Netherlands

Travel tips for Netherlands: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards work almost everywhere. With many Dutch businesses now refusing cash entirely and the old Maestro-only system phased out, travelers can rely universally on standard Visa, Mastercard, or mobile wallets for all daily purchases, including tapping in and out of public transit.

Try the food

  • Stroopwafel: Two thin, crispy waffle cookies joined by a sweet, chewy layer of caramel syrup.
  • Bitterballen: Deep-fried, crispy, bite-sized meatballs filled with a savory beef or veal ragout, typically dipped in mustard.
  • Raw Herring (Hollandse Nieuwe): Lightly brined raw herring fish, traditionally eaten whole by holding the tail, often served with chopped raw onions and pickles.

Say it in Dutch

  • Hello: Hallo
  • Thank you: Dank u wel
  • Please: Alstublieft
  • Excuse me: Pardon
  • How much is this?: Hoeveel kost dit?
  • The bill please: De rekening alstublieft
  • Yes / No: Ja / Nee
  • Goodbye: Tot ziens

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type F
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Safe to drink
Emergency
112 (all services)
SIM tip
Pick up a prepaid SIM card from KPN, Vodafone, or Odido at Schiphol Airport or city center shops, or install an eSIM like Airalo before your trip for immediate data access.

Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory as service charges are included by law, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service in restaurants is customary and appreciated.

Airports in Netherlands