Discover the best apps, loyalty cards, and hacks Dutch people use to get korting (discounts) on everything—from groceries to travel and dining. Save money and live smart in the Netherlands with this fun, easy-to-follow guide!
Welcome to the Netherlands — Where Saving Money is a Sport
If you’ve just landed in the Netherlands, you might be thinking: Wow, this place is beautiful… and expensive as heck. From groceries to bikes, coffees to canals, your wallet might start feeling lighter fast.
Don’t worry. You’re about to join the elite squad of Dutch discount hunters. The Dutch have turned saving money into an art form — korting is everywhere, and it’s your new best friend. Whether it’s apps, loyalty cards, or sneaky hacks, you can save big without living like a monk.
This guide covers all the top tools and tips to help you spend less and enjoy more. Because hey, why pay full price when you don’t have to?
Why Dutch People Love Discounts (And You Should Too)
Forget stereotypes about Dutch thriftiness — it’s not about being cheap, it’s about being smart. Why pay full price when discounts are literally everywhere?
Here’s what you’ll find:
-Supermarkets dropping deals every week that make you want to stock up your entire kitchen.
-Loyalty cards that basically act like secret VIP passes to lower prices.
-Apps that do the hard work for you, so you don’t have to clip coupons or chase flyers.
-Second-hand markets where you can find everything from designer clothes to bikes for a steal.
Plus, hunting for discounts feels pretty good. It’s like winning a mini lottery every time you save a few euros — dopamine hits included, no extra charge.
Get ready to learn how to make korting work for you in all areas of Dutch life, so your bank account stays happy and your lifestyle doesn’t suffer.
What’s Coming Up Next?
We’ll break down the best places to save money — from grocery stores and fashion to travel and dining out. You’ll get the lowdown on the best apps, loyalty programs, and tips to keep your budget in check.
Think of this as your one-stop survival guide to living smart in the Netherlands without sweating your finances.
Grocery Shopping Like a Dutch Pro: Where to Save Big on Everyday Essentials
If you want to survive and thrive in the Netherlands, mastering grocery shopping is non-negotiable. Dutch supermarkets are discount battlefields, and knowing where to shop and how to use their deals can save you serious euros every week.
The Big Players: Who’s Who in Dutch Supermarkets
- Albert Heijn (AH): The biggest and most popular. They have great quality and a solid app full of deals. But watch out — it can be pricier than others.
- Jumbo: AH’s main rival. Often just as good on deals and sometimes cheaper on basics. They also have a loyalty app called Jumbo Extra’s.
- Lidl & Aldi: The budget heroes. Fewer fancy options, but great for basics and lots of discounts. Lidl’s app and weekly flyer (folder) are worth checking.
- Plus, Dirk, Hoogvliet, and others: Smaller chains that often have localized deals and weekly specials.
Apps and Loyalty Cards You Can’t Ignore
- Albert Heijn Bonuskaart & App: This is your golden ticket to AH’s famous bonus deals (think: buy-one-get-one-free, or 50% off). The app also shows personalized offers based on what you usually buy.
- Jumbo Extra’s: Sign up, scan your card or app when you shop, and unlock exclusive discounts and bonus points.
- Scoupy: A cashback app where you upload receipts to get money back on groceries and more. It’s like magic for your wallet.
- Kruidvat App: For cheap household essentials and personal care with regular promotions.
Weekly Flyers: Your Discount Bible
Every week, supermarkets release their folders — basically flyers packed with discounts. It’s worth spending 5 minutes checking them online or picking up a paper copy. Timing your shopping trip around these deals is key.
Pro Tips to Maximize Savings
- Plan your meals around weekly deals. See what’s cheap this week and build your menu accordingly.
- Combine loyalty cards with cashback apps. For example, shop at AH with your Bonuskaart, then upload the receipt to Scoupy for extra savings.
- Buy in bulk for non-perishables when discounted. Think pasta, canned goods, and frozen veggies.
- Don’t shy away from store brands. Jumbo’s or AH’s own brands often taste just as good but cost less.
