The Netherlands is about the size the states of Delaware and Maryland combined, and for centuries was an important player on the world stage. Amsterdam is today one of the world's most lively and cosmopolitan cities, renowned for its tolerance, diversity, and architecture. From the picturesque tulip fields and the gracious Dutch windmills to the vibrant city culture in Amsterdam the Netherlands provide a lush environment for the most unique vacation experience.
To contact Auto Europe from the Netherlands, dial 0 800-223-5555 5.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter the Netherlands for visits of less than three months. Pets are allowed to enter the country as long as they have valid vaccination and health certificates. This information must be dated no more than 10 days prior to departure from the United States. Pets must be vaccinated at least 30 days but less than 9 months prior to the date of entry. No Pit Bull Terriers are allowed in the Netherlands.

Local Time
The Netherlands are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada.

Languages
Although Dutch is the national language, almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks English.

Electricity
220 V. The Continental two-round-pin plug is standard. Some hotels have an additional 110- or 120-V outlet for shavers, but you'll still need an adapter plug.

Local Tourist Information
VVV Amsterdam
P.O. Box 3901
1001 AS Amsterdam
Phone (+31) 020-551-2512
Fax (+31) 020-625-2869
Dial 020 (long-distance access code 0 plus Amsterdam city code) only if calling from Dutch locations outside the city. Look for the blue and white VVV triangles that mark more than 300 local tourist offices. In Amsterdam, there are VVV branches on Stationsplein, Leidesplein, Stadionplein and at Schiphol Airport. Minimum opening hours for all VVV offices are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m to noon Saturdays. During busy times, hours are often extended.

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 1 liter of alcohol and 2 liters of wine; and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Money can be changed at post offices, banks and, in coastal resorts, often at VVV tourism offices. All Dutch banks exchange currency and travelers checks and most offer cash-on-card services for major credit cards. Hours are generally 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. weekdays, but some banks in major cities keep extended hours. The GWK Bank, which specializes in foreign currencies, has branches in 35 railway stations, Schiphol Airport and several border crossings. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Some locations have extended evening and weekend hours, and the branches at the Schiphol Airport Railway Station and Amsterdam's Central Station are open 24 hours a day.

Tipping
Tipping is not necessary in the Netherlands as a service fee is generally included in your hotel and restaurants bill. It is customary however, to “round up” the bill to the closest denomination of €5 or €10 as a courtesy and in recognition of fine service. Taxi drivers appreciate a tip of up to 10%, while porters, bellhops, theater ushers and washroom attendants usually receive anywhere from €.50-€1.

General Business Hours
Museums: Typical hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday or Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and on public holidays. Pharmacies: 8 or 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays, with a rotating schedule to cover evenings, nights and weekends. Post offices: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and until noon Saturday. Restaurants: The Dutch eat dinner around 6 or 7 p.m., so many restaurants -- especially outside the bigger cities -- take their final orders around 9 or 10. Shopping: 8:30 or 9 a.m. to 5:30 or 6 p.m. most weekdays; until 9 p.m. Thursday or Friday; and until 4 or 5 p.m. Saturday. Many shops are closed all day Sunday and Monday morning. Lunchtime closings are common outside the larger cities.

Value Added Tax
19%

United States Embassy in the Netherlands
The Hague
Lange Voorhout 102
2514 EJ The Hague
Phone (+31) 070-310-9209
Fax (+31) 070-361-4688
Direct all requests for consular assistance to:

The Consulate General in Amsterdam
Museumplein 19
1071 DJ Amsterdam
Phone (020) 575 5309
Fax (020) 575-5310
Dial the numbers in parentheses (long-distance access code 0 plus city code) only if calling from Dutch locations outside the city.