Rotterdam Packing List Tips by Kozzmozz

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Miscellaneous: <i><b>Visa Tips</i></b>

When visiting the Netherlands for a period shorter then three months, foreigners from a number of countries need to be in the possession of a visa, before entering the Netherlands,, either for business or tourist purposes.


Exempted from visa-duty are nationals from most countries with a trade relationship with the Netherlands: most European countries, Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and others. There is an extended list of visa-duty countries which will be changed every three months.

Foreigners who do not need to be in the possession of a visa, before entering the Netherlands, are required to have a valid passport and a health insurance covering all risks in the Netherlands.

Foreigners who need te be in possession of a visa can request one at the embassy or consulate of the Netherlands in the home country or the country of residence outside the Netherlands. You must request a visa in person. Required documents are a passport and an invitation letter from the company in the Netherlands, stating your name and birth date, the purpose of your visit, your passport number, a description of the relation between you and the company and a guarantee regarding the possible costs made by your visit.

You can obtain further information from every embassy or consulate of the Netherlands.

Packing List

Miscellaneous: <b><i>Useful tips</i></b>

You have to register with the municipal authority. Please contact the Civil Affairs Department (burgerzaken) at the Town Hall within five days of your arrival in the Netherlands. Here you also have to apply for your residence permit.

Your driving licence is not automatically valid. If you wish to make use of a car, you must have a driving licence which is valid according to Dutch law.

In case of emergency, dial 112. When you dial the number, you should indicate whether you wish to warn the police, fire brigade or ambulance and state the location where help is needed. The number is only intended for emergencies. Otherwise call 0900-8844 (local police office).

You have to be able to prove your identity in certain situations. For example when you register for allocation of housing, go to a football match or make use of public transport. You also have to prove your identity when you make use of a notary. Valid identity papers include your passport and your driving licence.

Usual working hours in the Netherlands for companies, government offices, shops, banks and restaurants are as follows:

Businesses Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 17.30 hours.
Government offices Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 17.00 hours.
Shops Shop opening hours vary, but most shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 09.00 to 18.00 hours.
Banks Monday to Friday from 09.30 to 16.00 hours.
Restaurants Most restaurants are open Tuesday to Sunday. Lunch between 12.00 and 14.00 hours; dinner: between 18.00 and 22.30 hours. Some restaurants are also open on Mondays.