First, an address!
You need an address to get anything and everything handled here.
We used my husbands work address for everything when we first moved here. Make use that you ask how to have it changed and take notes. Once you have a permanent residence address you will need to make that change.
Second, your ID ! very important, because you can't use your passport to get a cell phone or your bank account! You have to go to the World Trade Centers to get your official Identification. This is NOT a drivers License. That you have to get from the local Government office in the town you choose to live in.
Third, a bank account. Banking is very different in the EU. Most countries use what is called a Pinnin. It is similar to a debit card in the USA. It is not a credit card. Most stores will only take the Pinnin. Some of the bigger stores may take a credit card, but not all cards.
Fourth, a cell phone with a local phone number. This will allow you to be in communication with each other better and also to connect with your realtors, doctors, embassy, Pizza guy and more!
Lastly, register with you home country Embassy. This can be done online and they ask for all of your family member names and phone numbers, your current living address and a contact in the US. This is important because it keeps you connected to the US in case of emergencies. They will send you helpful notices and updates in English via your email. Like when the New year arrives and you're not prepared for what seems to like Armageddon but is totally normal for all the Dutch! They love fireworks and shoot them off everywhere even a foot from you! They also like to make their own and shoot them off. Trees? No problem, cars? So what! Seriously, it is totally wild!!
Bicycles for everyone in the family. Traditional USA bikes don't last long here, so your better off buying bikes once you arrive. There are literally thousands of Bicycle shops called Tweewelers all over Holland. Probably more bicycle shops than Auto stores! Best bet is to buy a used bike! you can get great deals and the used ones all come with warranties and are not as frequently stolen.Computer, cell phone, iPad, Apple TV and kindle plugs!! Don't try to use converters on these items. They don't necessarily get damaged, but you will go through the converters very quick. Apple readily supplies new plugs for your equipment. Always best to use Apple with Apple. Make sure you go the Apple store and not an authorized dealer. For your other items there are many PC shops similar to radio shacks to get the other items.
Make sure that you pack a lot of your go to medicines like Benadryl, Robitussin, Sudafed etc. Those kinds of medicines are not available here and it may take sometime to get used to what medicines work for you and which don't. You can get a few things from a little Store called Kelley's British and American Store. The cost will be significant!
The process is very different here to get medicines that we consider over the counter in the USA. You have to go to an Apotheek. Its is a pharmacy. You walk in and take a number. Once your number is called you can go to the counter and give them your name. They have you in their systems from the government health system. They can see all your current medicines. You tell them what your symptoms are and they will give you the meds you need and explain how to use them.
While I am on the subject, medicine is VERY different here. There are NO frills. The doctors are very casual and not pretentious what so ever. In most cases their office also serves as the examination room. The whole family sees a family doctor or Huisarts. Visits are usually about 10 minutes depending on the examination that needs to be done. Pediatricians are considered specialist and are only seen by referral from the Huisarts.
The Dutch are extremely conservative with antibiotics. When I say conservative, I mean, you may be sick for two to three weeks sometimes without getting a prescription for antibiotics. There are a few International Health Centers that practice more in a Western style and usually have physicians that are more agreeable to the needs of an expat. Our advice is to look around at several different doctors offices and find one that fits your family needs.
If you need emergency care at night or anytime, you have to call a place called SMASH. They will take you call and determine if you need an ambulance or if you need to go to the emergency room. If you need an emergency room, they will tell you which one to go to and what time. They will arrange with the ER that you will be there. You cannot show up at the ER without having called SMASH first or having a note of referral from you huisarts. They would probably not turn you away, but the general rule is that you have to call SMASH first.
If your company put you on the Dutch health care, its phenomenal! You don't ever pay a copay. Everything is covered. You never have to fill out any forms. They know who you are wherever you go and every med, allergy and complete health history at heir fingertips! It's tied to all the Apotheeks all over the country!
That is all I can think of on this subject at this moment. I am sure there are many more things that come up along the way! Let me know if you have any suggestions to add to the list! I would love to hear them!
