Two Weeks in the Netherlands? Advice sought for first timer

[MatthewK]

Located in the midwest of the US, we are in the planning phase of a summer trip (holiday) to the Netherlands. Looking at rentals (Airbnb) for two weeks in Utrecht mid July if Covid has calmed. Everything I have learned of the area is from Youtube videos from Bicycle Dutch and Not Just bikes....I'm a huge bike nerd.

We are an active/healthy family of 5, 3 kids 11,13,17 and first time traveling abroad. No interest in using a car. Feet, bus, train, bicycle will be mode of getting around. Looking for advice on quiet city area to stay.

Also, about money.....
Brief searches claim US credit cards not very useful there, debit cards are the way to go. But after digging deeper, it appears in the bigger cities they are accepted most places, other than grocery stores. What's the best way to pay for things there as an American citizen.

Thanks for any help, I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get further along in planning.

Also, maybe there should be a travel thread added to forum??? Wasn't sure exactly where to post this.

Matt

[Ants]

First, you are right you absolutely do not need a car in the Netherlands. Public transport is excellent. For money, I've never had a problem with major credit cards and using a debit card for ATMs. I've never had to use my debit card in lieu of a CC. I think a Visa or Mastercard would work fine but might not trust a discover card. I'd get a CC card that reimburses for foreign transaction fees. For travel specific questions, I was going to recommend Lonely Planets Thorn Tree forum but just saw that got shut down which is a bummer. I'm not sure were else to go for travel specific advice.

[daverobev]

In the NL they have a country-specific debit network - so Visa and MC will work in many places, but not all. Eg for getting train tickets you will have to go to the kiosk, you can't use the auto terminals on the station platform - at least that was true a few years ago.

Oh, the other thing is that pretty much everywhere except the US uses chip and PIN. Most US cards don't have a PIN, you have to sign instead. And for unmanned things... yeah, you have to enter a PIN, so it doesn't work.

Just get a debit card that offers forex-free cash withdrawals, and carry a zero forex Visa and Mastercard and you'll be fine.

You could also look into getting one of the universal currency accounts - like (Transfer)Wise, where you can load on one currency and convert it at a reasonable rate (not as good as 'zero' but not too bad). That card should have a PIN. Assuming they are accepting US clients at the moment, that is.

[Paul der Krake]

Yeah US cards don't always work there. 95% of the time they do, but it's very hit or miss especially at automated kiosks in places like the train station. Get some euros, problem solved.

[lutorm]

I just set up a Wise multi-currency account the other day. You can add USD from your bank, and then convert to a bunch of different currencies. You can get a debit card which will work in the local currency if you have a balance in that currency, and for Euro, you can also get account details for some bank in Germany. I haven't tried it yet but I'm setting this up in advance of spending a few months in Sweden this summer and it seems like it would be useful. Wise generally seems to be considered to have a very good exchange rate, too.

[reeshau]

Oh, the other thing is that pretty much everywhere except the US uses chip and PIN. Most US cards don't have a PIN, you have to sign instead. And for unmanned things... yeah, you have to enter a PIN, so it doesn't work.

Get a US card that allows you to tap the charge--no worries, then, as long as you are under the local (and your own bank's) transaction limits on tapping.

Chip-and-sign works OK where they are expecting American tourists--the shop has to be set up for that.  We occasionally found a clerk who was surprised when the receipt came out, but always worked it out.

[MrThatsDifferent]

How wonderful, you’ll love your time there.

Here are some things I’d recommend around Amsterdam:

1. Visit Naarden, the fort city near Amsterdam
2. Visit Muiderslot, the castle of the first king of Holland
3. Visit Zaanse Schans, cute little old time village
4. Take kids to the Efteling, NL’s Disney
5. Normally I’d recommend Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and a canal ride all in Amsterdam but with young kids, not sure.

[GuitarStv]

Stroopwafels!

[AccidentialMustache]

You're near Belgium, because you can't not be. Watch for dudes who sell french fries out of a hot dog cart. Get the mayo with your fries. Trust me. The best fries I've ever had were in Belgium.

