The official language in the Netherlands is Dutch, but English is commonly spoken as well. In the Friesland province the people speak Fries and Dutch.
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The Netherland’s official currency is the euro. You can exchange currency or traveler’s checks at exchange bureaus, banks or post offices, and major credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted almost everywhere. ATMs are easy to find.
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The Netherlands’ international country code is 31. To call another country from The Netherlands, dial 00 followed by the appropriate country code. Internet cafes are almost everywhere.
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Most hotels, restaurants and taxis include a service charge of 15 percent. You don’t need to tip for good service, but it is appreciated. It’s customary to give 10 percent to taxi drivers and waiters.
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Most visitors don’t have any trouble in Holland, but it’s always a good idea to avoid walking alone at night and watch out for pickpockets, especially in downtown Amsterdam and at Central Station.
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You don’t need any vaccinations before coming to The Netherlands, and there are no specific health risks to be worried about. The water is safe to drink and the health care is very good. Make sure you have health insurance coverage.
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The Netherlands’ electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz and uses round, two-pinned, European-style plugs.
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A New England native but explorer at heart, Melisse has lived in four U.S. cities, spent a summer in Hawaii, made her way through wine-producing regions in Australia and New Zealand, and traveled around Europe while studying abroad in London. She is the Content Manager for the U.S. and Canada at Cheapflights.