ABOUT
Delphine is French and she grew up in Amsterdam and in Paris. She speaks French, Dutch and English. She is married and has 4 kids.
Moving to Amsterdam
When and why did you move to Amsterdam?
I came back in 2015 to get married to my teenage lover, Martin, we met in Amsterdam a long time ago.
How did you get set up? (phone plan, bank ..)
My husband organised everything for me, he is dutch and he was already living in the Netherlands.
Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance?
Not very easy, you just need to subscribe and to pay!
What did you bring with you?
My kids!
How did you find an apartment in Amsterdam?
My husband found it online, it was quite easy 9 years ago.
What surprised you about life there?
The weather, especially the wind, I can’t get used to it. Dutch people are celebrating birthdays seriously, it’s very important here. That surprised me.
Living in Amsterdam
What should people consider before deciding to move to Amsterdam?
It costs a lot of money. Don’t come here to improve your English, it’s a Dutch speaking country even if they speak English. Finding a place is very complicated and expensive.
What specifically is Amsterdam famous for?
For me the water everywhere, the beauty of the canals, Amsterdam is very Instagramable.
Of course I love museums, there’s history everywhere.
What apps do you find useful in your daily life in Amsterdam?
Buienradar to check the weather.
What are your favorite places in Amsterdam?
I love all the canals and of course de Vondelpark. It’s a bit of nature in the city, I like to cycle there.
What is the most recent thing you've read in the news about life in Amsterdam?
There are not enough kraamzorg – maternity nurses, and that is going to be a problem in the future (it’s my job and I work especially with expats).
We take care of mother and child just after the birth for the first 8 days. It’s paid by the insurance.
What do you think about young Dutch people?
Dutch are Dutch. They are amazing outside, to have a drink in a bar but don’t expect them to invite you inside for dinner.
What’s the difference between Dutch and French people in your opinion?
French people are very spontaneous, when they open their door you are part of the family. It’s much harder with Dutch people.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Amsterdam?
It depends how many kids you have and in which phase of your life you are. You need a lot that’s for sure.
Do you feel safe living in Amsterdam?
Yes, much more than in Paris.
What's on your list of favorite restaurants and cafés in Amsterdam?
Café de Balie and Café Restaurant Amsterdam. I love both places because of the light.
Can you tell us something else about Amsterdam that we might not know?
In the eighties Amsterdam was very different, much more dangerous, a lot of drugs and junkies. Believe me at that time the red district was not a tourist place. No No.
What are some local artists in Amsterdam that you recommend checking out?
Rembrandt & Van Gogh !
What do you know about music from Amsterdam?
André Hazes is the best singer from Amsterdam.
Final Thoughts
Are there any experiences there that surprised you ?
Amsterdam surprises me every day!
What are some disadvantages to living in Amsterdam?
It’s expensive and Amsterdam is becoming so popular, we have too many tourists. It’s complicated because they don’t know how to cycle and they’re dangerous because of that.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people?
No, I don’t have a lot of Dutch friends, more French expats. Dutch people are not really looking for new friends. They already have their friends. That’s my experience.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
I am still working as a French kraamzorg. I am also trying to bring kraamzorg over to France. It’s a long way!
Thank you Delphine for sharing your long experience in Amsterdam. You’re definitely an expert! When I was there I was really surprised at how modern all the buildings are. I think Amsterdam is a really nice city! Delphine’s Instagram Here 🙂
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