A complete guide to traveling to the Netherlands for an affordable adventure
- Published on
The Netherlands attracts travelers from all over the world with its stunning scenery, rich culture and cuisine. Whether it's your first time or you're visiting again, here are plenty of affordable options and tips to help you plan an enjoyable trip.
Travel Essentials
Before you head to the Netherlands, there are a few essentials to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
eSIM network
In modern travel, internet connectivity is crucial. PhoneSIMGo offers an eSIM package designed specifically for tourists from the Netherlands, providing high-speed internet service and coverage in remote areas to ensure that you are always online while traveling. In partnership with your local operator, PhoneSIMGo offers 7/24 hour live customer service so you can get support when you need it. With eSIM, you can say goodbye to high roaming charges, share your travels with your family and get real-time information to enhance your travel experience.
Passport and Visa
Make sure your passport is valid and check if you need to apply for a visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa and it is recommended to do so in advance. Check the visa requirements and prepare the application documents in advance to avoid any disruption to your trip due to visa issues.
Common Items for Traveling to the Netherlands
Before traveling, make sure you bring the following standing items:
- Suitable clothing: The Netherlands is cold in winter, so it is recommended to bring waterproof jackets, thick sweaters and scarves to cope with sudden cold spells and precipitation.
- Medicines: common cold and allergy medicines to ensure prompt relief in case of discomfort.
- Camera and rechargeable battery: Record beautiful moments and make sure your device is fully charged to avoid missing photo opportunities due to insufficient power.
- Maps and Guides: Download offline maps in case of emergencies, easy to find your way around when there is no internet.
- Portable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, environmentally friendly and economical, avoid buying bottled water frequently.
- Cash and Credit Cards: Try to have some cash on hand for emergencies. While most places accept credit cards, smaller stores may only accept cash.
- Travel insurance: Ensure that you are protected in case of medical emergencies and avoid high medical costs.
- Small backpack: easy to carry daily necessities, especially when roaming between cities.
- Personal hygiene products: such as hand sanitizer and masks to maintain hygiene.
- Translation app: to help communicate with locals, especially in restaurants and stores.
Recommendations for affordable hotels and hostels
There are many options for affordable accommodation in the Netherlands. Here are 10 recommended hotels and hostels:
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark (Amsterdam)
- Ideal for backpackers, offers comfortable beds and delicious breakfasts, close to the Vondelpark for easy sightseeing.
The Student Hotel (Amsterdam)
- Modern accommodation for young people, offering a shared kitchen and social space, perfect for travelers who want to make friends.
Hostel The Golden Stork (Amsterdam)
- Friendly atmosphere, close to major attractions, affordable for travelers on a budget.
Hotel De Koophandel (Haarlem)
- Comfortable downtown accommodation with easy access to public transportation, close to shopping areas and restaurants, suitable for tourists and business people.
Hotel Atlantis (Rotterdam)
- Budget hotel near the harbor offering affordable accommodations for short trips.
Stadsherberg de Rooden Leeuw (Utrecht)
- Family-run hotel offering cozy accommodations and an authentic breakfast with local hospitality.
B&B De Lijsterbes (Ede)
- Warm, family-run hotel offering clean, comfortable rooms and local specialties for breakfast.
Hotel de Westertoren (Amsterdam)
- Close to the main attractions, offering comfortable accommodation and friendly service for exploring Amsterdam.
Stayokay Haarlem (Haarlem)
- A youth hostel offering a delicious breakfast at a reasonable price for budget travelers.
MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel (Amsterdam)
- Stylish and affordable hotel chain offering modern amenities for families and groups traveling together.
Dutch Food Recommendations
Cuisines not to be missed while traveling in the Netherlands include:
Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken)
- Large pancakes with a variety of fillings for breakfast or lunch, especially for family meals.
Sashimi (Haring)
- Fresh raw fish, usually served with onions and pickles, is a traditional local dish.
French Fries (Friet)
- Dutch-style fries with a variety of sauces, a classic choice for street food.
Cheese (Kaas)
- The Netherlands is famous for its cheeses, especially Gouda and Aydin, which are good with bread.
Bitterballen (fried meatballs)
- A classic snack, crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, usually served in a bar and even better with beer.
Apple Pie (Appeltaart)
- A traditional Dutch apple pie with a rich flavor for dessert lovers.
Cooked green beans (Doperwtjes)
- Simple but delicious seasonal dish, usually served as a side dish.
Beetroot Salad (Bietensalade)
- Brightly colored salad, healthy and tasty for summer.
