Bank account

Upon arrival you will need to open a bank account in the Netherlands because you simply cannot get around without one. It is to keep your money safe, rent accommodation, buy a mobile phone, or for example receive the wages of your student job. Most banks are quite similar and offer good services. The largest banks in the Netherlands are ABN AMRO, Rabobank and ING bank, but you can also consider ASN Bank or Bunq for example. 

To open a private bank account, you will need the following documents:

• proof of address (for example your rental agreement)
• valid passport (if applicable with visa sticker)
• Citizen Service Number (BSN). You will receive a BSN when you register with the municipality after you've arrived in The Netherlands.