I mean really, just eat your way through Europe wherever you are. That's what I did with my folks when I was younger and it was awesome.

[MrThatsDifferent]

Stroopwafels!

They’re awesome but I raise you pannenkoken (giant pancake).

[Dutch Comfort]

Just a suggestion: www.bedandbreakfastdebuitenhof.nl

In a quiet park in Utrecht. <10 minutes walk to public transport (from which you go in 7 minutes to the city centre). 20 minutes bike to city centre.

In Utrecht / near Utrecht: boat tour through the canals, visit the old fortresses (Fort Vechten, just outside Utrecht, is recommended with teens, since they also have a VR experience), visit the castle of the crazy count (who built a medieval castle in the late 19th/early 20th century, but made sure that all electricity is in place, too weird) in Haarzuilens. Eat the savory pancakes with bacon and/or cheese or the small poffertjes (like blini's but sweet). Eat STROOPWAFELS!!!! Best to eat them fresh at a local market. Almost every market will have a stand with them.

Other things in the Netherlands:
- Giethoorn (Venice of the Netherlands)
- Rotterdam (largest harbour in Europe, boat tour through the harbour, walk around Erasmus bridge, take a water taxi / water bus over the Merwede (largest canal), visit the Markthal (market hall with great art and good food).

And, let me know if you need any translations or other tips (local Utrecht Dutchie here....)

[daverobev]

Oh, the other thing is that pretty much everywhere except the US uses chip and PIN. Most US cards don't have a PIN, you have to sign instead. And for unmanned things... yeah, you have to enter a PIN, so it doesn't work.

Get a US card that allows you to tap the charge

It's true, tap to pay helps a lot. Alternatively any old card with Apple/Google/Samsung Pay on your phone.

[MatthewK]

Just a suggestion: www.bedandbreakfastdebuitenhof.nl

In a quiet park in Utrecht. <10 minutes walk to public transport (from which you go in 7 minutes to the city centre). 20 minutes bike to city centre.

In Utrecht / near Utrecht: boat tour through the canals, visit the old fortresses (Fort Vechten, just outside Utrecht, is recommended with teens, since they also have a VR experience), visit the castle of the crazy count (who built a medieval castle in the late 19th/early 20th century, but made sure that all electricity is in place, too weird) in Haarzuilens. Eat the savory pancakes with bacon and/or cheese or the small poffertjes (like blini's but sweet). Eat STROOPWAFELS!!!! Best to eat them fresh at a local market. Almost every market will have a stand with them.

Other things in the Netherlands:
- Giethoorn (Venice of the Netherlands)
- Rotterdam (largest harbour in Europe, boat tour through the harbour, walk around Erasmus bridge, take a water taxi / water bus over the Merwede (largest canal), visit the Markthal (market hall with great art and good food).

And, let me know if you need any translations or other tips (local Utrecht Dutchie here....)

That place looks really great but maybe a bit too rural/nature. I love nature, however where we live is surrounded by nature so we are looking for a more city type vibe.

Thanks for all the payment suggestions. We already have chase freedom unlimited with tap and go so I'm going to sign up for the Sapphire preferred with no foreign transaction fee. They have a pretty sweet travel promo going on now. We will use that for purchases and our credit union Mastercard ATM/ debit card for bank ATM cash withdraws (still waiting on confirmation from local Credit Union on whether that will work)

Also looks like we always want to select the local currency (Euro) over the USD payment with purchases/ATM withdraws? Seems like that may be a common mistake made by many infrequent travelers who later learn of high conversion fees added on.

One more thing, is Google Fi still a good option for mobile? I used it a couple of years ago when we spent a bit of time in Canada and it was great. However I think they made some network changes, at least here in the US, so not sure if it's still a good option.

[daverobev]

Always decline 'we'll convert the currency for you' yeah, you want to pay the amount listed in local currency.

Your MC debit card will work at ATMs, no issue there. Just make sure it is a machine that offers 'free' withdrawals - ie don't use ones in convenience stores that have a surcharge. Usually the high street banks are 'free'. It always makes me laugh in the UK - 'free cash withdrawals', ah, well, no.

