Gas and Electricity

Non-European electrical appliances and machines usually need a transformer in order to be used in The Netherlands. 

Electrical power in the Netherlands runs on a 50-cycle frequency and a voltage of 220V., but be aware that frequency cannot be converted.

Bringing appliances to the Netherlands

Think carefully before bringing your refrigerator, washing machine or other large appliances: standard space for an appliance in a Dutch kitchen is usually 60 centimetres wide, and there are no local replacement parts suppliers or services for non-European appliances.

European washing machines heat water internally, so there is no hot water outlet in the laundry area. Driers are not standard, and if there is one, there may not be a dryer vent, which means you have to empty the water tray after each dryer load.

Non-European 110V light bulbs can be replaced with European 220V light bulbs; they have the same size base and thread, so bringing your light bulbs is not necessary (and is discouraged). Non-European lamp plugs can be converted by swapping them out for a Dutch one.

Central heating, water heaters and stoves in Dutch homes often use natural gas, but sustainable power sources are also increasingly available.

Choosing an energy provider

When moving to The Netherlands, you may need to arrange a gas and electricity connection for your household. You can compare energy suppliers and their packages on the following websites:

Energie Aanbieding (in English)

Energie Vergelijk (in English)

PriceWise (in Dutch)

Independer (in Dutch)

The Dutch Consumers Association (Consumentenbond) compares energy suppliers based on their sustainability and renewable energy use. You can find the list of the the greenest energy companies on this site.

Utility costs vary by company, personal usage, and number of people.