Traffic
The Netherlands is known for its excellent infrastructure and being a cycling country. This means there are many facilities for cyclists, including good roads, bike paths, traffic lights for cyclists, and even bicycle bridges. This is also necessary because the Netherlands is quite densely populated and relatively small. As a result, traffic is often busy and probably different than in other countries.
When you come to work in the Netherlands at Flexible Human Services, there is a chance that you will cycle to and from work. Dutch people have been cycling from a young age, so they are good at it. Have you never cycled or not very often? Then make sure you first practice cycling on a quiet road or place, so that you can safely go on the road. Take into account other road users such as racing cyclists, scooters and electric bicycles that can pass you quickly. It is a lot busier than you are used to in your home country.
Bicycles
In the Netherlands there are many cycle paths, these are often red in color. Some cycle paths are located on the highway, but it is also possible that they are completely separate from the highway. Via Google Maps you can also search for routes for cyclists, for example. To be able to cycle safely, it is also important to adhere to the traffic rules. In the dark it is mandatory to have working bicycle lights, and you are also not allowed to use your phone while cycling. You can be fined for this.
Fines
Keep in mind that the fines in the Netherlands are very high compared to other countries in Europe. For example, the fine for running a red light is 280 euros (2023), in Poland the fine for the same offense is approximately 65 euros. Also make sure that you always have working (and visible) bicycle lights. Firstly, this is for your own safety, but if you cycle without lights in the dark you can be fined (60 euros). The fine for using your phone while cycling is 140 euros. If you use your phone handheld as the driver of a motor vehicle, the fine is even 350 euros. For all fines and current prices, you can consult the fine database of the Dutch government.
Accident
In the event of a collision with another person or a car, you must always write down the contact details of the other person. So name, telephone number, address, e-mail address.
If you are driving an FHS car (which is therefore not in your name) and you are involved in a collision, it is important to contact us immediately.
The police must be called if there are injuries, the damage is very extensive, or if there is driving under the influence, without a driving license or without insurance. You can call the police on +31 900-8844. If someone is seriously injured and an ambulance is needed, always call 112!
Pay attention! In the Netherlands it is a crime to drive on after a collision/accident. You must at all times exchange data, offer help or call in help when necessary.
It is wise to complete a European claim form together with the other party involved in an accident. This form is important for the insurance.
Flexwonen.nu
When you choose to work at Flexible Human Services and also indicate that you want housing, this will be provided by our partner Flexwonen.nu. In addition to your accommodation, you will also receive a free loan bike from Flexwonen.nu. This does not automatically mean that you have to cycle to work. That depends on the distance between your accommodation location and the client where you are going to work. If the distance is too great, you will be transported to work by car, van or coach. For medium distances, you may also receive an electric loan bike. All transport provided by Flexwonen.nu is free. It is not compulsory to use the offered transport, you are always free to arrange your own transport. If you choose to do so, the costs are for yourself.
Public transport
We understand that navigating public transport in a new country can be challenging, but don't worry. The Netherlands has an efficient and reliable public transport system that can easily take you anywhere in the country. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
OV-chipkaart: Your Key to Travel
The Dutch public transport system uses the OV-chipkaart. This card is your access pass to trains, buses, trams, and metros. Make sure you purchase an OV-chipkaart and load credit onto it before you travel. You can do this at special top-up points in stations or online.
You can buy an Anonymous OV-chipkaart at the following locations:
- Ticket machines at NS (Dutch Railways) stations.
- Supermarkets such as Albert Heijn and Plus.
- Tobacco shops/bookstores such as Primera, AKO and Readshop, Bruna
- Service desks of public transport companies such as GVB, Arriva and Connexxion.
Or order a personal OV chip card online.
You can top up your OV-chipkaart at train stations, Albert Heijn and Primera stores. But there are many more places where you can do this; you can find a top-up location near you via this website.
You can also travel without an OV-chipkaart. You can pay with a debit card on every bus/tram. There are also ticket machines at all train/metro stations where you can buy a separate ticket. However, this is often slightly more expensive than traveling with an OV-chipkaart.
