Know before you go : The Netherlands Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to The Netherlands, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

The Netherlands is a country located in Western Europe. It shares borders with Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest.

The capital is Amsterdam, which is also the largest city in the country. Amsterdam is situated in the western part of the Netherlands, along the Amstel River and a network of canals.

Known for its windmills, tulip fields, countless museums and historic cities, the Netherlands offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions.

As of 2025, the Netherlands covers approximately 41,500 km² and has a population of around 17.5 million people.

The best time to visit Amsterdam is in April/May when the tulips are in bloom and the weather is mild with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.

If you want to experience Amsterdam with fewer crowds, consider visiting in September or October. The weather remains pleasant, and the days are still long enough to fully enjoy the city.

Either way, rain and gray weather are common in Amsterdam, so it’s a good idea to plan for indoor activities like visiting museums or historic landmarks.

The currency in The Netherlands is the Euro (€).

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, but I recommend withdrawing money just in case, for local markets for example. For cash withdrawals, it’s best to use Geldmaat ATMs to avoid bigger fees.

Amsterdam is quite expensive compared to other European capitals. A meal at a casual restaurant costs around €20-30 per person, while dining at traditional Dutch cafés or smaller eateries can be more affordable.

Plan to spend also a fair amount of money if you want to visit museums and historical sites. The entrance fees range from €10 to €25, with major museums like the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum costing around €20-25.

For accommodation, expect to pay between €150 and €200 per night for a mid-range hotel or a cozy Airbnb for two people, though prices can be higher in peak tourist seasons.

Clothing: Even in summer, don’t forget to pack a jacket and a sweater for cooler evenings in Amsterdam. The weather can change quickly, so layers, layers, layers ! In winter, temperatures can be really cold, so bring thermal layers, gloves, warm socks, and a waterproof coat. Of course, comfortable sneakers are essential to explore the city. Also, if you plan to experience the city like a local and rent a bike, bring gloves (even in spring or autumn) to protect against windchill. A small backpack will also come in handy to carry your stuff while biking.

Rain Gear: Amsterdam is known for its unpredictable weather, with frequent rain showers year-round. So don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket, a little umbrella, and water-resistant shoes.

Adapter: The Netherlands uses Type C and F power outlets, like most European countries. Travelers from outside Europe will need a plug adapter. A power bank is also handy for keeping your devices charged during a long day of exploration !

There’s a lot to bring back from Amsterdam!

Traditional Items: For traditional Dutch souvenirs you can bring back a Van Gogh or Rembrandt print from the museum since Amsterdam is home to world-class museums. Delftware (blue and white pottery), wooden clogs, and iconic tulip bulbs are also typical souvenirs. For food related items, you can find Dutch cheese sets or stroopwafel tins.

Food & Drinks: If you are on the savoury team, bring back some famous Dutch cheese like Gouda or Edam. For the sweet team, you can buy Stroopwafels (thin waffles filled with caramel syrup), unique spreads like a jar of Dutch speculoos or chocolate sprinkles (hagelslag). For drinks, you can bring back Dutch gin (jenever).

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but English is widely spoken, especially in Amsterdam and other major cities.

Here are a few Dutch phrases that might come in handy:

Hello: Hallo [HAH-lo]

Thank you: Dank u [DANK oo]

You’re welcome: Graag gedaan [HRAKH ghe-DAHN]

I (don’t) understand: Ik begrijp het (niet) [IK buh-GRAYP huht (NEET)]

Sorry: Sorry

My name is…: Mijn naam is… [MINE nahm is…]

Yes / No: Ja / Nee [YAH / NAY]

If you’re traveling to Slovenia from Europe, most mobile plans include internet and calls without additional charges due to EU roaming agreements.

However, if you need a local SIM card, providers like KPN or Vodafone offer affordable options, starting at around 10-20€ in airports and train stations, and convenience stores.

If you are only visiting Amsterdam, you absolutely don’t need a car : the city has excellent public transportation, with day passes and multi-day cards available for unlimited travel at a more interesting rate (a single tram or bus ticket costs around €3-4).

With that said, the capital is not that huge and is it enjoyable to walk in the city. But Amsterdam being known as the biking capital of the world, renting a bike for a day or more is a great way to explore the city.

However, if you plan to explore other places such as Keukenhof or the Dutch countryside, you might consider renting a car. Don’t forget to check the rental conditions, as most agencies require a credit card and a valid driver’s license (some may ask for an International Driving Permit if you’re from outside the EU).

There’s a lot of things to see in The Netherlands ! You can spend a few days visiting Amsterdam, discover the stunning tulip fields, or explore the countryside villages …You won’t be bored a second !

Here’s a list of the best things to do in The Netherlands :

That’s it for my Netherlands travel tips !

I have also made a detailed post about the ultimate Two days itinerary in The Netherlands, and another one about the best day trips from Amsterdam.