Time Zone and Language
Time Zone
UTC+01:00
Language
Dutch is the official language in the Netherlands but English is widely spoken.
The official conference language is English and no translation/interpretation services will be offered.
Emergency and Health
Emergency
In emergency situations, you can contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by calling 112.
Medical Services
Should you need to see a doctor or a dentist, we recommend contacting your hotel’s reception desk who will direct you to the medical professionals assigned to the hotel. If immediate medical attention is required, call the emergency services at 112. Emergency medical services (including transportation by ambulance) are not free and you will be billed for any services rendered.
Health and Immunizations
Vaccination certificates are usually not needed when travelling to the Netherlands, but please check with your local embassy as requirements may change.
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to The Netherlands. Ensure coverage by your own health insurance and bring necessary documents on the trip. If you're a European citizen from within EU/EEA, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in The Netherlands.
Telephones and Electricity
Telephones International dialing codes
The Netherlands: +(31)
Belgium: +(32)
Germany +(49)
Electricity
The standard electrical voltage in the Netherlands is 230 volts AC, 50Hz (hotel bathrooms may also have outlets for 100 volts). The electrical outlets in the Netherlands take two-pronged, round-pin plugs. We recommend that you purchase an adaptor for your electrical equipment prior to your arrival.
Water, Temperature and Weather
Water
Tap water is safe to drink in Maastricht.
Temperature
Temperature is given in degrees Celsius
Celsius to Fahrenheit: multiply Celsius by 1.8 and add 32 to convert to Fahrenheit.
Weather
Average Temperature for June: 13 - 22 Celsius. Even though it is summer we recommend bringing some wet-weather gear for the occasional rain shower.
Distance
Distances in the Netherlands are given in kilometers.
1 mile = 1.62 kilometers
Further information
Currency
The monetary unit is the Euro (EUR). Bank notes are printed in values of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500; and coins in values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and €1 and €2. If changing currency, it is recommended to request smaller value notes of €5- €20 as it can be difficult to find establishments to take larger notes. It is advised against taking larger notes as problems regarding counterfeiting mean they are rarely accepted.
Major credit and debit cards (some restrictions apply to American Express and Diners) are accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels, but in some they are not, be sure to check before ordering. Cash is withdrawn with your Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus card at any ATM. Taxis do not accept card payments so it is essential to have some local currency.
If your country of residence is outside of The Netherlands, you may qualify for a sales-tax refund for purchases. You need to request a form for your refund at the shop when making you purchase.
ATMs & Credit Cards
ATMs are widely available throughout Maastricht and most are open 24 hours a day. Souvenir and clothing stores accept all major credit cards, however grocery stores, cafes and some restaurants will only accept cash.
Tipping
At restaurants it is possible that you will be charged a cover charge of between 1-3 euros per head and most people choose to round up to the nearest Euro after this but you can leave more for excellent service. Some restaurants also charge an additional service charge on the bill which can be around 10% in which case you do not need to leave anything additional. These charges should be written on the menu or made clear before ordering. Tipping cab drivers is unusual but appreciated if they have assisted with luggage. Most people prefer to round up to the closest Euro to avoid handling small change.
