Netherlands

Euros are the only acceptable currency in the Netherlands. It is important to remember that a lot of shops do not accept banknotes of Û100, Û200 and Û500, due to counterfeiting and burglary threats. 1 or 2 cent coins are also not given as change, and the price of shopping is rounded up or down. American Express cards are widely used in the Netherlands, but Amex is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard. The locals often use local bank cards which mean even small shops and market stands usually have a machine. In tourist spots, as well as in larger shops and restaurants, cards are readily accepted, but it is always better to ask in advance.

Best ways to exchange money in the Netherlands - ATMs (keep in mind that regular and "independent ATMs are different; not all machines accept foreign cards) and currency exchange offices (be careful of scams and shady practices). Avoid exchanging currency in airports as they offer very poor rates. ATMs are also readily available, especially near shopping complexes and areas with bars/clubs. The Dutch word for ATMs is "pinautomaat".

Den Bosch: The bar and club area are very accessible, and it is very easy to find a seat/place. People are extremely friendly, so is the staff. Popular places include Cafe M'n Tante, Party bar Lalalaa, Plein 79, Korte Putstraat and Cafe Silva Ducis.ÊMaastricht: Various bars are spread all around. Walk through the Platielstraat right up until the Kersenmarkt, where one is welcome to spend a pleasant evening at the bars/clubs. For more options, there's the other side of the St. Servatius Bridge, when walking towards the Maastricht Central Station.ÊRotterdam: It is in the direction of the Oude Haven (Old Harbour) where some nice bars and pubs are located. With the water nearby and the area sparsely crowded, this is a cosy spot to spend a leisurely night. Other similar areas include the Nieuwe Binnenweg and the Coolhave.ÊFurther, in the city centre, things are slightly more different - they are fast and flashy. Places are more crowded and busy. For concerts and live shows, the Ahoy is a popular spot.ÊGroningen: This is the go-to city for partying thanks to the large student population. Popular places include Drie Gezusters, Groote Griet, De Tapperij, NegendeCirkel, Jazz bar De Spieghel and De Pintelier.

Typical souvenirs: Stroopwafels, Dutch cheese, Ajax attires, Delftware pottery, clogs, miniature windmills, Jenever 

Top Dutch Festivals: New Year's Day dive (Nieuwjaarsduik) (1st Jan) in the North Sea at Scheveningen, the Hague. Carnival (Mardi Gras), Maastricht (Feb) - costumes, parades, and balloons.The openingÊof Keukenhof Gardens (near Lisse), Festival of Trees (Boomfeestdag) and the Silent Walk (Stille Omgang) in March to celebrate the onset of spring and bloomingÊflowers. Flower Parade (Bloemencorso), Noordwijk to Haarlem (April-May) to celebrate the spring. King's Day (Koningsdag), Amsterdam (April) in honor of King Willem-Alexander.RemembranceÊDay (Herdenkingsdag) and Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) in May to mourn all the Dutch lives lost in wars and celebrate the freedom of the Netherlands from Nazi Germany. Flag Day (Vlaggetjesdag), Scheveningen (June) - the harbor serves just-caught seafood and the Dutch herring fleet is launched. Rotterdam Summer Carnival (Zomercarnaval) (July) Amsterdam Gay Pride (August) -The World's only floating gay parade. St Nicholas (Sinterklaas), Amsterdam (Nov-Dec) - largest St Nicholas parade in the world.

From 1555 to 1581, the Dutch were ruled by the Spanish. In 1588, the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands was formed. During the 17th century, the Netherlands declared a 12-yearÊtruce with Spain and became a prosperous trading nation, founding a colony in South Africa in 1652. However, due to increasing trade rivalry, the Netherlands had to fight three consecutive wars with England. Finally, William of Orange, ruler of the Netherlands made peace with England by marrying the princess. Therefore, in the late 17th century, science,Êart, and philosophy finally flourished in the country. However, in the 18th century, the political and economic power of the country started declining. The Dutch were again involved in the War of the Spanish Succession against the French, and were hence exhausted all the resources. The French successfully invaded the Netherlands; however, with Napoleon's defeat and William of Orange's return, the country once again came under his rule. After his death, his son took over and introduced a new liberal constitution. For the rest of the 19th century, the Netherlands remained prosperous and stable and industrial growth took place. In the 20th century, while the Netherlands remained neutral during WW-I, it suffered through the Great Depression in the 1930s. Further, it was invaded by Germany in WW-II, and the people suffered terribly with frequent bombings and deportations. With the end of the war, NetherlandsÊslowly recovered and became a founding member of the EU in 1957.

