A comprehensive guide to American products that are hard to find or expensive in the Netherlands
Moving to the Netherlands means leaving behind easy access to many American products. While the Netherlands has excellent shopping and most daily necessities are available, certain American brands, formulations, and specialty items are either unavailable, extremely expensive, or require special ordering. This guide helps you prioritize what to bring or stock up on during visits home.
- Pharmacy-only access: Many OTC medications in the US require a pharmacy consultation in the Netherlands
- Different formulations: Active ingredients and dosages often differ
- Prescription requirements: Some American OTC medications require prescriptions in the Netherlands
- Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen) - Available but more expensive, different packaging
- Tylenol (Acetaminophen) - Called "Paracetamol" in Netherlands, but American formulations preferred
- Aleve (Naproxen) - Less readily available
- Aspirin - Available but American brands preferred
- DayQuil/NyQuil - Not available; Dutch alternatives have different formulations
- Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) - Restricted; alternatives available but less effective
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) - Not available; bring for allergies and sleep aid
- Claritin/Zyrtec - Available but more expensive
- Mucinex - Not available; expectorants have different formulations
- Pepto-Bismol - Not available; unique formulation for stomach issues
- Imodium - Available but American packaging preferred
- Tums/Rolaids - Antacids available but different formulations
- Gas-X - Simethicone available but different brands
- Neosporin - Triple antibiotic ointment not readily available
- Cortisone cream - Available but different formulations
- Calamine lotion - Not commonly available
- Orajel - Oral pain relief not available in same formulation
- Lactaid tablets - Not widely available
- Melatonin - Restricted; bring for sleep regulation
- Vitamin D3 - Available but American dosages preferred
- Preparation H - Available but different formulations
- Vanilla extract - Pure vanilla expensive; bring real vanilla
- Baking soda - Available but different packaging
- Corn starch - Called "maizena" but American brands preferred
- Shortening - Crisco-style shortening not available
- Brown sugar - Light/dark brown sugar hard to find
- Powdered sugar - Available but different texture
- Cake flour - Not available; important for American baking
- Ranch seasoning packets - Not available; bring Hidden Valley
- Taco seasoning - Mexican spices available but different blends
- Cajun/Creole seasonings - Old Bay, Tony Chachere's not available
- Garlic powder - Available but different brands
- Onion powder - Available but American brands preferred
- Celery seed - Not commonly available
- Poultry seasoning - Not available
- Ranch dressing - Not available; very American taste
- Blue cheese dressing - Not available in American style
- Thousand Island dressing - Not available
- Italian dressing - Available but different taste
- A1 Steak Sauce - Not available
- Worcestershire sauce - Available but different brands
- Hot sauce varieties - Tabasco available; bring Frank's RedHot, etc.
- Lucky Charms - Not available
- Frosted Flakes - Different formulation
- Honey Nut Cheerios - Different taste
- Cap'n Crunch - Not available
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch - Not available
- American granola - Different varieties available
- Pancake syrup - Aunt Jemima/Log Cabin style not available
- Pancake mix - Bisquick, Krusteaz not available
- Pop-Tarts - Available at specialty stores, very expensive
- Instant oatmeal flavors - Different varieties available
- Peanut butter - Skippy/Jif available but expensive
¶ Candy & Chocolate
- Reese's products - Available but expensive
- Hershey's chocolate - Available but expensive
- Twizzlers - Not available
- Jolly Ranchers - Not available
- Milk Duds - Not available
- Swedish Fish - Not available
- Sour Patch Kids - Not available
- Goldfish crackers - Not available
- Cheez-Its - Not available
- Pretzels - Available but different varieties
- Corn nuts - Not available
- Beef jerky - Available but expensive, different flavors
- Microwave popcorn - Available but different brands/flavors
- Canned pumpkin - Not available; essential for American baking
- Cream cheese - Philadelphia available but expensive
- Sour cream - Available but different taste/texture
- Buttermilk - Not available; important for American baking
- Cornbread mix - Not available
- Biscuit mix - Not available
- Gravy mix - Not available
- Neutrogena products - Limited selection, expensive
- Cetaphil - Available but expensive
- Aveeno - Not widely available
- Eucerin - Available but different formulations
- Specific sunscreen brands - Different SPF formulations
- Pantene - Available but expensive
- Herbal Essences - Not available
- American shampoo brands - Different formulations available
- Hair styling products - Different brands available