Depending on what phone you have, check it's unlocked and works on the GSM bands. You'll be able to pick up a SIM at any corner shop/convenience store and stick 10 Eur of credit on...

[MrThatsDifferent]

Just a suggestion: www.bedandbreakfastdebuitenhof.nl

In a quiet park in Utrecht. <10 minutes walk to public transport (from which you go in 7 minutes to the city centre). 20 minutes bike to city centre.

In Utrecht / near Utrecht: boat tour through the canals, visit the old fortresses (Fort Vechten, just outside Utrecht, is recommended with teens, since they also have a VR experience), visit the castle of the crazy count (who built a medieval castle in the late 19th/early 20th century, but made sure that all electricity is in place, too weird) in Haarzuilens. Eat the savory pancakes with bacon and/or cheese or the small poffertjes (like blini's but sweet). Eat STROOPWAFELS!!!! Best to eat them fresh at a local market. Almost every market will have a stand with them.

Other things in the Netherlands:
- Giethoorn (Venice of the Netherlands)
- Rotterdam (largest harbour in Europe, boat tour through the harbour, walk around Erasmus bridge, take a water taxi / water bus over the Merwede (largest canal), visit the Markthal (market hall with great art and good food).

And, let me know if you need any translations or other tips (local Utrecht Dutchie here....)

That place looks really great but maybe a bit too rural/nature. I love nature, however where we live is surrounded by nature so we are looking for a more city type vibe.

Thanks for all the payment suggestions. We already have chase freedom unlimited with tap and go so I'm going to sign up for the Sapphire preferred with no foreign transaction fee. They have a pretty sweet travel promo going on now. We will use that for purchases and our credit union Mastercard ATM/ debit card for bank ATM cash withdraws (still waiting on confirmation from local Credit Union on whether that will work)

Also looks like we always want to select the local currency (Euro) over the USD payment with purchases/ATM withdraws? Seems like that may be a common mistake made by many infrequent travelers who later learn of high conversion fees added on.

One more thing, is Google Fi still a good option for mobile? I used it a couple of years ago when we spent a bit of time in Canada and it was great. However I think they made some network changes, at least here in the US, so not sure if it's still a good option.

The Netherlands is more rural than you might think. Utrecht isn’t a grand city, gorgeous one. If you want the city experience, that’s Amsterdam. I would definitely check out those places recommended by Dutch Comfort. Your kids will get more out of it I think. Also, you don’t have many castles where you live I would think. Try to keep an open mind, NL is a small country and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from traveling: if a local recommends something, add it to the list. Nothing in NL is like the US, completely different vibe.

[MatthewK]

Nope, you're correct, not any castles where I'm located. I was referring to the accommodations not the castles. Definitely excited to see castles, the kids have already been researching ones they would like to see.

 I would also very much like to visit Amsterdam as well, my wife just isn't sold on it yet. Not sure how kid friendly it is although I'm sure there are many spots that are just fine.

[MrThatsDifferent]

Nope, you're correct, not any castles where I'm located. I was referring to the accommodations not the castles. Definitely excited to see castles, the kids have already been researching ones they would like to see.

 I would also very much like to visit Amsterdam as well, my wife just isn't sold on it yet. Not sure how kid friendly it is although I'm sure there are many spots that are just fine.

Amsterdam is amazing and beautiful. Don’t let the stereotype about drugs and sex scare you, you won’t see any of it. The Dutch are smart, well mannered people. Amsterdam does get busy with visitors, not sure what it’s like with everything happening now. There’s Vondel Park and the list I shared are all very kid friendly. Definitely a city you don’t want to miss.

[Dutch Comfort]

If you want to be in a more city-part of Utrecht, I think you would prefer the city-centre.
Try to avoid the "Kanalen-eiland" and "Overvecht" part of Utrecht as these are less nice for kids. "Leidsche Rijn" is more outside of the city-centre but has good public transport connections..
A few nice city parts are: Oog in Al, Lombok, Tuindorp, around Wilhelmina-park and the city-centre.
You can cross the whole city by bike in 30 minutes.

