The Netherlands is a country full of picturesque landscapes, unique urban architecture, and a rich history and culture, making it one of the most amazing destinations for experiences and memories.
1. Netherlands Quick Facts
Language Dutch
Religion Catholic
Currency EURO (€, EUR)
Visa Free 90 day visa for 60 nationalities, Shengen Area rules apply
Power Plugs 230 V 50 Hz (C,F Type)
Capital Amsterdam
ATM ATM are also readily available, allowing you to withdraw local currency using your credit or debit card.
Use card
Cash and European-issued debit cards are widely accepted. You should always carry some cash, as credit card transactions are often not accepted or require additional fees. Large denominations of €100 or more may not be accepted, so stick to small denominations of €5/10/20.
APP
Google Maps
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
3. Transportation
Dutch transport card
OV-chipkaart
Available at airports, metro station information desks or ticket booths, and at Albert Heijn for 7.5 euros.
You have to tag it when you get on and off. Single ticket 3.40 euros / 60 minutes for unlimited transfers on trams, buses and metro.
Please note that your OV-Chipkaart must be loaded with at least €20 for train rides and €4 for bus, metro and tram rides.
You can get a balance refund at Train tickets & Services.
GVB OV-ticket unlimited transport card available online
1 day – 24 hours € 9.00
2 days – 48 hours € 15.00
3 days – 72 hours € 21.00
4 days – 96 hours € 26.50
5 days – 120 hours € 33.00
6th – 144 hours € 37.50
7 days – 168 hours € 41.00
4-11 children €4 per day
Airport coach surcharge € 11.75 Schiphol Airport – Amsterdam city centre
Taxis have a base fare of €3.60 with a surcharge of €2.40 per km and a 1-hour waiting fee of €27.25.
Amsterdam city tram and metro map are downloaded below:
4.Safety
The crime rate in the Netherlands is low compared to other countries and is constantly falling.
However, travelers are advised to take extra care in the areas around Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, train stations and Dam Square, and around Rotterdam and The Hague train stations, as pickpockets and bag snatchers are common.
There have also been recent incidents of bags and other belongings being stolen on international and domestic trains, so please be aware of this.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Police 112,
Fire report 112
5. Climate
In general, the Netherlands is a rainy country, more often wet than dry, and the weather can change dramatically within a single day.
During the months of April to August (spring and summer), the weather is relatively good with many sunny days and long hours of sunshine.
In winter, the days are shorter, often cloudy, and rain is more common than snow.
6. price
Prices in the Netherlands are higher than they were a few years ago. They are also not cheap compared to neighbouring European countries.
Petrol (1 litre) 2.10 EUR
McDonald’s combo meal:9.00 EUR
Water (1.5 litres): 0.68 EUR
Milk (1 litre) 1.00 EUR
7. Travel precautions
In the Netherlands, about 25 per cent of citizens in large cities commute by bicycle, so you should drive with extra caution, especially during rush hour (17:00-19:00) when bicycle traffic is extremely high.
The Netherlands has a strict smoking ban in public places and indoors. Hotels and restaurants separate smoking and non-smoking areas, so be aware of this.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
A physical greeting is a soundless kiss on both cheeks.
If you are invited to a home, give chocolates, potted plants, books, flowers, etc. Avoid white lilies and chrysanthemums as they are associated with funerals.
Tip
It’s usually not necessary, but sometimes people pay around €1 for services in taxis, hotels, etc.
Even in restaurants, if you see the word “Inclusief” on the bill, it’s enough to leave a coin.
10. Holidays
The following are the national public holidays for 2024:
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
31 Mar Sun Easter Sunday
1 Apr Mon Easter Monday
27 Apr Sat King’s Day
5 May Sun Liberation Day
9 May Thu Ascension Day
19 May Sun Whit Sunday
20 May Mon Whit Monday
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
26 Dec Thu 2nd Day of Christmas
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday
Sunday, 20 April : Easter Sunday
Monday, 21 April : Easter Monday
Saturday, 26 April : King’s Day Holiday
Sunday, 27 April : King’s Day
Monday, 5 May : Liberation Day
Thursday, 29 May : Ascension Day
Sunday, 8 June : Whit Sunday
Monday, 9 June : Whit Monday
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December: 2nd Day of Christmas