Preparation file

Preparing for Rotterdam

The Netherlands is a small, dense country: distances between cities are short, card payment is everywhere, and the bicycle sits at the center of daily transport. What follows applies across the whole country.

Last updated: 2026-08

Audio summaryA spoken run-through of the intro and section summaries

0:00 / 1:01

Everyday etiquette

All of Netherlands

Tipping is not obligatory; rounding the bill up is considered enough. In cafés you take a seat and wait to be served rather than ordering at the counter.

6 more points open with a free account

The in-depth part of every preparation file opens with a free account: sign in with the code sent to your email — no card, no payment.

Open with a free account

Money and cards

All of Netherlands

The currency is the euro. Card payment is the norm and many places take no cash at all. A small amount of cash is all you need.

6 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

Practical notes

All of Netherlands

Tap water is drinkable. Sockets are type C/F at 230 V, so no adapter is needed. Pharmacies are signed "apotheek".

6 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

In an emergency

This section is open to everyone and needs no membership.

Emergency call: 112One number for police, ambulance and fire. It is the same across Europe, so there is nothing to look up on arrival. English is spoken.
Non-emergency police: 0900 8844For reporting theft and lost property.
Out-of-hours doctor: Hotel reception or 112 will direct youIn the Netherlands you are routed to a GP line first rather than going straight to a hospital.
Lost passport: Your country's missionReport the loss to the police first, then apply to your mission. On a group tour, tell your tour leader immediately.

Checklists

12 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

Phrases worth knowing

8 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account