Netherlands




PRACTICALITIES



Currency

Euro (EUR)


Official languages

Dutch, Frisian


Time

GMT + 1


Calling code

+31


Area codes

Amsterdam: 20, The Hague: 70, Rotterdam: 10


Internet TLD

.nl


Shopping

Generally shops are open Monday–Friday from 9am to 6pm (on Mondays from 11am). Supermarkets are open from 8am to 8pm.


National holidays

New Year’s Day January 1
Easter movable feast
Queen’s Day April 30
Liberation Day May 5
Ascension movable feast
Whit Monday movable feast
Christmas December 25 & 26


National dish

stamppot – a dish made of mashed potatoes
rijsttafel – ”rice table”, Indonesian meal consisting of rice and many seasoned side dishes
pea soup
appelgebak – apple tart with cinnamon
speculaas – rich spiced cakes
stroopwafel – caramel waffels
jenever – type of gin


Electricity


The Netherlands’s electricity runs on 230V/50Hz.


Passport/Visa

Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway and Switzerland do not need visa for entry into the Netherlands (for stays of up to 90 days). Only a valid passport is required. Citizens of Schengen states need only an identity card.


Useful numbers

Emergency: 112