Europe

Backpacking The Netherlands Need To Know

Craig

Last updated February 25, 2020

Basics

Language:

Dutch

Capital:

Amsterdam

Currency:

Euro (EUR)

Minimum Daily Budget:

€25

Dial Code:

International Access Code:

Emergency Services Number:

112

Time Difference:

GMT +1

Entry

The Netherlands is a member of the borderless Schengen Zone, meaning you can freely move to other member states without the need for multiple visa applications and passport controls.

Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone, and can generally stay for as long as they wish.

A vast amount of passport holders from other countries can also enter the Schengen Zone visa-free for up to 90 days including; Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

Citizens of visa-exempt nations need only produce a passport which is valid for the entirety of their stay, but other nationals require a Schengen visa and must have a passport which has at least 3 months’ validity beyond their period of stay.

For official information visit government.nl or your home government travel bureau.

Getting Around

Official Europe wide rail passes can be obtained through Rail Europe

More details are to come in this section, but you can read about general advice regarding Getting Around When You Get There

Accommodation

Netherlands has a wide variety of hostels and you should never have any problem finding one.

The average price of a hostel is €10-25 a night.

All hostels in Netherlands will provide linen and bathroom facilities. Usually there will be cooking and internet facilities as well as common and laundry rooms.

Food And Health

The standard of food safety and hygiene is good, and there are many places to eat out cheaply, if you do not wish to cook.

Water is completely safe to drink from all kitchen taps in Netherlands, unless stated.

Medical facilities are good, but make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

EU and EEA citizens should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving home. The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip.

Other nationalities may also have reciprocal health care agreements, find out from your government travel bureau.

Always contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Visit here for Recommended Vaccinations and read here for more about Travelling Health In General

Weather & Time To Go

The Netherlands has a temperate climate, with warm summers, mild winters and common rainfall; between May and September is the best time to visit.

Communications

Internet and wifi is widespread and accessible in most hostels. Local pay-as-you-go SIM cards for your mobile phone and international calling cards are cheaply available.

Dangers And Considerations

Amsterdam

Thieves, pickpockets and scam artists commonly operate in tourist areas and on public transport networks and stations. Pickpockets often work in gangs, some distracting you while the others go into your bags, so be alert and try not to get distracted around tourist attractions and cash points.

Beware of bogus plain-clothes policemen, who may ask to see your foreign currency or passport. If approached, don’t show or hand over anything, but offer instead to go with them to the nearest police station.

Avoid confrontation with anyone offering you drugs and stay away from quiet or dark alleys – particularly late at night.

Drink spiking is common – buy your own drinks and keep them within sight at all times.

The Netherlands in general

Crime levels are generally low, but take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pick pocketing.

Remember that drugs are prohibited and tolerance exists only for designated premises in the major cities. Possession of prohibited substances or buying them outside these designated areas can carry a prison sentence.

The law requires you to show a valid identity document to police officers and other law enforcement authorities on their request.

Dangers constantly change. Always check with your foreign office (British Foreign Office webpage) or travel advice bureau for the latest information regarding your destinations safety.