Time
The Netherlands uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Language
Dutch, but English is widely spoken and understood.
Travel documents
The Netherlands is a member of the European Union. UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car and caravan (or integral in the registration plate)
Caravans
Documentation from the country of registration is required for trailers and caravans. Permitted dimensions: 4 metres high, 2.5 metres wide, 8 metres long, including car 18 metres. Caravans over 750 kg (laden) must be fitted with brakes and have a separate number plate and registration number.
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into the Netherlands if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm.
Currency
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 = €1.48. Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in the Netherlands. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. Cheques of any sort (except travellers cheques) are no longer accepted. Banks are open Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 and on Mondays from 13:00 to 16:00. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. You can make use of the Travelex (GWK) banks at stations which are mostly open during the evening and at weekends.
Customs regulations
For travel between EU countries you are permitted to take as much luggage ‘as you would reasonably need for personal use’. You may be required to prove that your possessions are personal and not for commercial use. Borders between EU and non-EU countries are more strictly controlled. There are restrictions on the amount of tax-free goods you may import from non-EU countries. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ .
Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in The Netherlands (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/
Post
Opening times vary. In general post offices are open Monday to Friday from 08:00/09.00 to 17:00/18:00. Most offices open on Saturday mornings and sometimes on one evening.
Shops
In general open Mondays from 13:00 to 18:00, department stores are open from 11:00. From Tuesday to Friday shops are open from 09:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays usually until 17:00. In smaller towns especially, some shops close at lunchtimes. Nearly every town has late night shopping on Thursday or Friday when shops stay open till 21:00. Shops in Rotterdam and The Hague are open on Sundays from 12:00 till 17:00 and in Amsterdam from 12:00 to 19:00. Many supermarkets are open till 20:00 and some till 22:00, larger supermarkets are open on Saturdays until 20:00.
Museums
Museums are genereis open from 10:00 to 17:00. Actual opening times are available from the local Tourist Office (VVV)
Tourist Information Offices
These are easily recognised by a blue triangle sign with the letters VVV in white. Here you will find plenty of information about the town, the area, sightseeing, opening times etc. The offices are genereis open from 09:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00. Some offices also open on Sundays in the high season. You are advised to call a particular VVV office in advance to enquire about their opening times.
Chemists
Most chemists are open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:30. Evening and weekend service on a rota basis.
Public holidays
- New Year’s Day
- 21 March (Good Friday)
- 24 March (Easter Monday)
- 30 April (Queen’s Birthday)
- 1 May (Ascension Day)
- 5 May (Liberation Day)
- 12 May (Whit Monday)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Road network
Remember, all traffic in The Netherlands drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. The Netherlands uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). The Netherlands has an excellent road system. Even the most minor roads are in good condition Motorways connecting with other countries have a green E number. All motorways have a red A number. Other roads have the letter N.
Traffic regulations
Speed limits where not otherwise indicated:
- roads in built-up areas 50 km/h (± 30 mph)
- motorways 120 km/h (± 75 mph) but 100 km/h (± 60 mph) where indicated
- main roads outside built-up areas 80 km/h (± 50 mph).
With a trailer 80 km/h (± 50 mph). The Netherlands is currently working on a new system in which the maximum speed limit is shown by lines on the road. It is not fully in use but you may encounter the following lines: 100 km roads have two white lines in the middle of the road with green between them and continuous lines on the side of the road. There is no slow traffic and you are not allowed to overtake. On 80 km roads there are two white lines in the middle, without the green, but with broken lines on the roadside. No (motor) bikes may use this road but agricultural vehicles can. 60 km roads have broken lines at the roadside but no line in the middle. Expect to find slow traffic on these roads which you are allowed to overtake. Where there is a line in the middle of the road overtaking is not permitted . Use of seat belts is mandatory, also in the back. Maximum alcohol level is 0.05% and 0.02% for drivers who have held a driving licence for fewer than five years. If suspected of driving under the influence you will be required to give a blood sample. The use of mobile phones in cars is prohibited unless using a handsfree kit or headphones
In the event of breakdown
The ANWB motoring organisation patrols all roads (except the Wadden Islands) from 07:00 to 24:00. For breakdown or other motoring problems on motorways day and night, emergency telephones are situated at frequent intervals. Members of UK motoring organisations can use the services of the sister organisations in the Netherlands subject to their membership conditions, by calling (free) ANWB (0800-0888) or Route Mobiel (0800-0504).
Camping outside recognised sites is prohibited. Many Dutch camp sites have a so-called family rate for 4, 5 or more people including electricity. This means that 2 people often pay the same rate as an entire family.
Classification system in the Netherlands
In the past camp sites in the Netherlands were classified by the number of stars. These stars were based on a classification system that came into existence by a co-operation between Recron and several other parties, including the ANWB. This co-operation came to an end in 2006. For the time being no new co-operation has been achieved. ACSI has therefore decided not to include any star ratings for camp sites in the Netherlands. The stars that you may see in advertisements have been supplied by the camp sites themselves and ACSI cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
Royal Netherlands Embassy/Consulate
38 Hyde Park Gate
London SW7 5DP
Tel: 020 7590 3200
e-mail:london@netherlands-embassy.org.uk
internet: http://www.netherlands-embassy.org.uk/
Netherlands Board of Tourism
PO Box 30783
London WC2B 6DH
Tel: 0906 871 7777
Fax: 020 7828 7941
e-mail: information@nbt.org.uk
internet: www.holland.com/uk