The Hague

[ribble]

Well I'm here now... It's pretty chilled.... Very different to Amsterdam.... Anybody else out here?

[CharlieG]

Nonsense! You are contractor - stay here (it's very nice).

Seriously, Rijswijk is pleasant.

Kurhaus it is then, and its also very convenient for Crazy Pianos

Aah, takes me back...

[Zippy]

Nonsense! You are contractor - stay here (it's very nice).

Seriously, Rijswijk is pleasant.

[CharlieG]

I did 4 years contracting in Rijswijk (just outside The Hague) for Shell.

The Hague is a really nice city to live in, just enough shops, bars, etc. but also plenty of culture, close to a beach, and close to the (excellent) airport. Rents can be high though as it is regarded as one of the more posh cities, although stay away from the area around Hollands Spoor station, that aint so posh

You could also look at Delft and Scheveningen.

Serviced apartments are probably pricy and scarce because a lot of the big international companies use them for their visiting staff. It is easy enough to find rented apartments though, there are loads of websites so you can view them before you even go over (which is what I did). It'll usually cost you 3 months rent up front (1 for deposit, 1 month up front, and 1 month as a fee for the estate agent).

There are loads of expats, from all over the world. You should have no problems settling in. Try a book called The Undutchables before you go, it gives a slightly comic view of the Dutch, but you'll find a lot that rings true

There used to be an active forum for expats at http://www.expatica.com/
but I haven't used it for ages. Don't pay too much attention to all the moaning though, it's just something expats like to do :-)

I found the Dutch to be very friendly and speak excellent English, but they do love their paperwork and red tape.

If you get a good rate, go for it.

If you need any more info just pm me, I probably still have a load of useful links I can send you.

[weemster]

I used to spend quite a lot of time in the Hague on rugby tours (many years ago ) - it used to be a really good lively place.

[Moscow Mule]

A few of my mates went to school in the hague (dad's worked for shell IIRC).

They had a great time at the international school.

[ribble]

Can anybody give me some advice\useful info on the Hague?

Might be going there for next contract.... Going to take missus and little one.... I understand there is a big ex pat community..

Whats the best approach for accomodation? Ideally looking for an apartment. Recomend any letting agencies? Is serviced apartments the best way to go.

Dan