ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands is a small yet influential country in Northwestern Europe, famous for its flat landscapes, tulip fields, windmills, and intricate canal systems. Much of the nation lies below sea level, prompting the Dutch to pioneer advanced water management techniques like dikes and polders, making the country a global leader in this field.

Known for its progressive social policies, the Netherlands was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage and adopt liberal stances on issues like recreational drug use.

Amsterdam, the capital, is famous for its historic canals, vibrant cultural scene, and world-renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Other cities, like Rotterdam, known for its massive port, and The Hague, the political centre and home to the International Court of Justice, also play vital roles in the country’s identity.

The Dutch economy thrives in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and international trade, with Rotterdam's port serving as a major gateway to Europe.

Cycling is central to Dutch life, with an extensive network of bike paths making it easy to get around both urban and rural areas.

The Dutch are known for their direct communication, pragmatism, and community spirit. Despite being a modern and progressive country, the Netherlands has deep historical roots, with a royal family that remains popular and highly respected. The blend of tradition, innovation, and cultural richness makes the Netherlands a dynamic and forward-thinking nation.

Entry into Netherlands

For citizens of European Union member states, travelling to the Netherlands is quite simple. As the Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, there are no visa requirements or major travel restrictions. You can enter the country using just your national ID card, without the need for a passport.

For travellers from outside the EU/EEA, entry rules differ. If you're from a visa-exempt country such as the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, you can visit the Netherlands without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business or family purposes. A valid passport is required for entry. However, if you're from a country that requires a visa, you'll need to obtain a Schengen visa before your trip, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day window for short visits.

Currency

The Netherlands uses the euro as its currency, and most shops and businesses readily accept major international credit and debit cards. However, if you're planning to rent a car, it’s essential to have a credit card, as debit cards are often not accepted for this service.

ATMs are widely available throughout cities, providing easy access to cash. It's advisable to use ATMs run by banks to avoid high fees. Non-bank ATMs, such as those from companies like Euronet, may charge steep fees, sometimes up to €10 or 10% of your withdrawal amount.

Electricity

In the Netherlands, 230 V AC with a frequency of 5 Hz is standard, as it is throughout continental Europe.

Mobile services

The mobile services market in the Netherlands is a highly developed and competitive landscape, characterised by a mixture of established network operators and a growing number of virtual service providers. The mobile services market is dominated by several key providers, with KPN, Odido (formerly T-Mobile), and VodafoneZiggo leading the way. KPN is the largest and most well-established

SIM cards are widely available, and EU residents benefit from no additional roaming charges, while non-EU visitors can easily access local prepaid options.

However, if you don't have an EU number and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers

Police
For emergencies: Dial 112
For non-emergencies: Call 0900 8844
To report a crime anonymously: Dial 0800 7000

Fire Service
For emergencies: Dial 112
For non-emergencies: Contact the police first

Health Services
For emergencies: Dial 112
General hospital in Assen: +31 592 325 555

The Dutch country code is +31.

Interesting facts about Netherlands

A land below sea level
Around one-third of the Netherlands lies below sea level. The country’s name even translates to "Low Lands," reflecting its geography. The lowest point is 6.7 metres below sea level, in a region known as Zuidplaspolder.

Windmills
The Netherlands is famous for its iconic windmills, which played a crucial role in managing the country’s water levels. Historically, they were used to pump water out of low-lying areas to prevent flooding, a task that is now largely handled by modern pumps.

Bicycles galore
The Dutch love cycling! There are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands, with around 23 million bikes for a population of 17 million. Amsterdam alone has over 800,000 bikes, and cycling paths are well integrated into the country’s infrastructure.

Innovative water engineering
The Delta Works, a series of dams, sluices, and storm surge barriers, is one of the most impressive feats of water management in the world. It was designed to protect the country from flooding and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Tulips
Though the Netherlands is famous for its tulips, they aren’t native to the country. Tulips were originally imported from Turkey in the 16th century, and they quickly became an integral part of Dutch culture and economy. The annual Keukenhof Gardens festival showcases millions of tulips every spring.

World’s largest port
Rotterdam’s port was the largest in the world until 2004 and remains Europe’s largest today. It is a major international hub for shipping and logistics, handling millions of containers each year.

Multilingual population
Although Dutch is the official language, the majority of the population speaks English fluently. Many people also speak German and French, making the Netherlands one of the most multilingual countries in Europe.

Home of giants
The Dutch are the tallest people in the world, with an average height of 6 feet (1.83 metres) for men and around 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 metres) for women.

Famous for cheese
The Netherlands is one of the world’s largest cheese exporters. Gouda and Edam, two of the most popular types of cheese worldwide, are named after Dutch towns. The Dutch cheese market in Alkmaar is also a famous tourist attraction.