traffic updates, including information on road closures, accidents, and other incidents that may affect your journey. You can also use the app to calculate toll fees, find parking spots, and locate petrol stations along your route.
Groupon
Groupon is a well-known app that offers discounts and deals on various products and services. It is a great way to find unique and affordable restaurants in the Netherlands.
Marktplaats
Marktplaats is the Dutch version of Craigslist, where you can buy and sell items. If you’re on a budget or don’t plan on staying in the Netherlands for a long time, buying second-hand items is a great way to save money and reduce waste.
Thuisbezorgd
Thuisbezorgd is a popular app for ordering food delivery in the Netherlands. It allows you to browse menus and order food from various restaurants in your area. This app is handy if you don’t have time to cook or are lazy.
Albert Hein
Albert Hein is the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands. The app allows you to create your shopping list, check promotions and discounts, and even order groceries for delivery.
Funda
If you’re considering buying or renting a house in the Netherlands, Funda is the go-to app for property listings. It provides detailed information on properties for sale or rent, including photos, descriptions, and pricing.
Banks
There are several banks in the Netherlands, both domestic and international. Some of the most popular banks in the Netherlands include:
- ABN AMRO
- Rabobank
- ING Bank
- SNS Bank
- Triodos Bank
- Deutsche Bank
- Credit Europe Bank
- Van Lanschot
These banks have their own mobile banking apps, allowing customers to manage their accounts, transfer money, pay bills, and perform other banking transactions from their mobile devices.
In addition to these apps, many others can be useful for life in the Netherlands. Some examples include the Weer app for weather forecasts and the Duolingo app for learning Dutch. Settling in the Netherlands can be much easier and more enjoyable with these apps.
