The DigiD is your digital identity for the Dutch Government and, along with your BSN, one of the first essentials to arrange after moving to the Netherlands. It allows you to log in to websites from the Dutch government and healthcare. You will need a DigiD to fill in your tax declaration, apply for allowances, check your registration at the municipality, etc. The DigiD consists of a username and a password. Additionally, you can apply for two-factor authentication via SMS.

You need your BSN, registration address from a Dutch municipality, and a mobile phone to register. After you apply for your DigiD online, you will receive an activation code by post to complete the registration.

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone working in the Netherlands or living here for more than four months. You must obtain Dutch health insurance, even if you are an EU citizen with an EU Health Insurance Card or have private health coverage from your home country. You choose your health insurance yourself, and you will be invoiced directly.

There are about 50 health insurances in the Netherlands, but only eight of them offer an English website:

• ONVZ (Check out the health insurance for expats living in the Netherlands)
• Zilveren Kruis
• VGZ
• CZ
• Menzis
• Anderzorg
• HollandZorg

Compare different health insurance options on Zorgkiezer, Independer or Zorgwijzer. These are independent comparison sites where you can easily see which is your best option after entering your details.

Be aware that you must be registered in the Netherlands and possess a BSN to take out Dutch Health insurance.

The Dutch usually have a specific family doctor. This is not only for practical reasons but also because some practitioners no longer accept new patients. Therefore, it can be wise to register for a GP before you actually fall ill—type in 'huisarts' in Google Maps to find a GP close to you and fill in the registration form. Usually, you set up an intake appointment to discuss your medical history and any ongoing prescriptions. If you take medication regularly, this is also a good time to apply for a Dutch repeat prescription.

In addition to registering with your GP, you also register with a pharmacy (apotheek). A dedicated pharmacy for all your medications ensures they know your prescriptions and can help prevent potential conflicts between medications. If you get a prescription from your GP or doctor, it is usually sent automatically to your dedicated pharmacy, and you only need to pick up the medicine at your pharmacy when it’s ready.

Of course, it is also possible to pick up medication at another pharmacy if, for example, you are in another part of the country and need the medication urgently. In that case, make sure you can provide your health insurance and contact details.

Nowadays, most European countries provide attractive roaming plans. Nevertheless, getting a Dutch phone number can be useful, especially if you plan to stick around for a while or are moving from outside Europe. Plus, there are many affordable options, such as prepaid or sim-only, so you can start texting your new Dutch friends in no time. There are multiple phone providers in the Netherlands from which to choose. Click on the button below to explore all the options.

Our Best Pick: A sim-only deal from Simyo.

If you live in the Netherlands for a more extended period, it may be useful to register at the embassy or consulate of your country of origin in the Netherlands. For most countries, this is voluntary, except for Swiss nationals, the registration is mandatory. It may bring various benefits if you permanently live in the Netherlands. For example, it makes it easier to apply for a new passport, register for marriage or birth, etc. It also gives you easier access to assistance in case of emergency.

If you live in the Netherlands longer, you might want to take out some insurance. Here are the most common insurances for people living in the Netherlands:

• Home Contents Insurance (Inboedelverzekering) covers you for loss or damage to your movable property in your home f.e. through fire or theft.
• Liability insurance (Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering) protects you from liability risks and covers you for involuntary (material) damage you cause to other people's belongings or injure someone by your fault. This insurance costs +/-€4 a month.
• Travel insurance (Reis- en annuleringsverzekering) can be quite handy if you travel frequently. It covers unexpected expenses due to an accident or emergency, as well as the loss or theft of your luggage. Most insurance providers offer the option for cancellation insurance (annuleringsverzekering), which covers you for expenses due to unexpected cancellations of/on your trip.

GOOD TO KNOW: In the Netherlands, many banks offer insurance in addition to their financial products. If you are looking for insurance, it might be worthwhile checking with your bank.

Moving to a foreign country allows you to explore a different (and rich) cultural life. Living in the Netherlands is no exception. Here are some websites to find out what’s hot and happening in your city.

• Amsterdam: Cultural Agenda
• Eindhoven: Uitagenda
• Rotterdam: Uitagenda
• Utrecht: Explore Utrecht for lifestyle, food & shops, and Uitagenda for cultural outings.

If you like festivals, check out festivalinfo.nl for the latest news. Festivals are very popular in the Netherlands, and especially in the summer, there is something to do every weekend.