Moving to Amsterdam

Amsterdam has dozens of neighborhoods, each with its own character. The Jordaan is known for its cozy atmosphere, narrow streets and independent shops. De Pijp is popular with young professionals and offers a lively range of restaurants and cafes around the Albert Cuyp market.

Amsterdam East has been booming in recent years with more affordable rents and a multicultural atmosphere. Amsterdam North, on the other side of the IJ, is attracting more and more families and creative people thanks to new housing projects and cultural hotspots such as the NDSM wharf.

Amsterdam South is the more expensive segment with many international schools and green space around the Vondelpark. Nieuw-West offers relatively affordable housing and good connections to the center via the metro.

Amsterdam is the most expensive city in the Netherlands. The average rental price for an apartment of 60-80 m2 is between 1,500 and 2,200 euros per month in the private sector. In popular neighborhoods such as the Jordaan or Zuid this can amount to 2,500 euros or more.

In addition to rent, you have to take into account municipal taxes (approximately 400 euros per year), energy costs (on average 150-200 euros per month) and health insurance (approximately 130 euros per month). Groceries cost a single person an average of 250-350 euros per month.

An OV chip card for the GVB (tram, bus, metro) costs around 100 euros per month for unlimited travel. Parking in the center is very expensive, with rates up to 7.50 euros per hour and waiting lists for a parking permit.

Amsterdam has a wide range of educational institutions. There are more than 200 primary schools divided into public, special and innovative education (Montessori, Dalton, Jenaplan). There are dozens of schools for secondary education, from pre-vocational secondary education to grammar school.

There are several international schools for expats and international families, including the Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) and the International School of Amsterdam (ISA) in Amstelveen.

In the field of higher education, Amsterdam is home to the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the Vrije Universiteit (VU), the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) and specialized institutions such as the Conservatory and the Rietveld Academy.

After you move, you must register with a GP in your new neighborhood as soon as possible. This can be difficult in popular neighborhoods due to busy practices - so start searching before you move.

Amsterdam has several large hospitals: the Amsterdam UMC (AMC and VUmc locations), the OLVG (East and West locations) and the BovenIJ Hospital in North. For emergency care you can go to the GP post or call 112 in life-threatening situations.

Pharmacies are widely represented in all neighborhoods. Many pharmacies are open until 5:30 PM during the week and until 1:00 PM on Saturdays. There is always a pharmacy on duty for evening and weekend emergencies.

Amsterdam has an excellent public transport network. The GVB provides tram, bus and metro throughout the city. The North/South line connects Amsterdam North via Central Station with South and the RAI. NS trains take you quickly to other cities.

Cycling is the most popular means of transport in Amsterdam. There are thousands of kilometers of cycle paths and special bicycle sheds at stations. Be aware of bicycle theft - invest in a good lock.

Driving in Amsterdam can be challenging. Parking costs are high and the city center has an environmental zone. Consider car sharing through services like MyWheels or Greenwheels if you don't need a car every day.

Moving to Amsterdam requires extra planning. Many homes have narrow, steep stairs - a moving lift is often necessary and must be reserved well in advance. Take into account 200-500 euros for a moving lift, depending on the height.

Request a parking exemption from the municipality for your moving van in a timely manner. This costs approximately 30-50 euros and is mandatory in many neighborhoods. Without an exemption you risk a fine. Request this at least two weeks before your moving date.

Report your move to the municipality of Amsterdam, preferably within five days. This can be done online via mijn.amsterdam.nl. Don't forget to inform your energy supplier, internet provider and insurance companies.