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| Netherlands.Info ® |
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......... the online guide for The Netherlands .........
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Practical Information.
This page contains an overview of all relevant practical information about The Netherlands. Various links can be used to obtain further information about the topic in question.
 Facts for the Traveller
Money
Usefull Telephone Numbers
Public Holidays
Business Hours
Health and Safety
Climate
Facts for the traveller
Visas & Consular Services:
Some visitors to The Netherlands require a visa. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs deals with visa applications for three months or less for persons wishing to visit The Netherlands for such purposes as conducting business, attending a conference or seminar, attending a sporting or cultural event, visiting an international organisation, and conducting diplomatic or political business.
For accurate information on visas, we advise you to visit the website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Here, the following information is available:
- Countries whose nationals need a visa for a stay of under three months
- The procedure and requirements when applying for a visa
- Adresses of Dutch embassies and consulates througout the world
- Adresses of foreign embassies and consulates in The Netherlands
You can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa information Monday to Friday, 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-16:30. Tel.: +31 70 3485622. Postal address: Postbus 20061, 2500 EB The Hague.
The Ministry of Justice Visa Service deals with visa applications for three months or less submitted by the Dutch missions for persons wishing to visit the Netherlands to spend a holiday, visit relatives, perform music, attend a study programme, take up a work experience placement or undergo medical treatment. It also deals with applications to stay in the Netherlands for longer than three months.
The Ministry of Justice Visa Service's information line can be reached via the general information line of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service. The line is open Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00. Telephone from within the Netherlands: 0900-1234561. Telephone from abroad:+31-20-8893045. Postal address: Postbus 3109, 2280 GC Rijswijk.
Money
Currency:
Since 2002, the official currency is the "Euro". For more information on the Euro, please visit the
European Central Bank
For real time online currency conversion, we recommend the XE.com Currency Converter. Note: you can use also the popup version without leaving this website.
Banking Hours:
Most banks are open from Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm. On Mondays businesss hours start mainly at 1 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays banks are closed. GWK currency exchange offices are open 24/7.
Automatic Teller Machines:
If you have a foreign bank pass with a Cirrus, EC or Maestro logo you can get money from an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Of course, you can also use most credit cards to obtain money from an ATM. The ATMs are usually open 24 hours per day.
Credit Cards:
All major credit cards are accepted widely, but not everywhere. If in doubt, ask in advance. Cash-on-card services are available from selected American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VisaCard addresses. These cards are also accepted by all GWK currency exchange outlets and Change Express Offices.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
Head Office: Amsteldijk 166/5, 1079 LH Amsterdam
tel. (+31)(0)20 504 80 00 or 0800 0220100 (lost and stolen cards).
DINERS CLUB
Head Office: Entrada 221, 1096 EG Amsterdam
tel. (+31)(0)20 654 55 00 or (+31)(0)20 654 55 11 (lost and stolen cards).
INTERPAY EUROCARD/MASTERCARD NEDERLAND
Head Office: Eendrachtlaan 315, 3526 LB Utrecht
tel. (+31)(0)30 283 51 11 or (+31)(0)20 283 55 55 (lost and stolen cards).
VISA CARD SERVICES
Head Office: Wisselwerking 32, 1112 XP Diemen
tel. (+31)(0)20 660 07 89 or (+31)(0)20 660 06 11 (lost and stolen cards).
Usefull Telephone Numbers
Please note: these telephone numbers are useful only during your stay in The Netherlands.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police emergency, fire brigade, ambulance: 112
Poliice, no emergency: 0900 8844
ROAD PATROL
ANWB: 0800 0888
LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES: VVV
The local tourist office in the city you intend to visit can answer most of your questions. For the addresses of these offices, go to the official website of the Netherlands Board of Tourism. The tourist information offices are listed under 'General Information'.
TELEPHONE SERVICES
Telephone numbers within Holland: 0900 8008 (EUR 1,15 per call)
Telephone numbers abroad: 0900 8418 (EUR 1,15 per call)
Operator: 0800 0410 (toll-free)
Collect call: 0800 0101 (toll-free)
Public Holidays
2006
New Year's Day: 1 January
Good Friday: 14 April
Easter Sunday: 16 April
Easter Monday: 17 April
Queen's Birthday: 29 April
Liberation Day: 5 May
Ascension Day: 25 May
Whit Sunday: 4 June
Whit Monday: 5 June
Christmas Day: 25 December
Boxing Day: 26 December
Business Hours
SHOPS:
Most shops are open from Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm, on Saturdays between 9 am and 5 pm. On Monday, many shops are closed in the mornings and open between 11 am and 1 pm and close at 6 pm. Most cities have late-night shopping (until 9 pm) on Thursdays or Fridays. In the main cities, many shops are open on Sunday from 12 noon to 5 PM. In most holiday and tourist resorts many shops are open at night, too. For business hours on Sundays or late night shopping, please call a local tourist information office in the city of your destination.
