- Student
- 05/09/2024
Cursor explains | Indispensable apps for your life in the Netherlands
These apps will make your life a lot easier
Welcome to the country of ‘stroopwafels’, frequent rain showers, and more bikes than people (how’s that even possible?)! Moving to the Netherlands is a great adventure, but with the right apps at your fingertips, you’ll soon feel at home. Here’s a list of practical apps to make your life in the Netherlands as smooth as possible.
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.
Buienalarm: dodging the Dutch rain showers
In a country with as many showers as people on bikes, you can’t do without the Buienalarm or Buienradar app on your own. This weather app sends you a push notification when the next shower is approaching. This will allow you to time your bike travel perfectly, ensuring you don’t reach your destination looking like a drowned rat.
EasyPark: stress-free parking
Parking in the busy Dutch cities can be a nightmare, but with EasyPark it will be a piece of cake. This app will allow you to find a free parking spot wherever you go and conveniently pay using your phone. No more driving through the city in circles looking for parking, or standing in line at a parking meter!
DeepL: online translation assistance
Although most Dutch people speak excellent English, you may still need a bit of help now and then translating an information sign or menu. The DeepL translation app will prevent you from ordering something you don’t actually like.
Vinted: shopping for second-hand clothes
Looking for stylish outfits without the high price tag? Vinted is your go-to app for buying and selling second-hand clothing online. The successful company, which now operates in 16 European countries and has 75 million members, is headed by TU/e alumnus Thomas Plantenga. Pro tip: sell the clothing you no longer wear and use your profit as shopping credit to order new items in the app. This makes shopping sustainable and affordable. If you’re lucky you can even get your hands on designer clothes at bargain prices!
Too Good To Go: save food and the planet
Too Good To Go is the app for the eco-conscious foodie. It allows you to buy left-over food from restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets at a fraction of the original price. This way, you’re not only saving money but also helping to reduce food waste. Talk about a win-win!
Thuisbezorgd: ordering food on a lazy day
If you’re hungover after a night on the town and don’t feel like cooking, Thuisbezorgd has got your back. With this app, you can order from any of the numerous affiliated restaurants near you. Within no time you’ll be enjoying delicious Thai curry, sushi, or pizza, without having to lift a finger. Well, apart from when you’re answering the door of course.
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