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Weather in Netherlands
Netherlands
12°
Moderate rain
Wed
5
12
Thu
3
7
Fri
4
10
Sat
5
9
Sun
3
9
SPF level in Netherlands
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Netherlands
Language in Netherlands
Tipping in Netherlands
Tipping is not obligatory in the Netherlands, as service charges are generally included in the bill. However, it's common to leave a small tip for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service. Rounding up the bill is also common.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (€1-2) is appreciated for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is customary.
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day, left at the end of the stay, is a nice gesture for excellent service.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour is acceptable.
Safety in Netherlands
Tips for British travellers
Netherlands is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common, especially around Amsterdam Central Station and on public transport to the airport.
Be very cautious of anyone claiming to be a plain-clothes police officer who asks you to hand over cash or cards, and call 0900 8844 if you are unsure.
Do not leave your drink unattended due to a risk of spiking, particularly for young women and solo travellers.
Always carry your passport as ID if you are 14 or over, as you could be fined for not showing identification.
Take care when walking beside canals, especially after drinking, as people drown there every year.
Bonus tips:
Be aware that smoking cannabis is only legal in specific cafés, and doing so in public places is illegal.
Watch out for cyclists and mopeds at all times when crossing roads, as they have right of way and often ignore traffic lights.
Driving in Netherlands
A valid UK driving license is accepted in the Netherlands.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h (sometimes 100 km/h or 120 km/h depending on location and time of day)
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Netherlands drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Netherlands
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The Netherlands operates on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Plug Types C and F are used. Visitors from the UK will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
High
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Netherlands
High
Local name
Geldautomaat
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Chip and PIN is generally required for ATM transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU roaming without extra charges no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in the Netherlands. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 25 EUR (~£21)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile
WiFi & internet
High
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces. Many cities also offer free WiFi hotspots.
Health & vaccinations in Netherlands
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in the Netherlands. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC might not cover all costs, including repatriation or private medical care.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for entry into the Netherlands from the UK. The tap water is safe to drink. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and a GHIC/EHIC for healthcare.
Calling Netherlands
Country code
+31
To call the Netherlands from the UK, dial 00 31 followed by the local number (without the leading zero).
To call the British Embassy in The Hague from the UK, you would dial 00 31 70 4270 427.
The country code for the Netherlands is 31. When calling from abroad, the exit code is typically 00. Omit the leading zero of the local number when calling from abroad.
UK Embassy in Netherlands
British Embassy The Hague
Lange Voorhout 10, 2514 ED The Hague, Netherlands
Airports in Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.