New Resident Tips
Hello,
I am going to be moving to Leiden Netherlands next year. As a 60-year-old, it’s a scary, exciting big step. I also know there will be some bumps in the road and NO PLACE is perfect.
However, when I have visited, it just feels like home. I think it’s just the most fantastic place.
Over the next year, I’m trying to collect insider recommendations and tips so that I can hopefully have a smoother transition.
Whenever I have moved to a new city, it’s always been helpful for me to have some quality recommendations ahead of time so that I can not feel like I’m starting from complete scratch.
I have an EU and US citizenship and already have my housing arranged. So, I would love local recommendations for enjoying my daily life.
Thank you in advance. I really appreciate any insights.
Best GP practices:
This is a big one because I’m coming from a system. That is very different and very fluid at the gatekeeper level so I’m used to being able to get appointments very quickly and I know that that will not be the case.
Eye Doctor:
I wear contact lenses and backup glasses. Do you get a referral through your GP or are there separate vision centers that you go to?
Dentists:
Is this part of your monthly health fee? Do you need a referral or are there dentist that you contact directly?
Veterinarian/Pet Boarding/Pet Food:
As a golden retriever owner, I’m particularly interested in good veterinarians, boarding if I travel, and where you buy your food versus ordering online?
Favorite Restaurants:
I like a variety of food, but I’m not fancy. I’ll also be on a budget as a retired person so nothing to outlandish in price.