Skip to content
Unmapped.

COUNTRY GUIDE

Netherlands

Short distances, very different cities, and people to cycle between them with.

Studying in Utrecht, working in Amsterdam or moving to Rotterdam: Unmapped helps you find your city, meet travelers, expats and locals, and join or start things together.

Explore citiesGet the app (opens in a new tab)
Boats moored along a tree-lined canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Canal houses, Amsterdam. Photo: Adrien Olichon / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

BASICS

Before you go.

Language
Dutch
Frisian is also official in Friesland. English is widely spoken, especially in cities and at universities.
Currency
Euro (€, EUR)
Debit cards and phone payments are used almost everywhere. Some places are card-only, and not every shop takes every credit card.
Time zone
Central European Time, UTC+1
Summer time (UTC+2) runs from late March to late October. This guide covers the European Netherlands; the Caribbean Netherlands use another time zone.
Power
Type C and F plugs, 230 V
The standard European round-pin plug.
Getting online
eSIM, SIM or Wi-Fi
Easy to set up, and coverage is good across the country.
Emergency
112
The European emergency number, for police, fire and ambulance.

GETTING AROUND

Easy to move, once you know how.

  • Trains

    Frequent trains link most cities, and distances are short, so day trips are easy.

  • Cycling

    Bikes are a main way to get around in most cities, with separate lanes and traffic lights.

  • Trams, buses and metro

    Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht have trams or metro lines, and contactless payment works on most public transport.

  • Ferries and islands

    Ferries reach the Wadden Islands in the north and cross waterways in several cities.

CITIES TO EXPLORE

Where to start.

A few very different places to begin. You can explore any city in the Netherlands through Unmapped. Search for it in the app.

GroningenAmsterdamUtrechtRotterdamEindhovenMaastricht
Featured cities in this guide. You can explore any city in the Netherlands in Unmapped.

GOOD TO KNOW

Small things that help.

  • Netherlands, not Holland

    Holland is only part of the country, two of its twelve provinces. Netherlands is the name for the whole.

  • Bike lanes are for bikes

    Look both ways before stepping into a bike lane, and keep to the right when you ride.

  • Wind and rain

    Weather changes quickly, and wind is part of daily life. A rain jacket helps in every season.

  • Cards over cash

    Many places prefer cards, and some don't take cash at all.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is generally modest. Rounding up for good service is common, but not expected.

UNMAPPED IN THE NETHERLANDS

Arrive knowing someone.

Open your next city before you land, then use it every day you're there.

  • Meet people before you move

    Open Amsterdam, Utrecht or Rotterdam before you arrive and see who is here now, who is arriving and who lives there.

  • Ask the City Chat

    Every city can have its own City Chat. Ask about neighbourhoods, second-hand bikes or where to find a language exchange.

  • Join or host something

    Find meetups and day trips, or host your own, like a bike ride along the dunes, a market morning in Rotterdam or a dinner in Utrecht.

  • Travel together

    Share a weekend route or a trip to the islands, or post a Buddy Plan for a class, a concert or a night out.

FAQ

Questions about Unmapped in the Netherlands.

Can I use Unmapped outside Amsterdam?

Yes. You can explore any city in the Netherlands through Unmapped, and every city can become a City Hub. The cities on this page are just a few places to start.

Does this guide cover the Caribbean Netherlands?

No. This guide is about the European Netherlands. The Caribbean Netherlands have their own time zone and practicalities.

Can locals use Unmapped too?

Yes. Unmapped is for travelers, expats and locals, and many good plans start with someone who already lives there.

Can I explore a city before I arrive?

Yes. Open your next city, see who is arriving, join the City Chat and share your travel plan before you land.

Do I need to speak Dutch?

No. Unmapped is in English, and City Chats are a good place to ask for help or to find a language exchange.

Looking for another country? Search any city in the world.

Sources & information

Information last reviewed: October 2026Location data: GeoNames (opens in a new tab) (CC BY 4.0 (opens in a new tab))Map: Natural Earth (opens in a new tab)Photo: Adrien Olichon (opens in a new tab) / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

Travel information can change. Please verify important information with official sources. Country guides are provided for general information and do not constitute legal, medical, immigration or other professional advice. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Unmapped is not liable for losses resulting from reliance on the information provided. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.

NETHERLANDS WITH UNMAPPED

Explore the Netherlands with Unmapped.

Find your city, meet people there and join or start something. Available on iPhone and Android.

Get the app (opens in a new tab)Use web version (opens in a new tab)