Rotterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱
#958
51.923398, 4.489568
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands, known for its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 650,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 150 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering high-speed connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD; widely accepted, including credit cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and considered high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks include Rabobank, ABN AMRO; online banking options like N26 are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rental agencies, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely and ATMs are easily accessible. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices varying from €50 to €150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like HI Hostel Rotterdam offer dorm-style accommodation starting around €30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces Rotterdam offers modern facilities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Petra offers a cozy atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups hosted by Rotterdam Startups and Techstars are frequent. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like Expat Rotterdam or Meetup.com host a variety of community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used in Rotterdam. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | You can rent bikes from CoGo or scooters from Felyx throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Hoek van Holland, about 30 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Transavia operates flights from Rotterdam The Hague Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Lufthansa have frequent services to major destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to A13 and A20 highways, connecting to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rotterdam Centraal Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | OV-chipkaart is used for all public transport; monthly and day passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities like The Hague and Utrecht are frequent, with services provided by NS. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Erasmus MC is the largest and most comprehensive hospital in Rotterdam. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogafirst offers a variety of classes for practitioners of all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and Sportcity are popular fitness chains with multiple locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Services Rotterdam offers convenient wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Thuisbezorgd.nl is the leading food delivery app in the Netherlands. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Haring'. Raw herring fish served with onions and pickles. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | De Vegetarische Snackbar specializes in vegetarian fast food. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Yoghurt Barn offers a variety of delicious yogurt-based desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markthal Rotterdam has a variety of food stalls and is a great place for budget-friendly bites. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com is popular for online shopping in the Netherlands. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn and Picnic offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Witte de Withstraat is known for its lively bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brouwerij Noordt offers local beers and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wijnbar Aaltje specializes in a diverse selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Fenix Food Factory is a great spot for a variety of street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant de Jong offers a mix of international dishes and local favorites. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) and the Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug) are iconic. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen showcases both contemporary and classical art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Maritime Museum highlights Rotterdam’s rich maritime history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Laurens Church is a well-known Gothic church and a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Rotterdam International Film Festival and the Rotterdam Maritime Festival are notable events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Rotterdam's Wilhelminapier features cultural venues and restaurants. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | De Doelen is the primary venue for concerts and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Loswalmarkt features local produce and artisan goods on Saturdays. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Rotown is a popular venue for live music, featuring both local and international acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Rotterdam is known for its vibrant street art scene, especially in the Witte de Withstraat area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kok & Co offers cooking classes focusing on Dutch cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | TENT Rotterdam showcases contemporary art and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Port is full of historical buildings and maritime charm. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city’s post-war reconstruction reflects its resilience and modernist heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kralingse Bos is a large park perfect for walking, cycling, and picnics. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | De Biesbosch National Park is accessible for a day visit, known for its wetlands. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Maasboulevard offers scenic cycling and walking paths alongside the river. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Observation deck at the Euromast offers stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in the nearby wetlands of the Nieuwe Maas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Kralingse Bos allow bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and PostNL offer reliable shipping services throughout Rotterdam. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops like Phonefix offer a range of tech services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Rotterdam Table Tennis Club welcomes all skill levels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituut Nederlandse Taal offers Dutch language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library (Bibliotheek Rotterdam) has great study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kunstblock offers community-driven art and cultural programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Gaming Lounge Rotterdam is a popular spot for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Holland Casino Rotterdam offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 49.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on local municipal rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate for property purchases. |