The South African Expat

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to adjusting to new systems and services. For South African expats making the Netherlands their new home, understanding and utilising local websites and apps can greatly ease the transition and enhance daily life. Here are some essential platforms and applications you need to know about:

Bol.com

When it comes to online shopping, Bol.com is a must-know platform. Similar to Amazon, Bol.com is a popular online retailer in the Netherlands where you can purchase a wide range of products from electronics to books and household items.

Amazon.nl

Speaking of Amazon, Amazon.nl is the Dutch website of the global giant, offering a variety of products and services. It’s particularly useful for expats familiar with Amazon’s interface and seeking international products.

Coolblue

Another excellent online retailer is Coolblue, which specialises in electronics and appliances. Coolblue is known for its excellent customer service and fast delivery across the Netherlands, making it a favourite among locals and expats alike.

9292

For navigating public transport, 9292 is an essential app. It serves as a public transport planner for trains, trams, buses, and metro services, making it indispensable for planning routes and checking schedules for commuting and travel.

Tikkie

When it comes to managing finances, Tikkie is an invaluable tool. This app allows users to easily request and receive money from friends and family, making it convenient for splitting bills and sharing expenses, which is very common in social settings.

DigiD

Accessing government services requires a DigiD, the digital identification system in the Netherlands. This is crucial for tasks such as taxes, healthcare, and other official transactions.

Grocery Store Apps

For grocery shopping, major grocery chains like Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer apps for online shopping and loyalty programs. These apps are convenient for ordering groceries online and collecting loyalty stamps (koopzegels).

Ticketmaster

Staying updated on cultural events is easy with Ticketmaster, a platform for purchasing tickets to concerts, events, and shows. This app is perfect for those who want to keep track of musicians and shows coming to the Netherlands.

Social Deal

Social Deal offers discounts on restaurants, wellness, activities, and more. It’s a great way to discover and enjoy local experiences at discounted rates.

The Fork

The Fork is a restaurant reservation platform with user reviews and special offers. It allows you to reserve tables and explore dining options based on reviews and promotions.

Treatwell

Treatwell is a booking platform for beauty treatments and wellness services. You can easily schedule appointments for haircuts, massages, and spa treatments.

Splitser

Splitser is designed for splitting expenses with roommates or friends and tracking shared bills. It simplifies sharing costs for rent, utilities, and other shared expenses.

Flitsmeister

Flitsmeister is a traffic and speed camera alert app for drivers. It helps you stay informed about road conditions and speed limits while driving.

Meerlanden

Meerlanden provides waste management and recycling information for local municipalities. It’s essential for understanding local recycling rules and waste collection schedules.