- Pascal Tremblay
With InterNations as my network, I have been able to make many friends learn the ins and outs about living in The Hague.
South Africans Moving to the Netherlands: Your Questions, Answered
If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in the Netherlands, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in the Netherlands. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.
What are the most common nationalities in the Netherlands? As an expat in the Netherlands, you'll meet people from many different cultures (especially if you're an InterNations member!) The top nationalities in the InterNations Communities in the Netherlands currently are:
- British
- Americans
- Italians
- Indians
Which cities are most popular among expats in the Netherlands? Some cities attract more expats than others. These are the cities with the largest expat communities in the Netherlands:
- Amsterdam
- The Hague
- Rotterdam
How much rent do expats pay in the Netherlands? Your personal situation plays a role here. Single expats spend on average 1.375 USD on their accommodation per month, while expat families spend around 1.645 USD. And of course, rents can also vary greatly depending on the location and city within the Netherlands.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some rent averages for the most popular cities in the Netherlands.
Average rent in Amsterdam
- Single expats: 1.735 USD
- Expat families: 2.405 USD
Average rent in The Hague
- Single expats: 1.205 USD
- Expat families: 1.675 USD
Average rent in Rotterdam
- Single expats: 1.434 USD
- Expat families: 1.836 USD
How safe are the Netherlands?
You may be wondering about safety. In general people perceive their personal safety situation in the Netherlands as very safe. People rate the risk of falling victim to petty crime (such as pickpocketing or minor theft) as very low. They consider the chance of being the victim of violent crime (including mugging) very low. And, they rate confidence in the police force and related local authorities as very high.
How safe is the Netherlands for women? Female expats rated the safety situation in the Netherlands as very safe. This is based on the feedback of expat women living in the Netherlands (rather than actual crime statistics). So obviously this can be highly subjective and depends on factors such as where people live.
Meet other South Africans at our events in the Netherlands
Attend our monthly events and activities for South Africans expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.
Want to meet other South Africans at our events?
Why South African expats move abroad (& how they like it)
Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our South African members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.
Meet other South Africans in the Netherlands
Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Do you want to continue with your hobbies — or discover new ones — while living abroad? There’s a variety of InterNations Groups you can join, including everything from sightseeing to hiking. These are run by dedicated Consuls with at least one activity each month, such as dinners in the cities finest restaurants, sports or outings with other expats to explore all that your new home has to offer.
Find other South Africans to share your hobbies with
Tips and Advice on the Netherlands from Your Fellow South African Expats
Obviously, expat life in the Netherlands goes well beyond shipping your belongings and taking care of red tape. Socializing with fellow South Africans is an important facet of living abroad and can be a huge stepping stone in getting to know the Dutch mentality and way of life. South Africans in the Netherlands are a part of our community, calling cities such as The Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and many others home. You can use InterNations to look for fellow South Africans in Amsterdam, for example.
Wondering where to shop for South African delicatessen, want to discuss your national team's latest match, or simply talk to someone in your native language? Become a member of the Dutch InterNations Community!
- Our network is the best place to meet expats from South Africa.
- On the the Netherlands Expat Forums, you can get competent answers to all your expat-related questions: how to find a babysitter fluent in your mother tongue, where to get bobotie in Amsterdam, etc.
- The InterNations Places database for the Netherlands has information on the nearest South African embassy and many other institutions.
From the Ijsselmeer to the linguistically unique province of Friesland, you can meet supportive and friendly South African expats in the Netherlands on InterNations.
Meet and Mingle with Fellow South Africans in the Netherlands
Additionally, InterNations hosts regular expat events and activities in the Netherlands. Our get-togethers are sure to cater to your taste as well: as a member, you can partake in cozy gatherings to enjoy some Dutch stamppot, join one of our huge expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Amsterdam’s best locations, and much more. Want to discover the Netherlands? Go on a weekend trip with your fellow expats to see the quaint clichés of flower fields, canals and windmills and other beautiful landmarks.
Our meet-ups and activities offer many wonderful opportunities to mingle with expatriates hailing from South Africa and dozens of other countries in a casual setting. Just sign up for your InterNations membership and you’ll soon hear a cordial Siya namkela nonke, welkom, isibingelelo from our South Africans living in the Netherlands!
- Pascal Tremblay
With InterNations as my network, I have been able to make many friends learn the ins and outs about living in The Hague.
- Lastri Sasongko
Making new friends and contacts in the Hague was much easier once I began to attent InterNations events.
