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