Moving to Eindhoven
Why did you move to Eindhoven?
I moved to Eindhoven in January 2010 because of my Dutch boyfriend, now my husband.
How did you get set up?
At the beginning he did it for me but it’s not difficult to arrange those things. You just need an ID card and you can have a phone plan and open a bank account.
Did you get medical insurance?
You get it when you move here, it’s a must. Everyone has to have medical insurance.
What did you bring with you?
Some clothes, family pictures, good memories from Brazil and a lot of curiosity to learn new things.
How did you find an apartment in Eindhoven?
My boyfriend already lived here so it wasn’t a problem for us but nowadays it’s very difficult to find a house or apartment for rent and the prices are high… in Eindhoven city it costs around €1200-€1300 for a one room apartment without furniture. You can use agencies to help you find something, www.funda.nl for example.
What should people consider before deciding to move to Eindhoven?
Making a plan is always a good idea. The Netherlands does not offer visas to study English, so you can only come with a job or for university. In this case, having a plan is ideal to reduce frustrations, like researching the climate, culture, customs, and cost of living…
Living in Eindhoven
What surprised you about life in Eindhoven?
Safety, bike friendly infrastructure, a lot of free spaces, parks, people don’t honk, don’t speak loudly in public, don’t litter the streets.
What languages do you need to speak to live in Eindhoven?
English is essential but if you want to stay longer here and find good jobs it’s better to learn Dutch. In technology it is easier to find jobs in English but for example finance, administration you need Dutch.
I learned very quickly with kids at school and at home.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Eindhoven?
For a single person I would say a salary of €4000 at least before taxes. You need to pay the rent around €1300, medical insurance around €100, supermarket €250, internet € 50, monthly public transport around €70 etc.
Do you feel safe as a woman living in Eindhoven?
I feel comfortable but things are changing here as well but it is still safe walking alone outside. It depends on where you are for sure.
What is Eindhoven famous for?
Eindhoven, located in the southern Netherlands, is renowned for its innovative spirit and cultural scene. It’s often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Europe” due to its strong focus on technology and innovation, largely driven by institutions like the Eindhoven University of Technology and the High Tech Campus.
The city is historically linked to Philips, which was founded in Eindhoven in 1891, beginning with light bulb production.
Eindhoven is also a significant design center, highlighted by the annual Dutch Design Week, one of the largest design events in Northern Europe, showcasing work from over 2,600 designers.
Additionally, Eindhoven’s urban culture is lively, with Strijp-S, a former industrial area transformed into a trendy district with creative workshops, art spaces, and cafes. The city’s football club, PSV Eindhoven, adds to its popularity in sports.
Economically: Eindhoven is a center for technology and innovation. It’s dubbed the “Brainport” of the Netherlands, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. The High Tech Campus Eindhoven hosts over 200 companies and research institutes.
Culturally: The Dutch Design Week attracts visitors worldwide. Eindhoven also features a range of museums like the Van Abbemuseum, which showcases contemporary art. The city hosts the GLOW Eindhoven light art festival as well.
Socially: Eindhoven is known for its multicultural and inclusive community, with a substantial international population due to its tech industry and educational institutions.
In the region we also have a very big important company, ASML, which contributes to Eindhoven’s reputation as a tech and innovation hub. ASML is the world’s leading provider of photolithography systems for the semiconductor industry.
The city is historically linked to Philips, which was founded in Eindhoven in 1891, beginning with light bulb production.
Eindhoven is also a significant design center, highlighted by the annual Dutch Design Week, one of the largest design events in Northern Europe, showcasing work from over 2,600 designers.
Additionally, Eindhoven’s urban culture is lively, with Strijp-S, a former industrial area transformed into a trendy district with creative workshops, art spaces, and cafes. The city’s football club, PSV Eindhoven, adds to its popularity in sports.
Economically: Eindhoven is a center for technology and innovation. It’s dubbed the “Brainport” of the Netherlands, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. The High Tech Campus Eindhoven hosts over 200 companies and research institutes.
