International Resource Centre

Here are some of our suggestions. We’ve selected Arnhem, the capital of Gelderland, by way of example, but these tips apply to any town in the region.

1. Buy maps of Arnhem  or the town you are designated to live, in any bookstore in town or, if you are a parent of the Arnhem International School (AIS), go to the  Kronenburg Shopping Mall at Arends, situated in front of Albert Heijn Supermarket. Recommended maps are: 

   • Falk Easy City. 
   • Arnhem Falk City Map (stadsplattegrond). This map gives you an overall view of town and through its legend, you can have a quick idea of where main services (such as hospitals,  post offices, shopping malls, schools, parking, churches, parks)  are situated.

2. If you can afford it, buy a Navigation System. It is extremely useful and handy for getting around.

3. Buy some books for expatriates living in the Netherlands. Here is a selection of publications. You may also order the Expat Survival Guide from Expatica. 

4. Buy a rechargeable mobile card at T-mobile or any cellular phone stores. Once you have a bank account then you can switch to a more convenient 1-year or two-year contract at a cheaper rate per minute.

5. Refer to your Municipality (Gemeente) for Registration, Residence Permits, ID cards  and BSN number - you will find their websites under "Useful links" on the front page main menu - 

6. Open a Bank Account. For parents of the Arnhem International School (AIS), there is an ABN AMRO Bank by the Post Office outside the Kronenburg Shopping Mall, as a first approach. The ABN AMRO has published a Welcome Box in English. You may ask your branch office for one.

7. Arrange a driving licence by asking information at your Municipality or see http://www.rijbewijs.nl/nl/english.asp. When driving, it is recommended that you keep to the speed limit indicated or you will receive expensive surprises in your mailbox! 

8. Purchase a Blue Parking Card at Primera or any news agent/tobacconist shop. This is a one time purchase which allows for two-hour parking in designated area (usually blue lines).

9. For Public Transportation, purchase multiple-ride bus tickets (strippenkaart). These tickets are available at post offices, railway stations and news agent/tobacconist shops such as Bruna or Primera or at any Albert Heijn supermarket. You may also buy a ticket on the bus which costs 1 Euro from 9 am onwards.

10. For General Practitioners (Huisarts), you must register with a doctor in your postcode area for general medical needs and any health-related problems, including specialist referrals and prescriptions. You may find addresses and contacts in the Telephone Directory or in the Geementegids (City Hall Directory). Also on the Telephone Directory in English online. Doctors on duty outside office hours, Arnhem region: Huisartsadienst 0900-1598 (10ct/min).
     
    For Dentists (Tandarts) you have to find a practice that has space available. Check on the Telephone Directory or better, on the Gemeente Gids (ask for one at your Town Council) or as above online. For more general information on dentists see the Expat Survival Guide.

11. Pharmacy/ Chemist (Apotheek)
    For prescription and non-prescription drugs visit your local apotheek.  You must register with an apotheek in your area for prescription drugs.