With some debit cards, and Mastercard & VISA credit cards and direct debit cards, you can now also travel with public transport. So you don't have to buy a separate public transport chip card. Read on this website how it works to check in with your debit card, credit card or direct debit card.
Trains
The Netherlands is known for its extensive railway network. Trains are a fast and efficient way to cover long distances. Check the departure times on the station boards or via the 9292 application and make sure you board the correct train. You can check in and out with your OV-chipkaart. You must also check in and out a separate ticket at one of the poles.
Buses and Trams
For local travel, buses and trams offer excellent options. Consult timetables at the stops or use handy apps such as 9292 to find the fastest route. Don't forget to check in when you board and check out when you leave the vehicle. Keep in mind that in villages and quiet areas, transport will run less frequently. Also, buses and trams only run until a certain time in the evening and not at night. So plan your trip carefully.
Metros
In large cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the metro is a popular way to travel. Follow the color codes and line numbers to take the correct route. The OV-chipkaart or a separate ticket is also required here.
Handy Apps and Websites
Use apps like 9292 and NS Reisplanner for real-time travel information. These apps help you plan your journey, show current departure times and warn you of any delays. These apps plan your trip from your start to your end point and take into account all possible types of public transport for your route. Super handy! But public transport routes are also easy to find via Google or Google Maps.
Own car
It is of course also possible that you arrange your own housing and therefore live privately. If you choose to do so, you are also dependent on your own transport to get to work.
If you bring your car to the Netherlands, there are a number of important things to know.
You can simply drive in the Netherlands with a car with a non-Dutch registration number.
However, there are obligations:
- The vehicle must have a valid/active registration, this must be arranged in the country where the license plate was issued.
- An active motor vehicle liability insurance
- A valid periodic inspection
In the Netherlands, we have 2 types of car taxes: MRB (Road Tax) and BPM (Import Tax). These taxes may also apply to foreigners with foreign cars, depending on where your primary residence is located. This could be in your home country or in the Netherlands. It is your responsibility to prove (if requested by the tax authorities or the police) where your primary residence is. Whether you have to pay tax also depends on how long you stay in the Netherlands with your car with foreign license plates.
Main residenceoutside the Netherlands:
MRB: Exemption for 6 months. After having resided in the Netherlands for 6 months, you are obliged to pay MRB to the Dutch tax authorities.
BPM: Exemption forever.
Primary residence in the Netherlands:
MRB: You must pay from the moment you have arranged your own accommodation in the Netherlands or are registered in the GBA/BRP (Government Basic Administration). The amount depends on the weight and fuel type of your car. The older, larger, and more polluting your car is, the more you pay.
BPM: You must pay this tax when you have arranged your own accommodation, or you are registered with the municipality in the GBA/BRP (Government Basic Administration). The amount depends on the new price of the car and the age of the car.
You must inform the tax authorities yourself whether you have to pay tax or not. If you do not, you run the risk of being caught during a check by the police/tax authorities. You must then pay the tax, including a penalty of 50% to 100%. These amounts can be very high. So, pay close attention to whether you have to pay tax for your car or not.
No rights can be derived from the text above.
Always consult the website of the Dutch Tax Administration for the most up-to-date information.
You can find documents in various languages regarding taxes for vehicles with foreign license plates on this page.
Useful apps
Finding your way in a new country is often difficult, but fortunately, there are several apps that can help you with this.
You can easily find the fastest route to your destination via Google Maps and Apple Maps. Shops, supermarkets and restaurants are also easy to find here. Both applications can also provide cycling routes. Please note! You are not allowed to hold your mobile phone while cycling.
There are also more useful apps for the car. The Waze application is similar to the above applications, except that this app adjusts your route to the current traffic situation. Due to the large number of users, this is often more accurate than, for example, Google Maps.
Then there is the application Flitsmeister. You are not allowed to use this application in every country, but you can in the Netherlands, with all its functionalities! In addition to navigation, this application also offers warnings for dangerous traffic situations, as well as speed cameras and speed checks.
On the Language & Integration page you will find tips on what you can do in your free time, but also where you can find nice walking and cycling routes.