Dutch is the official language in the Netherlands, but English is spoken as well. In the Friesland province the locals speak Fries and Dutch.
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The euro is the official currency. ATMs are easy to find and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
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The international country code is 31. To call another country from the Netherlands, dial 00 followed by the appropriate country code (0044 for the UK, for instance). Internet cafes are almost everywhere.
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In restaurants and cafes, 5-10 per cent is an acceptable tip. Only tip if the service was good. Taxi drivers should receive a tip of about 5 per cent.
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Most visitors don’t have any trouble in the Netherlands, but it’s always a good idea to avoid walking alone at night and watch out for pickpockets, especially in Amsterdam.
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There's no need for vaccinations for the Netherlands, and there are no specific health risks. The water is safe to drink and the health care is very good. Make sure you have a valid EHIC card and adequate travel insurance.
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The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz (round, two-pinned, European-style plugs).
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