Obtaining a DigId

Many Dutch goverment services require that you can digitally identify yourself. A digital ID is an electronic signature that is used in place of a traditional signature. This is often called digital ink and once you have digitally signed a document using digital-ink, it is legally binding, and can be used for  "non-repudiation" i.e. you cannot claim you didn't agree etc.

The Dutch government chose DigID. In order to create a DigID you need a valid BSN (Burgerservicenummer). To get a BSN you have to be registered with your local council (Gemeente) and have an email address and phone number.

Once you create the online application you will be send an activation code by post. You can also link your account to your mobile phone. Using your mobile phone means that you are sent an SMS code everytime somebody tries to login to your account, meaning they would have to steal your password and phone before they can access your account.

Dutch National Holidays

Spring is upon us and the hour has gone forward today so it is time to think about planning your flights back to the UK or wherever you live. This year Easter is 20th April, then a week later (26th) is the first King's Day, (rather than the previous Queen's day 30th). From then on there are two public holidays in May, and two in June: http://www.feestdagen-nederland.nl/feestdagen-2014.html

The holidays here differ from the UK at they don't move to the nearest Monday and people often take the extra days off either side, so it can be a good time to take a long trip back home. Be warned book early as prices can rocket.

Something for the kids

With a weekend of great weather expected there has never been a better time to take the kids to the petting zoo in the Amsterdamse Bos, a large forested area and park, close to Amstelveen.

The geitenboerderij litterally translates to goat farm, however there are many more animals there, as weel as a nice cafe/restaurant. Unlike the health-and-safety obsessed UK the kids can actually touch the animals and there is not a fire-proof suit or crash helmet in sight!

For more details see:

http://www.geitenboerderij.nl/

They are located at:


Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve
Nieuwe Meerlaan 4
1182 DB Amstelveen
E: info@geitenboerderij.nl
T: 020-6455034
F: www.facebook.com/geitenboerderij
Twitter: @geitenboerderij

Ther are open most days from 10am until 5pm (check their website for more details http://www.geitenboerderij.nl/contact).


As with most parts of the Netherlands you can reach them by bus numbers 186 & 187 (direction Schiphol) from the Amstelveen bus station:
The stop is: Nieuwe Meerlaan/  Geitenboerderij.

After leaving the bus you need to walk under the viaduct and follow the footpath. There is also parking on site:

From  Haarlem en Utrecht:
A9: Aalsmeer/ Amsterdamse Bos ( exit 6).
Follow the signs for Amsterdamse Bos en Geitenboerderij.
There is a large carpark (on the left) approximately 500 metres after the viaduct under the A9 . 500 meter.

From Amsterdam:
A10 (exit VU S108.)  Turn left at the traffic lights onto Amstelveense Weg. Turn right at the lights (juction with Van Nijenrodeweg), in to the Amsterdamse Bos. Follow the road (water is on your right) for 4 km, then turn right into "Parkeren Geitenboerderij".

Give us a break, give me Android KitKat

Vodafone NL started to role out the latest version of Android last week, however some users (me included) have experience phone heating, and rapid battery drain. It seems that Skype maybe to blame, so try uninstalling it.

http://www.zdnet.com/kitkat-giving-you-battery-drain-problems-try-uninstalling-skype-says-google-as-it-prepares-a-fix-7000027051/

Google says that a fix is on the way:

Spring Flowers

Spring is now in full swing here. The weather is beautiful and the flowers are out. Now is a great time tio visit Flora Holland (The largest flower auction in the world), and perhaps the Keukenhof (A truly beautiful display of rare plants and flowers.

Flora Holland has several locations including Aalsmeer which is a short bus ride (172) from Amsterdam.

The Keukenhof is in Lisse (close to Leiden) and can be reached by coach from various Amsterdam tourist  sales points, or by NS (Dutch railways), and local bus from the station.

The biggest flea market in Europe

If you are stuck for something to do on a Sunday, and the weather is not good then take a look here:

http://www.ijhallen.nl/

I do not know if it is really the largest, but it certainly is big, and a great and cheap day out for the family.

It's that time again!

During the month of March about 90% of the Dutch population need to generate/complete an Aangifte and return it to the Belastingdiesnst before the 1st April. You can apply for an extension, but be aware that if you miss the deadline, penalties apply!

Most people simply need their Jaaropgave which they get from their employer, and a statement of interest from their bank; which can be downloaded/printed from your online banking site.

You also have to provide details of pensions, mortgages, childcare expenses etc.