ABOUT
Daniela is originally from Italy. Her region is called Le Marche. She grew up by the sea, and says it is in her blood, along with the urge to travel.
When she was 28 she moved to Kenya, where she lived for several years working in the tourism industry. She speaks Italian, English, Spanish, Dutch and some French and Kiswahili.
Moving to The HAgue
When and why did you move to The Hague?
After my first daughter, I moved to The Hague in The Netherlands, to search for a better future for me and my family. It was 2012, and that’s where I currently live.
What is The Hague famous for?
The Hague is the administrative capital of The Netherlands, where the parliament is. Also, several NGOs are based here, and International Organizations such EPO, OPCW, International Criminal Court, and many others.
What surprised you about life there when you first arrived?
In the Netherlands, they pay a lot of attention to kids’ needs, and everything works in a very fast and modern way. This is what surprised me the most.
How did you get set up?
When I first arrived, I applied immediately at the municipality for my BSN number, then I opened a bank account and I searched for a sim card plan with a good amount of internet.
How to find a job in The Hague?
In order to find a job in The Netherlands, you first need to be registered with the tax authorities, and have your social security number, called BSN.
You can search for a job through websites such as LinkedIn or Indeed, and for internationals there are some multilingual agencies like Adam’s recruitment or Unique that help you find the job that best suits you.
Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance?
Medical insurance is mandatory in The Netherlands, as soon as you are registered you have to register with a medical insurance.
Before that I did not need it, since my original country is also in Europe I was still covered with the Italian plan.
What did you bring with you?
We came here with only 3 pieces of luggage with our clothes. Everything else we had to buy here.
What should people consider before deciding to move to The Hague?
First of all, having a secure and stable job. If you come here looking for one, then you should definitely have a big amount of savings to survive.
How did you find an apartment in The Hague?
Finding an apartment is a real hell in the Netherlands. At first we had a long rental of about a month in a fully furnished apartment, then we asked some agencies for help. But I have to say, ten years ago was easier than now. At the moment an apartment is very complicated to find and rent is usually very expensive. A 50 square meter apartment is usually around 1000€ in cities like The Hague.
Do you need to speak Dutch to live in The Hague?
Dutch is not necessary because almost everyone speaks English, however for administrative tasks or if you have kids, it is better to learn it. It will also increase the possibility of finding a job.
I have learned Dutch with some courses and by practicing day by day.
Living in the Hague
What are your favorite things to do in The Hague specifically?
I usually like to go to parks or, during spring and summer, to join one of the weekend’s street markets that are typically very nice.
When’s the best moment to visit?
From late April to August, is usually the best time to visit the Netherlands.
Where is the best area to live in The Hague?
There are many. I would say Zeeheldenkwartier, Bezuidenhout, Vruchtenbuurt and Statenkwartier are the best.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in The Hague?
As a single person, you need at least 2000€ monthly.
What are your favorite restaurants and bars in your area?
I love an Indonesian restaurant called Bogor, small and cozy, and the Brazilian Rodizio.
Describe your favorite recreational activities 🙂
I love the Sunday street markets: there is a sort of hippie atmosphere in some neighborhoods, like the Zeeheldenkwartier, and when the sun is shining everything turns out very nice.
Final Thoughts
Can you tell me something about local culture that people might not know?
Dutch people can be very strict and direct. They tell you without problems if they don’t like you. If you are visiting them at home for example they could tell you to leave because they have to eat. They will not invite you to join hahaha.
What does the future of The Hague look like?
Are there any experiences there that you are particularly proud of or that surprised you?
What I like is how people get together during days like King’s Day in April or the arrival of Sinterklaas in winter. Sometimes they really know how to have fun.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people?
It’s not easy to make Dutch friends. Mainly I ended up having a lot of foreign friends, like Italian, English, Spanish or African.
What has been the hardest aspect of living in The Hague?
For me it is surely the weather, since we really have a lot of rain and bad weather the whole year.
Thank you Daniela, it was great to learn about your move to The Hague! I love that you gave lots of local websites for finding jobs in the Netherlands. Hopefully that will help our readers learn more about this place or successfully expatriating themselves! I wish you the best on your next adventures!
