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Living in Europe - Survival Guide (Part 1)

In this post I'll share information about what to do, what to bring, and what to have when you decided to become an Au Pair, or maybe when you decided to move to Netherlands for Travel, doesn't matter how you come here, I'm here to help you enjoy the most of it: 

What to bring:
  1. Credit Card(s): Why? Well, you will need credit card to book plane ticket, hotel, etc. Make sure you have enough money on your bank account to pay your credit card. I use internet banking facility to pay my credit card bill. But if you don't have credit card, it should be fine, you can ask the hostfamily or maybe your friends to help you book the ticket. But for me it means less freedom, and sometimes they are too busy, and you'll miss the opportunity to get the cheap-promo ticket. It's your call :)
  2. Minimum amount of clothes: Why? Clothes here are cheaper than in your home country (at least for me, since I come from Indonesia), and you can get nice clothes and maybe branded stuff for less price. Keep your eyes sharp when Sale is coming. My favorite brand is forever21, but we don't have it in Netherlands, you have to go to Belgium or other country to be able to shop there. Sometimes they have crazy sale or promo like by one get one free, etc. So, it's smart to buy clothes here instead of bringing it from Indonesia (or whatever your home country is), that way you can avoid the excess baggage problem when you back to your home country.
  3. Snacks: Just a little bit of snack that reminds you of the taste of your home country, it might be hard to find the same one here.
  4. Document & Papers: If you decided to apply for school, etc after being an au pair, make sure you bring all document needed, copied, legalized, and translated. It's cheaper to send all the document to the University you wanted when you're still here
  5. Camera: Why? really? do I need to explain why you need a camera when you decided to travel Europe? I think you're smart enough to figure it out
  6. Smartphone: If you have blackberry, android, iPhone, etc. Just bring it here, you can easily buy prepaid card and use your phone here. It's cheaper than buying a new phone :p

Now you're ready to leave, your bags are packed and you're well prepared for your adventure. Don't forget to pray and give your family and friends a big hug and kiss, because you will be away for a year.. Be brave my friend, a big adventure is waiting for you!!!!
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