Chocolate Milk (Chocomel)
- A classic drink for all ages, a warming choice.
Dutch Puffs (Profiteroles)
- Sweet puffs, usually filled with cream or chocolate, are popular desserts.
Winter weather in the Netherlands
The weather in the Netherlands in December and January is cold, with average temperatures usually ranging between 0°C and 5°C. Precipitation is high and rain or snow is common. Visitors should be prepared with warm clothing to ensure they stay warm during their trip. It is advisable to bring waterproof jackets, thick sweaters, scarves and gloves for the cold weather.
Transportation options
Public transportation is very convenient in the Netherlands. Here are a few recommended transportation options:
Train: connects major cities with frequent trains, suitable for inter-city travel. Discounts are available for purchasing tickets in advance.
Buses and trams: intra-city transportation options that are convenient and suitable for short trips.
Bicycle: The Netherlands is a cycling nation, rent a bike to experience local life, many cities have dedicated bike paths.
Walking: Stroll through small cities and scenic areas and enjoy the local flavor.
Personal Safety Precautions
It is very important to ensure your personal safety while traveling, here are 10 tips:
Keep your valuables safe: Carry important items with you, use anti-theft bags, and try to avoid showing your valuables.
Avoid traveling alone at night: Move around in brightly lit areas, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Know the local laws: Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations of your destination to avoid unintentionally breaking them.
Contact your family regularly: Keep in touch with your family and let them know your whereabouts and safety.
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi: Avoid conducting financial transactions on unsecured networks and it is recommended to use a VPN to protect personal information.
Backup important documents: Backup copies of your passport and important documents and keep them in a safe place.
Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert and pay attention to people and things around you, especially in crowded places.
Avoid revealing your wealth: Try to keep a low profile and do not make too much of a fuss so as not to become a target for thieves.
Use legal taxis: Avoid using transportation from unknown sources to ensure safety.
Familiarize yourself with emergency contact information: Know the local emergency service numbers in case of emergency.
Introduction to Dutch culture
The Netherlands has a rich and colorful culture and is known for its openness, tolerance and innovation. The Dutch emphasize personal freedom and social responsibility, and art, design and architecture thrive here. Annual festivals such as the Tulip Festival and King's Day attract a large number of visitors and showcase the unique cultural traditions of the Netherlands. Visiting museums, art galleries and historic buildings will give you a better understanding of the country's cultural heritage.
Essential Travel Apps
Before traveling to the Netherlands, it is recommended to install the following apps to enhance your travel experience:
Google Maps: navigation and location finding to help you find your way around unfamiliar cities.
Public Transportation Apps: such as NS (Dutch Railways) and 9292 for easy access to trains and schedules.
Translation apps: such as Google Translate, to help with communication, especially when interacting with locals.
TripAdvisor: Find reviews of restaurants and attractions to help choose better places to eat and visit.
Weather App: Know the local weather conditions and be prepared for your trip.
Booking.com: Find and book accommodations, get the best rates and user reviews.
Uber: Provide a convenient taxi service for short trips.
Eventbrite: Find local events and shows to enrich your travel experience.
Duolingo: Learn simple Dutch phrases to help you communicate better with locals.
Travel Insurance: Purchase and manage travel insurance to ensure a safe trip.
Suitable Small Items to Bring
The following are small items that are suitable to bring when traveling abroad:
Portable rechargeable battery: Keep your cell phone and camera fully charged to avoid missing photo opportunities due to low battery.
Travel Water Bottle: Keeps you hydrated, is environmentally friendly and can reduce the cost of buying bottled water.
Small First Aid Kit: Handle minor wounds and discomforts and ensure basic medical needs while traveling.
Earphones: Enjoy music or audio and relax at any time.
Folding shopping bag: environmentally friendly and convenient, use it when shopping, reduce the use of disposable plastic bags.
Small umbrella: to deal with unexpected weather, to ensure that the travel is not affected.
Travel Pillow: Increase comfort and help rest when traveling long distances.
Multi-functional knife: convenient for daily gadgets, ensure to cope with various situations.
Notebook and pen: Record the moments of traveling and leave good memories.
Luggage lock: Ensure the security of your luggage and prevent it from being lost or stolen.
Recommended Low-Budget Attractions and Activities
Here are 10 attractions and activities for budget travelers that offer an enriching experience:
Amsterdam Canals (Amsterdam)
- A free walking tour with beautiful views of the city, the canal area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
National Museum (Amsterdam)
- Offers discounted tickets on selected days of the week and exhibits works of art from the Dutch Golden Age.
