• Population: 17.2 million
• Capital: Amsterdam
• Demographics: Ethnically about 80% Dutch, 6% European, 3% Turkish, 12% all other ethnicities. Religiously 50% have no religious affiliation, Catholic 24%, Protestant 16%, Islam 5%, 5% other.
• Type of government: Consociational state governed as a parliamentary representative democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
• Regional Membership: Netherlands is part of the European Union and the Schengen region
• Currency: Euro

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. Other regional languages spoken in the country include Frisian, English, Papiamento, and Dutch Low Saxon. Most common foreign languages spoken by the Dutch population include German (71%), French (29%), and Spanish (5%).

It is common for locals to be able to converse in English, as about 90-95% of the population claims to speak English well.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

Visas to the Netherlands are required for all stays longer than 90 days. You will need to fill out a Dutch visa application, as well as acquire all necessary visa documents such as a valid passport, passport photos, etc. Visit the Netherlands International Travel page of the US State Department's website for most updated visa requirements.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• WA few of the main cell phone providers in the Netherlands are Orange, Vodafone, KPN, Telfort, and T-Mobile.
• It is recommended to buy a prepaid SIM card for longer stays in the country. These can be purchased in-country upon arrival, or some can even be purchased online.

Internet

• Internet speed in the Netherlands is excellent, with 4G infrastructure installed virtually everywhere.
• Public WiFi networks, however, do not operate at speeds as high, but are accessible at most public hotels, restaurants, and airports.
• You can also purchase something called "TravelWifi", a personal device that broadcasts private WiFi within a 10 meter radius.

Electricity

• Just like other countries in Europe, the Netherlands uses Type C and Type F plugs with 2 or 3 round prongs instead of flat ones, so an adapter will be needed (see below for pictures).
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• Most major credit and debit cards can be used in the Netherlands in stores, restaurants, and general tourist areas. It is a good idea, however, to carry at least a small amount of local currency with you for smaller purchases.
• Some of the major banks in the Netherlands include ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and SNS.
• Finding an ATM is easy near bank branches, shopping centers, and supermarkets in most Dutch towns and cities.
• Consult your local US bank before travelling to the Netherlands about credit and debit card fees, international transaction fees, and to notify the bank of your travels so your account does not get blocked.

Climate

• The Netherlands is home to a temperate climate characterized by cool summers and moderate winters.
• Daytime temperatures in the winter average 3 degrees Celsius, and average 18 degrees Celsius in the summer. Climate does not vary much throughout the country as its surface area is relatively small.

Packing

• It is a good idea to pack an umbrella or rain jacket for all seasons, as well as a warmer jacket or sweaters for winter months.
• Locals prefer more casual and conservative clothing relative to other countries in Europe where residents dress nice even for a trip to the grocery store. Wearing jeans and a t-shirt or other daily clothing is okay.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• The Netherlands is connected by a detailed network of trains, buses, trams, metros, and ferries. The railway network boasts about 400 stops, and single-use chipcards cost about 1 Euro. Night trains are also sometimes available to travel within the country or to nearby regions.
• Travelling by bus, tram, or metro is very affordable and convenient in major cities. You can purchase single-use passes or an OV-chipkaart (smartcard) for multiple uses. Tickets are available for purchase on the bus or inside the tram and metro stations, as well as tobacco shops.
• It is important to note that some methods of transportation will not allow you to pay for your tickets in person in cash. Starting January 2018, buses and trams accept PIN or no-contact methods of payment only

Flights

• Cities with airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Hauge Airport in Rotterdam, Groningen Airport Eelde, Eindhoven Airport Maastricht Aachen Airport, and more.
• Common airlines: Arkefly Amsterdam, KLM, DenimAir, Bonair Exel, Rossair Europe, Northsea Airlines, and more.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.