Culturally: The Dutch Design Week attracts visitors worldwide. Eindhoven also features a range of museums like the Van Abbemuseum, which showcases contemporary art. The city hosts the GLOW Eindhoven light art festival as well.
Socially: Eindhoven is known for its multicultural and inclusive community, with a substantial international population due to its tech industry and educational institutions.
In the region we also have a very big important company, ASML, which contributes to Eindhoven’s reputation as a tech and innovation hub. ASML is the world’s leading provider of photolithography systems for the semiconductor industry.
What apps / websites / stores do you find useful in your daily life in Eindhoven?
1. 9292 & NS App: These apps are essential for navigating public transportation in the Netherlands. They provide real-time schedules and route planning for trains, buses, and trams.
2. Buienradar & Weeronline: These weather apps are vital for the ever-changing Dutch weather. They offer forecasts and rain radar data to help you plan your day.
3. Thuisbezorgd.nl & Uber Eats: Perfect for ordering food delivery from various local restaurants, allowing you to enjoy Eindhoven’s diverse cuisine at home.
4. Marktplaats & Facebook Marketplace: Great platforms for buying and selling second-hand goods within the local community.
5. Picnic , Jumbo & Albert Heijn: These apps offer grocery delivery services.
6. ASML Career Portal: For those interested in technology and engineering opportunities, this portal connects you to job listings at ASML, a major employer in the region. Also Philips, VDL, DAF, TNO… are good companies
7. Parkmobile & ANWB Onderweg: Useful for finding and paying for parking, and also providing traffic updates and navigation assistance.
8. IAMSTERDAM City Card: If you’re exploring further afield, this card provides access to many attractions, public transportation, and discounts across the Netherlands, including Eindhoven.
2. Buienradar & Weeronline: These weather apps are vital for the ever-changing Dutch weather. They offer forecasts and rain radar data to help you plan your day.
3. Thuisbezorgd.nl & Uber Eats: Perfect for ordering food delivery from various local restaurants, allowing you to enjoy Eindhoven’s diverse cuisine at home.
4. Marktplaats & Facebook Marketplace: Great platforms for buying and selling second-hand goods within the local community.
5. Picnic , Jumbo & Albert Heijn: These apps offer grocery delivery services.
6. ASML Career Portal: For those interested in technology and engineering opportunities, this portal connects you to job listings at ASML, a major employer in the region. Also Philips, VDL, DAF, TNO… are good companies
7. Parkmobile & ANWB Onderweg: Useful for finding and paying for parking, and also providing traffic updates and navigation assistance.
8. IAMSTERDAM City Card: If you’re exploring further afield, this card provides access to many attractions, public transportation, and discounts across the Netherlands, including Eindhoven.
What's on your list of favorite restaurants and cafés in Eindhoven?
Restaurants: Rodeo, Gaucho, Lou Lou, Brasserie Bellevue, Ikigai.
Cafés: Lou Lou, The little one, Fat one
Cafés: Lou Lou, The little one, Fat one
What are your favorite places in Eindhoven?
All the parks because I love nature, it’s safe to walk around and peaceful.
Final Thoughts
What do you think about young Dutch people?
Young folks in the Netherlands today are generally seen as open-minded, globally connected, and pretty innovative. They’re big on education, tech, and being eco-friendly, which mirrors a lot of what Dutch society is about. Growing up in a world full of gadgets and the internet makes them super connected and keen on engaging with different cultures and global stuff.
Just like the older generations, younger Dutch people believe in calling it like it is and being upfront. There’s a long-standing tradition of caring about social welfare and community that hasn’t changed much. Biking is still the go-to for everyone, young and old, highlighting the practicality and the green transport love.
Just like the older generations, younger Dutch people believe in calling it like it is and being upfront. There’s a long-standing tradition of caring about social welfare and community that hasn’t changed much. Biking is still the go-to for everyone, young and old, highlighting the practicality and the green transport love.
