Tap water
Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Europe country brief
Netherlands travel essentials
Nederland
Netherlands uses Type C / Type F power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 112. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Last reviewed
Verify visa and entry rules with official authorities before travel.
Quick answer
Netherlands uses Type C / Type F power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 112. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
P
Power and plugs
- Plug types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Netherlands runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
E
Emergency numbers
General
112
Police
112
Ambulance
112
T
Travel notes
Tipping
Tipping is optional. Restaurant bills usually include service, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated. Card payments are common, though some small places may prefer local debit cards.
Best season
April and May are popular for tulips and spring weather. June to September has the warmest conditions for cycling and canal trips, while shoulder months are quieter and often better value.
Visa basics
The Netherlands is in the Schengen Area. Many visitors can enter visa-free for short tourism stays, while others require a Schengen visa. Check the official Netherlands Worldwide site for rules by nationality.
✓
Before you go: Netherlands checklist
- Pack a Type C/Type F plug adapter for Netherlands.
- Netherlands runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
- Bring a refillable bottle — tap water in Netherlands is generally safe.
- Save the emergency number 112 in your phone before you arrive.
- If you'll drive, remember traffic keeps to the right in Netherlands.
Tool
Check adapter needs for Netherlands
Compare your home country with Netherlands for plug and voltage compatibility.
Reference
Emergency numbers by country
Browse emergency numbers across all published TravelReady Guide country briefs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink tap water in Netherlands? ⌄
Yes. Tap water in Netherlands is considered safe to drink.
What power plug and voltage are used in Netherlands? ⌄
Netherlands uses Type C, Type F plugs running at 230V, 50Hz. Netherlands runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
What is the emergency number in Netherlands? ⌄
Dial 112 for general emergencies in Netherlands. Police: 112. Ambulance: 112.
When is the best time to visit Netherlands? ⌄
April and May are popular for tulips and spring weather. June to September has the warmest conditions for cycling and canal trips, while shoulder months are quieter and often better value.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Netherlands? ⌄
In Netherlands, traffic drives on the right side of the road, so the steering wheel is on the left.
What is the country calling code for Netherlands? ⌄
The international dialing code for Netherlands is +31. Dial this prefix after your exit code (e.g. 00 or +) to call a Netherlands number from abroad.
S
Sources
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