From incredibly notable historical monuments and memorials to art galleries like “The Van Gogh Museum”, The Netherlands is one of the most sought after European destinations for international travelers. To make the most of your trip, consider some essential Netherlands travel hacks. Especially considering it’s most well known season – “The Tulip Season” – many travelers will make the international trek just to bask in the country’s beauty for a few days. Don’t forget to indulge in some of Amsterdam’s special shops or ride a bike down the Amstel River – you’ll be sure to feel like the main character of any great film.
While most international travelers, including Americans, don’t need a special Visa to travel to The Netherlands, they do need to be in alignment with the ETIAS safety and health regulations upon their arrival. These regulations include traveling with a valid passport, email address, and credit or debit card – something that most international travelers are more than comfortable with. If you’re planning on staying for more than three months, or embarking on a trip for longer-term work or school, The Netherlands does require a more formal application for a Visa to stay, work, or go to school in the country – similar to most other European destinations.
Well maintained, riddled with beautiful landscapes and scenery, and easy to travel to from neighboring countries and abroad, The Netherlands boasts incredible cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague – all places where tourists can get a variety of diverse experiences from nature to historical views. As for language, the official one of The Netherlands is Dutch, but over 95% of citizens speak English – making it a little bit more accessible for American tourists wary of linguistic disconnects.
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International Travel Hacks For The Netherlands
1. Get comfortable with your biking skills.
As the number one country in the world for cycling, one essential Netherlands travel hack is that you’ll have to start practicing your bike riding skills now. From the comfort of your own home, gym, or neighborhood, invest some time into riding a bike – it’ll save you walking time, money from public transit, or the hassle of getting a taxi once you arrive.
Don’t forget to use the “cycling only” lane once you arrive, if you choose to get around via bikes. Of course, also make note of your surroundings when you’re cycling, as many locals are used to riding fast to get to work or make their evening commute shorter – don’t block the path by taking pictures or goofing off. Be respectful of their bike lanes in the same way you would driving a car in a different country – safety is most important.
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H3: 2. Book all your activities or tourist destinations in advance.
Whether it’s booking a train seat, purchasing a museum ticket, or penciling in a day of pure relaxation while indulging in a special Amsterdam café, using some Netherlands travel hacks can save you the hassle of worrying about all your plans once you’re on vacation. Booking ahead of time is key—when you pre-book activities and tickets, everything feels essentially free (or at least already paid for) once you’re there!
Sites like Get Your Guide can provide accessible day-trips and hour-long excursions that are easy to book if you’re looking for a historical guide, a transportation-included trip to a new city, or a last-minute activity to fill your time. Complete with information about language barriers, all-inclusive costs, and specific time intervals – they can be an easier alternative to planning a day full of excursions by yourself.
However, don’t forget – it’s essential to enjoy a couple days to yourself. Whether it’s simply wandering around the streets of Amsterdam or booking time to view some of the incredible art the country has to offer, it’s your vacation to define!
3. Get an eSim or physical SIM card prior to departing.
The last thing that you want to worry about when you touch down on vacation is the lacking signal on your phone – preventing you from ordering a taxi from the airport, renting a bike, or even posting that Instagram picture online. What’s even worse than that? Coming to terms with your international plan phone bill when you get home. Whether it’s a $10 per day travel plan or sneaky incurrent charges racking up behind the scenes – you’ll definitely want to ensure you find a more cost-effective way to browse internationally before you leave.
Whether you’re already daydreaming about smelling tulips or simply just booked plane tickets – consider your phone situation now, with an easier, more cost-effective route to fast browsing: an eSim. With free apps like USIMS, you can easily get an eSim, international plan, and immediate browsing for when you’re traveling abroad.
4. Navigate neighborhoods like the Red Light District respectfully.
While exploring new towns, cultures, and excursions is the most fun part of any trip abroad, there’s certain informal regulations and etiquette expectations many locals preach to tourists – especially when it comes to Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District. While there’s technically several “red light districts” in the city, the most notable of them all is the city center district – posted with brothels that exemplify a sensual nature, to say the least.
Locals urge tourist to explore the district as they please, but not during any sort of guided tour – respect both workers, shopkeepers, and locals as much as possible. Like any other city or neighborhood, treat it with respect, and you’ll be fine!
5. You don’t need to tip in cafes or restaurants.
A difficult concept for many Americans to wrap their heads around, not many European countries accept tips or have a tipping culture for service workers. Especially in The Netherlands, were many service workers boast a living wage – unlike many in the U.S. – tips aren’t ever expected. Locals remind tourists of the “laid back” culture The Netherlands boasts, one that infiltrates into shops, cafes, and restaurants. So sit back, relax and enjoy some food and beverages, chatting with servers where appropriate – there’s no need to fight and worry about tips.
Ultimately, no matter how you choose to spend your time in The Netherlands, you’ll surely enjoy your visit—there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring a museum, dining at a restaurant, or photographing the tulips, remember these Netherlands travel hacks to enhance your experience. Be respectful of local customs and spaces. While fitting in as a tourist, from embracing Dutch fashion to appreciating luxurious accents, it’s crucial to balance admiration with respect for the local culture.
