Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
Euro notes
Right
Umbrellas on a rainy day
Planning Your Trip
Choosing an Area
Most tourist hotels
are to be found in one of
three areas: the historic
centre, the Museum
Quarter and the atmos-
pheric
Grachtengordel
(Canal Ring) with its
gabled canal houses.
Many business-oriented
hotels are located a little
further afield in the
Nieuw Zuid
(New South).
Customs
Apart from offensive
weapons, plants and
perishable foods, there
are few limits on what
EU nationals can import
for personal use. Non-EU
citizens can buy duty-free
goods up to the current
limit. Cats and dogs are
allowed, provided they
have a certificate of
inoculation against
rabies. Flower bulbs may
be exported from the
Netherlands; for the USA,
an inoculation certificate
from the Plant Protection
Service is required. Bulbs
are best mailed home;
the dealer should carry
out all the paperwork.
Electricity
The electricity supply
in the Netherlands is 220
volts AC. British visitors
should bring a two-pin
adaptor for their three-pin
plugs. Americans need to
convert their equipment
or buy a transformer, as
Dutch wall sockets
require a larger plug.
Time Difference
The Netherlands is
on Central European
Time, one hour ahead of
GMT. Like the rest of the
EU and the USA, it
observes Daylight Saving
Time, so it remains one
hour ahead of the UK and
six hours ahead of New
York all year round.
What to Pack
Be prepared for all
weathers, and bring an
umbrella, a waterproof
jacket and a sweater -
even in summer.
Comfortable walking
shoes are essential.
Amsterdammers' dress
style is casual and often
creative. Few places
insist on formality -
casinos are an exception
- but you can dress up
for concerts and smart
hotels and restaurants.
Currency
For security, bring a
cash card or traveller's
cheques. Make sure that
your cash withdrawal
card is accepted in the
Netherlands - most are.
Bring some euros to pay
for immediate needs on
arrival. There is no limit
on how much currency
you can bring in or take
out of the country.
Children's Needs
If you have very
young children, it is best
to carry them in baby
slings; pushchairs are
difficult to manoeuvre on
the cobbled streets, and
almost impossible to get
on and off crowded
trams and canal boats.
Most places accept
children, except for some
expensive restaurants.
Passports and
Other Documents
You must have a valid
passport to enter the
Netherlands. Citizens of
EU countries, the USA,
Australia and New
Zealand need no visa as
long as the stay is for
less than three months.
Passports must be valid
for at least three months
beyond the end of your
stay. Citizens of other
countries should consult
their Dutch embassy or
consulate for information.
It is advisable to take out
travel and health insur-
ance before travelling.
Driving
If you are planning to
drive your own car, you
must bring an EU or
International Driver's
Licence, valid insurance
documents, proof of
registration, road safety
certificate and inter-
national identification
disc. To hire a car, you
must be 21 or over, with
a valid driving licence and
a credit card.
Public Holidays
Public holidays are as
follows: New Year's Day
(1 Jan);
Eerste Paasdag
(Easter Monday);
Koninginnedag
(30 Apr);
Bevrijdingsdag
(5 May);
Hemelvaartsdag
(Ascension Day);
Pinksteren
(Whitsun);
Eerste Kerstdag
(Christmas Day);
Tweede
Kerstdag
(26 Dec).
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