{"id":6106,"date":"2024-07-24T11:49:12","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T09:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/?p=6106"},"modified":"2024-07-24T11:49:12","modified_gmt":"2024-07-24T09:49:12","slug":"arriving-in-the-netherlands-financial-tips-for-new-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/2024\/07\/24\/arriving-in-the-netherlands-financial-tips-for-new-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Arriving in the Netherlands: Financial Tips for New Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

The new academic year is approaching quickly, and many of you will soon arrive in Wageningen. I understand the busyness with arrangements, planning, and finding a proper rain jacket! You might also wonder if you need to arrange anything financially in the Netherlands. Luckily, I will explain everything you need to know and share my financial tips after living and studying here for almost three years. So, sit comfortably and enjoy!<\/p>\n

Payments and finances in general<\/h3>\n

Let’s start with how most people pay in the Netherlands. In my experience, you won’t need any cash. Of course, you can use cash if you prefer, but I rarely do. I don’t remember the last time I used actual money\u2014maybe once at the market a year ago? You can use bank cards everywhere, and phone payments are widely accepted. So, if you were worrying about bringing a suitcase of cash, you don’t need to.<\/p>\n

Cards accepted in the Netherlands<\/h3>\n

Here, you will be able to use most of the standard types of bank cards. Visa and MasterCard are very common. American Express is also sometimes accepted. Definitely, the favorite card type is Maestro, which isn’t as common in other European countries. However, currently, in all supermarkets in Wageningen, you can use these cards to pay.<\/p>\n

Do you need a Dutch bank account?<\/h3>\n

The answer depends on a few factors. First, are you coming here for an exchange, or will you study here for few years? Another factor is if you are from the EU and if your home country uses the Euro. For example, if you’re from Italy and coming for an Erasmus exchange, you might not need a Dutch bank account to handle your financial matters. But if you’re from Canada or Indonesia and planning to stay for your MSc, opening an account might be useful. It can make life easier for subsidies, rent, insurance, salary, etc. Also good to know is the fact that most of the Dutch banks offer student accounts for free! So there are minimal or no fees at all involved in applying for such an account.<\/p>\n

Opening a bank account – documents<\/h4>\n

If you decide to apply for a bank account most of the banks will ask you to provide these documents:<\/p>\n