In general
Currency
The Netherlands uses the euro: no exchange for travellers from the eurozone. It is an almost cashless country: cards and contactless are accepted everywhere. Note, however: many shops and supermarkets are 'pin only' (card only) and some accept only debit cards; keep a debit card handy as well as a credit card.
Language
The official language is Dutch, but English is spoken excellently by almost everyone: you will have no trouble communicating. German and French are also fairly common. Signs and menus are often in English too.
Documents and visa
The Netherlands is in the EU and the Schengen area: EU citizens only need a valid ID card or passport, no visa. For tourism an ID card is fine; for opening accounts or signing contracts a passport or electronic ID is better. Citizens of other countries should check their own entry rules.
Health and insurance
No vaccines required and no endemic diseases. Hospitals are efficient. EU citizens can use the EHIC for necessary care; travel insurance is still advised (essential for non-EU travellers). At the pharmacy (apotheek) many medicines are prescription-only.
eSIM and connectivity
Excellent mobile coverage and Wi-Fi everywhere. EU SIMs work on free roaming (the Netherlands is in the EU). The main local carriers are KPN, Vodafone and Odido. Travellers from outside the EU can use a travel eSIM or a local SIM.
Electricity
Power is 230V / 50Hz, with type C and F (Schuko) sockets, the same as most of Europe. Standard Italian and European plugs (Europlug) fit without trouble; for some earthed Italian plugs a small adapter may be needed.
Time zone
The Netherlands is at UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer. No time change for travellers from Central Europe.
Payments and tipping
Almost everything is paid by card or contactless, even a coffee. Tipping is not compulsory: in restaurants you leave a small extra or round up (about 5-10%) if you enjoyed the service. Service is almost always already included in the bill.
Climate and when to go
The climate is Atlantic: humid, windy and very changeable, with a chance of rain in any season. Always bring a rain jacket and layers, even in summer. Summers are mild (around 22°C), winters cold (around 0°C, with sub-zero spells). Spring, with the tulips, is the loveliest season; summer has very long days.
Good to know
By bike and on foot
The bicycle is the national vehicle: there are cycle paths everywhere (fietspad), often surfaced in red and separated from the road and pavements. Renting a bike is the best (and most local) way to get around Amsterdam and the other cities. As a pedestrian, the golden rule: NEVER walk on the red cycle lanes, and always look twice before crossing, because bikes (and scooters) come fast and silent.
Trains and transport
The rail network (NS) is dense, punctual and fast: it's the best way to move between the cities, all close together. On trains, metro and trams you must check in and check out: tap your contactless card (or OV-chipkaart) on the reader both when boarding AND when alighting, otherwise you pay the maximum fare. In the cities a car is inconvenient (restricted zones, very expensive parking): trains and bikes are better.
Coffee shops and drugs
Cannabis is not 'legal' but 'tolerated' only inside coffee shops, for personal use by adults with ID; consuming it in the street and in public spaces is forbidden and fined (Amsterdam has stepped up controls). Hard drugs are illegal (up to 12 years in prison). A serious warning: deaths and overdoses among tourists are rising due to very potent or adulterated substances. In the red-light district it is forbidden to photograph people.
Driving and car rental
An EU licence and insurance are valid. Speed cameras are everywhere and fines are very steep, especially for unpaid parking (often payable only by app): always pay. Blood-alcohol limit 0.05% (0.02% for new drivers in the first 5 years). Seat belts compulsory, child seats for children under 135 cm. Motorways are free (except the new A24). But in the cities a car is of little use: keep it for the windmills and villages.
Safety
The Netherlands is safe, but petty crime is common in the cities (Amsterdam most of all): watch out for pickpocketing on public transport, in stations and on trains to/from Schiphol airport, for bicycle theft and for items left in cars. At night, avoid the port areas and the quieter station surroundings. Keep bags and phone in sight in crowded places.
Rules and etiquette
Since 2004 there has been an absolute ban on smoking (tobacco) in venues and on public transport. In Amsterdam you risk fines for rowdy behaviour, noise and drinking alcohol in the street: the city has declared war on 'party tourism'. The Dutch are direct, informal and punctual: they appreciate those who respect the rules, queues and timetables. Many attractions work on online booking.
Useful numbers
- 112 — Single emergency number: ambulance, police and fire brigade
- +31 88 269 2888 — ANWB roadside assistance (the Dutch automobile club), useful when driving
- +31 70 3021030 — Your country's embassy in The Hague (for Italian citizens: Embassy, emergency mobile +31 6 51541399)
- +31 247 247 247 — 24/7 freephone for travel information and advice in the Netherlands
💡 Rent a bicycle and move like the Dutch - but as a pedestrian NEVER walk on the red cycle lanes, the bikes whizz by silently. And remember it's a 'book-ahead' country: the Anne Frank House, the major museums and (in spring) the Keukenhof must be booked online well in advance.