Utilities & communication
All houses in the Netherlands have access to means of communication and utilities such as electricity, drinking water, landline phones, mobile phone coverage, high-speed internet, mail, gas supply (for cooking and heating), drainage and cable TV.
Getting connected to utilities suppliers can take a lot of time and can sometimes be difficult if you don't speak Dutch. Most Customer Service numbers direct you through Dutch telephone menus before talking to a customer service representative.
In general, it's best to call or e-mail the suppliers. You can also find mobile telephone providers on the web for comparisons and you can go to a shop to get connected.
The Dutch mail company is called TNT Post. You will find orange coloured mailboxes all over the city. Mailboxes have two entrances: local (in Dutch: "postcodes xxxx-xxxx") and other called "overige postcodes". You can post national and international mail up weighing up to two kilograms in the "overige postcodes" entrance of the mailbox. Minimum size for the mailbox is 14 x 9 cm and maximum size 38 x 26.5 x 3.2 cm. Postcards without envelope must be flat, firm, rectangular and maximum 23.5 x 16.2 cm. Other mail can be sent from your local post office. To find the right address, visit www.postkantoor.nl (Dutch only)
Stamps can be bought at post offices, supermarkets and most newsagents and tobacconists. Within Europe, mail can be sent by Standard service and Priority service. Priority costs a few eurocents more but arrives faster. Outside Europe, only Priority service may be used. For tariffs, see the TNT post website (Dutch only)
Gas & electricity
Many companies supply gas and electricity in the Urban region Arnhem Nijmegen. The three largest suppliers are Essent, Eneco Energie and NUON. The one most commonly used by residents of the region is Nuon. Contact Nuon Customer Service on tel. 0900-0808 (€ 0.10 per minute, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Prices of all the different suppliers can be compared on the (Dutch) website www.energieleveranciers.nl.
Water
When moving into a new home, you should also register for drinking water and water taxes. For more information, please call the company responsible for drinking water in the Region, Vitens, on tel. 0900-0650 (weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.).
Telephone and internet
Besides mobile phones, you can choose to have a landline connection (cable) or a digital telephone at home. Many websites, such as Bellen.com (Dutch only), compare the different options, prices and suppliers. For information on landlines, please call KPN Customer Service on 0900-0244 (€ 0.10 per minute, everyday between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.).
