General Facts about Holland
Phone Code: The Netherlands' country code is 31; the city code for Amsterdam is 020, Haarlem is 023, Rotterdam is 010 and for The Hague it's 070. Omit the zero if calling from abroad. To place an outgoing international call, dial 00, followed by the relevant country code and number. Emergencies: Throughout the country, the number to dial for all police, fire, and medical emergencies is 112.
Time Zone: The Netherlands is on central European time. This means Amsterdam operates on the same time as Madrid, Paris, and Munich, and is also 6 hours ahead of Toronto and New York, 11 hours behind Auckland, and 8 hours behind Kyoto. Daylight saving time is in effect from late March to late September, during which time the clocks are advanced 1 hour.
Business hours: Shops: Mon-Fri 8:30-9:00 am - 5:30-6:00 pm, Sat 8:30-9:00 - 4:00-5:00 pm. Most cities have late-night shopping on Thursdays or Fridays. In holiday and tourist resorts many shops are open at night and on Sundays. Banks: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 4:00/5:00pm; sometimes also on late night shopping nights and on Saturdays.
Post offices: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm, bigger ones also Sat 9:00am - 12:00 noon/12:30pm. Chemists: Mon-Fri 8:00/9:00am - 5:30/6:00pm. Chemists are open on a rotation schedule to cover nights and weekends. Restaurants: opening hours vary, but usually open for lunch from 11:00am - 2:30/3:00pm and for dinner from 5:30-10:00/11:00pm.
Holidays: Public holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Good Friday and Easter Monday (March or April; dates vary), Queen's Day (30 April), National Liberation Day (5 May), Ascension Day (May or June; date varies), Whit Monday (May or June; date varies), and Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25 and 26 December).
Weather: The temperate maritime climate common to much of northern and Western Europe is shared by the Netherlands. The average January temperature is 2° C (36° F), and the mean July temperature is 17° C (63° F), but it can be very hot in July and August as well!
The average annual precipitation for the country is about 76 centimetres (30 inches). Cloudless days are uncommon, as is prolonged frost. Because the Netherlands has few natural barriers, such as high mountains, the climate varies little from region to region.
Money / Euro: As of 1 January 2002, euro bank notes and coins are the official currency.
Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted widely, but not everywhere. If in doubt, ask in advance. Cash-on-card services are available from selected American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa Card addresses.
All GWK currency exchange outlets and Change Express Offices also accept these cards. Tipping: Value added tax and service charges are included in hotel, restaurant, shopping bills and taxi fares. Tips for extra service are always appreciated but not necessary. It is customary to give taxi drivers a tip of about 10%.
Electricity: The voltage in Holland is 220 volts. Hotels may have a 110-volt or 120-volt outlet for shavers, but travellers are advised to bring a power converter and an adapter for two-prong, round-prong plugs.
Languages: Dutch is the national language of Holland. However, English is spoken by almost everyone. In addition, many Dutch people speak German and French.
Religion: Freedom of religion and religious beliefs is a fundamental right in Holland. This means that people are free to worship as they choose, either individually or in groups, provided they remain within the boundaries imposed by the law and respect others (for example with regard to noise levels, health hazards and disturbances of the peace).
Measurements: The Netherlands uses the metric system.
Driving: Traffic drives on the right and yields to the right. In order to drive in the Netherlands, you'll need a valid driver's licence from your home country, or an international driving permit (available from automobile clubs in one's home country). Drivers need to be at least 18 years old.
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