Rotterdam What to Pack

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: When it REALLY starts to rain and the wind is strong, nothing will help you. Town cleaners have a hard work after weather like this, to pick all the broken umbrellas from the streets. Anyway, it is usefull to have two of them with you otherwise you may spend your time with shopping new ones like I did.

Miscellaneous: Bike. Everybody is going on bike anywhere. Public transport is quite expensive and going by car is useless because of the traffic jams.

Miscellaneous:
Locals really look after their bicycles I don’t know the reason why, it could be the reason of thieves nicking them. But there are bicycle compounds available where you can park your bicycle for some nominal charges. When entering the compound you will be given a ticket and after showing that ticket on your return you could fetch your bicycle. You can add bicycle in your packing list if possible as the best way to move around in the city.

Miscellaneous: As I found out still many tourists don?t bother do buy a map. Rotterdam does not have a real tourist center. Most attractions are located throughout the entire city. A map is necessary to find your way around. A small investment that will make your visit to Rotterdam much more valuable! At some place (like at Spido) there are information monitors where you will find information about attractions. It is even possible to print maps and directions (free of charge).

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: When you get to Rotterdam in summertime, be prepared for festivals on the street, and bring your colorful party clothes. It really is a lot of fun to see all those festivals and be a little crazy yourself.

For information and timetables of festivals visit www.rotterdamfestivals.nl

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: In summer now you can also lay on the beach in Rotterdam. They have temporary beach along the river Maas, so bring your beachclothes and beachtowel too.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If it's inconvenient to bring a rain jacket and umbrella with you, plan to buy them when you arrive. You'll need them, even in summer! Rotterdam is by the water and has very changeable weather. It can be overcast, sunny, and rainy, all in the same day.

Luggage and bags: Bring a suitcase or a backpack

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It often rains in Holland and the wind is very strong at this harbourcity, so bring a long a coat and an umbrella. In summer it's usually nice and warm here.

Photo Equipment: Film is here. You can bring your films to photoshops for development too. The quality is good.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: No camping here.

Miscellaneous: Visa Tips

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.

Miscellaneous: Useful tips

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.