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Relocating to Amsterdam
Moving to Amsterdam from Canada is an exciting journey, into a vibrant and culturally rich European lifestyle. Planning ahead makes a big difference. Bekins Worldwide, using its decades of international move experience and expertise, is here to help you, with both the best time of year to move and what to expect on the day you move into your new residence.
While Amsterdam is beautiful year-round, the best time to move in is during fall from September through to October. There is pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. Winter is more challenging a time to move in due to cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Summer is the busiest season, making it difficult to find housing, book appointments with government offices and generally more costly. Avoiding winter also means avoiding its weather risks and costs. Lacquer finished furniture and oil paintings, for example, separate from their substrates in the cold. Weather delays can interrupt the unpacking and repacking at customs inspections. Just best to always avoid potential delays and unexpected port storage costs.
Your first few days in Amsterdam will be a whirlwind of new experiences and important to-dos. The most crucial thing to worry about is registering with the municipality (gemeente) where you’ll be living. You are required to do this within five days of arrival. At this appointment, you will need a valid identity document (like your passport) and proof of occupancy, such as a rental contract. This registration is a vital step as it provides you with a Citizen Service Number (BSN), which is essential for everything from opening a bank account to getting health insurance. It’s highly recommended to book this appointment as far in advance as possible, as waiting times can be long.
Amsterdammers are known for their directness, strong sense of community, and pride in their multicultural, progressive city. While Dutch is the official language, most Amsterdammers speak English and are welcoming to newcomers, though learning some basic Dutch phrases goes a long way.
Moving from Canada to Amsterdam is a big change, that with the right timing and preparation, will ease your way on to becoming an Amsterdammer. too.
To check the Weather in Amsterdam… Click Here
More Help With Moving to Berlin
• Cost of Living in Amsterdam
• City of Amsterdam
• Government of the Netherlands
• Vehicle Importation
• Netherlands Consulate – Vancouver
• Netherlands Consulate – Toronto
• Netherlands Embassy – Ottawa
To make a call to Amsterdam
• Dial 011 (outside North America)
• Dial 31 (for Netherlands)
• Dial 20 (for Amsterdam)
• Dial the local phone number
or the cell phone number
In Amsterdam use 112 for emergencies.