- Specific toothpaste brands - Crest, Colgate available but expensive
- Whitening products - Different formulations available
- Mouthwash - Listerine available but expensive
- Dental floss varieties - Available but different brands
- Specific tampon brands - Tampax available but expensive
- Specific pad brands - Always available but expensive
- Douche products - Not available
- Feminine wipes - Different brands available
- Specific razor brands - Gillette available but expensive
- Shaving cream varieties - Available but different brands
- Aftershave products - Different brands available
- Tide detergent - Not available; Dutch detergents different
- Downy fabric softener - Not available
- Bleach - Clorox not available; Dutch bleach different
- Stain removers - Different brands available
- Dryer sheets - Not commonly used; bring for American-style drying
- Dawn dish soap - Not available; Dutch alternatives different
- Scrubbing Bubbles - Not available
- Windex - Not available; glass cleaners different
- Lysol products - Not available; disinfectants different
- Comet - Not available
- Soft Scrub - Not available
- Toilet bowl cleaners - Different brands available
- Aluminum foil - Available but different brands
- Plastic wrap - Available but different quality
- Ziploc bags - Available but expensive
- Parchment paper - Available but different brands
- Coffee filters - Available but different sizes
- Voltage converters - Essential for American appliances
- Plug adapters - Need European plug adapters
- American electronics - May need voltage conversion
- Hair dryers - American dual-voltage models preferred
- Curling irons - American dual-voltage models preferred
- Small appliances - Rice cookers, blenders (check voltage)
- Phone chargers - Bring extras with European adapters
- Specific diaper brands - Pampers available but expensive
- Baby formula - Different brands available
- Baby food - Different brands and flavors
- Diaper rash cream - Different formulations available
- Children's medications - Different formulations available
- Specific sunscreen for kids - Different brands available
- American toys - Different toy brands available
- American clothing sizes - European sizing different
- Shoe sizes - Different sizing system
- Bra sizes - Different sizing system
- Athletic wear - Nike, Adidas available but expensive
- Undergarments - Different brands available
- Socks - Different brands available
- Quantity limits: Don't bring commercial quantities
- Liquid restrictions: Follow airline liquid rules
- Prescription medications: Bring documentation
- Food restrictions: Check current import rules
- Vacuum seal clothing - Save space
- Use hard-sided luggage - Protect fragile items
- Pack essentials in carry-on - In case luggage is lost
- Label everything - Make unpacking easier
- Shipping costs: Consider shipping vs. carrying
- Expiration dates: Don't bring items that expire soon
- Replacement availability: Prioritize hard-to-find items
- Local alternatives: Research Dutch alternatives first
- Research Dutch alternatives - Some items have good substitutes
- Check expat stores - Kelly's Expat Shopping, Tjin's Toko carry some items
- Plan shopping trips - Budget for periodic US shopping trips
- Connect with expat groups - Share shipping orders with other Americans
- Online ordering - Some US sites ship to Netherlands
- Visitors bring items - Ask friends/family to bring supplies
- Expat stores - Support local stores carrying American products
- Care packages - Arrange regular shipments from US
- Prescription medications - Critical for health
- Specialty OTC medications - Pepto-Bismol, Benadryl
- Baking essentials - Vanilla, brown sugar, cake flour
- Comfort foods - Ranch, favorite snacks
- Personal care favorites - Specific brands you love
- Familiar brands - Items available but expensive
- Holiday items - Thanksgiving, American holiday foods
- Specialty clothing - Hard-to-find sizes or styles
- Electronics - Dual-voltage American appliances
- Heavy/bulky items - Available locally
- Perishables - Short shelf life
- Restricted items - Check customs regulations
- Easily available items - Research first
Most Critical Items:
- Prescription medications with documentation
- Pepto-Bismol, Benadryl, DayQuil/NyQuil
- Vanilla extract, brown sugar, cake flour
- Ranch seasoning, taco seasoning
- Favorite comfort foods and snacks
Best Shipping Options:
- Personal luggage (most cost-effective)
- Visitor shipments (friends/family)
- Expat store orders (Kelly's, Tjin's)
- International shipping services
Money-Saving Tips:
- Stock up during US visits
- Share shipping costs with other expats
- Check expat Facebook groups for group orders
- Research Dutch alternatives first
Timeline:
- 3 months before: Research and make lists
- 1 month before: Start buying and packing
- Moving day: Pack essentials in carry-on
- Ongoing: Plan regular restocking strategy
Stock up on these American essentials before your move to make your transition to life in the Netherlands smoother and more comfortable.
📍 Current Location: Items to Bring from US
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