Overview

• Language: The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch; however, many regional dialects exist and are may also be spoken throughout the country. The vast majority of people also speak English as a common language.
• Useful phrases: Hello (Hallo), Thank you (Dank u wel).
• Currency: Euro (see current exchange rates here).
• Payment methods: Most restaurants and stores accept major credit cards; however, smaller shops, cafes, or local taxis may only take cash, so I always like to have a few Euros on me just in case. ATMs are common and the easiest way to get cash upon arrival.
• Electric plugs: The Netherlands uses type C or type F electrical outlet plugs. Standard voltage is 230V with a standard frequency of 50Hz. This voltage is common in Europe, but if you are coming from the Americas, you will likely need a converter. Check out my favorite converter and adaptor!
• Measurement systems: Like most of the world, the Netherlands uses the Metric System, measuring distances in kilometers and temperature in Celsius.
• Weather: The Netherlands can often be overcast or rainy (it’s right across the Channel from London, after all). Winter can be cool, with temperatures just dipping below freezing. All of the winter rain makes for some beautiful tulips come springtime! Summer is high tourist season with pleasant temperatures around 65°F.
• Bonus tip: You may have heard the Netherlands referred to as Holland; however, technically, Holland is a region of the Netherlands where Amsterdam resides. In recent years, there has been a push by the Dutch to refer to themselves as the Netherlands in order to highlight that the country has much more to offer than just Amsterdam and the Holland region!

Logistics

• Visa needs: The Netherlands is part of Europe’s Schengen zone, a group of 26 European countries who have abolished internal borders between member-Schengen countries. Upon entry to any Schengen country, most citizens from Western countries will not need a formal visa, and will instead get a transit visa at the airport. These citizens are allowed to stay a maximum of 90 days for every six month period; therefore, you must have at least three months validity left in your passport upon entry. For additional details and a full listing of countries requiring formal visas, click here.
• Getting there: Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport (AMS) is the major international airline hub within the Netherlands.
• Getting around: The Netherlands has very good public transportation, making it easy to get around the country by train, tram, or bus. Of course, bikes are also great options, and you will frequently see more bikes than cars in Dutch cities!
• Driving: Residents of the Netherlands drive on the right side of the road. Visitors from the United States and Europe typically do not require an International Driving Permit to rent a car in the Netherlands.

LGBTQ+ Safety

Overall safety ranking: B+

The Netherlands is often thought of as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, and with good reason! They were the first country to legalize marriage equality, have a socially liberal government that supports many queer initiatives, and a majority of the population supports allowing queer people to live as they wish.

• Are same sex relations illegal? No
• Is same sex marriage legal? Yes
• Are there protections against discrimination? Yes
• Is there the right to change physical gender? Yes

Check out this post for more safety tips for queer travelers!