What to pack
Moving to the Netherlands from South Africa is an exciting adventure, but packing wisely will make your transition smoother. The Dutch climate, housing, and lifestyle are quite different, so knowing what to bring—and what to leave behind—can save you time, money, and hassle.
Clothing: Dressing for Dutch Weather
The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate, which means cool, wet winters and mild summers. Rain is frequent, and strong winds are common, so your South African wardrobe might not be enough.
What to Bring:
✅ Waterproof jacket & shoes – Essential for rain and wind.
✅ Layered clothing – T-shirts, sweaters, and a warm coat for unpredictable weather.
✅ Winter essentials – Gloves, scarves, beanies, and thermal wear if you’re not used to cold temperatures.
✅ Comfortable footwear – You’ll be walking a lot more than you’re used to, so good walking shoes or sneakers are essential.
What to Leave Behind:
❌ Thin summer fabrics – Dutch summers are mild, and lightweight clothing like flimsy dresses or sleeveless tops might not get much use.
❌ K-Way or similar South African winter jackets – The quality of winter clothing in the Netherlands is much better. Unless you want to use your K-Way as an autumn jacket, it's best to buy proper winter coats locally.
❌ South African boots – Dutch winter boots are warmer, better insulated, and built for the wet, cold climate. It’s worth buying a good pair after arrival.
💡 Tip: Popular clothing stores in the Netherlands include HEMA, C&A, Primark, H&M, and Decathlon. For those looking for deals, you can find second-hand bargains on Vinted (www.vinted.nl), a local kringloop (thrift store), and Marktplaats (www.marktplaats.nl).
Electronics & Power Adapters
Dutch electrical outlets use Type C and Type F plugs (what we'd call 2-point plugs), with 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency.
What to Bring:
✅ Laptop, phone, and essential devices – They will work with the right adapter.
✅ Universal plug adapters – Buy Type C/F adapters before arrival.
What to Leave Behind:
❌ South African three-point plugs – They won’t fit in Dutch sockets.
❌ Large electrical appliances – Washing machines, kettles, and irons can be bought locally with the correct voltage.
💡 Tip: Many electronic stores in the Netherlands, like MediaMarkt (www.mediamarkt.nl), sell plug adapters if you forget to pack them.
Medication & Healthcare
Healthcare in the Netherlands is strictly regulated, and it can take time to register with a huisarts (general practitioner). Some medications that are available over-the-counter (OTC) in South Africa may require a prescription in the Netherlands, or may not be available at all.
What to Bring:
✅ At least 6 months of chronic medication – Registration with a Dutch doctor can take time.
✅ Full medical history from your doctor – If you or a loved one has a specific condition, get detailed medical records.
✅ Essential flu & pain medications – Some medications that are OTC in South Africa require a prescription in the Netherlands.
Over-the-Counter Medications in South Africa That Require a Prescription in the Netherlands:
🚨 Unavailable or Prescription-Only in the Netherlands:
Codeine-based painkillers (e.g., Myprodol, Syndol) – Codeine is a controlled substance in the Netherlands.
Pseudoephedrine decongestants (e.g., Sinutab, Advil Cold & Sinus) – Common in cold & flu meds, but restricted in the Netherlands.
Dextromethorphan cough syrups (e.g., Benylin DM) – Some formulations may require a prescription.
Diphenhydramine antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) – Often used for allergies & sleep, but not widely available OTC.
💡 Tip: If you rely on any of these medications, bring a supply from South Africa and check with a local Dutch pharmacist for alternatives.
What to Leave Behind:
❌ Bulk over-the-counter meds – Common medicines like paracetamol (Panado), ibuprofen (Nurofen), and loratadine (Claritin) are available at supermarkets and pharmacies (apotheken).
❌ Prescription medications without documentation – If you're bringing prescription medication, ensure you have a doctor’s note or prescription to avoid issues with Dutch customs.
💡 Tip: In the Netherlands, you cannot go directly to a specialist—you need a referral from your huisarts, and your insurance must approve it. Bring medical documentation to speed up the process. More details: www.zorgwijzer.nl.
Food & Braai Essentials
South African favorites are available in the Netherlands, but often at a premium.
What to Bring:
✅ Spices & seasoning – Your favorite peri-peri rubs might be expensive here.
✅ Some biltong & droëwors – Must be vacuum-packed and placed in your check-in luggage. Importing meat products is restricted, so only bring a small personal-use amount.
What to Leave Behind:
❌ Large amounts of meat or dairy – Import restrictions apply, and customs may confiscate them.
❌ Most sauces & condiments – You can find many South African sauces in Dutch specialty stores.
💡 Tip: You can find South African groceries at specialty stores like Die Spens or KuierKos, but prices are high.
Bringing a Container: What to Consider
Shipping a container to the Netherlands is expensive, and Dutch homes are typically smaller than South African houses. If you're considering bringing household goods, think carefully about space and cost.
What to Bring:
✅ Sentimental or irreplaceable items – If it has emotional value, it's worth bringing.
✅ High-quality kitchenware – If you have specialized kitchen items that would be costly to replace.
What to Leave Behind:
❌ Large furniture – Dutch homes often have narrow staircases, and large items may need to be lifted through windows using pulleys.
❌ Wood-burning braais – Many landlords don’t allow charcoal grills due to fire risks. Check if gas or electric is permitted before bringing one.
❌ Home appliances – The Netherlands has different voltage and plug types; buying locally is often better.
❌ Bedding & linen – Dutch bed sizes differ from South African ones, so your existing bed linen may not fit.
💡 Tip: Instead of shipping furniture, check Marktplaats (www.marktplaats.nl) and Kringloop thrift stores (www.kringloop.nl) for affordable second-hand options.
By packing smartly, you’ll save money, avoid stress, and start your new Dutch adventure on the right foot! 🇳🇱✈️
