Families that move to the Maastricht Region can shop for their daily needs at the Dutch Supermarkets or local stores. In addition they have a wide range of options just across the border.

The families that are used to shopping in large stores can easily make us of the 'Hypermarché' near Liege in Belgium or the Walmart in Aachen. The availability of biological foods is increasing in the Netherlands. Most cities have a biological store, but the larger biological supermarkets can be found in Germany.

A popular option for shopping is the weekly market (some larger than others) offering a variety of things. Local markets are full of surprises and are one of the best places for people watching. Most markets have a wide range of products ranging from avocados to bike parts, and some specialize in certain items. For example, the Maastricht market on Friday mornings is famous for its fish, the Sittard market on Thursday morning is famous for its selection of fabrics and the Geleen market on Saturday mornings is famous for its fresh produce. Go and explore them all!

Specialty food stores for local products, jams, cheeses, chutney's etc., like specialty Asian stores can be found in most towns. These days websites offering specialty foods from different countries are an easy way to order the products from your home country, Expat Guide Holland provides various links.

Check the town-website or the special 'Dutch markets' website for weekly schedules of markets near you.

Excerpts from the IWC newcomers guide