Hello from Amsterdam

[Gargamel]

Hi,

I moved here last week, relocated from Switzerland so fairly used to ex pat moves, originally out of London and three years in CH.

Living now in the canals of Amsterdam. Working in Hoofddorp.

All great advice and recommendations welcome. Girlfriend is Dutch so I am getting plenty of ‘advice’ from that direction !

[Gargamel]

DeltonaS said:

So, what advice and recommendations do you want ?

It's a terrible place to live for petrolheads. High car prices/low discounts, high gas prices, high road- and CO2 emisson taxes. On top of that high speeding tickets and parking fines, etc.

No fun roads to drive on, dense population, crowded city's and motorways, traffic jams.

Only advice I can give you is go back to those clockmakers ASAP.

Switzerland also not noted for its tolerance of boy racing... but at least I could get over the border easily and play in the Italian Alps.

Don’t even own a car, Amsterdam are banning all ICE from 2030 from inside the A10 ring. Plus driving here is likely end with a cyclist under your wheels. I was offered an EV as a company car, but I’d never use it except as a toy.

Bars are nice though ...

[Gargamel]

Good list and thanks.

I am trying to manage without a car as I am ten minutes walk from Centraal station. But do find that getting around out of the city is a bit of a pain.

Seems to be plenty to do. But yes agree, 'nature' in The Netherlands is not quite the same as in Switzerland !

[Gargamel]

Yes I have both of those, Been to Nemo a few times, its good fun, and the Hermitage

I have a train pass via work anyway, which is good, and you can rent terrible bicycles with it too !

So far so good, I am glad I wasn’t here at New Year the fireworks were apparently pretty bad this year.

[Gargamel]

How time flies.

Three and a half years later... looking back a few suggestions here that I still haven't got around too. Have acquired a house a dog and a car in that time.

[Gargamel]

RizzoTheRat said:

4.5 for me. Already had the car and don't have a dog but have bought a house.

That awkward moment when your 30% ruling runs out….

Hope that’s not too painful.