Where sanity goes to die
Life in the Netherlands, slightly deranged.
A South African on the Dutch coast, writing the guides I wish I had: visas, health insurance, boerewors, markets, events and the stuff I just need to get off my chest.
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How public transport in the Netherlands works: paying with OVpay or an OV-chipkaart, NS trains, off-peak discounts, OV-fiets, bike rules and apps.…
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Fresh Chaos
Latest posts
How to get permanent residence or Dutch citizenship, the proposed change from 5 to 10 years, dual nationality, and what it means for South Africans.…
The best ways to learn Dutch as an expat: courses, apps, free resources like the Taalhuis, language levels, the NT2 exam and inburgering explained.…
Dutch income tax for expats explained: the 2027 tax rates, tax credits, your payslip, the M form, the tax return deadline and the 30% ruling.…
How Dutch healthcare works for expats: registering with a huisarts, the eigen risico in 2026 and 2027, emergencies, what is covered and medicine.…
How to find a job in the Netherlands as an expat: sectors that are hiring, where to look, Dutch CVs and interviews, contracts, salaries and visas.…
How the Dutch highly skilled migrant permit works: 2026 salary thresholds, recognised sponsors, costs, family, the MVV and how long it takes.…
The best cities to live in the Netherlands for South Africans and expats: Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and more, with 2026 rents.…
The best coffee in Amsterdam, by neighbourhood: roaster cafés like Lot Sixty One, Friedhats, Bocca and Back to Black, plus tips and prices.…
King's Day 2027 is on Tuesday 27 April, the King's 60th birthday. Where to go, how the vrijmarkt works, Haarlem and Zandvoort, and SA Freedom Day.…
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South African Expats
Survival guides, and where to find boerewors and koeksisters in the Netherlands.
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Travel
Trips, camper vans and weekends away.
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The best of
The best burger in Zandvoort, the best markets, the best of whatever.
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Events
Events in the Netherlands, mainly Amsterdam and Haarlem.
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Thoughts
General thoughts that I couldn’t put in a category.
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Reviews
Products, services, companies, trips and whatever else.
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How to
How to do stuff in the Netherlands.
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News
Mostly good news. The actual news is too depressing.