How to save money in Maastricht (and, in general, in the Netherlands)

Moving to another country can be really expensive and, especially if you are a student or you don't have a job, it's always good to know how to save money.
During my Erasmus experience in Maastricht, I've discovered some nice shops and tricks that helped me to save money and today I want to share with you everything.
Most of the things are valid for the entire Netherlands so, even if you don't live in Maastricht, please take a look: maybe you will find something interesting.

I divided this article into many categories following the everyday needs such as food, household and transport.

*Household*

Action

Action is a really cheap chain where you can find everything!

Just arrived and you need pans, pots, pillow, bed linen and other similar things? Don't waste your time and go directly to action (don't trust the packages of bed linen/stuff offered by the guesthouse university or similar, I found them expensive). 

The shop is in Scharnerweg 66 and here is its website (you can check some of their items and the price).
You can find this shop not only in Maastricht but in all the Netherlands and in other countries like Germany of France.

Big bazar

It's similar to Action, but I think that is a little bit less cheap.

You can find it in De Mandel 7 (is near the supermarket Plus) and here is the website.

Second hand Facebook page

There are many groups on Facebook where people sell items for an affordable price or give them for free! Here is a small list:

• Fleamarket Maastricht
• Free stuff Maastricht
• Furniture for sale Maastricht

*Transport*

Cheap tickets for train at supermarket/similar shops

Sometimes in the supermarket or other shops like Hema or Kruidvat is possible to find daily tickets at a really affordable price (I bought one for 16 euros) for all the Netherlands!

Group tickets

 If you are planning to visit some city with your friends by train you can also buy a group ticket (take a look here). Keep in mind that a dutch bank account is required for the payment.

There is also some Facebook groups where you can look for arranging a group ticket with other people, here two examples:

• NS Group-tickets Amsterdam or Schiphol
• NS Group tickets for Amsterdam

NB: be aware of the scammers! There is a Facebook group also for this: NS Group-tickets: to report scammers, suspicious activities.

**Food**

Bonus card for the supermarket Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn is a supermarket chain really famous in the Netherlands and every week there are many special offers reserved to the customer that hold the bonus card.

Require a bonus card is extremely easy: just enter in one Albert Heijn, go to the desk where they sell cigarettes and ask for a card and the instructions for activating it!

Besides the normal offer you could also receive special offer reserved only to your card so check the email linked with you card.

Bonus card of Albert Heijn!

Yasar market

It's a Turkish shop where you can find mainly fruit, vegetables and some Turkish food for a cheap price! Apart from some special offers the fruit and vegs in the supermarket are expensive and often tasteless... I advise you to try this shop or the local markets.
You can find it at Frankenstraat 177, here is the website and the facebook page.

Carrots, kiwi, mango and aubergine bought at Yasar market for just two euros

Market

If you live in city centre take a look at the local market. Fruit and vegs are cheaper and better quality.

Aldi and Lidl

Two famous discount chains for saving money!

You can find Lidl (website) at:
- Herculeshof 37
- Baron van Hövellstraat 71-85

Aldi (website) at:
-François de Veyestraat 3 (near the main station)
-Volksplein 34B
- Malbergsingel 54

If you know other tricks for saving money in the Netherlands please leave a comment! Thanks :)