ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands, a small yet highly influential country in Northwestern Europe, is celebrated for its flat landscapes, colourful tulip fields, iconic windmills, and extensive canal networks. With much of its land below sea level, the Dutch have become global leaders in water management, utilizing advanced techniques like dikes and polders to protect their land.

Renowned for its progressive approach to social issues, the Netherlands was among the first nations to legalize same-sex marriage and has adopted liberal policies on matters such as recreational drug use.

The capital city, Amsterdam, is famous for its picturesque canals, vibrant cultural life, and prestigious museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Other cities, like Rotterdam, home to one of the world’s largest ports, and The Hague, the political hub housing the International Court of Justice, contribute significantly to the nation’s identity.

Economically, the Netherlands excels in agriculture, technology, and international trade, with the port of Rotterdam serving as a vital gateway to Europe.

Cycling is an integral part of Dutch life, supported by an extensive network of bike paths that connect urban areas to the countryside seamlessly.

The Dutch are known for their straightforward communication, pragmatic mindset, and strong sense of community. While embracing modernity and innovation, the country preserves its historical traditions, including a well-regarded royal family. This unique blend of heritage, progressiveness, and cultural diversity makes the Netherlands a forward-thinking and dynamic nation.

Entry into Netherlands

Travelling to the Netherlands is straightforward for European Union citizens. As part of the Schengen Area, the Netherlands does not require visas or impose significant travel restrictions for EU residents. You can enter the country with just a national ID card, without needing a passport.

For non-EU/EEA travel requirements vary. Visitors from visa-exempt countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia can stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, or family visits. A valid passport is mandatory for entry. If you're from a country that requires a visa, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa before your trip. This visa permits short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

Currency

The official currency in the Netherlands is the euro, and most businesses and shops accept major international credit and debit cards. However, if you plan to rent a car, be aware that credit cards are typically required, as debit cards are not commonly accepted for this purpose.

ATMs are plentiful in urban areas, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed. To avoid excessive charges, it's recommended to use ATMs operated by banks. Non-bank ATMs, such as those provided by companies like Euronet, often impose high fees, which can reach up to €10 or 10% of the withdrawal amount.

Electricity

The Netherlands operates on a standard voltage of 230 V AC and a frequency of 50 Hz, consistent with most countries in continental Europe.

Mobile services

The mobile services market in the Netherlands is advanced and highly competitive, featuring a blend of major network operators and an increasing number of virtual service providers. The industry is primarily dominated by KPN, Odido (formerly T-Mobile), and VodafoneZiggo, with KPN being the largest and most established provider.

SIM cards are readily accessible, with EU residents enjoying the advantage of no additional roaming charges. Non-EU visitors can conveniently choose from various local prepaid options for seamless connectivity.

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

Important telephone numbers

Police
Emergencies: Call 112
Non-emergencies: Dial 0900 8844
Anonymous crime reporting: Call 0800 7000

Fire services
Emergencies: Call 112
Non-emergencies: Contact the police first

Health services
Emergencies: Call 112
General Hospital in Assen: +31 592 325 555

Interesting facts about Netherlands

A land below sea level
Approximately one-third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, earning the country its name, which translates to "Low Lands." The lowest point, Zuidplaspolder, is 6.7 meters below sea level.

Cycling
Cycling is a way of life in the Netherlands, with over 23 million bicycles for its 17 million residents. Amsterdam alone boasts more than 800,000 bikes, supported by an extensive and cyclist-friendly infrastructure.

Cheese paradise
As one of the world’s top cheese exporters, the Netherlands is famous for varieties like Gouda and Edam, named after Dutch towns. The Alkmaar cheese market is a popular destination for visitors.

Multilingual population
While Dutch is the official language, most Dutch people speak English fluently. Many are also proficient in German and French, making the Netherlands one of Europe’s most multilingual countries.

Tulips
Tulips, though synonymous with Dutch culture, originated in Turkey. Introduced in the 16th century, they became integral to the country’s identity and economy. The Keukenhof Gardens, showcasing millions of tulips every spring, is a must-visit.

Innovative water engineering
The Delta Works, an impressive network of dams, sluices, and storm surge barriers, is a global marvel of water management. Designed to protect against flooding, it’s recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

World’s largest port
Rotterdam’s port, once the largest globally until 2004, remains Europe’s largest and a critical hub for international shipping and logistics, handling millions of containers annually.

Windmills
The Netherlands is renowned for its windmills, historically essential for managing water levels. These structures once pumped water out of low-lying areas to prevent flooding, a task now handled by advanced modern pumps.

The tallest people in the World
The Dutch hold the title of being the tallest people globally, with men averaging 6 feet (1.83 meters) and women about 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters).