housing info
Getting a hand on Holland 24/03/2005 00:00
Our reviewers of the Holland Handbook (2007-2008) are impressed by the eighth edition of this trusty resource for expats in the Netherlands.
A worthwhile addition to expat coffee tables in the Netherlands
The Eighth edition of the Holland Handbook 2007-2008 is a must-have read for those moving to the country, and the annual book has remained a trustworthy resource in the homes and offices of more established expats. 
The Holland Handbook, hailed as ‘the indispensable reference book for the expatriate’, is extremely comprehensive, well-researched and packed with advice on all things Dutch. It could easily be renamed 'Everything there is to know about Holland', and indeed it is often referred to as the “Holland encyclopaedia.”
Advice is offered on just about every topic conceivable from the practicalities of opening a bank account, employment, legal, tax and financial matters, housing, health care and the medical system. Despite the fact that some of these topics are less than fascinating and can be a bit dry, they are well written, informative and easy to read. Things to do in your free time and a special section on kids provide excellent suggestions for leisure activities.
Those whose curiosities extend beyond the intention of keeping face will need to seek more detailed information elsewhere. The references pages at the end of the chapter include a comprehensive list of publications, websites (Expatica is listed under ‘Local news in English’) and various organisations where such information can be acquired.
The first section of the Handbook provides vital basic historical and political information about Holland. Newcomers are told, for instance, why the Netherlands is often referred to as just Holland.
A brief overview of the country's history also explains the lasting influence of theologian John Calvin on Dutch attitudes, with a further look at the economy, the government, the Polder model, the Dutch language and the royal family.
This includes an essential breakdown of Dutch customs and etiquette covering births, weddings, holidays and deaths and explaining the various Dutch traditions which is useful for avoiding accidentally offending people. For instance, the necessity of ringing in advance rather than dropping in on people unannounced.
All important 'how to' areas are covered from finding a place to live, getting around, daily life and education to health, marriage and travel. Very little has changed from the previous edition, apart from obvious updates as a result of changes to the law and political situations, and new websites and references have been included. Although not likely to fit into your pocket, this 256-page A4 book could take pride of place on the bookcase or coffee table.
The lack of captions on the photographs used in the book has been a bone of contention in the past few Holland Handbooks. A step had been made towards remedying this, with a photo index located at the very back of the book in past editions. This however is not much of an improvement as the reader constantly has to flick between the front and the back to check locations. In this edition the photos remain a mystery with no sources listed.
Other than this, there is very little at fault with the Holland Handbook, which has sold over 70,000 copies to date. Whether you want to build an extension or give birth, this book really has it covered. It contains all of the relevant information required when moving country and its delivery is simple.
There is still no index in the Holland Handbook; however the comprehensive content pages are broken down efficiently enough with subheadings to be used as a quick referencing guide.
The various authors of the Handbook are mostly specialists in the areas they write about, so rest assured that the information given is reliable and practical.
Sections of the book on education are suitable for those coming to Holland to study or just on a visit, even if only intended for finding places to visit or for brushing up on Dutch customs; an invaluable addition to any expat household.
19 June 2007
The Holland Handbook 2007-2008
ISBN 978 90 5594 515 3
Various writers – edited by Stephanie Dijkstra
Published by Xpat Media
Website: www.xpat.nl - www.hollandbooks.nl
Available from bookshops and directly from XpatMedia
[Copyright Expatica 2007]
Subject: Relocation to the Netherlands
0 reactions to this article
disscussion forum
- Discuss Dutch Culture Dutch Staring/Eye Contact, by fryslanboppe 16/10/2008 05:56
- International News OBAMA or NOBAMA, by lissa0915 16/10/2008 03:49
- Soapbox warning on Conrad.nl, by jllpreditor 16/10/2008 01:03
- Relationships Dutchie's attitude towards $, by Roksalana 16/10/2008 00:14
- Legal Problems New Yorker to NL, by Yanique1018 15/10/2008 23:58
archive
word of the day : Aanstellen
meaning : to appoint
phrase of the day : Ik heet...
meaning : My name is...
Expatica grows and develops with and for you. Check our new features and/or mail us your suggestions!
top news articles
- Virus hunters track HIV to 100 years back New research published in the journal Nature Thursday revels the most pervasive and virulent global strain of HIV began spreading among human beings between 1884 and 1924....
