Living InHolland - the basics

LIVING INHOLLAND THE BASICS

BUSINESS INNOVATION

AMNA CHEDHLI

639403 QUANDARY 2

CONTENTS LIVING INHOLLAND - THE BASICS

BSN

3

DIGID

4

HOUSING

5

REGISTRATION

6

HEALTH INSURANCE

7

DOCTOR

8

TRANSPORT

9

BANK

10

SIM CARD

11

TIPS

12

BSN CITIZEN SERVICE NUMBER - THIS IS YOU! The BSN number A BSN (burgerservicenummer) is the citizen service number, a unique registration number for everyone who lives in the Netherlands.

The BSN will facilitate any interaction with the Dutch authorities: starting a job, opening a bank account, deducting your taxes and social security contributions, using the healthcare system, applying for benefits, announcing a change of address etc. It is also used to combat identity fraud and misspelled names.

How to apply for a BSN number You will receive your BSN when you register with the municipality (gemeente) of the city you will live in.     

You need to register with the municipality within five days after your arrival.

You must register in person.

You need to make an appointment at the City Office (burgerzaken) of the town where you will live.

You must be in the Netherlands legally.

You must have a residential address where you can register.

If you are from the EU you will need to provide your passport as a valid proof of identity and the address where you will live.

If you are a Non-EU student you will need to bring your passport and your birth certificate (not older than 3 months and with an authenticity stamp (apostille).

For non-EU students your registration with the municipality will be provisional. After you are registered, you will receive a letter of pre-registration (BvB) from the IND, which they will return to your municipality after you have applied for your residence permit. Then your registration and BSN will be confirmed.

DIGID YOUR ONLINE IDENTIFICATION KEY The DigiD The DigiD allows you to identify yourself when making arrangements on the internet, such as with the government, the school, the office and healthcare insurance.

How to apply for a DigiD Go to the website and fill in your details   

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You will need your citizen service number for the application.

You will receive a letter with an activation code within 3 working days.

Please include your phone number and e-mail address in your application. This will enable you to do more with your DigiD, such as resetting your password or activating the DigiD app* easily.

Remember your username and password, because you will need them to activate your DigiD.

The DigiD app After you received your DigiD you can use the DigiD app. This is the easiest way to log in securely. You not have to remember a password. All you need is a PIN code of your choice.

The app enables you to use 2 methods for logging in:  Phone or tablet: you log in with a PIN code.  Computer: through a verification code, a QR code and a PIN code.  You can use the app on a maximum of 5 devices.

Please note: your PIN code, username and password are private. Do not give these to others.

Download the DigiD app from Google Play or the App Store.

ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD BE PREPARED AND MOVE QUICKLY As InHolland is not a campus university it does not provide housing. Inholland only has a number of rooms with housing providers for first-year international and exchange students. It is your own responsibility to find accommodation. There is a huge demand for studentrooms in Amsterdam and a limited offer. An average room in Holland costs between € 400 to € 600 a month. You better start searching as soon as possible. If you google for studentrooms you will find different websites that can be of use, such as: Kamernet Room.nl Studentenwoningweb.nl Be aware:  You may have to share the shower, toilet, kitchen and living room with other students., both men and women  The rooms may be quite small and the quality can vary  Find out if there is furniture in the room, or you have to buy everything yourself  Be aware that rooms in a Student Hotel are more expensive.  Before you accept a room, check which bills (gas, electricity, internet, TV) are included in your rent.  Make sure you read your rental contract carefully before signing it.  Check the contract for any restrictions, like painting the walls or keeping pets.  Ask who you should speak to if there is a problem, like a blocked drain.  You may be offered a rental contract with a minimum duration or a set period of time: beware that this is not legally allowed.  Do not pay your rent in cash unless you get a receipt.  If you have a rent issue, check Real about rent and the Rent Tribunal.

Check the chapter about Benefits to get support from the state to pay or your rent.

BENEFITS HOW CAN YOU BE SUPPORTED Rent benefit The rent benefit (huurtoeslag) is a government contribution towards your rental costs.

