destination information

netherlands
general information
currency

Euros

time difference
1 hour ahead of GMT
bank opening times
Open Mon - Fri 0900 - 1600
public holidays 2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
21-24 Mar Easter.
30 Apr Queen's Day.
5 May Liberation Day.
1 May Ascension.
12 May Whit Monday.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.
driving rules
speed limits
Built-up areas: 50kmh/31mph major roads outside towns: 80kmh/50mph motorways: 100kmh/62 mph.
drink and driving
Blood alcohol limit is 50mg - barely 1 unit of alcohol.
general driving

Drive on the right and overtake on the left.

Seat belts are compulsory in the front and in the rear, if fitted.

It is compulsory to carry an emergency warning triangle.

Driving licence and vehicle documents must be carried at all times.

Use dipped headlights in reduced visibility.

'Blue zone' parking systems operate and discs can be obtained free from police stations. However, parking meters also operate in certain areas.

At intersections, cyclists proceeding straight ahead have priority over all traffic.

Buses have right of way when leaving bus stops in built-up areas and trams have right of way except when crossing a priority road.

tourist office
For the official Dutch tourism website click here
travel tips

The Netherlands, bordering Belgium and Germany are well known for flat and level landscapes, the bulb fields in the west, the lakes of the central and northern area, the coastal dunes, and of course the dikes, canals and windmills.

The best time to go is from mid-may to early October as the Winters are long, damp and cold. The tulip season runs from April to mid-
May. Of course the Netherlands are also famous for painters such as Rembrandt, Jan Vermeer, Frans Hals and Van Gogh.