TRAVEL WARNING
Current information
Travelers should expect delays due to increased security checks on the access routes to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Country-specific safety instructions
There is currently no country-specific safety notice for the Netherlands.
Worldwide safety notice
Please also note the external link, opens in new window, worldwide security notice.
Country-specific safety instructions
There is currently no country-specific safety notice for the Netherlands, a country located in Europe according to mathgeneral.
MONEY
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: €, EUR (ISO code). There are banknotes in the values 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in the denominations of 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Note: In the Netherlands, the law applies that the tills nationwide must round the final amounts up or down to 5 cents. 1 and 2 cent coins are therefore no longer needed in cash transactions. 100 and 200 euro bills are not accepted in supermarkets and in smaller shops. The 500 euro note is only accepted by a few restaurants and shops.
Credit cards
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted. These cards are also recognized in all GWK offices and exchange offices. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. Card payment is widespread and free of charge for euro members.
ATMs
EC / Maestro card / Sparcard
With an EC / Maestro card and PIN number, cash in the local currency can be withdrawn from ATMs across Europe. A wide network of ATMs is available. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with the ec- / Maestro card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted in Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes. The same applies to the German Sparcard, the successor to the postal savings book as a means of procuring currency in other European countries. With the Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from European ATMs with the Plus logo.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Only the largest bank branches are also open on Saturdays.
Foreign exchange regulations
For travelers within the EU, there are no restrictions on the import or export of national or foreign currencies.
Travelers entering or leaving the EU and carrying cash of € 10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies or other easily convertible values such as checks made out to third parties) must declare this amount to the customs authorities.
Currency Exchange
Exchange offices are marked with »GWK«.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are excellent nightclubs and discos in the big cities. The bars and cafes of the provincial towns are just as popular with night owls. There is always something going on, especially in student cities like Utrecht, Tilburg or Groningen, but Eindhoven is also known for its lively nightlife.
In all larger cities there are cinemas, theaters and theaters, in which a varied stage program is offered. The Grand Theater in the city center of Groningen, for example, is known, where daring theater productions and appearances often take place. In the Stadsschouwburg in Amsterdam, which was only reopened in 2008 after extensive modernization, English-language plays are also performed, while the famous World Christmas Circus with its breathtaking program can be seen every year in the Royal Theater Carré on the Amstel.
The coffee shops, which can be found in many cities, are a specialty: even if smoking tobacco is prohibited in public in the Netherlands, pure marijuana can still be smoked in coffee shops.
A must for all night owls is a visit to Amsterdam: the city is a metropolis with a lively nightlife and some of the best jazz clubs in Europe. There are numerous bars, pubs, discos and nightclubs, most of which are located around the Leidse and Rembrandtplein. But Rotterdam also has a spectacular nightlife to offer. In the Oude Haven, students cavort in the numerous pubs, but there are also many restaurants around the Veerhaven. There are several discos at the Stadhuisplein.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
The offer ranges from luxury hotels in the big cities to youth hostels and modern motels on the highways. The Dutch Booking Center (NRC) can make reservations anywhere in the country. The Dutch Tourist Office publishes a hotel guide (with hotel and motel classification), a directory of group accommodations, a list of bungalows and an information brochure for campers. Hotel classification: Hotels are divided into the Hotelstars Union star categories from one to five stars.
Camping
There are around 2500 registered tent sites. Advance booking is recommended if possible (only for around 500 seats). Camping (including in caravans) is prohibited outside of the designated spaces. The prices for parking spaces are high, after the first night less is charged. The Tourist Office publishes a list of all campsites. Hikers’ cabins for up to four people are also available on some sites.
Other accommodation options
There are over 50 youth hostels (no age limit). Information from the Youth Hostel Association, Stiching Nederlandse Jeugdherberg Centrale (NJHC), Postbus 5030, NL-2900 EA Capelle aan der Ijessel (Tel: (010) 264 60 64. Internet: www.stayokay.com).