Rotterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱
#958
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands, known for its modern architecture and major port. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 650,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options such as Airbnb, Spotahome, and local rental agencies are available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms like Pararius. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel ROOM, Stayokay Rotterdam. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, especially around the Markthal and Erasmus Bridge. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Witte de Withstraat and Katendrecht are popular among expats and digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces Rotterdam, providing great amenities and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Koffiebar, known for its cozy atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by Rotterdam Expats and Creative Mornings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups at expat clubs and international gatherings often announced via Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates widely in Rotterdam. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | OV-fiets and Tier provide bike and scooter rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hoek van Holland Beach, about 30 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Transavia operates many regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Ryanair provide significant international connectivity. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E19 and A15 highways provide quick access to surrounding regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rotterdam Centraal station, a key intercity and international hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | OV-chipkaart for easy travel across tram, bus, and metro. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (NS) connect to major cities like Amsterdam and The Hague. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Erasmus MC, one of the leading hospitals in the Netherlands. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga by the Sea, providing beachside yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and TrainMore offer various membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Lounge offers self-service and drop-off laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Thuisbezorgd.nl delivers from a wide range of restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rookworst, a traditional Dutch sausage often served with stamppot. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | De Groene Stoel, a popular vegetarian restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Cake Company for sweet treats and specialty cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markthal for fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue provide extensive delivery options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Witte de Withstraat is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Rotterdamse Brouwerij offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wijnbar Eendracht is popular for local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Bram Ladage serves the famous Dutch frikandel. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi and Asian cuisine at Sumo Sushi. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Erasmus Bridge and the Cube Houses, showcasing Rotterdam's modern architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kunsthal and Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Maritime Museum reflecting Rotterdam's rich nautical history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Laurenskerk, a notable Gothic church in the city center. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Rotterdam Summer Carnival and International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old North area is known for its artsy vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | De Doelen hosts concerts and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Fenix Food Factory offers local produce and eateries. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Rotown is a key spot for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Rotterdam has extensive street art throughout the city, especially in the center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | KOK event space offers interactive cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | TENT, an independent exhibition space. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Netherlands Architecture Institute showcases historic and contemporary architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rotterdam's port and maritime history are celebrated through numerous exhibits and attractions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kralingse Bos offers a large park for walking, running, and cycling. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dunes of Goedereede, a 45-minute drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Rotterdam has extensive bike lanes and scenic walking paths around the harbor. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Euromast offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Vijfhavens, a nature reserve nearby. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated areas in parks such as Kralingse Bos. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and PostNL provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers repairs for various electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis events frequently held at Rotterdam Sports Club. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Dutch courses available at Taalthuis. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliotheek Rotterdam offers extensive resources and study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | De Nieuwe Banier is active in the expat community. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameOver Gaming Cafe offers a social gaming environment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Holland Casino is the prominent gaming venue in the area. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €148,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €116,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €216,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €156,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €264,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income but with certain deductions. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 49.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries owned by Dutch tax residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on municipal regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% for residential properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The 30% ruling applies to skilled migrants for tax benefits. |