Windmill Village (Zaanse Schans, near Amsterdam)
- Free entry, visit traditional windmills and historic buildings to experience Dutch village life.
Amsterdam Museum (Amsterdam)
- Good for learning about the city's history, discounted tickets available at certain times.
Vondelpark (Amsterdam)
- Free park for picnics and walks, a great place for locals to relax.
Downtown Haarlem (Haarlem)
- Take a walk to explore the old streets and buildings and enjoy the laid-back city atmosphere.
Rotterdam's modern architecture (Rotterdam)
- Admire the city's modern design, especially the Cube Houses, for free.
Utrecht Canal (Utrecht)
- Take a picturesque stroll or bike ride along the river.
Tulip Park (Keukenhof, near Leiden)
- Open free of charge during certain seasons, it's the best place to see tulips.
Local Markets (all major cities)
- Experience the local customs and buy fresh ingredients and handicrafts, usually at affordable prices.
Internet Solutions:
Internet connectivity is crucial in modern travel. Here are the key features of the eSIM packages offered by PhoneSIMGo:
1.Designed for Dutch travelers: meets travelers' internet needs in the Netherlands.
2.High-speed internet service: Ensure you enjoy a smooth internet experience while traveling.
3.Coverage of remote areas: stay connected whether you're in the city or the countryside.
4.7/24-hour online live customer service: answer your questions and provide support whenever you need it.
5.Say goodbye to high roaming charges: Avoid incurring extra charges for accessing the Internet abroad.
6.Easy to share your travel moments: Share your moments with family and friends instantly.
6.Real-time access to information: Conveniently find maps, restaurants and activities to enhance your traveling experience.
Emergency contacts
When traveling in the Netherlands, it is important to know the following emergency contact information:
- Alarm: 112
- Medical emergency: 112
- Fire: 112
- Police station: the number of your local police station
- Hospital: your hotel's recommendation or local hospital contact information
- Embassy: Embassy of your country in the Netherlands
- Lost and Found: local police or hotel front desk
- Travel complaints: local tourist office
- Language Translation: Contact information for translation services.
Notes on how to travel
Whether you choose to travel individually, with a group, by car or backpacking, here are some things to consider:
Individual travel
- Flexible Planning: Arrange your schedule according to your personal interests to ensure you enjoy every attraction.
- Book in advance: Book accommodation and transportation as far in advance as possible to ensure the best price.
Group tours
- Choose a reputable travel agent: Ensure the quality of the itinerary and service to avoid unnecessary trouble.
- Know the details of the itinerary: Know the hotel, meal and attraction arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
Self-driving tour
- Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules: Ensure compliance with traffic regulations to avoid fines and accidents.
- Choose the right vehicle: Choose the right vehicle according to the itinerary and ensure comfortable driving.
Backpacking
- Pack light: Minimize your luggage for easy mobility and choose versatile clothing and equipment.
- Find budget accommodation: Choose a youth hostel or B&B to save money and increase your chances of interacting with other travelers.
Common Travel Questions
Here are some common travel questions to help you better prepare:
Do I need a visa?
- Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa, check visa requirements in advance.
What is the spending level in the Netherlands?
- Consumption levels in the Netherlands are high, but budget can be controlled by choosing budget meals and accommodation.
How do I exchange currency?
- You can exchange euros at the airport, banks or ATMs. It is advisable to prepare some cash in advance.
Can I pay by credit card?
- Credit cards are accepted in most places, but cash is still a more convenient way to pay in small stores and markets.
How do I keep in touch with my cell phone?
- Use the eSIM package from PhoneSIMGo to ensure seamless connectivity in the Netherlands and always be online.
What are the local customs and taboos?
- The Dutch emphasize personal space and privacy and avoid loud noises in public.
How do I get free Wi-Fi?
- Many cafes, restaurants and public places offer free Wi-Fi to make sure you always have access to the internet.
How much cash should I bring?
- It is advisable to carry some cash in case of emergency, usually 50-100 euros is enough.
Is the public transportation system in the Netherlands convenient?
- Very convenient. Trains, buses and subways cover the main cities, making it very easy to get around.
How to deal with a lost passport?
- Immediately contact the local police and go to the embassy to apply for a replacement to ensure your travel is not affected.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is a fascinating destination, and proper planning and preparation will make your trip go more smoothly. With PhoneSIMGo's eSIM package, you can enjoy worry-free Internet access and record beautiful travel moments during your trip. We hope your trip to the Netherlands will be enjoyable and fulfilling!