Rotterdam
Unlike many historic cities in the Netherlands, which sport Gothic churches and Renaissance buildings, Rotterdam is a gleaming cluster of high-rises. Indeed, some of them are marvels of 20th-century architecture. Public parks, spacious streets and slick shopping malls dot this efficiently designed city, making it the perfect destination for travellers who lean more towards the modern than the classical.
Many parts of the city were bombed in World War II. In fact, only three buildings in Rotterdam’s historic centre survived the onslaught, namely, the art deco City Hall, the iconic White House, and St Lawrence Church. The Delft Harbour area also escaped destruction. Extensive rebuilding has given the city a unique personality when compared to the rest of the country. Travellers should view it from the iconic Euromast Space Tower, which has a revolving sit-down elevator.
Rotterdam hasn’t forgotten its roots, though, despite its modern look and feel. Its museums cover art, World War II, architecture, photography, maritime history, natural history, and the Netherlands’ rail system. Rotterdam is also a multicultural city, with larger immigrant populations than most of the Netherlands.
That said, the city is roughly 16 miles (26km) away from a prominent cluster of windmills, which are an enduring symbol of the Netherlands. Located in the small town of Kinderdijk, these structures are fully functioning and drain water from the Alblasserwaard polder. They’re also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most popular attractions in the region.
Climate for Rotterdam
Like most of the Netherlands, Rotterdam has a temperate oceanic climate, though its position on the coast gives it slightly milder weather than cities farther inland.
Summers (June to August) are warm but rarely get too hot, with average temperatures staying between lows of 54°F (12°C) and highs of 72°F (22°C). The city sees roughly ten rainy days per month. Days are long and sunny, and many residents head to the beach.
The temperature cools off a bit as autumn gives way to winter, though it stays fairly mild and doesn’t often dip below 32°F (0°C). Late autumn and early winter (October to December) tend to be the wettest months, while April and May are the driest.
The best time to visit Rotterdam is in late spring (May and June). However, the weather is usually unpredictable and visitors should always be prepared for sudden showers or swings in temperature.
Health Notes when travelling to Netherlands
There are no health risks associated with travel to the Netherlands and no vaccinations are required for entry into the country. The water is safe to drink. The standard of health care is very high, but the necessary health insurance provisions must be made before travelling. A reciprocal agreement exists with other EU countries, which entitles nationals to low-cost emergency medical treatment. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is necessary for this purpose. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Although medication is widely available in the Netherlands, it is always best to take along any prescribed medication, in its original packaging, and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Netherlands
Travel in the Netherlands is fairly safe and the vast majority of trips are trouble-free. Travellers should, however, always exercise caution in empty streets at night and be aware of pickpockets, particularly in central Amsterdam and at Central Station. There have been several incidents on trains from Schiphol Airport where heavily laden passengers have been targeted by thieves. As in all Western countries, there is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.
Travellers should also watch out for a scam whereby tourists will be approached by ‘plain clothes policemen’ who claim to be investigating credit card fraud and counterfeit currency. Tourists are shown fake identification in the form of badges, and asked to hand over credit cards and money. If approached, travellers are advised to ask for proper identification or to accompany them to the nearest police station.
Customs in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the use of cannabis is tolerated in designated ‘coffeeshops’ in major cities. This policy exists to prevent the marginalisation of soft drug users, thereby exposing them to more harmful drugs. However, the trafficking in hard or soft drugs outside licensed premises is illegal and the possession of soft drugs in public places will incur a prison sentence. Travellers should note that the rules are somewhat different for foreigners, with the Netherlands tightening up drug laws in recent years: Amsterdam is the only city still fighting for the right of tourists to smoke cannabis in ‘coffeeshops’ and this has become a bit of a grey area with laws not always enforced on the ground. Everybody from the age of 14 is required to show a valid identity document to law enforcement officers on request. Tobacco smoking in cafés, bars and restaurants is prohibited.
Duty Free in Netherlands
Duty free items for travellers to the Netherlands include 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits, 2 litres spirits or aperitifs made of wine or 2 litres of sparkling wines, liquor wines or still wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; 500g of coffee; 100g tea. Prohibited items include the import of all birds.
Doing Business in Netherlands
Business in the Netherlands is conducted in an efficient and professional manner. Punctuality is important, dress is usually formal (suits and ties are standard), business cards are exchanged and greetings are made with a handshake. Titles and surnames are used, unless otherwise indicated. Women tend to be well received in Dutch business and it is not uncommon for women to hold high positions. Most Dutch people speak excellent English. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 5pm.
Communication in Netherlands
The international access code for the Netherlands is +31. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Netherlands
Service charges are included in hotel rates, restaurant bills and taxi fares, usually at about 15 percent. Tipping for good service is always appreciated but not necessary. It is customary to tip taxi drivers and waiters about 10 percent.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple-entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA visitors to the Netherlands must hold confirmed return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country.
It is recommended that a traveller’s passport has at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in the Netherlands. No visa is required for holders of Irish passports.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. A visa is required.
Travellers will need to buy an ‘OV-Chipkaart’ (Public Transport Chip Card) to use public transport in Rotterdam. It’s usable for all bus, tram and metro lines operated by RET. Tourists can also buy an anonymous OV-Chipkaart from ticket machines in all train and metro stations. Arriva and Connexxion buses operate outside the metropolitan area.
Taxis are available from taxi ranks or by telephone. The Thai-influenced tuk-tuks operate on a zone system and are a cheaper option.
Like most Dutch cities, Rotterdam is very bicycle-friendly, and has separate lanes and traffic lights for cyclists. Bicycles are often the fastest way to travel in Rotterdam, and can be hired near the Central Station.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
