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Guide
Rotterdam, Netherlands π³π±
#958
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands, known for its modern architecture and major port. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 650,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 1.07 USD |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Common banks include ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank. |
π Accommodation | Options such as Airbnb, Spotahome, and local rental agencies are available. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms like Pararius. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel ROOM, Stayokay Rotterdam. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, especially around the Markthal and Erasmus Bridge. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Witte de Withstraat and Katendrecht are popular among expats and digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Spaces Rotterdam, providing great amenities and community events. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Koffiebar, known for its cozy atmosphere and good coffee. |
πΌ Networking Events | Events hosted by Rotterdam Expats and Creative Mornings. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Meetups at expat clubs and international gatherings often announced via Facebook groups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates widely in Rotterdam. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | OV-fiets and Tier provide bike and scooter rentals throughout the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Hoek van Holland Beach, about 30 minutes away by train. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Transavia operates many regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | KLM and Ryanair provide significant international connectivity. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | E19 and A15 highways provide quick access to surrounding regions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Rotterdam Centraal station, a key intercity and international hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | OV-chipkaart for easy travel across tram, bus, and metro. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains (NS) connect to major cities like Amsterdam and The Hague. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Erasmus MC, one of the leading hospitals in the Netherlands. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga by the Sea, providing beachside yoga classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and TrainMore offer various membership options. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry Lounge offers self-service and drop-off laundry. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Thuisbezorgd.nl delivers from a wide range of restaurants. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Rookworst, a traditional Dutch sausage often served with stamppot. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | De Groene Stoel, a popular vegetarian restaurant. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | The Cake Company for sweet treats and specialty cakes. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Markthal for fresh produce and local foods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue provide extensive delivery options. |
π Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer home delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Witte de Withstraat is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | Rotterdamse Brouwerij offers tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | Wijnbar Eendracht is popular for local and international wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Bram Ladage serves the famous Dutch frikandel. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Sushi and Asian cuisine at Sumo Sushi. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Erasmus Bridge and the Cube Houses, showcasing Rotterdam's modern architecture. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Kunsthal and Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. |
π° Historical Sites | Maritime Museum reflecting Rotterdam's rich nautical history. |
π Religious Sites | Laurenskerk, a notable Gothic church in the city center. |
π Annual Events | Rotterdam Summer Carnival and International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Old North area is known for its artsy vibe. |
π Theater Venues | De Doelen hosts concerts and performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Fenix Food Factory offers local produce and eateries. |
πΌ Music Scene | Rotown is a key spot for live music. |
π¨ Street Art | Rotterdam has extensive street art throughout the city, especially in the center. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | KOK event space offers interactive cooking classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | TENT, an independent exhibition space. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Netherlands Architecture Institute showcases historic and contemporary architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Rotterdam's port and maritime history are celebrated through numerous exhibits and attractions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Kralingse Bos offers a large park for walking, running, and cycling. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Dunes of Goedereede, a 45-minute drive away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Rotterdam has extensive bike lanes and scenic walking paths around the harbor. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Euromast offers panoramic views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Vijfhavens, a nature reserve nearby. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated areas in parks such as Kralingse Bos. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and PostNL provide reliable shipping services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers repairs for various electronic devices. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis events frequently held at Rotterdam Sports Club. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Dutch courses available at Taalthuis. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliotheek Rotterdam offers extensive resources and study spaces. |
ποΈ Community Centers | De Nieuwe Banier is active in the expat community. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | GameOver Gaming Cafe offers a social gaming environment. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Holland Casino is the prominent gaming venue in the area. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬148,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,900 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬116,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬216,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬156,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬264,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬192,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income but with certain deductions. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 49.5% |
π§Ύ VAT | 21% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries owned by Dutch tax residents. |
π Property Tax | Yes, based on municipal regulations. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 2% for residential properties. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The 30% ruling applies to skilled migrants for tax benefits. |