• The Netherlands boasts of the cleanest "tap water" in the world, at par with natural mineral or spring water. The food is also considered very clean. The healthcare system is as that of rest of Europe and employs English-speaking staff. >When camping or hiking in forests, wear covered clothes and socks to prevent against ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as Lyme disease.
• Given that prostitution is legal, condoms and other protective measures are recommended when using the services of brothels in Amsterdam to protect oneself against STDs.
• In summers, water bodies may be infested by foul-smelling blue algae. Look out for sign-posts warning against its presence.

• Overt declarations of personal wealth and inquiring people about their income is considered invasive. Overtly religious behavior is also frowned upon and looked at with bewilderment.
• When meeting someone for the first time, shaking hands and introducing yourself is the correct way to go. Cheek-kissing is only limited to certain regions and social circles.
• Once on little friendlier terms, it is more common to refer to people by their names instead of sir/madam.
• When dining, the Dutch generally make it clear if they are willing to pay the bill or if the party should ÒGo DutchÓ (split the bill).
• Waiters and waitresses should be addressed softly as "Ober" or "Mevrouw".
• Leaving the table during dinner is considered rude. Excuse yourself when leaving.
• Dutch people expect good table manners as they are important to them and expect tourists to know their way around cutlery.
• Tipping is optional but preferred Ð standard tips for porters, room service or cleaning ladies is Û1-2 and in restaurants and cafŽs, it is 5-10% of the total bill.
• Keeping oneÕs clothes on in a public sauna or pool is strictly forbidden.
• Netherlands should not be referred to as ÒHollandÓ.

• Biking is the cheapest and most convenient form of transportation around the country. Hire a bicycle instead of renting a car.
• Getting the Museumkaart (Museum Card) is more economical than buying tickets if one intends to visit multiple cities.
  
• Use Couchsurfing to save on hotel bills as Netherlands can be expensive accommodation-wise. While no major crimes occur in the country, places like Amsterdam are infamous for thievery, especially for stealing of bicycles and personnel items. Hence, being vigilant and keeping all important phone numbers handy is imperative.

Known for its acceptance and decriminalisation of prostitution, the unique culture of Netherlands celebrates sexuality with its sex shops and museums. Further, the sale, possession and consumption of marijuana in small quantities as well as the legalisation of homosexuality - are testimonies to the open and free culture of the country.The majority population of the Netherlands is Roman Catholic while the remaining subscribe to various Protestant churches, the largest being the Protestant church in the Netherlands.Dutch and Frisian are the national languages of the Netherlands even though the former is more in use than the latter. Other local languages include Low Saxon and Limburgish. Since all schools teach English and several other European languages (like French and German) in the Netherlands, almost 90% of the population can speak some English, making it the second-most English-proficient country in the world. Common phrases in Dutch - "Hallo, hoe gaat het met je?" (Hello, how are you?); "Alsjeblieft" (Please); "Sorry" (Sorry); "Dank je" (Thank You).

Dutch cuisine is heavily influenced by its location in the North Sea river delta and the consequent activities that happen there - fishing, farming (for crops and domesticated animals), and trading. Dutch cuisine is relatively straightforward and simple involving lots of vegetables and a small portion of meat. For breakfast and lunch, the Dutch have bread with cheese whereas, for dinner, meat and potatoes are complemented with seasonal vegetables. Their diet also contains numerous dairy products, high in carbs and fats. However, with outside influence, more international and cosmopolitan cuisines find representation in the country. Some main dishes: Raw herring, Mosselpan, Pea soup, Kroket and Dutch pancakes.

Eastern Netherlands is home to numerous hotspots including Hoge Veluwe National Park - the largest national park in the Netherlands and the beautiful Hanzesteden cities i.e. seven medieval cities along the IJssel River with a historic centre. Western Netherlands: referred to as the Randstad, this region, comprising of the four biggest cities of Netherlands (Flevoland, North Holland, South Holland, Utrecht), as well as typical Dutch countryside, is also called the heart of the country. Northern Netherlands: This hidden gem is the least densely populated area of the country and remains mostly untouched by tourists, but is popular among the locals. The West Frisian Islands and the Frisian Lakes, for instance, are prime destinations for a few days of outdoor fun. Southern Netherlands: It is a unique part of the Netherlands, distinguished from the rest of the country by its Catholic history and heavy religious influence, unique carnival celebrations and its "Burgundian way of life".