The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
NetherlandsA little local knowledge.
Glide through Amsterdam's canals, cycle past tulip fields, and explore world-class art from Vermeer to Van Gogh.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Ambulance: 112
Euro
Exercise Increased Caution
Essential Etiquette in Netherlands
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
A firm handshake is standard
Greet people with a brief, firm handshake and direct eye contact. Among friends, three alternating cheek kisses (right-left-right) are common, but only with people you know — never with new acquaintances.
Don't show up uninvited
Dropping by someone's home without notice is unusual. The Dutch plan social visits in advance — even close friends and family typically schedule meetups via WhatsApp or agenda.
Use first names quickly
Unlike Germany, the Dutch switch to first names very quickly, even in business settings. Using titles like 'Meneer' or 'Mevrouw' for too long can feel stiff.
Don't linger after the bill
When you've paid, it's polite to leave reasonably promptly so the table can be turned. Lingering for an hour after paying is unusual outside of relaxed cafes.
Essential Dutch Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Thank you (formal)"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
Take all 69 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Tap water is drinkable
Tap water: SAFE. EXCELLENT quality. Among the world's best — no chlorine treatment in most areas (dune filtration). Free refill stations (watertappunten) in cities.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Well-stocked apotheken (pharmacies) with English-speaking staff. Drogisterijen (Etos, Kruidvat) for OTC items. 24-hour pharmacy available via rotation — ask locally or check online. Look for green cross sign.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Netherlands
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Netherlands.
Uber
Uber operates in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and at Schiphol Airport. Your existing U.S. Uber account works with no new signup needed. Fares are charged in euros to your home card at the current exchange rate. Generally reliable and competitive on price.
Bolt
Bolt is a major Uber competitor in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht — and is frequently noticeably cheaper, especially during nights and weekends. Worth installing alongside Uber to price-check every ride.
Thuisbezorgd.nl
Thuisbezorgd.nl (part of Just Eat Takeaway) is the dominant food delivery platform in the Netherlands. Order from thousands of local restaurants and chains across all Dutch cities. Accepts international credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy The Hague
John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar, Netherlands
Field Guides & Dispatches for Netherlands
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
Carry Netherlands in your pocket. Offline.
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