You can apply for it if you meet the following conditions: · You have a signed rental agreement with your landlord. · You live in a self-sufficient home with bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. · You are registered at the same address. · You are at least 18 years old. · You have a valid residence permit. · You don't have too much capital (savings, shares, investments, see below).

With you DigiD you can apply for rent benefit at the TaxOffice (Belastingdienst) Health benefit The health benefit (zorgtoeslag) is a government contribution towards the costs of your health insurance. You can apply for it if you meet the following conditions:     

You are 18 years or older Your income is low enough* Your capital is low enough* You have Dutch nationality, a residence permit, a work permit or you are from a European country (EER) You have a Dutch healthcare insurance

*Check the current conditions at TaxOffice (Belastingdienst) to find out the income and capital limits.

HEALTH INSURANCE BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY Health Insurance A healthcare insurance is obligatory for international students.

If you are a EU-student first check the health insurance you have in your country as it may cover your health costs in the Netherlans.

If you are a Non EU-student you will have to apply for the Dutch health insurance when: You study and have a (part-time) job or an internship with a minimum wage salary.

You study and have a zero-hour (casual) working contract.

If you don’t work your travel/student insurance may be sufficient – but always check!

Health costs are high in the Netherlands.

In order to obtain a Dutch healthcare insurance you can just contact any of the insurance companies.

On the website zorgwijzer you find an overview of all Dutch healthcare insurers.

What medical costs does the basic health insurance cover?

The basic Dutch health insurance covers essential health care, such as visits and treatments by a general practitioner, pharmaceuticals and hospital treatments. Within the Dutch healthcare system you are also entitled for long-term care and social support care.

All Dutch healthcare insurance companies must offer at least the basic health care cover package (basisverzekering). You can also apply for private supplemental insurance packages.

Check the chapter about Benefits to get support from the state to pay or your rent.

FIND YOUR DOCTOR FOR EVERYDAY HEALTH Register with a doctor Most GP’s will only register you as their patient, if you live in the service area of their practice. That is because your GP must be able to reach your home address within 15 minutes in emergencies. As soon as you know where you will be living, you need to register with a GP practice.

You may find a suitable practice by asking other internationals or by using websites like Zorgkaart or Kiesuwhuisarts. The websites are in Dutch but you can find a GP by entering your postal code into the search (zoek) box. You can also use translation tools to help you in the process.

Nearby GP’s (‘huisarts’ or ‘Huisartsenpraktijk’) will be listed on the page for you, most often with a link to their websites. However, not all practices will accept new patients, especially in the larger cities.

All GP’s have the same education and most speak English. Many will be happy to hold a free, introductory meeting with you, during which you can discuss your personal requirements before deciding whether to register.

When you register When registering you will need to provide proof of your identity, your BSN and details of your health insurance. At your first visit bring along any medical records you have from your home country and, if applicable, a list of all medication that you are taking.

Register with a pharmacy near to where you live.

Your doctor’s office will then know where to send prescriptions.

OV CHIP CARD PUBLIC TRANSPORT OV Chip Card The OV Chip Card is a paying method to use on public transport in The Netherland. Instead of buying tickets for every trip you make, you have one card as your primary payment method.

If you are a EU-student you may get a students OV-card from Duo. If you want to find out if you are eligable for an OV card check the Duo website. If you are a non-EU student you will have to pay for your own OV chip card.

There are two types of OV chip cards: Anonymous (blue) OV You can share an anonymous OV chip card with as many people as you like. Anonymous OV chip cards are valid for five years. You can buy an anonymous OV card at:  Various newsagents (such as Primera)  Various supermarkets (such as Albert Heijn)  Public transport company’s counter at central stations The card is only for checking in, out, or loading credit. If stolen, you cannot block your anonymous OV chip card, and the money on the card will not be refunded.

