How to save money in the Netherlands

Working in the Netherlands can be a great experience... if you know how to manage your wallet properly. At first, it may seem like everything costs more than you expected, but with a few simple tricks, you'll be able to save money and enjoy Dutch life without any hassle.

Here's our practical guide for DB Work professionals – with real advice and no empty promises.

Essential tips

Work with a mediation agency

When you work through DB Work, an authorized agency for mediation and placement of labor abroad, things become much simpler:

• Shared accommodation with colleagues: lower rent costs
• Organized transport by company car: no hassle
• Constant support: solve any unexpected problems

Basically, if you didn't already know, DB Work helps you save money and stress at the same time.

Food and shopping

Smart shopping at the supermarket

Dutch supermarkets offer weekly deals (discount days, limited-quantity discounted products) and loyalty cards that can fill your shopping cart without emptying your wallet. Aldi, Jumbo, and Lidl have good promotions on food, cleaning products, and everyday items. Our recommendation? Compare, take advantage, and only put what you need in your cart.

If you write down your expenses, also consider our tips for economical shopping in the Netherlands.

Look for discount apps

Get loyalty cards for supermarkets (e.g., Albert Heijn Bonuskaart) and download apps like Too Good To Go to find discounted products and boxes of food close to their expiration date.

Take advantage of local markets and fairs

Local markets aren't just for cheap shopping - they're also for exploring! Fresh food, vegetables, and local products at much better prices than in the supermarket.

Bonus: you get to know the city better and discover the specifics of Dutch society while saving money.

Cook at your accommodation

Cooking at your accommodation is the easiest way to save money and eat healthily. You can prepare quick and tasty meals using ingredients bought at a discount from the supermarket or local markets, and even share your recipes with your colleagues.

 

Save on your regular monthly expenses

Energy and utilities

Accommodations provided by DB Work come with all utilities included—electricity, water, heating, and internet—so you don't have to worry about your monthly bill taking you by surprise. Plus, you'll be sharing your home with coworkers, which means daily expenses, from utilities to groceries, are shared too.

And to keep costs even lower, a few simple tricks can work wonders:

• Turn off electrical appliances when you're not using them – even the refrigerator knows when you're not plugging it in
• Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, but don't turn your home into a sauna
• Use LED light bulbs if possible – plenty of light, as little money spent on electricity as possible

Efficient local transport

The Netherlands boasts an extremely well-organized public transport system: trains, trams, buses, and the metro. With an OV-chipkaart (transport pass), your daily commute becomes much cheaper and easier.

And if you work through DB Work, you don't even have to worry about buses or bikes – you have local transport provided directly to your job, via company cars.

Bonus: more time for relaxation, not for traffic and additional transport costs.

Plan your free time without spending a fortune

Relaxing in the Netherlands doesn't have to be expensive:

• Go for walks with your colleagues or explore the city together
• Board games in your room → guaranteed fun, zero costs
• Free public events → concerts, fairs, festivals
• Cycling or running along the canals → exercise and fresh air
• Basically, this means fun without emptying your wallet!

Conclusion

Saving money in the Netherlands doesn't mean stressing yourself out; rather, it means establishing a daily routine. With DB Work, you have guaranteed transportation, accommodation included, and constant support, allowing you to focus on work and enjoy enjoyable experiences. Plus, by applying these simple tips, you'll have more money for what really matters: your family back home, nutritious food, and beautiful memories in the Netherlands.

If you want to work in the Netherlands and have experience in the naval, industrial, construction, or logistics fields, send us your resume at job@dbwork.com and get a Dutch employment contract through DB Work, with a full benefits package!