Netherlands

SAFETY: excellent
The whole country is generally considered safe. No particular risks are reported other than petty crime (city outskirts, large cities, etc.).

TRANSPORT SYSTEM: excellent
A comprehensive, modern transport network covering the entire country (air, rail, bus, metro, tram, taxi, ferry) makes it possible to reach any destination. Hiring cars, motorbikes, campervans, bicycles and boats is easy and convenient. Very well connected to Italy and to all neighbouring countries. Amsterdam is one of the most important air hubs on the continent.

Main airports: Amsterdam (Schiphol), Breda (Gilze-Rijen), Eindhoven, Enschede (Twente), Groningen (Eelde), Hilversum, Leiden (Valkenburg), Maastricht, Rotterdam, Utrecht (Soesterberg).
Main ports: Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Vlissingen.

HOSPITALITY: excellent
The country offers a wide choice of accommodation of every kind, category and price. The international hotel classification (one to five stars) applies, alongside farm stays, B&Bs, guesthouses, inns, hostels, campsites and wellness or spa centres. The range of restaurants is also fairly varied.

COUNTRY FACTS: Full name: the Netherlands – Location: Western Europe. Borders: Belgium to the south, Germany to the east, the North Sea to the north and west – Time zone: UTC +1, the same as Italy, with daylight saving time – Area: 42,000 km² – Capital: Amsterdam – Population: 16,571,000 – Religion: 31% Catholic, 13% Protestant, 7% Calvinist, 5.5% Muslim, 2.5% other religions, 41% non-religious – Languages: Dutch (official language); English and German are also widely spoken – Measurements: metric system.

CURRENCY: euro – Credit cards: the major cards are generally accepted.

ELECTRICITY: 230 V and 50 Hz – Electrical sockets: two-pin type, bring an adapter.

DOCUMENTS: identity card valid for travel abroad. There are no customs restrictions on personal luggage (Schengen) – Driving: Italian driving licence – Car: Italian insurance is valid.

COMMUNICATIONS AND TELEPHONES:Int. dialling code: 0031– GSM: coverage available across the whole country. Standard: GSM 900/1800 and 3G 2100 (as in Italy). Local operators: KPN Mobile, Orange Nederland, T-Mobile Netherlands, TELFORT and Vodafone Libertel – Internet: very widespread service, available throughout the country – Web domain: .nl – Emergency numbers: single emergency number 112, roadside assistance 0800/0888

RULES, LAWS AND CONDUCT: the use of soft drugs is tolerated, particularly in designated premises (coffee shops), as is the possession of small quantities for personal use. Trading in and possessing large quantities of soft drugs are prohibited, as are the possession, export and import of hard drugs. Offences against minors (sexual abuse and violence) carry severe penalties. Homosexuality is legal and same-sex unions are legally recognised.

HEALTH: excellent, with efficient hospitals and readily available medicines. Italian citizens on temporary visits who hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive the care provided by the local public health service.

OPENING HOURS: Post offices: Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00, Sat 9.00-12.00 – Banks: Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00 (some also open in the evening) – Shops: Mon-Sat 8.30-13.00, 15.30-19.30 – Closing day: Sunday.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 1 January, New Year’s Day; March/April, Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday; 29 April, Queen’s Birthday; 5 May, Liberation Day; 1 June, Ascension; 11 and 12 June; 25 December, Christmas Day; 26 December, Boxing Day.

CLIMATE: temperate maritime, uniform across the whole country, with relatively mild winters and fairly temperate summers.

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USEFUL ADDRESSES IN ITALY

Embassy of the Netherlands
Via Michele Mercati 8 – 00197 Rome – Tel. 06 32286001– Web: www.olanda.it – E-mail: rom@minbuza.nl

Consulates
Via G. Donizetti 20– 20122 Milan – Tel. 02 4855841 – Fax 02 48558452
Piazza della Vittoria – 16121 Genoa – Tel. 010 566838 – Fax 010 532437
Via Camillo Benso Cavour 81 – 50129 Florence – Tel. 055 475249

USEFUL ADDRESSES IN THE NETHERLANDS

Italian Embassy
Alexanderstraat 12 – 2514 The Hague – Tel. 0031 70 3021030 – Fax 0031 70 3614932 – Web: www.amblaja.esteri.it – E-mail: embitaly.denhaag@esteri.it