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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To travel to the Netherlands from South Africa, you may need a Schengen visa or a long-stay visa (MVV), depending on the length of your stay.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Best Time to Visit: The Netherlands is favourable from late spring to early fall (May to September). During this period, temperatures are warm, days are long with up to 16.5 hours of daylight in summer, and humidity levels are relatively low. Expect occasional moderate rain and potentially crowded tourist spots.
Winter: From October to March, expect shorter days, colder temperatures, and the mercury often dropping below freezing at night. The period is characterized by increased wind and cloud cover, with the northwest experiencing the strongest winds and the northeast being the coldest.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Country: | Netherlands |
Capital City: | Amsterdam |
International Airports: | Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Rotterdam The Hague Airport Groningen Airport Eelde |
Area: | 41,543 km² |
Population: | 18,228,742 (2024 est.) |
Time Zone: | GMT+1 |
Religion: | Over half (55%) of Dutch people aged 15 and over identify as non-religious. Of the remaining 45%: – 20% are Catholic – 14% are Protestant – 5% are Muslim – 6% belong to other religious groups |
Language: | Dutch (official) English is widely spoken |
Currency: | Euro |
Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
Credit Card Payment Availability: | MasterCard and Visa are accepted, but some stores may not accept credit cards. Carrying cash is advisable. |
ATM Accessibility: | ATMs are widely available in towns and cities, particularly near bank branches, shopping centres, and supermarkets. Rural areas may have limited access, so it’s wise to carry cash. |
Dialling Code: | +31 |
TRAVEL TIPS
Electricity: | Standard voltage is 220V (50Hz). |
Water: | Tap water is safe to drink. |
Business Hours: | 08:00 – 17:00/18:00, Monday – Friday |
Banking Hours: | 09:00 – 17:00/17:30, Monday – Friday Major banks and post offices are open on Saturdays. |
Photography Restrictions: | Photography is not allowed of sex workers in the “Red Light” district. Respect their privacy. |
Tipping: | Not compulsory but appreciated, especially for good service. |
Vaccination Requirements: | None required. Be aware of any COVID-related restrictions. |
Dress Code Restrictions: | No formal dress code. Casual attire such as jeans, T-shirts, and comfortable, but attractive shoes are appropriate. |
Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Bike Paths: Avoid walking in bike lanes. – Gifting: Bring a gift, such as flowers (preferably an odd number, not thirteen), a book, quality chocolates, or a potted plant when visiting a Dutch home. – Greetings: Shake hands upon meeting and departing with those you do not know well or have a formal relationship with. For close friends, kiss on the cheek three times starting with the left. Men usually shake hands and may not be open to being kissed by another man. A simple ‘Hallo’ is a good general greeting. |
FESTIVALS
- The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) – Maastricht
- Keukenhof Flower Gardens – Lisse
- King’s Day – Nationwide
- National Mill Day – Nationwide
- Holland Festival – Amsterdam
- Rotterdam Summer Carnival – Rotterdam
- Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival – Scheveningen
- Gay Pride Amsterdam – Amsterdam
- Sneekweek Sailing Regatta – Sneek
- Netherlands Film Festival – Utrecht
- Sinterklaasintocht – Nationwide
- International Documentary Film Festival – Amsterdam
- Magical Maastricht – Maastricht
- Flower Parade (Bloemencorso)
- Amsterdam Winter Paradise – Amsterdam
- New Year’s Dive – Nationwide
- International Film Festival – Rotterdam
- Redhead Day (Roodharigenda)
- Carnival – Nationwide
- Amsterdam Canal Festival – Amsterdam
- Formula 1 – Zandvoort, August
MAP
“I love Amsterdam. The city is vibrant and alive. It’s fresh and so open. It’s definitely one of my favourite places.”
– Stefon Harris