Europe
Netherlands
Compact, flat and very English-friendly: trains or bikes link cities in an hour or two. Housing is scarce and expensive and Amsterdam is crowded; Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague feel calmer.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level84%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableExcellent tap water everywhere; free refill points at many stations and city squares.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityAmong the world's most accepting; Amsterdam Pride's canal parade is in early August.Details
- Internet226 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 158 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for visitors; an IDP is advised with non-EU licences, especially in non-Latin scripts.
- Digital nomad visaYesSelf-employed permit (DAFT for US and Japanese citizens)Details
Where to go in Netherlands
8 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmsterdamCapital city | 4/5 | $3,830–5,400 | Apr–Jun, Sep | 5/100 |
| RotterdamCity | 4/5 | $3,150–4,390 | May–Sep | 11/100 |
| UtrechtCity | 4/5 | $3,150–4,390 | May–Sep | 12/100 |
| The HagueCity | 4/5 | $3,150–4,390 | May–Sep | 11/100 |
| HaarlemCity | 5/5 | $3,150–4,390 | May–Sep | 17/100 |
| MaastrichtCity | 4/5 | $2,700–3,830 | Apr–Jun, Sep | 23/100 |
| EindhovenCity | 4/5 | $2,930–4,050 | May–Sep | 15/100 |
| GroningenCity | 5/5 | $2,250–3,260 | May–Sep | 41/100 |
When to visit Netherlands
Mid-April to May for tulips and spring light; June–September for the mildest weather and terraces. Winters are grey, windy and wet.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across the whole area; days spent in other Schengen countries count.
- The EU Entry/Exit System is live: non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a face photo at first entry, so expect longer queues.
- ETIAS (a €20 online pre-travel authorisation) is not required yet; its start has been delayed, so check before travel.
- Staying over four months? Register with your municipality (BRP) to get a citizen service number (BSN).
Laws visitors break by accident
- Everyone 14 and over must be able to show ID to police on request.
- Smoking cannabis on the streets of Amsterdam's Red Light District is banned.
- Cycling after dark without lights earns a fine.
Etiquette
- Directness is normal, not rude
- Splitting the bill is standard
- Never walk or stand in red bike lanes
- Social plans are made ahead; drop-ins are rare
Tipping
Service is included; rounding up or 5–10% for good service is appreciated, not expected.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- IND: residence permit for self-employed person
- Netherlands Worldwide: visas
- NS Dutch Railways
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- Speedtest Global Index: Netherlands
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.