Moving to a new country comes with a lot of questions. How do you get around? Where do you find information about public transport? How do you translate Dutch letters? And how do you meet new people?

Fortunately, there are plenty of apps that can help make daily life in the Netherlands much easier. Whether you have just arrived or have been living here for a while, the right apps can help you save time, stay organized, and feel at home more quickly.

In this guide, we share some of the most useful apps for expats in the Netherlands, covering everything from transport and government services to shopping and social life.

NS: Your train travel help

The Netherlands has an excellent public transport network, and trains are one of the easiest ways to explore the country.

The NS app allows you to:

• Plan train journeys
• Check delays and disruptions
• View platform information
• Buy train tickets
• Save favorite routes

For many expats, the ability to travel between cities without needing a car is one of the biggest advantages of living in the Netherlands.

Bonus tip: The NS app does more than just train travel. You can also check the availability of OV-fietsen (public transport bikes) at stations throughout the Netherlands. While the bike itself is rented using a personal OV-chipkaart with an OV-fiets or NS Flex subscription, the app helps you see where bikes are available and keeps track of your rental information.

9292: The public transport planner

While NS focuses mainly on trains, 9292 helps you plan complete journeys using:

• Trains
• Buses
• Trams
• Metro services

Simply enter your destination and the app shows the fastest route available.

Many expats quickly discover that 9292 becomes one of the most-used apps on their phone because it combines all forms of public transport in one place.

Google translate: A lifesaver for Dutch documents

Even though many Dutch people speak English, you will still come across Dutch letters, emails, websites, and official documents.

Google Translate can help by:

• Translating text instantly
• Translating documents
• Using your camera to translate signs and letters

Especially during your first months in the Netherlands, this app can save a lot of confusion and help you better understand everyday information.

DigiD app: Essential for government matters

Once you receive your BSN and arrange your DigiD, the DigiD app becomes extremely useful.

You can use it for:

• Government services
• Tax matters
• Healthcare portals
• Municipal services

Many official Dutch services require DigiD for identification, making this one of the most important apps to install after arriving in the Netherlands.

Tikkie: The Dutch way to split costs

One thing many expats notice quickly is how often Dutch people use Tikkie.

Went for dinner? Bought concert tickets together? Shared a taxi?

Instead of exchanging cash, people simply send a Tikkie payment request.

It has become a normal part of Dutch culture and is useful for both social and professional situations. Do not be surprised if someone sends you a payment request for a few euros after having coffee together.

Buienradar: Because Dutch weather changes fast

The Netherlands is known for unpredictable weather.

Buienradar helps you:

• Check rainfall forecasts
• See live rain radar maps
• Plan cycling or walking trips

It may sound simple, but many internationals quickly learn why locals check the weather before leaving home. A sunny morning can easily turn into a rainy afternoon.

Marktplaats: For furniture and household items

When moving into a new home, Marktplaats can be incredibly useful.

Think of it as the Dutch version of an online marketplace where people buy and sell:

• Furniture
• Bikes
• Electronics
• Household items

Many expats use it when furnishing their first apartment and can save a significant amount of money compared to buying everything new.

Albert Heijn App: Grocery shopping made easy

Albert Heijn is one of the largest supermarket chains in the Netherlands. Their app allows you to view discounts, create shopping lists, save loyalty rewards, and order groceries online.

Similar apps are also available for other supermarkets such as Jumbo, Lidl, and Aldi, making it easy to compare offers and find the best deals.

These apps can be especially helpful during your first months in the Netherlands, when you are still getting familiar with local products and shopping habits.

Meetup: Finding new friends and communities

Moving abroad is not only about paperwork and housing.

Building a social network is equally important.

Meetup helps you find:

• International communities
• Sports groups
• Language exchanges
• Networking events
• Hobby clubs

It is a great way to meet both locals and other internationals. Many expats use Meetup to build friendships and discover activities in their new city.

Conclusion

Living in the Netherlands becomes much easier once you know which tools are available to help you.

From public transport and weather forecasts to government services, shopping, and social life, these apps can help make your transition smoother and less stressful.

You probably will not need all of them immediately, but having a few of these apps ready during your first weeks can make a big difference.

At Xpat Housing Solutions, we help internationals not only find housing, but also settle into life in the Netherlands with more confidence and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apps for expats in the Netherlands?

Some of the most popular apps for expats include NS, 9292, DigiD, Google Translate, Tikkie, Buienradar, Marktplaats, and Meetup.

Which public transport app should I use in the Netherlands?

Both NS and 9292 are useful. NS focuses mainly on train travel, while 9292 provides complete door-to-door journey planning using trains, buses, trams, and metro services.

Do I need the DigiD app as an expat?

If you live in the Netherlands and have a BSN, DigiD is often required for accessing government services, healthcare portals, and tax-related matters.

What app do Dutch people use to split payments?

Tikkie is one of the most commonly used apps in the Netherlands for sending and receiving payment requests between friends, family, and colleagues.

Which app is useful for meeting people in the Netherlands?

Meetup is a popular app for finding expat communities, networking events, sports groups, language exchanges, and other social activities.