Essential Apps for Travelers in Netherlands
Traveling to the Netherlands offers a blend of convenience and charm. While many locals use international platforms, certain apps are indispensable for navigating public transport, making payments, and discovering local culture. Below is a guide to the most critical apps for travelers, including setup tips to ensure a seamless experience.
Before You Arrive in the Netherlands
- Purchase a Dutch SIM Card: SIM cards can be bought from providers like KPN or T-Mobile at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or local shops. Choose a prepaid plan with data. No Dutch phone number is required upfront.
- Download Essential Apps: Most apps are available internationally, but some Dutch services may require registration with a local phone number. Focus on apps like OV-chipkaart or NS before arrival.
Top Apps for Travelers in the Netherlands
1. NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
- Language: Dutch (partial English support)
- What It Does: Plan and buy train tickets, track real-time arrivals and delays. Essential for commuting between cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam via the well-connected rail system.
- How to Set Up: Download and register with an email address. Purchase tickets digitally for minimal contact. Scan your phone at ticket barriers.
2. OV-chipkaart
- Language: Dutch (partial English support)
- What It Does: Manage your public transport card. Load value onto your digital card (or a physical card) for buses, trams, and metro systems across the Netherlands.
- How to Set Up: Purchase a card upon arrival from machines at stations. Top up credit using the app or stations for seamless travel.
3. Deliveroo
- Language: Dutch/English
- What It Does: Order food delivery from popular chain restaurants and local eateries across cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht.
- How to Set Up: Create an account with visa/mastercard. Use filters to pick Dutch or international cuisine options. Tipping is optional.
4. OV Fiets
- Language: Dutch
- What It Does: Rent public bikes cheaply in cities with dockless systems. Preferred in Amsterdam and Utrecht for exploring narrow streets and canals.
- How to Set Up: Install and register (email or local number). Locate bikes via the map and lock/unlock them via app. Return anywhere (except designated boxes).
5. Thuisbezorgd
- Language: Dutch
- What It Does: The largest food delivery app with access to hidden local gems. Offers organic, vegetarian, and halal options unavailable elsewhere.
- Tips: Use KLM or Interflora codes for discounts. Search for "English" on listings for user-friendly menus.
6. Google Maps
- Language: Multiple languages
- What It Does: Accurate navigation with real-time traffic updates. Especially helpful for cycling routes in Amsterdam’s maze-like streets.
- Tips: Download offline maps for cities like Rotterdam or The Hague. Use bike-specific routes for eco-travel.
7. Questo
- Language: Multilingual
- What It Does: Scan and translate Dutch signs, menus, and street names instantaneously. Great for non-English speakers exploring markets or museums.
- How to Use: Open camera mode, point at text, and tap to translate. Works offline for certain languages.
8. Bol.com
- Language: Dutch/English
- What It Does: The Netherlands’ biggest e-commerce platform. Buy souvenirs, groceries, or tech products with fast delivery to hotels.
- Tips: Use the search filter for "English" options. Check for "behalve klantklachten" (without complaints) reviews to avoid scams.
9. Uber Eats
- Language: Dutch/English
- What It Does: Alternative food delivery app popular in larger cities like Amsterdam. Offers fresh seafood and ethnic cuisines.
- How to Set Up: Create an account with credit/debit card. Use the app’s “save” feature to repeat favorite orders.
Tips for Using Apps in the Netherlands
- VAT Refunds: Look for "VAT Free" stickers in stores. No app is required—claim refunds manually at airports via vouchers.
- Cashless Culture: JCB/Mastercard are widely accepted. Most places don’t charge for tap payments above 25€.
- Rental Bikes: Return OV Fiets bikes anywhere dockless. Avoid leaving bikes outside marked zones to prevent fines.
Conclusion
With these apps, you’ll breeze through the Netherlands like a local—whether hopping trains to historic towns or biking past windmills. The OV-chipkaart and OV Fiets apps are must-haves for eco-friendly transport, while Thuisbezorgd and Deliveroo spoil you with Dutch culinary treasures. The Netherlands’ tolerance for tech and transparency makes navigating its culture both easy and astonishingly rewarding.
