Environmental sticker
Some Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, Arnhem, The Hague, and Utrecht have set up environmental zones (milieu zones) for diesel-powered cars. Cars entering must have at least the Euro 4 emissions standard. These zones are signposted and monitored by a camera. If you ignore them, you risk high fines, so it's better to park outside the zone and use public transport. 

Toll Roads
In the Netherlands, only the Westerscheldetunnel and the Kiltunnel are subject to tolls. You can find the current toll tariffs here 

Fuel
Fuel is always much more expensive at highway gas stations. Try to avoid these. Click here to find the cheapest gas station near you. 

Charging stations
The network of charging stations in the Netherlands is very well developed. You will find a good overview of charging stations on these route planners: https://abetterrouteplanner.com or https://chargemap.com

Please note that in the Netherlands it is compulsory to have a warning triangle in the car and safety vests are recommended.

Climate in the Netherlands
The climate in the Netherlands is influenced by the (nearness of) the North Sea. The temperate maritime climate ensures moderately warm summers and not-too-cold winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are suitable for a beach holiday. January is generally the coldest month. But even then, the endless beaches are always worth a walk.

Tap water
The tap water in the Netherlands is of good quality and is safe to drink. There are several public fountains in major cities where you can refill your water bottle.

Public Restrooms
In shopping centers, department stores, service stations, and bars, there is often a mall service fee to make use of the toilet.  
Using the HogeNood app you can immediately find the nearest accessible toilet with your smartphone. 

Shopping and Eating in the Netherlands

Opening times for restaurants and shops are not regulated by law in the Netherlands. Grocery stores and supermarkets are open Monday to Saturday, often also on Sunday depending on urban or rural location. Well-known supermarket chains include Albert Heijn and Jumbo, but also Lidl and Aldi.

About meal times in Holland. There is the ontbijt , the breakfast that is best enjoyed with hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles). Only small dishes, sandwiches, or snacks are offered at lunchtime. Dinner is the main meal. Invoices are issued per table; a split invoice is unusual. A 10% tip is typically left, but not mandatory. Be sure to visit a Pannekoekenhuis, where delicious sweet and savory pancakes are served.

Winter in the Netherlands
Due to the geographical conditions, winter tires are not required in the Netherlands. Snow chains are even forbidden on public roads.

By plane
In the Netherlands, you will find numerous airports throughout the country. Most guests arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol or Eindhoven Airport.

By Ferry
Three ferry services are running across the North Sea from the UK to the Netherlands – Harwich to Hook of Holland, Newcastle to Amsterdam Ijmuiden, and Hull to Rotterdam.

Public transport
The Netherlands has a well-developed, dense network of public transport. If you use it frequently, we recommend the reloadable public transport chip card. Everyone needs their ticket or OV-chipkaart to travel on public transport, as you have to check in and check out each time you use it. If there are few trips, you should purchase individual tickets as refunds are not possible. You can find more useful information about tourist tickets here .

Healthcare
The healthcare system in the Netherlands is one of the best in the world. With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you are entitled to the necessary medical care during your holiday. Pharmacies can be easily identified by the green cross. As everywhere in the EU, the European emergency number 112 applies here.

Money matters
In the Netherlands, payments are made in the euro. ATMs are plentiful but may incur fees. You can pay with debit and credit cards almost everywhere. The prices are comparable to those in Ireland.

Sockets
Sockets in your accommodation may not be the same in the Netherlands as in Ireland.
In the Netherlands, there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins and plug type F is the plug that has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. The Netherlands operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.  It may be handy to bring 2 pin, domestic Euro conversion plug. 

Traveling with your dog
The Netherlands is a dog-friendly country. For your dog or cat, you need an EU pet passport, available from the vet. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The mandatory chip must have been inserted before the rabies vaccination (may be on the same day). More information can be found here. Because this vaccination may only be given from 12 weeks, puppies or kittens younger than 15 weeks may not be taken to the Netherlands. 

Time
The Netherlands is 1 hour ahead of the centre of Ireland. We are using the Europe/Dublin and Europe/Madrid time zones.  

Travelling alone with a minor child? 
Are you traveling alone with a minor child for example, because you are divorced? Or are you bringing your child's boyfriend or girlfriend? Then you must be able to prove that you have permission from the parent(s). This can be done with a declaration of consent.