ABOUT NETHERLANDS

Welcome to the Netherlands. A country with picturesque landscapes, iconic windmills and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for new adventures, the Netherlands is the perfect place to explore. 

Entry into the Netherlands

If you are a citizen of a European Union country, you have virtually no worries. The country is part of the Schengen area, so you can travel through it without restrictions, visas and even without a passport - just your country's ID card. 

Currency

In the Netherlands, payment is made in euros. Most merchants now routinely accept all payment cards from the world's key card associations. However, if you plan to rent a car, for example, carry a credit card, not just a regular one. It may not be enough.

There is a very dense network of ATMs in all cities. However, we recommend that you only withdraw money from those operated by banks. If you come across ATMs operated by other operators, such as Euronet, you are likely to be charged a withdrawal fee, which can be up to €10, or 10 per cent of the transaction. 

Electricity

In the Netherlands, 230 V AC with a frequency of 5 Hz is standard, as it is throughout continental Europe. 

Mobile services

EU citizens pay the standard tariff that applies in their home country. But data charges may differ. If you're travelling from outside the EU, it's worth getting a prepaid card, which you can buy at petrol stations or newsagents.

Important telephone numbers

The Dutch international dialling code is +31
Emergency call (police, paramedics and firefighters can be contacted):112

Interesting facts about the Netherlands

After 33 years of ruling the Netherlands, Queen Beatrix abdicated the throne in 2013 and handed it over to her son Prince Willem-Alexander. Her abdication made him the first king in the Netherlands since 1890. Until then, Queen Wilhelmina, Queen Juliana and Queen Beatrix had ruled the kingdom.

Although the Dutch flag is red, white and blue, the national colour is orange, thanks to the monarchy of the House of Orange. As a tribute to their heritage, the Dutch wear orange clothing and their sports teams wear orange jerseys. Interestingly, carrots were originally yellow, white or purple, but Dutch growers developed orange varieties in honour of William of Orange in the 17th century. The bright colour gained popularity and eventually led to the abandonment of the original species.

The Netherlands is the most densely populated country in the EU and has one of the highest population densities in the world. The population density is 508 people per square kilometre. Surprisingly, approximately 92.5% of its population lives in cities.

There are more bikes than people in the Netherlands. The country has over 22 million bicycles and only 17 million inhabitants. The downside of so many bikes is that theft is widespread, especially in Amsterdam, where it is the most common crime. Over 100,000 bicycles are reported stolen in the Netherlands yearly, so be careful where you park your bike.

More than 25% of the Netherlands is below sea level, with the Vaalserberg at 322.5 metres above sea level. In contrast, the Zuidplaspolder, the lowest point in the country, lies 7 metres below sea level. The Dutch use an intricate network of windmills, pumping stations, polders and dykes to effectively manage land drainage and ensure the safety of the population.

The Netherlands boasts more than 1,000 windmills, many of which are open to visitors all year round. Some are used to drain water, and others, such as the Molen de Valk in Leiden, grind grain into flour. These windmills often include museums that allow visitors to explore their interiors and delve into their rich history.

The Dutch town of Aalsmeer is famous for its flower exchange. It is home to the largest flower exchange in the world, where millions of flowers are traded daily. The exchange is located in the second-largest commercial building in the world, with 990 m².

The Netherlands is the second largest beer exporter in the world after Mexico. Dutch brewers export USD 2 billion worth of beer annually. A beer nation must have its pub. That is the Drie Gezusters (Three Sisters) in Groningen, which holds the title of the largest pub on the continent and is a national cultural monument.

The Netherlands is home to world-renowned personalities. Artists Hieronymus Bosch, Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent van Gogh. Mathematician Ludolph van Ceulen refined the calculation of Pi so that it is still called Ludolph's number today. In music, the Dutch have made a name for themselves, especially in the electronic music genre, with Armin van Buuren, Tiësto and DJ Martin Garrix. We must also mention the utomobile racer and Formula 1 World Champion, Max Emiliano Verstappen.