Travel Documents: For citizens of European Union countries, a current valid identity card is sufficient. However, if you are a citizen of an other country, a passport is obligatory, with a visa for certain countries.

Health: The health situation of the country is good, and the hospitals are efficient. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which has been available since September 2005, just like the E111, the EHIC is free-of-charge and entitles European Union residents to reduced-cost, sometimes free, healthcare that becomes necessary whilst visiting most European countries. Tourists from countries with which Holland does not have a reciprocal agreement are advised to take out travel insurance including coverage of medical treatment. PHARMACIES: Regular business hours are Monday to Friday between 8/9 am and 5:30/6 pm. On nights and weekends, pharmacies are open on a rotation schedule.

Shopping hours: Most shops are open from Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm, on Saturdays between 9 am and 5 pm. On Monday, many shops are closed in the mornings and open between 11 am and 1 pm and close at 6 pm.

Electricity: The voltage in Holland is 230 volts.

Cuisine: The Dutch cuisine is famous for its dairy products (milk, butter, yogurt, cheese as Edammer and Gouda). Among the typical foods are bread, raw smoked or salted herring, potatoes, soup, cheese. Among the curiosities are sweet and savory stuffed omelette (called 'pannekoeken'); the croquette filled with cheese or meat and vegetables; the gingerbread (koek). A typical winter dish is the Stamppot, based in potato puree with sauerkraut and smoked sauce. Among the sweet the apple pies ('appeltart') with fresh whipped cream; 'Siropwaffels' (wafer filled with sugar syrup); 'Hagels (flakes of chocolate spread on bread with butter); ' poffertijes' (small pannekoeken to eat warm with butter and icing sugar); and the licorice candy ('drop'). Do not forget the cuisine based on exotic spices that made the wealth of the country in the seventeenth century, over all the "Rijsttafel", that is 15 to 30 small portions of various dishes with rice and spices. Among the beers most famous brands are Heineken, Amstel and Grolsche. Another typical alcoholic beverage is the "janever", juniper brandy. DUTCH CUISINE RECIPES.

Typical Products: Tulips, wooden clogs (klompen), diamonds, Delft ceramics, cheese (there are about 70 different qualities, even flavored), milk, butter, yogurt, beers. 

WHERE TO STAY:

Accommodations in The Netherlands:

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Experience the warm side of the Netherlands with a vacation club ownership in the Netherlands Antilles. The Caribbean is a luxurious departure from the mundane. From the moment you enjoy your first cup of tea and fresh fruit on your deck overlooking the ocean to your last soak in your ensuite Jacuzzi before you go to bed, every day in your St. Maarten timeshare can be a sweet indulgence. 

Airports and Flights: The main airport is the Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, one of the most important airports in the world, connected with the whole world and most European airports. Other major airports are Rotterdam Airport, Eindhoven Airport, Enschede-Twente Airport, Groningen-Eelde Airport and the Maastricht-Aachen Airport. 

Area: 41.528 sqkm Population: 16,258,000 State Capital: Amsterdam Language: Dutch is the national language. English is spoken by almost everyone. In addition, many Dutch people speak German and French. Religion: Roman Catholic and Protestant, with Islam minority. Currency: Euro Time: The Netherlands is located in the Central European Timezone.