Frequently Asked Questions about the Netherlands
Do I need a car in the Netherlands?
No. The public transport system is effective and cheap. There are very few locations not on the grid. The only caveat is that anyone living in rural Netherlands might need a car. Luckily, there is very little of the state that can even be described as rural. The bicycle infrastructure is also extensive.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
Need would be too strong a word, and it really depends on how long a stay you are intending. For those who wish to settle in the Netherlands, the answer becomes a strong ‘Yes’. The Dutch are mostly fluent in English, and happy to speak it, but for those who wish to establish friendships and business relationships with the locals, Dutch becomes an essential tool.
Am I safe in the Netherlands?
Generally, yes. Violent crime rates are extremely low, and people are safe walking the streets, even alone. However, there is one crime in the Netherlands that afflicts no other country to the same extent. This is the dark and nefarious world of bicycle theft. It has become such a problem that buying a stolen bicycle is a serious offence. The claim is that if a bicycle is cheap enough to have been stolen, it probably was, and that the purchaser should know better. Pick-pocketing, as always, is a popular crime in crowded areas, particularly those visited by tourists. Beware of those who brush or bump into other people, as they may well be searching for valuables.
Where are the best places for an expat to live?
The Randstad, which is the area incorporating Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam. Almost everyone here will speak English fluently.
