Expat Money Blog

February 20, 20268 min read

Box 3 Wealth Tax: How It Affects Your Savings as an Expat

How the Dutch Box 3 wealth tax works in 2026 — deemed returns, tax-free allowances, savings vs investments, and strategies to minimize your tax bill.

February 19, 20269 min read

Best ETF Brokers for Expats in the Netherlands (2026)

A detailed comparison of DeGiro, Interactive Brokers, Trade Republic, and Saxo — fees, ETF selection, tax reporting, and which is best for your needs.

February 18, 202610 min read

How to Start Investing as an Expat in the Netherlands

A beginner-friendly guide to investing in the Netherlands — understanding Box 3 tax, choosing a broker, building an ETF portfolio, and the 30% ruling impact.

February 17, 20268 min read

Car Insurance for Expats in the Netherlands

A complete guide to Dutch car insurance for expats — WA, WA+, and allrisk coverage types, costs, transferring no-claims history, and road tax.

February 16, 20266 min read

Liability Insurance in the Netherlands: Do Expats Need It?

Why over 90% of Dutch residents have liability insurance, what it covers, what it costs, and how expats can get covered for just a few euros per month.

February 15, 202610 min read

Health Insurance in the Netherlands: The Complete Expat Guide

Everything expats need to know about Dutch health insurance — mandatory basisverzekering, costs, zorgtoeslag subsidies, choosing a provider, and avoiding penalties.

February 13, 20268 min read

Best Ways to Send Money Abroad from the Netherlands (2026)

Compare the best money transfer services for expats — Wise, Revolut, Remitly, Western Union, and OFX — fees, speed, exchange rates, and tips.

February 12, 20267 min read

Trade Republic Review: Is It Worth It for Expats in the Netherlands?

An in-depth review of Trade Republic for expats — savings interest, ETF investing, fees, Dutch tax reporting, and how it compares to DeGiro.

February 11, 20268 min read

ABN AMRO vs ING: Which Traditional Bank Is Best for Expats?

A comprehensive comparison of ABN AMRO and ING for expats — monthly fees, English support, mobile apps, mortgage products, savings rates, and our verdict.

February 10, 20269 min read

N26 vs Revolut vs bunq: Best Digital Bank for Expats

A detailed side-by-side comparison of N26, Revolut, and bunq for expats in the Netherlands — fees, iDEAL support, IBAN, FX rates, and which is best for you.

February 8, 20267 min read

How to Build a Credit History in the Netherlands as an Expat

Understanding the Dutch BKR credit system — how it works, what gets registered, why it matters for mortgages, and how to build a positive financial profile.

February 7, 20266 min read

Rent Deposits in the Netherlands: Your Rights as an Expat

Know your rights as a tenant — how much landlords can charge for deposits, how to get your money back, documenting property condition, and red flags to watch for.

February 6, 20269 min read

Toeslagen Explained: Government Benefits for Expats in the Netherlands

A complete guide to Dutch government benefits (toeslagen) for expats — zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag, kinderopvangtoeslag, kindgebonden budget, and how to apply.

February 5, 20267 min read

DigiD for Expats: How to Get and Use Your Digital ID

A step-by-step guide to getting your DigiD — the Netherlands digital identity system used for taxes, healthcare, government services, and more.

February 4, 20267 min read

Best Budgeting Apps for Expats in the Netherlands

The best budgeting apps and tools for expats — YNAB, Toshl, Money Manager, built-in bank tools, spreadsheets, and Dutch-specific budget categories to track.

February 3, 20268 min read

Best Credit Cards for Travel from the Netherlands (2026)

The best travel credit cards available in the Netherlands — Amex Platinum, Amex Gold, ICS Visa World Card, Flying Blue cards, fees, rewards, and lounge access.

February 2, 202610 min read

The Dutch Pension System Explained for Expats

A comprehensive guide to the Dutch pension system — AOW state pension, employer pensions, private savings, what happens when you leave, and how to check your accrual.

February 1, 20266 min read

Best Savings Rates in the Netherlands (Updated Monthly)

A comparison of the best savings account interest rates available in the Netherlands, including tips on how rates work, deposit protection, and top picks for expats.

January 27, 20269 min read

Best Bank Accounts for Expats in the Netherlands (2026)

A comprehensive ranking of the best bank accounts available to expats in the Netherlands in 2026, including traditional banks, neobanks, and international options.

January 25, 20268 min read

bunq vs ING: Which Is Better for Expats?

A head-to-head comparison of bunq and ING for expats in the Netherlands: fees, features, ease of use, iDEAL support, and which bank works best for different situations.

January 23, 20268 min read

Revolut vs Wise in the Netherlands: Full Comparison

A detailed comparison of Revolut and Wise for expats in the Netherlands: exchange rates, fees, features, and which service is better for everyday banking vs international transfers.

January 22, 20266 min read

How to Get a Credit Card as an Expat in the Netherlands

A practical guide to credit card requirements, BKR checks, the best credit card options, and tips for expats trying to get approved in the Netherlands.

January 21, 20267 min read

Best Free Credit Cards in the Netherlands (2026)

A comparison of the best no-annual-fee credit cards available in the Netherlands, including features, eligibility requirements, and which card is right for you.

January 20, 20269 min read

The 30% Ruling Explained: Tax Benefits for Expats in the Netherlands

A comprehensive guide to the Dutch 30% ruling: who qualifies, how to apply, what it means for your salary and taxes, and recent changes expats need to know.

January 19, 20267 min read

Fixed vs Flexible Savings Accounts: What's Better for Expats?

A comparison of fixed-term deposits and flexible savings accounts in the Netherlands: interest rates, lock-up periods, deposit protection, and which strategy works best for expats.

January 18, 202610 min read

Understanding the Dutch Tax System as an Expat: Box 1, 2, and 3

A clear explanation of how the Dutch tax system works for expats, including income tax brackets, the box system, wealth tax, deductions, and filing your return.

January 17, 20266 min read

How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees in the Netherlands

Practical tips for expats to avoid or minimise foreign transaction fees on credit cards, debit cards, and international transfers in the Netherlands.

January 16, 20267 min read

BKR Credit Check: What Expats Need to Know

Everything expats need to know about the Dutch BKR credit registration system: how it works, what gets registered, how to check your record, and how it affects financial products.

January 15, 20268 min read

Expat Banking in the Netherlands: Complete 2026 Guide

Everything you need to know about opening a bank account, getting a BSN, choosing the best bank, and managing your money as an expat in the Netherlands.

January 14, 20267 min read

iDEAL, Tikkie & Dutch Payments: The Expat's Guide

A practical guide to the Dutch payment ecosystem: how iDEAL works, getting started with Tikkie, contactless payments, and tips for navigating cashless Netherlands.

January 13, 20266 min read

5 Ways to Maximise Your Savings Interest in the Netherlands

Practical strategies for expats to earn more interest on their savings in the Netherlands, from choosing the right account to optimising across multiple banks.

January 12, 20267 min read

How to Open a Bank Account in the Netherlands Without a BSN

A step-by-step guide for newly arrived expats who need a bank account before getting their BSN number, including which banks allow it and what documents you need.

January 11, 20268 min read

Financial Checklist: Your First 30 Days in the Netherlands

A step-by-step financial checklist for expats moving to the Netherlands: what to do in your first 30 days, from bank accounts and insurance to tax registration and budgeting.

January 10, 20268 min read

Sending Money Abroad from the Netherlands: Best Options Compared

A detailed comparison of the best ways to send money internationally from the Netherlands, including Wise, Revolut, traditional banks, and other transfer services.