What would be the best advice you could give me on moving from Ohio to Amsterdam?

Question

I am 28 years old. I have finished 2 years of college. I have a fluent backround in cooking at restaurants. I am self-motivated. I would like to move to Amsterdam. I am Dutch. My great grandparents are from Holland. How much are apartments there. Are there jobs availiable? Would it be easy to find an apartment? Would it be hard getting a citizenship there? Are groceries and other basic necessities expensive? I need some info. Thank you.

Answer 1

Get ready for a culture shock.

Recently, the Dutch government has required that new immigrants watch a vido so they fully understand what life is like in Amsterdam. This idea arose because of the problems they were having with Muslim immigrants who were horrified to find out that drugs are available, and prostitution is legal. Oh yeah, and they probably didn't like seeing two women or two men kissing in public either.

Jobs are available if you are talented. Apartments are not so easy to find anywhere in Europe, and they tend to be both small and expensive.

My best advice is: take a two week vacation there first. Get away from the tourists areas. Rather than stay in a hotel, which just gives you a false impression of the real city life, try to stay with a family or friend. Visit some restaurants and see what they have to say about job prospects. You're mining for information, so don't be shy.

Answer 2

Whew. From the topic title, not knowing you were Dutch, I was going to tell some basic differences re Dutch vs US law - an American could get quite mmm surprised. Maybe you already know then about the Napoleonic Code I can only describe in short as shoot first, ask questions later. Not at all like the common law you'd be more familiar with, even procedurally different. Don't forget, no jury.

I'd probably just google Amsterdam about accomodations, food. I kinda know some from there & other places in NL but not in contact right now.

Answer 3

When my sons were in the Army they were stationed in Germany. On weekends twice a month they would travel to Amsterdam to party and visit friends. They said they had a good time but not sure they would want to live there. They said the area they were in is not as clean as the United States. At their age they thought it was fun and even considered going back some day but not to live there. There are a lot of things you would need to be aware of before you settle down there. Let's put it this way. It's nothing like OHIO so you better keep trying to get information before you make a decision like this.

Answer 4

Once when I lived in Northern California we had a Dutch couple who were visiting the United States. They had a rental car and they were on their road trip up the coast. Anywho, I was just at the gas station having a smoke when they asked me if I would please put air in their tires because they didn't know how to do it. LOL I willingly did it for them for free. They looked so cool and they had a thick accent. They were around their 30's. Obviously they had money that's why they can afford to travel to the States. They were driving a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. LOL, I still remember it like it was yesterday. I suppose most people don't have cars in the Netherlands. They just ride their bikes, walk, or take public transit.

Answer 5

Pack yer bong dude!! Amsterdam kicks ***..its beautiful and I think you will love the laid back attitude. Go for your dreams and have fun!! If you don't like it, you can always come back. Travelling for work is awesome, you never know where you will end up as you meet people, you might get offered a better job, in say Italy or something..just go for it!!