New to the Netherlands? Make sure you download these essential mobile apps to navigate life in the Netherlands like a pro. In this guide, we’ll unveil the must-have mobile apps that will enhance your Dutch experience and make daily life here easier.

• 9292, NS, and Google Maps
  Want to travel in the Netherlands by public transportation? A traveling mobile app is essential for when you need to get around. 9292 (App Store or Google Play) contains all the traveling information you need, from up-to-date schedules and delays to useful details about your journey. This app is very easy to use; you only need to type in your destination and current address and voila! 9292 will let you know what the quickest route is and which public transport you need to use.
  
  Although you can plan your entire trip in the 9292 app, you can also use the NS app (App Store or Google Play) for planning your train trips. It gives you notifications if any train has a delay or is canceled. You can buy an online ticket in the app and see if the train will be busy or not.
  
  Besides 9292 and NS, we recommend using Google Maps (App Store or Google Play). Not only for directions but mainly for getting to know your neighborhood. Google Maps proactively displays the best-rated locations on the map, like restaurants and shops. Checking the reviews is an easy way to quickly check what people think about the place. Many people upload their pictures of a restaurant’s food and menu, which makes it reliable. If you have a specific request, for example, ‘Mexican restaurant in Amsterdam’, it gives you options nearby.
  
  
• Google Lens 
  Need to translate something on the spot? Google Lens (App Store or Google Play) is the app you need. It allows you to perform visual searches using your phone’s camera, providing information on objects, text, or barcodes. The real-time translation feature is particularly useful for non-Dutch speakers, enabling them to understand signs, menus, or documents easily. Google Lens also helps you explore local landmarks by providing information about buildings and points of interest, enriching your cultural and historical knowledge of the Netherlands. Additionally, it assists with shopping by finding similar products online, reading reviews, and comparing prices, helping you make informed decisions.
  
  
• Tikkie
  Are you living in the Netherlands and want to split the bill like any other Dutch person? Then it’s time to get your money management in order. Tikkie (App Store or Google Play) is an app for anyone who frequently needs to request or send payments to friends and family. It simplifies the process of splitting bills, paying for group activities, or settling small debts. With just a few taps, users can create a payment request and send it via WhatsApp, SMS, or email. Given that Tikkie is an initiative by ABN AMRO, one of the leading banks in the Netherlands, it ensures secure and reliable transactions. The app is also free to download and use.
  
  
• Buienradar and Buienalarm
  In case you haven’t experienced it already, the weather in the Netherlands is unpredictable, to say the least. For this reason, it's good to be up to date in case any storms or strong winds may happen in your area. Buienradar (App Store or Google Play) is one of the most reliable weather sources that you can use in the Netherlands. And it gets even better. Not only can you use Buienradar for your weather updates, but you can also get information regarding air quality, humidity, pollen, and even mosquito activity. Buienalarm (App Store or Google Play) is a handy app that can give you timely warnings of showers in your location.
  
  
• Duolingo 
  Duolingo (App Store or Google Play) is a welcoming app for expats or non-native speakers looking to learn Dutch. It offers a fun and effective way to learn the language, which is crucial for better integration into Dutch society. Besides Dutch, Duolingo offers a wide range of other languages, making it useful for traveling or expanding your linguistic skills. The app's gamified learning experience, including levels, rewards, and streaks, keeps learners motivated. With the flexibility to learn at your own pace, Duolingo easily fits into any schedule, whether you have a few minutes or a longer period to dedicate each day.
  
  
• DigiD
  DigiD (App Store or Google Play) is an essential app for accessing a wide range of Dutch government services online. Find out more about DigiD here. This app provides secure access to services such as tax returns, healthcare records, and more. Once set up, DigiD simplifies many administrative processes, allowing you to handle them from the comfort of your home without needing to visit physical offices. The app integrates with numerous government and municipal websites, making it a one-stop solution for identity verification and service access. By using DigiD for digital signatures, applications, and other official tasks, you save time and avoid the hassle of traditional paperwork.