- Expatica O’ Dance Holiday - “Viva Cuba” Join us for our next O’ Dance holiday to sunny Cuba! A winter evasion with a special tailor made programme on 9th to 16th or 19th December....
- What is your life like as an “expat”? Expatica has partnered with Ruigrok | NetPanel to form the European Expat Panel, and we’re looking for qualified participants—you. This panel provides the ultimate opportunity to share your views on living abroad....
- Expatica’s 2008 Expat Survey Who makes up the Expatica audience? Are they internationals who are new to the expat world or have been an expat for years now?...
- Oil prices fall sharply Oil prices decline after the world’s major banks cut their interest rates, as financial trouble spreads to Europe, Asia and Australia....
- Hello Frank and Expatica My question has to do with the current financial crisis. After having sold my U.K. house, I deposited the money offshore, which I declare to the tax authorities (I do not have 30% ruling). the offshore savings are only guaranteed up to 15000. However, considering the acute financial crisis and instability of the banks, I would feel safer if I had the money physically in a safe deposit box and actually even trust friends and family and my home with small chunks of it rather than the banks. My question is, how do I declare this to the tax authorities without proof of a bank statement? Would I have to redeposit the money to get an end of year statement and then withdraw it again? Thanks. I am sure that other expats are also worried about the lack of offshore guarantees. Annette H Dear Annette, Thank you for a very topical question. The part of my answer within my field of professional expertise is that you should not worry. If you state the amount of cash at hand as per the relevant moments for box 3 (in most cases: January 1 and December 31) in the correct lines in your return (assets in box 3), you fully comply with tax law. Should your total of assets vary substantially without apparent reason, that may of course attract the attention of tax authorities for investigation. Please also note that some offshore banks are obliged to withhold a retention tax on interest, which may be difficult to receive back. But the parts of my answer that are beyond my professional expertise and are therefore tentative in nature, but may be more important. Any bank to cash or vice versa movement of EUR 15,000 or more may trigger an obligatory Unusual Transaction Report (melding ongebruikelijke transactie) which may be a reason to launch a financial investigation. Further, carrying cash across EU borders of EUR 10,000 or more must be reported to customs. Detailed information: http://www.douane.nl/overig/verordening_liquide_middelen/en/ . Last: I can not readily find whether a law proposal has been entered into force that makes cash of more than EUR 2,000 when found upon investigation liable for immediate seizure unless you provide a reasonable explanation. All these measures have been proposed to counter illegal activities including money laundering. Despite your opinion on these measures, I would say: not worth the potential trouble. Apart from that, European authorities have drastically increased their bank deposited money guarantees in order to inspire you to leave your money in the bank, as lack of such money may cause further bank trouble. Bank deposits by private persons and small companies with Dutch licensed banks are guaranteed by the Dutch Central Bank up to EUR 100,000 per account. Therefore, with our Dutch tradition to expect much of their authorities presumed to work, you should be reasonably safe when you spread your assets over various private accounts of up to EUR 100,000 with Dutch banks. For completeness’ sake, you will appreciate that my answers in this paragraph are tentative. I trust t have informed you appropriately. Kind regards, Frank de Bats Tax Lawyer - De Bats Beheer BV - 27155273 P Herberg 63 - NL-2264 KP Leidschendam T +31 6 201 29 830 F +31 84 728 729 6 E info@frankdebats.nl Asked by : Helena Cocoa Answered by : Tax Expert Frank de Bats
internaxx
| Index | Last | Var.(%) |
|---|
also on expatica
- Share your content! Expatica is looking for readers who want to contribute regularly to our websites.
- Expatica Classifieds Read and publish classified ads quickly, easily, and for free!
- A parents' guide to international education Confused by the options? Here's an introduction to international education in the Netherlands.
- Join the Expatica community Meet, make friends and network with other internationals just like you
- Expatica’s 2008 Expat Survey Expatica is conducting an audience survey to better understand our readers. Take the survey here.
- Renting or buying in the Netherlands? Here is our introduction to the housing market in the Netherlands. Should you rent or buy?
- What is your life like as an “expat”? Share your expat experience as a panel member of the European Expat Panel.
- O’Dance Holiday - “VIva Cuba” Join us for our next O’ Dance holiday to sunny Cuba! A winter evasion with a special tailor made programme on 9th to 16th or 19th December.
