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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The best day trips from Amsterdam: Haarlem, the beach at Zandvoort, Zaanse Schans windmills, Utrecht, Leiden, Delft, Rotterdam and Keukenhof.…
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Fresh Chaos
Latest posts
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.…
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.…
Pick your poison
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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.