- Check for “THT” or “TGT” labels. These mean “best before” dates. You can snag these for extra discounts, especially in Lidl or Aldi. Perfect if you’re quick to use or freeze.
Keep an eye on these tricks, and soon you’ll be filling your cart like a true Dutch discount ninja — saving money without sacrificing quality or taste.
Fashion & Shopping Discounts: Looking Good Without Breaking the Bank
Want to dress sharp and shop smart in the Netherlands? No worries. The Dutch love a good deal just as much as anyone else, and with a little know-how, you can score some serious korting on clothes, shoes, and more.
Where to Hunt for Deals
- Marktplaats: This is the Dutch Craigslist on steroids. From second-hand designer clothes to brand-new items at discount prices, it’s a goldmine. Just remember to check seller ratings and meet in safe places if buying in person.
- Wehkamp & Zalando Lounge: Both sites run frequent sales with discounts up to 70%. Zalando Lounge is an invite-only flash sale site, so sign up early!
- Vakantieveilingen: Think of it as an auction site where you can bid on vouchers for clothes, accessories, and even experiences — often way cheaper than retail.
- Outlet Stores: Big cities like Amsterdam and Roermond have outlet malls offering last-season styles for bargain prices. It’s worth a day trip if you love hunting deals.
Apps & Websites That Save You Money
- AboutYou App: Offers discount codes and flash sales regularly, plus personalized deals.
- Scoupy: Not just groceries! You can find cashback deals on beauty and fashion products too.
- Student Deals: If you’re a student, don’t forget to register on Student Beans or UNiDAYS for extra discounts on brands like Nike, Adidas, and more.
Thrift & Vintage: Sustainable and Cheap
Second-hand shopping isn’t just for hipsters. It’s a smart way to score unique, quality pieces while saving money and helping the planet.
- Check out local thrift shops (kringloopwinkels) — almost every town has one.
- Explore vintage markets in cities — Amsterdam and Rotterdam have cool weekend markets with tons of gems.
- Online platforms like Vinted or United Wardrobe (now merged with Vinted) make selling and buying easy.
Quick Fashion Hacks
- Shop end-of-season sales — that’s when prices get slashed up to 80%.
- Look for “combo deals” or bundle offers in stores or online.
- Sign up for newsletters of your favorite stores to get exclusive coupons and early sale alerts.
- Remember: Dutch sizing can be different, so always check size guides when shopping online.
With these tips, you’ll be rocking the Dutch streets in style without the style-crushing price tags. Who says saving money can’t look good?
Travel & Transport Discounts: Getting Around Without Burning Cash
Whether you’re cruising the canals, biking through tulip fields, or commuting to work, transport costs in the Netherlands can add up. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money while getting from A to B.
Public Transport Discounts
- OV-chipkaart: This is your key to public transport (buses, trams, trains). Get a personal OV-chipkaart for discounted rates and monthly travel products if you commute regularly.
- NS Weekend Vrij: If you mostly travel on weekends, this train pass gives unlimited travel on Saturdays and Sundays for a fixed price. Perfect for day trips!
- Dal Voordeel: A discount card for trains that gives you 40% off travel during off-peak hours. Great for flexible schedules.
- Youth and Student Discounts: If you’re under 18 or a student, you might qualify for special travel passes like the Studenten OV-chipkaart or 18-25 discount cards.
Cycling: The Dutch Way (And Cheap!)
- Bikes are king here. Buying a second-hand bike is cheap and practical. Check out Marktplaats or local bike markets.
- Many cities have bike-sharing schemes (like Swapfiets, which gives you a bike for a monthly fee including maintenance).
- Accessories like lights and locks are worth investing in, but you can find good deals on these too at discount stores or during sales.
Car Sharing and Ride Apps
- Greenwheels & SnappCar: Car-sharing services that let you rent a car by the hour or day. It’s cheaper than owning a car and great for occasional trips.
- Uber & Bolt: Available in big cities for quick rides, but watch out for surge pricing.
- NS Flex: Combines train travel with other public transport and flexible payments — check if it fits your lifestyle.
Travel Hacks
- Always check for group discounts if traveling with friends or family.
