Visas
Students are advised to check the visa requirements for any country they may wish to visit during their time abroad. Applications for visas must be completed in your country of origin. You should allow a minimum of 4 weeks for obtaining visas.

Language

French, Dutch & Flemisch are the spoken languages in the Benelux; however English can be understand & spoken by most of the inhabitants.

Time

The Netherlands observes Central Eurpean Time in winter, and Central European Time plus one hour in summer. Clocks are adjusted by one hour in October and in March.

Climate

The Netherlands have a climate that, due to the influence of the sea on one side and the continent on the other side, varies a lot during the seasons. In summer temperatures range from 15-30 degrees Celsius. In winter, the temperature can easily drop to 10 degrees Celsius below freezing point, so warm clothing is advisable. In general, January and February are the coldest months, and July and August the warmest.

Currency

The EURO is divided into one hundred cents. Coins in the following denominations are used: EUR 2, EUR 1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c. The bank notes are EUR 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are accepted throughout the Benelux at hotels, restaurants, and in shops. However, should you wish to prolong your stay by touring the country, you should be aware that many bed and breakfast (B&B) guesthouses do not accept credit cards. Taxi do not accept credit cards.

Electrical Voltage

Dutch electrical voltage is rated at 230 volts 50Hz. Special adaptors are needed for use in the Netherlands.

Emergency Services

All emergency services, i.e. Ambulance, Police and Fire Brigade, may be contacted by ringing 112. There is no charge for using this number and it may be called from any phone including public call boxes.

Public Phones

There are two types of public phones in the Netherlands: coin boxes and card phones. Coin boxes accept EUR 2, EUR 1, 50c, 20c. Call cards are available in EUR 7, 15, 30 units. These are on sale from post offices and from newsagents.

Public Holidays

There are 9 public holidays in the Netherlands. They are as follows:

• January 1st (New year's Day)
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Ascension Day (a Thursday)
• Whit Monday
• April 30th (Queen's birthday)
• May 5th (Liberation Day - once every 5 years)
• December 25th & 26th (Christmas Day's)