How do Brazilians compare to Dutch people, in your opinion?
Brazilians and Dutch people both value community and friendliness, but they express these traits differently due to their unique cultural backgrounds.
Brazilians are known for their warmth, vibrant social lives, and expressive communication. They prioritize emotional bonds, enjoy festivals, and have a relaxed, spontaneous approach to life, emphasizing family and leisure.
Dutch people are recognized for their directness and practicality. They value individual responsibility, independence, and efficiency, often planning meticulously and valuing time. Dutch society emphasizes sustainability and community welfare, evident in their prevalent biking culture.
Brazilians are known for their warmth, vibrant social lives, and expressive communication. They prioritize emotional bonds, enjoy festivals, and have a relaxed, spontaneous approach to life, emphasizing family and leisure.
Dutch people are recognized for their directness and practicality. They value individual responsibility, independence, and efficiency, often planning meticulously and valuing time. Dutch society emphasizes sustainability and community welfare, evident in their prevalent biking culture.
Can you tell us something else about Eindhoven that we might not know?
Eindhoven is a very nice city, international, lots of things to do in and around Eindhoven. Near Eindhoven is the small village Nuenen where Van Gogh used to live, there you can see his house and learn about some people of his family. Nuenen is also a nice village for cycling, drinking something at one of the cafes and taking a walk.
Visit the Stadion from PSV (Philips Sport Vereniging), there is also a nice restaurant to have lunch.
Also visit Evoluon, where Philips launched her first lamp, there are many activities.
Eindhoven has one of the biggest carnivals from the south of The Netherlands!
Visit the Stadion from PSV (Philips Sport Vereniging), there is also a nice restaurant to have lunch.
Also visit Evoluon, where Philips launched her first lamp, there are many activities.
Eindhoven has one of the biggest carnivals from the south of The Netherlands!
What books / movies /websites should people look at to learn more about Eindhoven?
Books:
– Eindhoven: Guide to the City- Covers history and culture.
– Strijp-S: Creative City- Focus on the creative district.
Movies/Documentaries:
– Philips: The Story of Eindhoven- Impact of Philips on the city.
– The Other Side of Eindhoven- Cultural insights.
Websites:
– Visit Eindhoven: Official tourism site.
– Eindhoven News: Local news in English.
– This is Eindhoven Blog: Lifestyle and culture.
– Strijp-S Official Site: Creative district updates.
– Eindhoven: Guide to the City- Covers history and culture.
– Strijp-S: Creative City- Focus on the creative district.
Movies/Documentaries:
– Philips: The Story of Eindhoven- Impact of Philips on the city.
– The Other Side of Eindhoven- Cultural insights.
Websites:
– Visit Eindhoven: Official tourism site.
– Eindhoven News: Local news in English.
– This is Eindhoven Blog: Lifestyle and culture.
– Strijp-S Official Site: Creative district updates.
What do you know about music from Eindhoven?
Eindhoven music Seneca is very dynamic. From electronic to rock, from metal to alternative.
Also very good Dutch artists in the region of North Brabant: Guus Meeuwis is very famous in the region.
What are some disadvantages to living in Eindhoven?
The weather and cost of living.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people?
My friends are Dutch and I work with expat women so I have a lot of contacts. It’s not that easy making Dutch friends but they really appreciate when we speak the language so learning the language could help making more friends.
Are there any experiences there that you are particularly proud of or that surprised you?
I’m proud of my own experience here. When I came I couldn’t find a job in HR so I decided to study Dutch and made a career change. I’m surprised that here you have so many opportunities to grow and develop yourself!
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? ARE YOU WORKING ON ANYTHING PARTICULAR?
I’ll stay here, I’m not planning on going back to Brazil. I have my own company.
Thank you Gabi for sharing that experience of living in Eindhoven and creating your own company. The Netherlands have a rich culture so I appreciate you for giving details about the different aspects of the city and country! All the best! Gabi’s IG here!
