The Netherlands is the main constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a small, densely populated country, lying mainly in Western Europe, but also including three islands in the Caribbean. The European part of the Netherlands borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest, sharing maritime borders with Belgium, the United Kingdom and Germany. The three largest and most important cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam. Amsterdam is the country's capital. The Hague holds the Dutch seat of government. The port of Rotterdam is the largest port of Europe.
The predominant wind direction in the Netherlands is south-west, which causes a moderate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters, and typically high humidity. This is especially true close to the Dutch coastline, where temperatures can be more than 10 °C (18 °F) higher (in winter) or lower (in summer) than in the (south) east of the country.
Best time to travel
Weather in the Netherlands varies significantly from season to season. And even though the warmest weather occurs in the busy summer months, any time of the year can be a good time to visit. Spring is very popular with visitors coming to see the famous tulips. In winter, frozen canals provide the perfect venue for ice-skating. Although fall is generally cool and rainy, it's one of the best times to find low prices. No matter what, always carry an umbrella as rain can happen at any moment.
Emergency Services
The European emergency number 112 is the only emergency number in the Netherlands. Disabled people can use Real-time text to contact 112. 112 calls are answered on average within 3 seconds. In addition to the Dutch, the calls can be answered in German and in English. The 112 operator can detect the location of the caller within 1 second.
Electricity
The Netherlands operates on a 220V/50Hz electrical system, and the electrical outlets you will find will require European plugs with two narrow cylindrical prongs. If your electrical appliances are not 220V/50Hz, you will need a converter and adapter.
Tipping
Service charge is not included in the price. 5 to 10% tip is common, except when the service is quite bad.