Another nice thing:
With the kids, go to the NEMO museum in Amsterdam.

[zhelud]

Our family visited Amsterdam a few years ago and the absolute most fun thing we did was to rent bikes and take the (free) ferry to the north part of the city and then ride the main bike path around Waterland, which is just incredible. Probably one of the most memorable things we have ever done on vacation.
In general, biking in and around Amsterdam is safe and fun for all ages. (If you weren't aware of that already!) I assume it's true for Utrecht too.

[Imma]

Our family visited Amsterdam a few years ago and the absolute most fun thing we did was to rent bikes and take the (free) ferry to the north part of the city and then ride the main bike path around Waterland, which is just incredible. Probably one of the most memorable things we have ever done on vacation.
In general, biking in and around Amsterdam is safe and fun for all ages. (If you weren't aware of that already!) I assume it's true for Utrecht too.

Amsterdam is by far the most difficult city to ride a bike in in NL (relatively, because as you said it's generally safe and fun). I'm sure Utrecht will be absolutely fine for biking.

One thing that's really fun here are the public bikes you can rent for very cheap at the train stations (NS Fiets). There are many beautiful cycling tours to be found online that start and end at a train station. The same for walking - there are many routes to be found online that start and end at a train station or go from one station to another.

If you want to see more cities  (because Utrecht is nice but it's not that big) some less touristy but nice cities are Amersfoort, Deventer, Zutphen, Nijmegen. I think they're all less than an hour away by train. More rural but nice areas are the Veluwe area (Kröller Muller museum) and Drenthe (Dwingeloo).

[elaine amj]

A few years ago, when my kids were in their early teens, we had a short trip to Amsterdam and walked/bused around the city (make sure u have enough change for buses! I was short 1 euro at the end of my trip for the bus back to the airport because the bus driver the day before charged me 1 euro less. Anyway, had to do a walk of shame back to my hotel and scramble for alternate transportation to the airport).

The Anne Frank house was a highlight - especially since my DS had been reading her diary at school that year.

Back to my point - at night we strolled through the canals. As we walked past the red light district, DH and I made sure we pointed the kids’ attention across the canal to various houses, etc. They never even noticed the red light district!! DH and I were giggling secretly the entire time lol.


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[Imma]

In 2021, most bus companies don't accept cash anymore. You can buy a single ticket using a debit card but if you're going to use public transit a lot, it pays to get a travel card (OV chipkaart). In my city a single ride is €3,50 while you pay less than €1 using an OV chipkaart.

Cash hasn't been popular in NL for years but the pandemic has basically kiled off the use of cash. My local grocery store now only accepts cash at one till for example.

The red light district in Amsterdam is notorious, but it's not big and easy to avoid if you don't want to go there (or do what @elaine amj did). Most cities have a small, well hidden red light district, Amsterdam is the only city where you could end up there unknowingly.

[Dr Kidstache]

I've spent a lot of time in NL (pre-pandemic) doing short-term resident stints. I definitely ran into issues with credit & debit cards because of the way they're chipped. Places like restaurants were ok with the chip & sign although often confused. But none of my chipped cards would work reliably for automatic machines like adding money public transportation (agree with Imma's rec to get an OV chipkaart!) or at the grocery stores. I had to deal mostly in cash so be prepared for that possibility.
Beware people trying to get you to eat raw herring ;-)

[zhelud]

Our family visited Amsterdam a few years ago and the absolute most fun thing we did was to rent bikes and take the (free) ferry to the north part of the city and then ride the main bike path around Waterland, which is just incredible. Probably one of the most memorable things we have ever done on vacation.
In general, biking in and around Amsterdam is safe and fun for all ages. (If you weren't aware of that already!) I assume it's true for Utrecht too.

Amsterdam is by far the most difficult city to ride a bike in in NL (relatively, because as you said it's generally safe and fun). I'm sure Utrecht will be absolutely fine for biking.

One thing that's really fun here are the public bikes you can rent for very cheap at the train stations (NS Fiets). There are many beautiful cycling tours to be found online that start and end at a train station. The same for walking - there are many routes to be found online that start and end at a train station or go from one station to another.

