9292: your public transport hero

Whenever you feel like leaving your bike in the shed – for example because you haven’t yet gotten used to the rainy Dutch weather – and taking public transport instead, 9292 will help you find the best connection and provide you with all your travel details. Whether you’re getting on a bus, tram, train, or metro, this magical app will tell you exactly when and where to go.

NS Reisplanner: for all your train adventures

Planning a train trip with Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS; Dutch Railways)? NS Reisplanner to the rescue! Here you’ll find all timetables and rates, as well as live updates. This way, you’ll always know whether your train is fashionably late or not running at all due to bad weather or technical problems (which unfortunately happens a lot). It’s generally best to check the app just before embarking on your train trip to avoid unpleasant surprises.

DigiD: your digital Dutch passport

Please meet DigiD, the golden key that grants you access to anything that must be arranged through the government in the Netherlands, from healthcare to taxes. You can consider DigiD as your digital ID. Be sure to carefully store your login details and try not to loose them, as that’s just as bad as losing your actual passport.

Tikkie: splitting bills like a pro

The expression ‘going Dutch’ says it all: Dutch people almost always want to split the bill evenly. In the old days you would throw cash on the table, but now there’s Tikkie: the app to ask your friends to pay you back the money they owe you. It’s customary for one person to front the money and use WhatsApp to send round a ‘tikkie’ afterwards, i.e., a payment request using the eponymous app. If you want to stay friends with Dutch people, be sure to always pay your tikkies on time!

Marktplaats: hunting for second-hand bargains  

Marktplaats, the Dutch version of eBay, is a goldmine when it comes to second-hand bargains. Whether you’re looking for a vintage bike, retro toaster, nice furniture, or used washing machine, this is the place to go. Now you can completely furnish your new Dutch home with original Marktplaats finds, and without breaking the bank!

Albert Heijn app: for all your groceries

Say hello to your new best friend, the Albert Heijn app! In this app of the largest Dutch supermarket chain, you can check which items are ‘in de Bonus’ (i.e., on sale), look for recipes, create shopping lists, and plan weekly menus. You’ll also find the digital version of your AH Bonuskaart here, which saves you a ton of money on your groceries.