Mobile phone
In case you have a non-Dutch mobile provider, you will be able to use your mobile phone in the Netherlands. This however, for now still is an expensive and therefore no long-term solution, since probably extra costs will be charged to you for roaming, incoming and outgoing calls. Depending on the average number of calls you make , your average use of text messages and mobile internet and how long you plan to stay in The Netherlands, you can choose between purchasing call credit (‘prepaid’) or a mobile subscription.
Prepaid
Prepaid gives you a great deal of freedom, since you can use your mobile phone through prepaid, for as long or as short as you like, with no obligations at all. Disadvantages of prepaid are that the use of your mobile phone usually is more expensive than with a mobile subscription and if you run out of call credit, you need to purchase new call credit before you can use your mobile phone again. If you are making a call and your call credit expires during the call, the call will be disconnected. Prepaid also offers the possibility of mobile internet.
Mobile subscription
If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for at least one year or longer, a mobile subscription most likely will be the right choice for you. You can choose for a one, two or three year subscription. The longer the term of the subscription, the less you will have to pay for the use of your mobile phone.
Phone shops
At various locations in the city centre of Maastricht you can find phone shops, where besides mobile phones you can purchase call credit (prepaid) and can conclude a mobile subscription. Larger supermarkets in Maastricht often also sell call credit. Many mobile providers also offer options online.
Bank
An important thing to have when you are living in the Netherlands, is a Dutch bank account. You need a bank account to transfer your rent, to pay for the use of your mobile phone or internet invoice or just to take a trip down to the supermarket and pay for your groceries with a debit card (‘pinnen’). Although money transfers from a foreign bank account usually shouldn’t be a problem, it is much more convenient and sometimes even required, to have a Dutch bank account when you are living in the Netherlands.
The major banks in the Netherlands in alphabetical order are:
− ABN AMRO www.abnamro.nl/en
− ING www.ing.nl/en
− Rabobank www.rabobank.nl
− SNS Bank www.snsbank.nl
How to open a Dutch bank account:
To open a bank account in the Netherlands, you will need to make an appointment online, or simply walk into the nearest bank branch of the bank of your choice, with all your personal details. When your personal details have been processed by the bank, you will have to await the approval of your account and that subsequently a new debit card is provided to you.
Personal data to be presented to the bank at all times:
- a valid identity document (passport or ID card)
- proof of your addres (for instance your current tenancy agreement)
- your personal public service number (BSN)
- your residency permit if you are required to have one.