The Netherlands is a wonderful place to visit. The rich culture and beautiful vast landscapes make it one of the most scenic places in the world. Traveling through the Netherlands is simple. The highly efficient transport system and Dutch hospitality make this one of the more user friendly countries to visit. Some Netherlands practical information is still needed to fully enjoy your visit.

Expenses

The Netherlands is far from the most expensive European destination. That said, it is hardly a place for the shoestring budget. If travelers are very clever they could likely do the Netherlands on 35 euros per day. Keep in mind this means sleeping in hostels and not visiting Amsterdam.

Language

Dutch is the official language spoken in The Netherlands, however, English is widely used. Most Dutch school children start learning English by the age of 5 so don't worry if your knowledge of the Dutch language isn't what it should be.

Currency

In 2002 the Netherlands switched over to the euro. The euro comes in 1 euro coins and notes worth 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. The coins come in 5 cent, 10, 20 and 50.

Visas

Members of the EU and visitors from Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, Korea and Singapore can enter the Netherlands with a valid passport and stay for a maximum of 90 days.

Health

EU citizens can receive emergency care without charge while traveling through the Netherlands. Those from other nations should either check into reciprocating agreements between nations regarding health care or see if their own health insurance covers them while overseas. There are currently no vaccinations required to enter the Netherlands.

Payments

Most major credit and debit cards are accepted in the Netherlands. However some good advice is to take the equivalent to 100 dollars cash with you. The Dutch are not quite as credit mad as the North Americans, meaning there are still a fair number of restaurants, shops and hotels that only accept cash. Ask ahead about credit cards to avoid embarrassment.

Tipping

In the Netherlands, tipping is not essential. Most restaurants will add a surcharge to your bill of 5 percent. If you feel that the wait staff did an outstanding job, rounding up to the nearest euro is always appreciated. Hand any tip directly to the person. Never leave money on the table.