Amsterdam, Holland

What to wear in Amsterdam, Holland

Summers are warm and sunny, but along with your light casuals, shorts and t-shirts you should pack a light raincoat, since showers cannot be ruled out. Winter winds can bite and you should certainly wrap up warmly in January and February for temperatures that hover just above 36°F. One of the nice things about Holland is that the Dutch are relaxed about clothes, so dress for comfort. Even opera audiences happily turn up in jeans - but you won't feel out of place if you feel like dressing up. Men should bring a tie and women a dressy outfit for upscale dining.

Spoken language in Amsterdam, Holland

Dutch is the national language of Holland. However, English is spoken by almost everyone. In addition, many Dutch people speak German and French.

Electricity in Amsterdam, Holland

The voltage in Holland is 220 volts. Hotels may have a 110-volt or 120-volt outlet for shavers, but travelers are advised to bring a power converter and an adapter for two-prong, round-prong plugs.

Customs information for Amsterdam, Holland visitors

We strongly suggest that you verify with a consulate for the most current and complete rendering of the information outlined below.

Entry

You need only a valid passport for a visit to the Netherlands for stays of less than 3 months. No visas, health, or vaccination certificates are required, and drivers need only produce a valid driver's license from the US.

Netherlands Customs

Visitors 17 years and older may take 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco; 1 liter of alcohol over 22 proof or 2 liters of alcohol under 22 proof or 2 liters of liqueur plus 2 liters of wine; and 50 grams of perfume. Other goods must not exceed a value of Dfl 500 (US$250). Other products are not limited. If you're carrying valuables with you, take the receipts along. When you return home, these receipts will be proof that you owned such items before your trip to Amsterdam, and thus will protect you against any unwarranted duty charges. Also, keep receipts for current foreign purchases together and accessible to show Customs officials when returning home.

US Customs

Upon coming home, citizens of the US may bring in foreign goods up to the value of $800 duty-free if they have been out of the country more than 48 hours and have not claimed these exemptions within a 30-day period. There is a 10% duty on the next $1,000 and 12% for everything over the next $1,400. Restrictions within those allowances are 200 cigarettes, 100 non-Cuban cigars, and one bottle of perfume. No meat, fruit, plants, soil, or other agricultural items may be imported. Special restrictions apply for military personnel and to the importation of antiques, automobiles, and motorcycles.

US Consulate General

American Citizen Services, Museumplein 19, 1071 DJ, Amsterdam, phone 020-575 5309, fax 020-575 5310.