Idealistic and industrious, cosmopolitan and tolerant, it’s a country whose cities continue to set the world pace for all things innovative. In classic Dutch liberal-mindedness, Amsterdam’s colourful cafe culture exists right alongside The Hague’s International Criminal Court, while psychedelic poppy plantations, glistening lakes and the occasional windmill still adorn the countryside. Distinguished, distinctive and a damn good fun holiday destination, The Netherlands is about as impressive and irrepressible as countries come – all the more so given that it was practically built on a swamp.
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Tipping is done on a voluntary basis in The Netherlands and is generally left up to the discretion of the customer. If the service in a cafe or restaurant is good, feel free to leave spare change or round up the bill.
Internet access is excellent in The Netherlands - internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots are easily found in most cities and major towns.
Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in The Netherlands. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone while on holidays.
Western-style, flushable toilets are the standard in The Netherlands.
Cup of coffee in a cafe = 2.5 Euro
Beer in a bar or restaurant = 4 Euro
Basic, takeaway lunch = 6 Euro
Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant = 15 Euro
The Netherlands has some of the best 'tap water' in the world. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.
Major credit cards are accepted by most large shops and hotels in The Netherlands. Smaller vendors may not accept credit cards, so carry enough cash to cover small purchases.
ATMs are commonly found in Dutch cities and urban areas. Remote regions will have less ATM availability, so prepare accordingly before travelling away from cities.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in The Netherlands go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/netherlands/public-holidays
Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.
In Netherland, we stay in locally run accommodation including guesthouses, smaller-scale hotels and homestays in an effort to support the local economies. We also visit locally-run restaurants and markets where travellers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.
