GENERAL INFORMATION
Emergency Phone numbers
The general emergency phone number for the police, ambulance, and fire brigade in the Netherlands is: 112
Police information: 0900 8844
Doctors office emergency: 0900 1515
Tourist Medical Service: phone 020-5923355 (24 hours service)
General opening hours
Government offices are open between 08.30 – 04.00 pm, Monday till Friday
Banks are generally open from 09.00 till 05.00 pm.
Shops are open from Monday till Saturday. Some shops in the Centre are open on Sunday from 12.00 noon till 06.00 pm.
Supermarkets are open from 08.00 am till 08.00 pm.
Travel and transport services
Information for all of the Netherlands 0900-9292 (€ 0,70 p.m.) - http://www.9292ov.nl
Trains: http://www.ns.nl - International Trains: 0900 9296 (€ 0,35 p.m)
Taxi numbers:
Amsterdam: 020 6777777
The Hague: 070 3830830
Utrecht: 030 2300400
Taxi Central Netherlands: 0800-8268294 (free)
VVV Tourist Office Amsterdam
Stationsplein 10
Amsterdam
Phone: 0900- 4004040 (euro 0,55 pm)
Money Matters
There are numerous 24 hours cash points (ATM) which accept personalized cash
dispensing cards (Pin cards) or credit cards. Exchange offices are found everywhere, but
tend to charge high commission. You will get a better rate of exchange at the banks, GWK
or ATM machines. Most international credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants,
department stores and other stores. (Master card, Amex, Visa, Diners)
Utilities
From the 1st July 2004 all Dutch consumers, small and medium-sized companies will have the freedom to choose their own gas and electricity suppliers. This means you will no longer be committed to traditional regional suppliers of energy; instead you will be able to choose from dozens of potential suppliers. You will now be able to choose supplier A for gas and supplier B for electricity, it is entirely up to you. For all the different suppliers for energy: http://www.kiesenergie.nl
Main Energy suppliers:
Nuon: 0900 0808 - http://www.nuon.nl
Eneco: 0900 0201 - http://www.eneco.nl
Remu energie: http://www.remu.nl (Utrecht region)
Main Water Suppliers:
Amsterdam: 020 5536396
Utrecht: 030 2487211
Den Haag: 070 3577500
Television Providers:
UPC Cable TV and Chello Telecom (0900 1580) client service (€ 0,10 p.m.).
General information UPC: 0800 1872 (free of charge). The four numbers of your postcode will be asked in Dutch. http://www.upc.nl
Canal & digital Nederland BV 0900 9325 ( €0,70 p.m)
Casema: 0900 8896 - http://www.casema.nl
Internet providers
Chello / UPC (broadband, ditital, adsl and telephone connection) 0800 1872 free number.
Planet Internet: 0900 1905 (€ 0,10 p.m.) - http://www.planet.nl
Xs4all: 020 3987656 - http://www.xs4all.nl
KPN Telecom. 0900 0244 ( € 0,10 p.m.) - http://www.kpn.com
To have your telephone installed enquire at a post office or go to a KPN Primafoon shop or call the customer services 0800-0402. Your telephone should be installed within three working days.
Holland International - Tel: 020-622 77 88
What do you need for working in the Netherlands?
Registration Permit known as a ’vreemdelingen document' or Alien ID card and similar tot the American Green card, this is what gives you permission to live in Holland. Issued normally for a term of 5 years., this card allows a foreigner to work and reside in Holland. EU citizens should have no problems in attaining or renewing such a card. Information can be obtained from City Hall or your local police station.
Apply for a Residence Permit at one of the registration Offices:
Amsterdam: Johan Huizingalaan 757 - Tel: 020 5519052
Amstelveen: Laan NieuwerAmstel 1 - Tel: 020 5404911
Utrecht: Arthur van Schendelstraat 500 - Tel: 030 2862099
The Hague: Spui 700 - Tel: 070 3532000