Emergency Phone numbers
The general emergency phone number (for the police, ambulance, and fire brigade) in the Netherlands is: 112
Police information: 0900 8844
Doctor’s office emergency: 0900 1515
Tourist Medical Service: 020-5923355 (24 hours service)
General opening hours
Government offices are open between 08.30 – 04.00 pm, Monday through Friday
Banks are generally open from 09.00 till 05.00 pm.
Shops are open from Monday through 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.
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. To view the different suppliers for energy: www.kiesenergie.nl
Main Energy suppliers:
Nuon: 0900 0808. http://www.nuon.nl
Eneco: 0900 0201 http://www.eneco.nl
Main Water Suppliers:
Amsterdam: 020 5536396
Gas and water emergencies:
In case of a gas leak or a power problem the national line is: 0800 9009.
For serious emergencies call 112.
Water emergencies:
Call your local gemeente/city for serious sewage issues. Otherwise search the yellow pages.
Suppliers:
KPN: www.kpn.com
Scarlet: www.scarlet.nl
Tele2: www.tele2.nl
UPC: www.upc.nl
UPCLIVE: www.upclive.nl
Ziggo: www.ziggo.nl
Canal Digital: www.canaldigitaal.nl
Internet providers
www.kpn.nl
www.hetnet.nl
www.orange.nl
www.t-mobile.nl
www.telfort.nl
www.xs4all.nl
www.vodafone.nl
Travel and transport services
Information for all of the Netherlands 0900-9292 www.9292ov.nl .
Trains: www.ns.nl
International Trains: 0900 9296
Taxi numbers: Amsterdam 020 677777
Taxi Central Netherlands: 0800-8268294
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)
What do you need to legally work/live in the Netherlands?
A Registration Permit known as a ’vreemdelingen document” or Alien ID card, similar to the American Green card, is required 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: 020 5519052
Amstelveen: Laan NieuwerAmstel 1: 020 5404911
Information for expatriates
Just Landed operates an expatriate guide for the Netherlands which include practical information on visas & permits, jobs, banking and other issues. The site also includes a lively expat community where users can get in touch with other expatriates and exchange ideas about life in the Netherlands.
Schiphol
The Schiphol journey and route planner gives you tailor-made travel advice. For your journey from or to Schiphol. By public transport, taxi or by car. http://www.schiphol.com
The arrival times and departure times. Pratical information about all airlines that currently active at Schiphol airport. www.schiphol.nl/Flightinfo.htm
International Schools
While the Dutch have a strong educational system, there is also the possibility for expat families to opt for international schooling for their children.
- International School of Amsterdam: www.isa.nl
- British School of Amsterdam: www.britams.nl
- Japanees School of Amsterdam: www.jsa.nl
Foundation for International Education in the Netherlands
(Stichting Internationaal Onderwijs)
Offers a listing of all international departments in Dutch schools, as well as all independent international schools in the Netherlands.
Website: www.sio.nl/listofschools.html
Pararius
A website for rental properties in the Netherlands. www.pararius.com