If you want to see more cities  (because Utrecht is nice but it's not that big) some less touristy but nice cities are Amersfoort, Deventer, Zutphen, Nijmegen. I think they're all less than an hour away by train. More rural but nice areas are the Veluwe area (Kröller Muller museum) and Drenthe (Dwingeloo).

Just to clarify- Waterland is rural and even a 6 year old could manage the main bike path around it.
But yes, biking in Amsterdam proper does require a lot of traffic awareness.

[MatthewK]

If you want to be in a more city-part of Utrecht, I think you would prefer the city-centre.
Try to avoid the "Kanalen-eiland" and "Overvecht" part of Utrecht as these are less nice for kids. "Leidsche Rijn" is more outside of the city-centre but has good public transport connections..
A few nice city parts are: Oog in Al, Lombok, Tuindorp, around Wilhelmina-park and the city-centre.
You can cross the whole city by bike in 30 minutes.

Another nice thing:
With the kids, go to the NEMO museum in Amsterdam.

Thank you for all the suggestions! We found a place in Oog in Al that may work for us. It doesn't look too far from city center which is where it looks like our train from airport will come in.

You mentioned Overvecht and Kanalen-eiland not being great for kids, in what way? Reason I ask is another rental option for us is near Kanaleneiland-Noord.

Also, we are so use to going everywhere by car that we are very excited to use the trains. We plan to travel too a lot of different areas and I'm assuming there is something like a week long pass to purchase (unlimited?) or will we be paying per trip?

[MatthewK]

In 2021, most bus companies don't accept cash anymore. You can buy a single ticket using a debit card but if you're going to use public transit a lot, it pays to get a travel card (OV chipkaart). In my city a single ride is €3,50 while you pay less than €1 using an OV chipkaart.

Cash hasn't been popular in NL for years but the pandemic has basically kiled off the use of cash. My local grocery store now only accepts cash at one till for example.

The red light district in Amsterdam is notorious, but it's not big and easy to avoid if you don't want to go there (or do what @elaine amj did). Most cities have a small, well hidden red light district, Amsterdam is the only city where you could end up there unknowingly.

Ah, just posted a question about traveling and paying. I will google this OV chipkaart, Thanks!

[elaine amj]

But yes, biking in Amsterdam proper does require a lot of traffic awareness.

I have to say - I was fascinated by all the bikes zipping around everywhere in Amsterdam. But as an experienced but slightly nervous cyclist, I remember saying there was no way I would ever attempt it. Not even scared of the cars - it’s the masses of other cyclists lol.

That said, while I used to bike commute, it was on quieter streets in my small city. I’m kinda terrified of any biking in any big city lol! So ymmv :) Obviously plenty of people who live in cities do it safely every day.


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[Linea_Norway]

Other nice places to visit are Gouda, Schoonhoven, Oudewater, Vreeswijk. You can cycle between these places along rivers, for example through the Vlist, a river south of Haastrecht and north of Schoonhoven, and from Schoonhoven over the dike along the Lek, a big river. I lived there for many years and cycled from Schoonhoven to Gouda and back every day for many years, along the river Vlist.
Use the small roads to cycle on. And as there are plenty of dedicated cycle routes, try to find those cycle routes, either in a book, a folder or on signs. Some signs look like a square white mushroom. Often the routes along rivers are very nice.

[gatortator]

this always looked like a cool place to stay.. bikes at the beginning of the video, so it is easily bike able

waterline defensive bunker turned lodge
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qg5l_R0lYKs&list=PLMRx8kgwkvhIumNAj6TYjLWqULPggNR9X&index=7

[Mr FrugalNL]

This should come in handy when planning your bicycle trips: https://www.anwb.nl/fietsroutes/fietsknooppuntenplanner

The numbered nodes on the map correspond to signs like those pictured here. You can easily create a custom route with these. The signage is generally excellent and the routes between the nodes have been handpicked to be bike friendly. There are also some pre-planned routes here.

