Passport & visa information
You need a valid travel document to enter the Netherlands. This can be a passport (depending on your nationality with a visa) or an ID card (if you are traveling within Europe). Do you have the nationality of a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland? Then your passport may not be older than 10 years. And your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen area. It is recommended to bring a photocopy of your passport (the page with personal data).
For many countries in the world a visa for the Netherlands is not required. Please check this in your country of residence.
Insurance
When booking a vacation, you assume that your time away will be carefree and generally that is the case. However, to cover damage to your luggage or health care expenses, you need to have a travel insurance. Please make sure that your insurance is valid for this part of the world and check coverage. There may be circumstances that cause cancellation of your vacation or a later departure or earlier return. You can take out additional insurance to cover the cost of cancellation in case of a personal emergency (e.g., cancellation costs of air ticket/ accommodations, etc.). We leave this choice to you, but can only recommend to take out this insurance. Traveler agreed by registration that the organizer cannot be held responsible for any damages or personal injuries during the tour.
Money matters
The currency in The Netherlands is Euro (€). There are ATM machines in all cities which accept (debit) bank cards with Cirrus, Maestro or Visa logo. Foreign currencies can be exchanged. Hotels, most shops in Amsterdam or major businesses will accept credit card payments. To withdraw cash with your credit card is expensive and therefore it is not recommended to cash small amounts
Customs
Here you can find which items are allowed to bring into The Netherlands.
Safety
Do not bring valuable items (such as jewelry) and bring a money belt if you plan to carry cash. Most hotels don't have a safety deposit box. To store things in a suitcase which can be locked has proved to function well in the past years. Violent street crime is almost unheard of in the regions where we travel. Nevertheless we recommend that you watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas or markets. Being on the street at night is not a problem, and that goes for both women and men.
Time zone
The Netherlands is in the Central European Time (CET) zone.
Telephone & internet
Country code of The Netherlands +31. Purchasing a local sim card can be an option. It is inexpensive and you need to bring your passport upon purchase. Most restaurants and cafeteria have free Wi-Fi.
Language
Besides Dutch many people speak English.
Health care
Bring all the prescription drugs you believe you will need. Bring enough for the entire stay and leave them in their original marked containers or blister package. Take some basic medication such as ibuprofen, Tylenol or aspirin and anti-diarrhea medication such as Imodium. These will be available at drugstores as well. Medical care is of good quality.
Food & drinks
Drinking water is of good quality and drinking tap water is common. Food is excellent and salads are safe to eat.
Expenses for food/drinks
Meals are included in the tour package as indicated in the tour program. There are several restaurants and supermarkets close to the hotel in Weesp. Drinks are not included in the package. Prices vary between € 3-4 for a glass of beer to € 4,50 - € 7,00 for a glass of wine. Water is not standard and is usually charged. Menus in restaurants show the price including the service fee. Tipping is no obligation, but is always appreciated if you are pleased with the service (around 10%).
Electricity
Standard voltage is 220 volts. USA appliances designed for 110 volts require a voltage converter. Electric outlets use European/Dutch style plugs with two round pins. North American participants should bring a converter.
Weather
The Netherlands has a sea climate: that means that in some days you can experience 3 seasons in one day. Do bring an umbrella for occasional rain showers and water resistant shoes.
Clothing
In The Netherlands people dress more casual. Make sure to be prepared for cooler weather during a rain shower. It is best to bring layers of clothes to tackle this situation. There are no special requirements in clothing if you visit religious sites.
Practical items
It is recommended to bring sun screen. Bring enough lens cleaning solution for your entire visit and maybe a spare set of eyeglasses. If you are prone to car sickness, please bring medication for it. It will not always be possible to claim seats in the front of the bus. In almost every city pharmacies and bigger supermarkets carry these items.
Transportation
During our tour, we will travel in an air-conditioned bus. We avoid long hours on the bus and in a small country as The Netherlands that is not difficult.
The Netherlands has excellent public transportation and you will be provided with a card to cover this. The easiest choice for tourists might seem to use taxis in your spare time, but they are costly. Taxis do have meters . I tmight be cheaper to use the Uber aap. Uber taxis are present in almost every big city.
Religion
The northern part of The Netherlands is mostly protestant and the south catholic. Only 14% of the population attends religious services.
Hiking
Our hikes are aimed at people with a good physical condition and can walk without restrictions. You will require comfortable walking shoes, because some sightseeing spots can be reached after a short walk on foot.