last edited Dec 11, 2019
Other Practical Information for the Netherlands
Luggage and Equipment to Bring
From June to September, you can pack fairly light clothing for the day and something warmer for the evenings or the sometimes chilly mornings. From November to March, opt for warm clothing, and in between (April-May and October), pack mid-season clothes that still offer good protection. Also useful year-round: something to protect yourself from the rain, which is common at any time of year.
Communications
Phone
International dialing code: (00 +) 31.
Internet
As in the rest of Europe, the internet is well developed, and Wi-Fi is widely available in many hotels, bars, restaurants, and other public places.
Post
Most post offices are open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the larger ones also open on Saturday mornings.
Time Difference
Local time: .
The Netherlands, like its neighbors and France, is on UTC+1 with daylight saving time. There is therefore no time difference with them.
Electricity
230 V (50 Hz) with "French" plugs (officially type F), which will require an adapter for North American plugs.
Opening Hours
In urban areas, most shops open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (supermarkets stay open much later). There is often an extended evening opening until 9:00 PM once a week, which varies from city to city (often Thursday), as does the Sunday opening policy. As for services (post offices, banks, etc.), they are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, and the larger ones also open on Saturday mornings.
Laundromats
Local Tourist Offices
Weights and Measures
The Netherlands uses the metric system, like France.
French Language Use
When it comes to foreign languages, German and English are widely spoken, not just among younger people. French is also spoken to some extent among the population (many Dutch people have some "tourist ties" with France), especially since about 2% of the Netherlands' population is of Moroccan origin.