The Netherlands
The Netherlands: fiercely independent, open-minded and full of pleasant surprises. Visit our amazing country and discover all the wonderful things it has to offer. Admire the groundbreaking architecture in our green cities, follow in the footsteps of the Dutch Masters or unwind in one of our many beautiful nature reserves. You’re cordially invited to immerse yourself in Dutch culture and truly feel like a local.
Practical information
All major credit cards are accepted widely, but not everywhere. If in doubt, ask in advance. Cash-on-card services are available from selected American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa Card addresses. These cards are also accepted by all GWK currency exchange outlets and Change Express Offices.
Holland is one of the euro countries. Even though all of these countries issue their own euro coins, all coins and notes are legal tender in all euro countries. There are eight coins (€ 0.01, € 0.02, € 0.05, € 0.10, € 0.20, € 0.50, € 1 and € 2) and seven notes (€ 5, € 10, € 20, € 50, € 100, € 200 and € 500). Very few shops, restaurants, etc., accept the € 500 note. Small shops and supermarkets do not accept the € 200 and € 100 notes either. When you pay in cash, the amount is rounded off to the nearest € 0.05.
The voltage on outlets in Holland is 230 volts. Hotels may also have a 110-volt or 120-volt outlet for shavers. Travellers are advised to bring along a power converter and an adapter for round two-prong plugs with side grounding contacts.
Emergency services (police, fire services and ambulance): 112, Police (non-emergencies): 0900 – 8844
The official language is Dutch. The population of the province of Friesland has a choice between Dutch and Frisian, the only officially recognized regional language. 90% of Dutch population speaks English, many also speak German and French.
Most shops are opened every day from around 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. On Sunday and Monday mornings, shops often don’t open until around noon. Most towns and cities have a shopping night when shops are opened until 9 p.m. This is usually on a Thursday. Supermarkets are open daily en mostly also in the evening.
Zoute haring (salt herring), eaten raw, purchased at the local market. Grab it by the tail and drop it in your mouth. To be eaten with chopped raw onions.
Kroket (Croquette). A stew in a bread crumb crust and then deep-fried, usually eaten with mustard.
Snert/Erwtensoep (Pea soup). Traditionally served with a very dark rye bread and bacon.
Stroopwafels (syrup waffels). A type of cookie that can be purchased at any supermarket but best eaten warm from a market stall.
Drop (licorice). Candy! Avaialable in many different flavors and shapes. Try both the zoete (sweet) and zoute (salty).
Poffertjes (miniature pancakes). Traditionally served with butter and icing sugar.
Stamppot (Meshed pot). A potato and vegetable mash, to be had as dinner with a rookworst (smoked sausage), bacon or some stew. Typically served in the winter in rustic venues or cafes.
Hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles): Children in the Netherlands are among the happiest in the world according to UNICEF, and I totally understand, because do you know what they eat for breakfast? Chocolate sprinkles!
To travel to Groningen, you can purchase a single-use chip card (serving as your train ticket) at the ticket counter or from the yellow and blue ticket-vending machines located in the luggage claim hall and at every entrance to the train terminal. These machines accept Credit Cards or Debit Cards with the Maestro logo. Alternatively, you can buy your ticket online and print it yourself, allowing for a hassle-free experience. Ensure you check in and out if using a single-use chip card or OV-chipkaart by holding it against the NS card reader at the gates or free-standing posts. It is advisable to buy a first-class ticket, granting access to cars with a blue stripe on the side, known for offering more space, fewer crowds, and often free wireless Internet and 220V AC outlets.
Good Morning = Goedemorgen
Good Day = Goedemiddag
Good Evening = Goedenavond
Hi / ByeHoi = Hallo / Daag / Doei
Goodbye = Tot ziens
Please = Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft
Thank you = Dank u wel / Dank je wel
You're welcome (don't mention it) = Graag gedaan
Yes / No = Ja / Nee
How are you? = Hoe gaat het?
What's your name? = Hoe heet je?
My name is (I'm called)... = Ik heet...
Nice to meet you. = Aangenaam (kennis te maken)
Where are you from? = Waar kom je vandaan?
I am from the Netherlands. = Ik kom uit Nederland.
Do you speak English? = Spreek je Engels?
I (don't) understand. = Ik begrijp het (niet).
I'd like... = Ik wil graag...
Cheers! = Proost!
Have fun! = Veel plezier!
Good luck! = Veel succes!
The tap water in Holland is of excellent quality and you can drink from any tap, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Bottled water is available at all supermarkets, snack bars and kiosks etc.