NETHERLANDS

 

The Netherlands (sometimes referred to as Holland) is a peaceful, lovely country known for its tulip fields, wooden shoes, windmills, and canals. Not only are the Dutch the tallest people in the world but I, personally, find them to be the nicest and friendliest, too. They are always smiling and laughing! The capital, Amsterdam, is one of the most iconic cities in all of Europe; you cannot visit the Netherlands without spending at least a few days there!

  • Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:

  • Currency:

    • The official currency of Holland is the Euro (EUR) (€)

      • $1 USD = €0.85

  • Pricing for Leisure Travelers:

    • Average Hotel Expenses = €91-€104/Night ($110-$125 USD/Night)

    • Average Food/Drink Expenses = €25-€38/Day ($30-$45 USD/Day)

  • Pricing for Backpackers:

    • Average Hostel Expenses = €17-€25/Night ($20-$30 USD/Night)

    • Average Food/Drink Expenses = €12-€21/Day ($15-$25 USD/Day)

  • Communication:

    • Dutch is the primary language spoken by locals in the Netherlands, but most everyone will speak English as well. German is spoken by the majority of the country’s residents, too!

  • Transportation:

    • Bus: There are local buses you can take throughout Holland that are very efficient and easy to navigate. Especially since the country is so small, I highly recommend this method of travel. To get in and out of the country, buses will likely be your best bet, too. Purchase both domestic and international tickets via FlixBus.

    • Train: Trains are more comfortable and efficient than buses but they are also more expensive. When purchasing tickets, book through Holland’s national railway service, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). Also known as Dutch Railways, they have many domestic and international trains running in and out of Amsterdam daily.

    • Airplane: The country’s flag carrier, KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines), has plenty of cheap flights in and out of Amsterdam every day. Behind only Heathrow in London and Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Schiphol Airport (AMS) in Amsterdam is the third busiest airport in Europe.

    • Taxi/Uber: Since there are not many cars in Amsterdam, I would not count on taxis or Ubers. I would hire a bike instead!

  • Miscellaneous:

    • There are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands. Be diligent when crossing streets as cyclists always have the right of way!

    • Amsterdam is famous for its coffee shops in which you can purchase soft drugs, such as marijuana, salvia, and magic truffles. That said, get familiar with all of the laws before partaking! That goes for prostitution in the Red Light District as well.

 

AMSTERDAM