Welcome to Netherlands 😊

Quick Facts About Netherlands

Money and Finances

The currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Euro coins. Banknotes are available in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 denominations.

ATM Network

ATMs can be found all over the Netherlands and are widely available in cities, towns, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept international cards with Cirrus, Maestro, Visa, and Mastercard logos.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in the Netherlands, especially Visa and Mastercard. American Express is also accepted, but not as widely. However, many small businesses and street vendors may only accept cash or debit cards, so it's always a good idea to have some Euros on hand.

Internet and Phones

The Netherlands has one of the highest internet speeds in the world, with an average download speed of 135 Mbps and upload speed of 17 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are three major mobile phone companies in the Netherlands: KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile. The average cost for a mobile phone plan is around €30 per month. Most phones from other countries will work with a Dutch SIM card, but it's best to check with your provider.

Dialling to Netherlands

To call the Netherlands from another country, dial +31 followed by the area code (without the 0) and then the subscriber number. The area codes in the Netherlands range from 010 to 999.

Transport Around Netherlands

Air Travel

The major airports in the Netherlands are Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located in the city of Amsterdam and is one of the busiest airports in Europe, while Rotterdam The Hague Airport is located in Rotterdam and operates mostly domestic and European flights.

Train Travel

The inter-city train network in the Netherlands is extensive, with trains connecting major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. An example ticket price for a one-way journey from Amsterdam to Rotterdam is around €15-€20, with a journey time of approximately 40 minutes. The Netherlands also has a high-speed train service, called the Intercity Direct, which runs between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, with a journey time of approximately 35 minutes.

Metro / Local Trains

The major cities in the Netherlands, such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, have local train networks called metros. These metros operate within the city limits, with various lines connecting different parts of the city. The metro in Amsterdam is called the Amsterdam Metro, while the metro in Rotterdam is called the Rotterdam Metro.

Buses

The bus network in the Netherlands is well-developed, with many regional and local buses operating throughout the country. An example ticket price for a one-way journey from Amsterdam to Rotterdam is around €10-€15, with a journey time of approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on the route.

Rideshare

Popular rideshare companies operating in the Netherlands include Uber and Bolt. The average travel price for a ride is around €10-€15 for a short journey within a city.

Driving by Car

Driving in the Netherlands is easy, with well-maintained roads and good signage. The speed limit on most highways is 130 km/h, while on smaller roads it is usually 80 km/h. The Netherlands uses right-hand drive and drivers must have a valid driving license and insurance.

Local Customs

In the Netherlands, tipping is not as common as in other countries. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated for good service. Locals greet each other with a handshake and direct eye contact. Kissing on the cheek is also common among friends and family. When speaking with strangers, Dutch people tend to be straightforward and direct in their communication. Men and women address each other on a first-name basis, regardless of their age or position.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The health system in the Netherlands is known for its high quality and accessibility. Everyone living or working in the country is required to have basic health insurance, and there are both public and private healthcare providers available. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor is around 70-80 euros.

COVID Situation

The Netherlands had a relatively high number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the early stages of the pandemic, but has since implemented strict measures such as social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing, and limitation of gatherings to control the spread of the virus. Currently, the rates of coronavirus infections are at a moderate level, with ongoing efforts to suppress further outbreaks.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in the Netherlands include tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, as well as food-borne illnesses from contaminated food or water. Visitors are also advised to be aware of the strong currents and shallow waters along the coastlines during swimming or other water activities.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In the Netherlands, alcohol consumption is legal and widely accepted. However, it is illegal to sell any alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 18 years old.

Recreational Drugs

The Netherlands has a unique policy towards drugs, with soft drugs such as cannabis being legal for personal use in licensed coffeeshops. However, hard drugs remain illegal and possession and trafficking can still result in prosecution.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no special laws in the Netherlands regarding pre-marital relationships. Consensual sexual relationships between adults are legal and widely accepted.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

The Netherlands has been a leader in LGBTQ rights, being the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriages in 2001. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is outlawed.

Firearms / Guns

Firearms laws in the Netherlands are strict and obtaining a gun license can be a lengthy process. Only licensed hunters and sports shooters are allowed to pack a firearm, and even then the rules and regulation surrounding their use is severe.