Cycling in the country of bikes: Netherlands

Cycling around Amsterdam

Lined with elegant, gabled houses and crossed by numerous bridges, the canals integrate seamlessly into the daily life of the city.

This network also enhances Amsterdam’s charm, offering unique views and a quiet escape from the bustling city streets, making it a beloved feature for both residents and visitors.

And if you keep exploring during the afternoon in Amsterdam, this is what you can find:

And if you are wondering, during the evening Amsterdam is even more beautiful:

Cycling Between Cities in NL

Netherlands is a great country for cycling, but not only in its cities.

You can easily find this kind of cycle paths integrated next to channels:

Oh, and you will need one of these, but they are for rent in every city:

Probably one of the most chilled trips I ever had:

---

FAQ

Starting a new Live in NL

SofiNumer vs BSN vs RNI

1. The Sofinummer was a former type of social security number in the Netherlands. It was replaced by the Burgerservicenummer (BSN) in 2007.

So, while the term “Sofinummer” is no longer officially used, it might still be referenced in older documents or contexts.

2. The BSN is now the primary identification number used for various administrative purposes in the Netherlands, including:

Taxes Social security Healthcare Banking Government services

3. RNI stands for “Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen,” which translates to “Non-Resident Registration” in English.

It’s a Dutch government system for registering individuals who are not permanent residents of the Netherlands but have some connection to the country, such as owning property or having a job.  

When you register with the RNI, you’ll receive a Burgerservicenummer (BSN), which is a unique identification number used for various administrative purposes in the Netherlands

You cannot directly choose between a permanent BSN and an RNI BSN. The type of BSN you receive depends on your specific circumstances and immigration status.

To be eligible for an RNI registration, you typically need to meet certain criteria, such as:

Temporary stay: You’re planning to stay in the Netherlands for a limited period, usually less than 4 months. Non-resident status: You maintain your primary residence outside of the Netherlands.   When you register with the RNI, you’ll automatically be assigned a BSN. This BSN is specifically for non-residents and is linked to your RNI registration.  

If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for an extended period or become a permanent resident, you’ll need to go through a different registration process, which may lead to a permanent BSN.

It’s important to consult with the Dutch immigration authorities or a local municipality to get accurate information about your specific situation and the appropriate registration process.

• At some point, getting DigID would be beneficial if you plan to stay

Opening a Bank account

You need: Passport/ID + BSN Number

Telephone

Mandatory Registration in your Municipality:

• Obtain a Burger Service Nummer (BSN ~ Social Security Number) to work and open a bank account.
• If you don’t have a fixed address, request a Sofinummer with your Spanish address, birth certificate, temporary Dutch address, and passport.
• Transition from Sofinummer to BSN within 4 months.
• How and where to get BSN or Sofinummer:
• How and where to get BSN or Sofinummer:
  • Call 0800 - 0543, choose options 3, then 1, then 4.
  • Appointment within 15 days, bring ID/passport (and birth certificate?).

El certificado de nacimiento lo debes pedir en España aquí: http://www.registro-civil.com.es/com…FUhrfAodKDK9iA (cuesta 22€ + IVA y tarda 15 días hábiles)

• Presencial lo puedes pedir en cualquier Registro Civil de España.
• online - https://www.mjusticia.gob.es/es/ciudadania/tramites/certificadocertificacion
  • https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/es/tramites/certificado-nacimiento

Mandatory Health Insurance:

• Must be obtained from a Dutch insurance company, costing around €100/month.
• Ask about collective insurance policies at work.
• Additional contribution of 6.5% on the first €30,000 of income.
• Basic insurance includes:
  • Medical assistance (GP services, hospitals, specialists)
  • Hospital stay
  • Some medications
  • Dentist (only covers specialized assistance and dentures)
  • Some medical instruments
  • Prenatal care
  • Ambulance transport
  • Emergency services
• Finding a doctor:
  • Once you receive your health card, go to your local health center (gezonheidcentrum) with your health card and passport.
  • You will be assigned a doctor whom you can choose.
• Note: Failing to have health insurance can result in fines.
• Insurance comparison websites:
  • General: kiesbeter.nl
  • Cheapest basic insurance (€80/month, does not cover the first €600): czdirect.nl

Museums in Amsterdam

For Van Gogh Museum, make sure to buy the tickets in advance.

• https://tickets.vangoghmuseum.com/en/tickets
• But you can get this card… https://www.museumkaart.nl/s/bestel?page=1
  • https://www.museum.nl/en/museumpass
• https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/visit

And go to these museums for free (when each of those costs 22eur, it pays off)

Here are some of the best museums to see in Amsterdam:

• Rijksmuseum: This is the national museum of the Netherlands and houses a vast collection of art and history, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. [Image of Rijksmuseum Amsterdam]
• Van Gogh Museum: Dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh, this museum boasts the largest collection of his paintings and drawings. [Image of Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam]
• Stedelijk Museum: This museum houses a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Mondrian, and Warhol. [Image of Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam]
• Anne Frank House: A poignant museum located in the house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. [Image of Anne Frank House Amsterdam]
• NEMO Science Museum: An interactive science museum that’s fun for the whole family. [Image of NEMO Science Museum Amsterdam]
• Moco Museum: This museum showcases modern contemporary art, including works by Banksy, Damien Hirst, and Yayoi Kusama. [Image of Moco Museum Amsterdam]
• Rembrandt House Museum: Step into the world of Rembrandt and see where he lived and worked. [Image of Rembrandt House Museum Amsterdam]
• National Maritime Museum: Learn about the history of Dutch shipping and seafaring. [Image of National Maritime Museum Amsterdam]
• EYE Film Museum: Explore the world of film and television. [Image of EYE Film Museum Amsterdam]
• Hermitage Amsterdam: A branch of the famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. [Image of Hermitage Amsterdam]

These are just a few of the many great museums in Amsterdam. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

Getting a Flat in NL

• funds.nl
• https://housinganywhere.com/pl/
• https://rentbird.nl/en

Tranportation

• https://www.gvb.nl/reisinformatie/gvb-app
  • https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.gvb.reizigersapp&hl=nl
• https://gvb.nl/

You can get a OVCard (generic or personalized) or just use your debit card with OVpay

• https://www.ns.nl/

Events in Amsterdam

• November - Sinterklass Arrival Parade (with Santa Claus in ~November each year)

Getting a Bike

• Seconds hand
• Leasing bike services
• Buy one - Decathlon / Intersport / TenWays…