It is important to have a bank account. This is because most employers no longer pay salaries in cash. They deposit the money into your bank account. Also, in some places it is not possible to pay with cash. You will have to use a debit card in that case.

Most banks allow you to open a checking account as long as you are entitled to Temporary Protection. You can find more information about this on the page Opening a bank account.

In some cases it is obligatory to take out insurance in the Netherlands. If you stay with a host family, you will usually be covered by their liability insurance. Are you staying at a shelter? In this case, the municipality of the shelter takes care of the necessary insurances. In this case, however, there are certain compulsory risks. If you start working, you will also have to take out health insurance. Under the subcategory insurance you will find the most relevant information about insurance in the Netherlands.

From January 1, 2023, there will be a maximum price on energy for all households. Due to the war in Ukraine, gas and electricity prices are currently very high. Therefore, many energy companies have already increased the monthly amount for gas and electricity. As a result, your monthly costs may be higher than you are used to. If your rent includes gas, water and light, the landlord may increase your monthly rent due to the increased energy costs. 

The government has temporarily reduced the tax on energy and started using support packages to reduce monthly energy bills. In this way, the government is trying to prevent many households from being unable to pay the bill. There will also be a one-time supplement for low-income people. For November and December 2022, households will receive a fixed discount on energy bills of €190 per month. You will receive this supplement even if your energy bill is lower than €190 per month.

For questions about the amount you have to pay, you can contact your energy supplier.

Do you have questions about taxes, benefits or allowances? Or a problem related to housing, education or work? Social counselors know where you are entitled to. And with what organisation you should arrange things. You can make an appointment with the social counselors of the municipality. You get free advice and help.

Check your municipality's website to see if you can make an appointment with the social counselors. You can also contact the municipality by phone.

From 15 June 2022 refugees with Ukrainian nationality can exchange up to 10,000 hryvnia in banknotes into euros (roughly EUR 310) free of charge. This can only be done once. They can do this at any GWK Travelex branch. This involves banknotes of UAH 100 or higher. For more information see the subcategory currency exchange.