Netherlands Travel Guide

Stuff you Need to Know

Population: 16 Million
Area: 41000km2
Religion: 34% Roman Catholic, 25% Protestant, 36 % Unaffiliated.
Currency The Euro

Visas Passports etc.

UK Citizens only need passports and for US citizens the same is true for visits up to 90 days. Ensure that children have up to date paperwork and if travelling with someone else's children in the role of guardian make sure you have notification of your relationship to the child and permission for them to be with you.

Be Safe

Normal common sense rules apply in the Netherlands. The crime rate is generally low but beware of pickpockets and bagsnatchers. Take care with baggage and personal possessions. Carry copies of any ID you have but leave the real version safely locked away in your hotel. Report loss or theft of Passports to the police immediately and then contact the nearest embassy or consulate.

Stay Healthy

The Netherlands has a very modern system of healthcare. UK citizens should in theory get emergency treatment free of charge on production of an E111 form. In practice however many places will charge so make sure you get receipts in order that you can claim back money spent from the NHS.

US citizens should ensure that they have ample medical insurance cover.

On the Road

Dutch roads are excellent but congested. Drive on the left right? Don't use mobile phones whilst driving. Always wear seat belts and obey the speed limits. In the cities beware of Trams, Bicycles and pedestrians. Breaking traffic laws carry heavy and often on the spot, fines.

Drugs and the Law

Drug possession and drug dealing/trafficking are illegal and punishments can be heavy.

When to Go

The Netherlands has mild summers and cold(ish) winters. It can rain at any time. The coast is generally wetter but warmer than the East side of the country. Average daily temperatures range from 20C in January to 170C in July.

So What is it Really Like?

The Netherlands is a fantastic place to visit either short or long term. It is a lively modern country but it has a heritage that it is rightly proud of and has worked hard to maintain. The character of the people is cultured and tolerant, welcoming and friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed.

The people have an international outlook, many speak near perfect English. The landscape is flat and fertile. The land itself is criss-crossed with the canals and dykes that keep the wild North Sea at bay. It is a country that offers a wide choice to its visitors, from the Tulip fields to its lofty 17th century merchant's town houses, from its splendid Museums to its raunchy nightlife. 'Something for everyone' is a ghastly and overused clich� but in the case of the Netherlands, it is true.