Travellers to the Netherlands from EU countries do not have to pay duty on the following items: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos (up to 3g each), 200 cigars or 1kg smoking tobacco; Alcohol allowances include: 10 litres of spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%; 20 litres alcoholic beverages less than 22%; 90 litres wine or 60 litres of sparkling wine; 110 litres of beer; Travellers over 17 years arriving from non EU countries do not have to pay duty on the following: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars; or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits with alcohol volume higher than 22%, or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs made of wine or similar beverages less than 22% alcohol volume, sparkling wines, liquor wines; or 2 litres still wine. Perfume up to 50g, 250ml eau de toilette. 500g of coffee or 200g coffee extract; 100g tea; or 40g tea extract; Goods for personal consumption to the value of EUR 175.-. Prohibited items include the import of all birds.
SUNDAY SHOPPING AND LATE-NIGHT SHOPPING IN THE MAIN CITIES
Amsterdam
Sunday: every week from 12 a.m. to 7 p.m. (city centre)
Late night shopping: every Thursday until 9 p.m. (city centre)
The Hague
Sunday: every week from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. (city centre, Scheveningen and Kijkduin)
Late night shopping: every Thursday until 9 p.m. (city centre, Scheveningen and Kijkduin)
Maastricht
Sunday: every first Sunday of each month from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Late night shopping: every Thursday until 9 p.m.
Utrecht
Sunday: every first Sunday of each month from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Late night shopping: every Thursday until 9 p.m.
Rotterdam
Sunday: every week from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Late night shopping: every Friday until 9 p.m.
POST OFFICES:
Regular post offices are open from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm. Main offices are also open on Saturdays between 9 am and 12 noon/12:30 p.m.
PHARMACIES:
Regular business hours are Monday to Friday between 8/9 am and 5:30/6 pm. On nights and weekends, pharmacies are open on a rotation schedule.
RESTAURANTS:
Usually, restaurants are open for lunch from 11 am to 2:30/3 pm and for dinner from 5:30-10/11 pm.
MUSEUMS:
Most museums are open from 10 am until 5 pm every day of the week, except Mondays.
Health and Safety
Health: There are no health risks associated with travel to The Netherlands and no inoculations are required. It is safe to drink tap water. The standard of health care in The Netherlands is very high, but the necessary health insurance provisions must be made before travelling. A reciprocal agreement exists with other EU countries, which entitles nationals to free emergency medical treatment. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is necessary for this purpose.
Safety: Travel in Holland is fairly safe. Travellers should however always exercise caution in empty streets at night and be aware of pickpockets, particularly in central Amsterdam and at Central Station. There have been several incidents on trains from Schiphol Airport where heavily laden passengers have been targeted by thieves. There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and visitors should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites, particularly since extra security measures have been set up around the country in response to concerns about a possible terrorist attack.
Climate
The Netherlands has a fairly temperate climate, very similar to
England; temperatures are variable and rain occurs throughout the
year. Despite the hoards of tourists the best time to visit is over
the summer, or in spring when the flowers are in bloom - the tulips
come out in May.
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| Amsterdam |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Rainfall (mm) |
79 |
44 |
89 |
39 |
50 |
60 |
73 |
60 |
80 |
104 |
76 |
72 |
Rainfall (inches) |
3.1 |
1.7 |
3.5 |
1.5 |
2.0 |
2.4 |
2.9 |
2.4 |
3.2 |
4.1 |
3.0 |
2.8 |
Min Temp (°C) |
0 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
8 |
10 |
13 |
12 |
10 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
Max Temp (°C) |
5 |
6 |
10 |
13 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
22 |
19 |
14 |
9 |
6 |
Min Temp (°F) |
30 |
30 |
34 |
37 |
45 |
50 |
54 |
54 |
48 |
45 |
37 |
34 |
Max Temp (°F) |
39 |
43 |
48 |
55 |
63 |
68 |
72 |
72 |
66 |
57 |
48 |
43 |
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If the website does not offer the information or links that you are searching for, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff has extensive knowledge of The Netherlands and will probably be able to help you out with most questions.
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Link Tips |
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Click here for a large map of The Netherlands |
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