Personal (yellow) OV A personal OV chip card is linked to your personal account, which means only the registered person can use it. There are no extra costs for having a personal OV card, which means as long as you don’t need to share a card, you should buy a personal one. A personal OV is also valid for five years. Personal OV cards have many conveniences. Firstly, personal OV cards can have travel products on them. Personal OV cards can also be reloaded with a specific amount automatically, if you link it to your bankaccount.

You can buy a personal OV card online at the OV-website.

You’ll need to have a digital photo and pay with IDEAL

BANKACCOUNT TAKE CARE OF YOUR FINANCES Student Account As a student in the Netherlands you can open an account at different banks,. However, the ING is recommended. This is a traditional bank with officess, it has a good website with information in English, they have student accounts without having to pay fees and the bank has an easy to use app which is also in Enlish.

In order to open an account you have to make an appointment .

What to bring with you 

A valid ID (passport, ID card, official residence document)

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A copy of your registration at a Dutch educational institution (full time study), so called proof of enrollment

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If you are an international student without Dutch ID: an original extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP), not older than 3 months

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Your burgerservicenummer (BSN)

Opening an account as a student is not possible without BSN and proof of enrollment!

Once you have made the appointment, you will receive an email confirmation in Dutch. Pay attention to the confirmed date, time and address of your appointment.

SIM CARD STAY IN TOUCH Dutch SIM card If you are an EU-student, you may continue using the same phone number you had before. But, many of the facilities in The Netherlands, like banks, require a Dutch number. If you are a non EU-student, you will have to get a Dutch SIM card. There are two types of subscription: Contracts Contracts have the advantage that they are stable and that you can often get a brand-new phone along with them, not only the SIM card. Usually, you can choose between paying the price of the phone in monthly instalments or merely purchasing it on the spot. Keep in mind that even though monthly instalments are practical, you may end up paying more in total.

Additionally, the subscription plan is flexible, which means that you can opt for whatever amount of data, call time and SMS you need. The main downside of a contract is that you need to be subscribed for at least 1 year. Furthermore, contracts tend to be rather expensive, especially the ones with a phone included Prepaid Prepaid SIM cards are a flexible alternative as you can top-up your SIM card only when you need to. The signing-up process is effortless and quite straightforward. You can find them anywhere, event at the supermarket. Be aware that if you frequently access your social media accounts it may be quite costly to have a prepaid card, unless you spend most of your time in a WiFi area.

There are different convenient student plans. A lot of companies have such plans in their offer, and they can save you quite some money.

How to get a SIM card Visit the website Simoptions to find the best deal, as this website compares different offers.

There are links to the different providers and you will learn there how to obtain your Sim. Search online for the best deal and then go to a local shop where the chosen simcard is sold.

Popular operators with student-friendly offers include Ben and T-mobile.

TIPS PRACTICAL INFORMATION Tips 

Get a bike! It’s the best and cheapest way to explore the city and go to school. Do get a good lock as bikes are often stolen in The Netherlands.

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Get a client card at the supermarket. For example at Albert Heijn you only get the discount offered if you have a Bonus Card.

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Get your shoppings just before closing time as many supermarkets discount just before closing time, or use the App to good to go.

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Get the emergency number into your head: 112. This is for the police, fire brigade and ambulance.

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Get some money back from the tax office if you have a job. Apply before May 1st and the money will be in your account in summer.

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Are you non-European and you want a job? It is possible, but the company that hires you needs to get permission. Just hand them this paper, so they know what to do.

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InHolland has a knowledge grant - a scholarship - for non-European students. If you get all your points in a year, you are eligible to receive the money. Read the information on the website to find out all details.

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Be careful about fines in the Netherlands. Many rules are strict and the fines are really high.

For example ignoring the red traffic light as a pedestrian will cost you 65 euro. Not having a valid train ticket will cost 50 euro. Using your phone while cycling will cost 95 euro.

Leaving garbage in the wrong place (also when putting it next to a bin) also has a fine of 95 euro and crossing the railway with the red lights on has a fine of 90 euro.

Enjoy your stay!