Netherlands
Last checked:
- Capital
- Amsterdam
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Dutch
- Plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum · Amsterdam
Rembrandt, Vermeer and the largest Van Gogh collection; book timed tickets.
- Anne Frank House · Amsterdam
The hiding place of Anne Frank; tickets are only sold online and release weeks ahead.
- Amsterdam canal ring · Amsterdam
UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals best seen on foot or by small boat.
- Keukenhof · Lisse
Huge spring flower garden, open roughly mid-March to mid-May.
- Kinderdijk windmills · near Rotterdam
Nineteen historic windmills along the polder canals, plus modern Rotterdam nearby.
Getting around
Public transport
OVpay (contactless)
Tap a contactless bank card or phone to check in and check out on trains, trams, metros and buses nationwide. Always check out, or you pay a high default fare.
Trains
NS / 9292 apps
NS runs the national rail network (frequent trains from Schiphol to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht). The 9292 app plans door-to-door trips across all operators.
Public transport
GVB (Amsterdam)
Amsterdam trams, metro, buses and free city ferries across the IJ. Multi-day GVB tickets can be better value than tapping in for many rides.
Ride-hailing app
Uber / Bolt
Both operate in Amsterdam and other big cities and are usually cheaper than street taxis.
Taxi
Licensed taxis
Legal taxis have blue number plates and a meter. Taxis are expensive; avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you at Schiphol or Amsterdam Centraal.
Bike share
Bike rental
Rent from a shop (about 9-20 EUR per day) and use two locks; Amsterdam has very high bike theft. Follow bike lane rules and use hand signals.
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
The Netherlands is close to cashless: debit cards and phone payments work almost everywhere and some places refuse cash. A few shops and market stalls do not accept foreign credit cards (varies), so a debit card or phone wallet helps. Carry a little cash for small market stalls and tips.
Tipping
Tipping in the Netherlands is optional. Service is included in prices and staff earn a regular wage. Locals round up or leave about 5-10% for good table service; many leave nothing at all.
| Restaurants | Round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Tell the server the total you want to pay if paying by card. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Round up or leave coins for table service; nothing at the bar. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up; not expected. |
| Hotels | About 1-2 EUR per bag; housekeeping tips are rare. |
| Tours and guides | Tip free walking tour guides a few euros per person; canal boat crews optional. |
| Food delivery | Not expected; small tip in the app optional. |
Service charge: what’s true
Service is built into menu prices; a separate service charge is not normal in the Netherlands. Some card terminals show tip options, which are voluntary.
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics. Card terminals with suggested tip percentages are becoming more common; you can choose 'no tip' (geen fooi).
Useful phrases
- Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft? Can I have the bill, please?
- Het is goed zo. Keep the change (it's fine like this).
Etiquette
- Never walk in bike lanes (usually red asphalt); cyclists have right of way and will not stop.
- Do not photograph sex workers in the Red Light District windows; it is banned and can provoke confrontations.
- Cannabis is tolerated only in coffeeshops; do not smoke it in public in central Amsterdam, where it is banned in the Red Light District.
- Dutch people are direct; it is not meant as rude.
- Greet with a handshake; close friends exchange three cheek kisses.
- Arrive on time; punctuality is expected.
Scams and how to handle them
Fake police officers
Where: Amsterdam centre, near Centraal Station
How it works: Fraudsters in plain clothes claim to be investigating fake money or cards and ask for your wallet or PIN.
How to avoid it: Dutch police do not check wallets in the street. Refuse and call 0900 8844 to verify.
Fake street drugs
Where: Amsterdam Red Light District and Dam Square
How it works: Street dealers sell fake or dangerous drugs (including white heroin sold as cocaine, which has killed tourists).
How to avoid it: Never buy drugs on the street.
Illegal taxis
Where: Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam Centraal, nightlife areas
How it works: Unlicensed drivers charge huge fares for short trips.
How to avoid it: Use the official taxi rank (blue plates) or Uber/Bolt.
Distraction theft gangs
Where: Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol trains, trams and restaurants
How it works: One person distracts you while another takes a bag, often from luggage racks or chair backs.
How to avoid it: Keep bags on your lap or between your feet and do not sleep on trains.
Stolen bikes for sale
Where: Amsterdam streets
How it works: People offer cheap bikes on the street; they are stolen and buying them is a crime.
How to avoid it: Rent or buy only from shops.
Safety
- Pickpocketing is common in central Amsterdam, Amsterdam Centraal and on trains and trams to Schiphol.
- Do not hang bags on chair backs in restaurants or leave them unattended in hotel lobbies.
- Avoid quiet, dark alleys late at night, and do not confront drug dealers.
- Watch for cyclists when crossing streets; they often ignore red lights.
- Canals have no barriers; take care at night, especially after drinking.
How widely English is spoken
Excellent. Almost everyone speaks fluent English, including in small towns.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Netherlands, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Amsterdam
- Wikivoyage: Netherlands
- Rick Steves: Tipping in Europe
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.