[Linea_Norway]

The town Heusden might be worth a visit. It looks very traditional, although it is recreated in modern time. Also nature area The Biesbos could be worth a visit, by a quiet boat. That is a wetland area.

[Gerard]

One thing I'd consider, based on our trips, is staying near Amsterdam (rather than in town) and taking a commuter train in for your Amsterdam-exploring days. It's *much* cheaper, and you get all the Dutch-ness and some of the hipness. We really liked the vibe in Haarlem.
Remember, too, that most trains and other transit can be paid for with the same transit card, so if you load those up you'll have fewer times you need to worry about buying tickets and using your credit card.
Have fun!

[MatthewK]

So it's been awhile since I made this post and I just wanted to give a quick update. We are all set for this trip and leaving in a couple of weeks. Thanks for all the advice.

We decided to stay in Haarlem at an Airbnb and have a few things planned but mostly just going to relax and do whatever sounds interesting. We'll be there for 14 days so that should give us enough time to see a lot of the country. Thanks again!

[Linea_Norway]

Have a nice trip. I hope your flight goes smoothly. But be prepared for luggage trouble at Schiphol airport, which is currently a disaster. And meet up really early when you fly back.

[Gerard]

Have a great trip!

some low-key neat things to do in the Haarlem area:
-walk the tiny narrow streets around the Frans Hals museum with yr fam and have the kids imagine what it would be like to live in those houses
-walk (or better yet, bike) the zuid-kennemerland national park trails (maybe from near Overveen station?). We really enjoyed riding bikes in the area near the dunes, and elsewhere if you're super quiet you might get to see the wild european bison.
https://www.wisenten.nl/en
-beer at Jopen! https://www.tastytales.tv/breweries/jopen-bier/

[Sapphire]

We are going to NL next year so I would love to hear how your trip went @MatthewK.  Hope you have fun :)

[Trudie]

We were just there for a week this past spring and are going back next year.

Be prepared with cash in lieu of credit. Places we could surprisingly not use our card: Some major grocery stores and restaurants.  This was surprising after traveling all over Europe where cashless is preferred, but there you go.

Many museums and tourist sites will require you to purchase tickets online in advance.

The people in the information booths at the transit stations are very kind and helpful and speak flawless English.

Be prepared for snafus at Schipol Airport, including longer than usual lines, delayed luggage, and canceled flights. We dealt with all three in our short hop from London to Amsterdam. We're still sorting out compensation with KLM Airlines. Make sure to pack necessities and at least one change of clothes in your carry-on. Tag your bags. Don't take your nicest clothes. And snap photos of your bag contents before you check your bags. It will be extremely helpful later. Things have not improved in the two months since we've traveled.

[Imma]

We were just there for a week this past spring and are going back next year.

Be prepared with cash in lieu of credit. Places we could surprisingly not use our card: Some major grocery stores and restaurants.  This was surprising after traveling all over Europe where cashless is preferred, but there you go.

Cashless is also strongly preferred in NL (plenty of places don't accept cash at all anymore) but debit cards, not credit cards are the norm. The credit card fees for the retailer are very high while the fees for debit card use are lower than for cash, so usually the only places where credit cards are accepted are high - end luxury stores with a high profit margin (designer clothing and the like) plus hotels because you can't charge a debit card in advance.

[Linea_Norway]

We were just there for a week this past spring and are going back next year.

Be prepared with cash in lieu of credit. Places we could surprisingly not use our card: Some major grocery stores and restaurants.  This was surprising after traveling all over Europe where cashless is preferred, but there you go.

Cashless is also strongly preferred in NL (plenty of places don't accept cash at all anymore) but debit cards, not credit cards are the norm. The credit card fees for the retailer are very high while the fees for debit card use are lower than for cash, so usually the only places where credit cards are accepted are high - end luxury stores with a high profit margin (designer clothing and the like) plus hotels because you can't charge a debit card in advance.

It is hopeless for people with a foreign credit card. My Norwegian debitcard with the maestro system doesn't work either. Credit cards work in restaurants and in some major webshops. But indeed grocery stores don't accept it. I guess other types of shops are more willing to acept it.