The Netherlands: Quick Facts for Migrants from The Philippines
- Population: 59.5 million
- Capital: Amsterdam
- Main language: Dutch
- Emergency phone numbers: 112
- Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz
- Currency: Euro
- Euro to Philippine Peso: 1 Euro = ~57 PHP
- Embassy: The Statesman, Churchillplein 5, The Hague; https://thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Finding Housing in The Netherlands
Searching for an apartment before you get to Holland can be tricky since most landlords will want to meet you in person, but it can prepare you for what to expect when you start looking for housing when you arrive. It’s important to ensure that you’ll be able to get the necessary documents to sign a lease, so always bring a passport or valid ID, proof of income or earnings, and proof of your Dutch resident status. When you’re ready to start researching or going to see apartments, here are some websites you can use to browse:
Before you go look at apartments, make sure you have a good idea of how much you’re able to spend on rent and utilities. Our budgeting for migrants series can help you understand what goes into a budget and how to create one so that you’re always living within your means and saving enough to send home.
Finding a Job in The Netherlands
Many expats and migrants are relieved to learn that English is the main language of business in The Netherlands. Of course, learning to speak some Dutch can’t hurt, but if your only common language with your coworkers is English, you’ll still get by. When you arrive in Holland, talk to others in the migrant or international community in the city where you plan on living. There’s a great Facebook group you can use to connect with other Filipino migrants to get suggestions. They might have some insight on where you can find jobs as a migrant or who to speak with to find work. Once you’re ready to search online and start applying, here are some websites to look at:
Getting Around The Netherlands
Luckily, Holland is quite small, so you won’t have to spend too much time getting around the country. Since it’s so small, the public transit system is almost entirely unified, meaning you can use one card, the OV-chipkaart, for all public transit in the country. You can use this card on city buses, coaches, trams, and metros. There’s also a train system to get around the country more quickly. Just be sure to tap your card on the public transit vehicle both when you get on and off to avoid any fines.
Send Money to The Philippines from Holland
Sending money home doesn’t have to be complicated. You can visit a bank or transfer bureau, or you can make your life easier and send an online money transfer. Many Filipinos turn to Rewire to manage their money while living abroad. With Rewire, you get access to a few different tools, like a global money transfer service and a SSS payment service. You can also take care of your family back home with a prepaid family debit card and family protection coverage.
Searching for other ways to manage your money? We’ve got a few tips on managing your money for migrants in The Netherlands.
In Conclusion
Knowing what to expect before you land in The Netherlands is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety when it comes to moving. Living in a new country as a migrant isn’t always easy, but if you know how to plan out your first steps, you’ll find it a lot simpler to transition to a new country.