- Book train tickets in advance for cheaper prices on long-distance routes.
- Use apps like 9292 for planning public transport routes with cost and time options.
- Combine bike and public transport for the cheapest door-to-door routes.
Master these travel tips and you’ll be zipping around the Netherlands without your bank account screaming for mercy.
Dining & Entertainment Discounts: Enjoying Life Without Overspending
Eating out, hitting the movies, or catching a concert can quickly eat up your budget if you’re not careful. Luckily, the Netherlands offers plenty of ways to enjoy great food and fun times without emptying your wallet.
Where to Find Dining Deals
- Too Good To Go: This app saves perfectly good food from restaurants, bakeries, and cafes at a fraction of the price. You pick up surprise “magic bags” of leftover food — delicious and cheap!
- Social Deal & Groupon: Both sites offer discounts on meals, activities, and even spa days. Keep an eye out for local restaurant deals and experiences.
- Albert Heijn & Jumbo Meal Deals: Both supermarkets sell ready-made meals at discount prices, perfect for busy days or picnic plans.
- Student Discounts: Many cafes and fast-food places offer student deals if you flash your student ID.
Cheap & Fun Entertainment
- Cineville Card: For film buffs, this card gives discounted tickets at many Dutch cinemas.
- Museumkaart: If museums are your thing, this card offers unlimited access to hundreds of museums across the country for a yearly fee — a steal if you’re a culture lover.
- Local Event Apps: Check out websites like IamExpat, Uitagenda, or Meetup for discounted or free local events, concerts, and festivals.
- Comedy Clubs & Bars: Many bars host free or cheap comedy and music nights — perfect for a night out without splurging.
Smart Dining Hacks
- Eat during lunch hours — many places offer cheaper lunch menus than dinner.
- Share meals or go for “tapas style” dishes to try more food without the full price.
- Use cashback apps like Scoupy or cashback options on credit cards when dining out.
- Follow your favorite spots on social media for exclusive promos and flash sales.
With these tricks, you’ll keep your social life buzzing and your bank account smiling. Because saving money doesn’t mean missing out — it means getting smart about how you spend.
Online Shopping & Cashback Hacks: Click Smart, Save Big
Shopping online in the Netherlands is super convenient — but it’s easy to overspend if you’re not careful. The good news? There are plenty of apps, websites, and tricks to get discounts, cashback, and deals right from your laptop or phone.
Best Cashback & Discount Websites
- Scoupy: One of the top cashback apps in the Netherlands. You buy products, upload your receipt, and get money back. It’s great for groceries, beauty products, and even some electronics.
- CashbackXL: Offers cashback deals on thousands of online stores. Just shop through their site and watch the savings roll in.
- Tiqets & TicketSwap: If you love museums, tours, or concerts, these platforms sometimes have discounted or resold tickets cheaper than the box office.
- Actiepagina: A Dutch deals site that collects coupons and discount codes for popular stores like Bol.com, Coolblue, and more.
Browser Extensions & Apps That Do the Work for You
- Honey: Automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout on hundreds of sites.
- RetailMeNot: Similar to Honey, it gives you easy access to coupon codes and deals.
- Rakuten: Another cashback option with a browser extension that tracks your purchases.
Online Shopping Tips
- Always compare prices on different websites before buying — price comparison sites like Tweakers.net or Beslist.nl help with that.
- Sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores to get early access to sales and exclusive discounts.
- Look out for seasonal sales like King’s Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday — the Dutch love a good sale event too.
- Use multiple cashback platforms together for max savings (just remember to read the fine print so you don’t miss out).
By combining cashback, discount codes, and smart browsing habits, online shopping can turn from budget buster into budget booster.
Everyday Services & Household Savings: Cutting Costs on the Stuff You Can’t Ignore
From your energy bill to internet and phone plans, everyday services can quietly drain your budget if you’re not careful. Luckily, the Dutch market is competitive, and with a bit of savvy shopping, you can keep those bills low and stress levels even lower.
Energy & Utilities: Smart Moves to Save Big
- Compare Providers Regularly: Use comparison sites like Pricewise.nl, Energievergelijk.nl, or Gaslicht.com to check if you’re getting the best deal on gas and electricity.
