Rotterdam, as the second largest city by population in the Netherlands, is a beautiful city with the absolutely distinct atmosphere. This city is famous for a big amount of modern architecture because a lot of buildings were destroyed during World War II. Moreover, Rotterdam has a nickname “Gateway to Europe”, because there is the largest cargo port in Europe. Besides, Rotterdam is known for the Erasmus University, which is very popular and famous nowadays.
There is one more interesting fact that Rotterdam is the most multicultural city in the Netherlands.
largest city by population in the Netherlands
Rotterdam, as a world leader in the medical industry, offers many specialized doctors (near 19% of local employment are working in medical sector). There are 6 hospitals in Rotterdam: Erasmus Medical Centre, Erasmus MC/ Sophia, Havenziekenhuis, Ikazia ziekenhuis, Maasstad Ziekenhuis, St Franciscus Ziekenhuis.
Medications are provided by pharmacies in Rotterdam with a prescription from the doctor and without prescription for non-prescription medication.
Dutch healthcare system in 2015 was rated as the best in Europe (this country spends around 11.2% of GDP on health). Furthermore, almost all doctors there speak English (English is a second language for more than 80% of Dutch). Besides, it is obligatory to take out standard health insurance in the Netherlands for everyone.
Your employer will pay 6.75% of your salary for you for the basic insurance (Zvw), and deduct 9.65% from your pay for the long-term care (Wlz). Also, you have to pay monthly contributions to your health insurer.
There is a three-level educational system in the Netherlands. On the third level you can choose between vocational (HBO = University of Applied Sciences) and academic (WO = Research University) level. Bachelor's and Master's degree are available. There are two kinds of institutions in the Netherlands: private and governmental (Dutch government sets Dutch university fees). For EU students Dutch university fees start from 1 950 EUR, but for non-EU students Dutch university fees for Bachelor`s programmes are between 6 000 EUR and 15 000 EUR and for Master’s programmes between 8 000 EUR and 20 000 EUR. Moreover, here you can find universities, colleges and education providers in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam, as a city with an oceanic climate, is considered as a place with mild winters and summers (similar to all of the Netherlands). The average temperature in summer is 21°C (70 °F) and in winter 6°C (43 °F). Furthermore, the climate in Rotterdam is milder than in other locations, because this city is near the cost.
average temperature in summer
average temperature in winter
Rotterdam is a city with one of the lowest crime rates. Crime index here is only 37.11. However, in Rotterdam is almost the same situation with bikes as in Amsterdam (bike theft). And about crime, this city is also safe for residents. If you are really worried about crime, you will like the suburbs of Rotterdam.
Crime index
Rotterdam, as one of the main centers of the shipping industry in the Netherlands, is considered as a city where a lot of well-known companies are headquartered. Furthermore, Rotterdam together with Eindhoven and Amsterdam forms the foundation of the economy of the Netherlands. That`s why Rotterdam attracts a lot of professionals and workers.
Minimum monthly salary
Average monthly salary
Expat communities are common in Rotterdam because there you can connect with other expats, find friends and help, if it is needed.
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