(Last updated: 23 Mar 2011)

Visas

Australian nationals do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands for less than three months. Unless you are a Dutch or European Union national you must have a work permit and a valid residence permit to work in the Netherlands. There are Dutch Foreign Missions that can assist you with any questions you may have regarding visas and immigration.

Climate

The weather in the Netherlands is very changeable. The warmest month is July with an average of 18ºC, and the coldest is January with a 2ºC average. Generally, the climate is considered temperate, with cool summers and wet and windy winters. The country is subject to some unpredictable weather patterns, heavily influenced by the sea, and rain and strong winds are common all year.

For weather details in the Netherlands, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

The arrival hall at Schiphol Airport is directly linked to the train system with services linked across Netherlands and Belgium. Train journey times from Schiphol to:

• Amsterdam Central Station – 15 minutes
• The Hague – 30 minutes
• Rotterdam – 50 minutes

Ground transport

Public transport in the Netherlands is the preferred mode of ground transport.

Train, tram and bus services are comprehensive and inexpensive. Taxis are expensive but are kept to a high standard.

All of the major car hire companies have offices at Schiphol Airport and in major centres around the Netherlands.

Hotels

The Netherlands is a popular destination for conferences and exhibitions, so it is worth booking hotel accommodation well in advance. There is a wide range of accommodation across the Netherlands, such as international hotel chains, luxury hotels and local pensions.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to the Netherlands. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

No special precautions are necessary, as there is a reciprocal health agreement between Australia and the Netherlands for basic care. However, it is recommended you have private travel insurance with health cover.

Tipping

Service charges of 15 per cent are added as standard to most hotel and restaurant bills, although a tip of five to 10 per cent in addition is expected in the top restaurants. Where service is not added, it is usual to leave a tip of 15 per cent. Taxis will expect a 10 per cent tip, but other tipping is discretionary.

Time zones and time differences

The Netherlands is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Amsterdam, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

The Netherlands's country code is 31.

For calls to the Netherlands from Australia dial: 0011 + 31 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from the Netherlands to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Usual business hours are from 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Banks and government offices are open between 9.00am-4.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Most shops are open between 9.00am-5.00pm, Monday to Saturday. Late night trading on Thursdays is common, and many shops are starting to open on Sundays, especially in cities.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
April 30 – Queen's Day
May 5 – National Liberation Day
December 25-26 – Christmas

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Netherlands is part of the common European currency, and in January 2002 converted from the local currency to the Euro (€). The Euro is now the official currency for all transactions.

One Euro is made up of 100 cents. Euro notes are common to all Euro zone countries (eg. Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain), while the coins are customised with the national symbol. Both Euro notes and coins can be spent in any Euro zone country.

Electricity and water

The Netherlands’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The European round two-pin plugs are the most common.

Dining

Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Maastricht have a wide range of restaurants. A lot of different types of restaurants can be found, from places all over the world.