- Switch Providers: Dutch contracts usually have no long-term lock-in, so switch every year or two to snag better prices or welcome bonuses.
- Go Green & Save: Some green energy providers offer competitive rates — plus you’ll feel good about helping the planet.
- Use Smart Meters: Many homes have smart meters, so keep an eye on your actual usage and cut down on wasteful habits (looking at you, long hot showers).
Internet & Mobile Plans
- Bundles Are Your Friend: Combining internet, TV, and phone plans with providers like Ziggo, KPN, or T-Mobile often gets you discounts.
- Prepaid vs Contract: If you’re short-term, prepaid SIM cards can save money. For longer stays, contracts often come with better monthly rates and perks.
- Look for Student or Newcomer Deals: Some providers offer special discounts for students or new residents. Always ask!
- Use Comparison Tools: Websites like Pricewise.nl also help here, comparing dozens of providers and plans.
Household Shopping & Cleaning
- Kruidvat & Action: These stores are go-to spots for cheap toiletries, cleaning supplies, and household basics. Keep an eye on their weekly flyers for deals.
- Bulk Buy & Stock Up: For non-perishables like toilet paper, detergent, or canned goods, buying in bulk from places like Makro or online can save euros.
- Recycle & Reuse: Check out second-hand furniture or appliances on Marktplaats — Dutch thrift shopping is serious business.
- Cashback & Discount Apps: Don’t forget to use cashback apps on everyday purchases whenever possible.
With these easy tips, your monthly bills won’t sneak up on you, and your home will stay comfy without the “ouch” price tag.
Seasonal & Holiday Savings: Making Every Festivity More Affordable
Holidays and special seasons can quickly turn your budget into a black hole — but with a few tricks, you can celebrate big without spending big.
King’s Day & Other Dutch Holidays
- King’s Day (Koningsdag): The ultimate discount day! Flea markets (vrijmarkten) pop up everywhere where you can buy and sell second-hand goodies at bargain prices. Plus, many shops run massive sales leading up to the day.
- Sinterklaas & Christmas: Start shopping early to catch early bird discounts on gifts, decorations, and treats. Online shops and local markets both offer great deals.
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday: These global sales days have taken off in the Netherlands too. Watch your favorite stores and apps for flash sales and coupon codes.
Seasonal Shopping Hacks
- End-of-Season Sales: After summer or winter, shops slash prices to clear stock — perfect time to buy clothes, shoes, and gear for next year.
- Holiday Clearance: After major holidays, supermarkets and stores discount themed items like chocolate letters, candies, or festive decor. Stock up for next year or get creative gifts on a budget.
- Plan Gift Exchanges: Instead of buying for everyone, suggest Secret Santa or small-group exchanges to keep things affordable and fun.
Travel & Accommodation Discounts for Holidays
- Book early or last minute — sometimes waiting can get you better hotel deals.
- Use cashback apps and deal sites to find discounted flights or train tickets during holiday seasons.
- Check out city cards (like the I Amsterdam Card) for discounts on attractions and transport if you’re a tourist or exploring Dutch cities during holidays.
With these seasonal savings tips, you can enjoy every festivity feeling festive and financially savvy.
You’ve Got This: Start Saving and Enjoying the Netherlands Like a Pro
Living in the Netherlands doesn’t have to drain your bank account — not if you know the right apps, loyalty cards, and hacks to score korting (discounts) everywhere you go.
From grocery shopping and fashion to travel, dining, and even household bills, there’s a smart way to keep your spending in check without missing out on the good stuff. The Dutch have been mastering the art of saving money for centuries, and now it’s your turn to join the club.
Download those apps, check those flyers, compare providers, and don’t be shy about hunting for deals. Small savings add up fast, and before you know it, you’ll be living comfortably — maybe even splurging a little on something nice — all without feeling the pinch.
So go ahead, be smart, be savvy, and most importantly, enjoy your time in this beautiful country without stressing over money.
Here’s to surviving and thriving in the Netherlands — one korting at a time!