The Netherlands is one of the most digital societies in Europe. We pay by card or phone, bank online and rely on apps for almost everything. When systems fail, because of a cyber attack, a technical fault or a power cut, the effects can be felt within hours.
This guide explains how to stay functional if payments, internet or phone networks stop working.
1. What Can Go Wrong
- Card terminals and cash machines may be offline.
- Online banking and payment apps may not be available.
- Mobile and internet networks may be overloaded or down.
- Shops, public transport and ticketing systems may be disrupted.
- Smart locks and other connected devices may stop responding.
2. Keep Some Cash
- Keep a small amount of cash at home or in your emergency bag, in small notes and some coins.
- Aim for enough to cover essentials such as food, fuel and transport for a few days.
- Store it separately from your wallet, somewhere safe.
- Remember that some shops may only be able to take cash during an outage.
3. Prepare Your Communication
- Write key phone numbers on paper and keep them in your bag.
- Agree on a contact person outside your area and on meeting points.
- Download offline maps and keep copies of important documents.
- Keep a power bank charged and use text messages rather than calls to save capacity.
4. Protect Yourself From Scams
- Crises attract fraud. Be wary of messages that ask you to click a link or share a code.
- Rely on official sources: the government, NL-Alert and your bank's own app.
- Never share your PIN or one-time codes.
- Keep software up to date, use strong unique passwords and switch on two-factor authentication.
- Keep a backup of important files offline.
5. Stay Informed Without the Internet
A battery or wind-up radio keeps official information coming when the internet does not. LifeBag Basic and Plus include a battery radio, and LifeBag Plus can also be charged by solar power or hand crank.
This guide is general information. Always follow the instructions of the authorities.
