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Price of a cup of coffee
€ 3
Tipping
Tipping is not required. In a sit-down restaurant tips around 10% are common.
Tap water
The tap water in the Netherlands is drinkable, enjoy!
Public transport
The common way of travelling by public transport in the Netherlands is by using an 'OV Chipcard'. The OV Chipcard is a chargeable card that can be bought at a regular price of € 7.50, for instance at vending machines inside metro and railway stations, in tobacco shops or in supermarkets.
Checking in and out
Make sure you 'check-in' with your OV Chipcard at the start of your ride, and don't forget to 'check-out' when leaving. When using the Intercity Direct (the high-speed train), make sure to check-in an extra time at a supplement post on your departure platform.
Single tickets
If you are just planning to use public transport occasionally, you could also decide to buy single tickets inside the bus, tram or at vending machines inside metro and railway stations. Single tickets are also available for journeys by train. Please note that travelling is slightly cheaper with the OV Chipcard, compared to buying single tickets.
Planning your journey
All information about trains in the Netherlands can be found on NS (de Nederlandse Spoorwegen). For a detailed planning of your public transport journey — including other public transport such as buses, trams and metro — use 9292.
From Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam
Train
There are frequent direct trains from Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam Central Station. Plan your journey and find prices on NS.
From Rotterdam/The Hague Airport to Rotterdam
Bus
Bus 33 drives you to Rotterdam Central Station, for about € 2. Plan your journey on 9292.
Taxi
A taxi to the city centre costs about € 25. Taxis can be found in front of the airport, or use an app for ordering (for instance Uber).
Events in Rotterdam
King's Day
On the 27th of April we celebrate the day of birth of the King. Everyone is in orange on King's Day. This may be one of the more special days of the year to be in Rotterdam, but note that it can be very crowded!
Theatre Festival De Parade
De Parade is a theatre festival which travels through the Netherlands every summer, making stops in the largest cities of the country. In Rotterdam, the festival can be visited in the Museumpark – get directions. The festival offers concerts, numerous cool acts and theatre performances. Above all, De Parade is known for its wonderful festival atmosphere, with plenty of food stands and bars to keep you going. Learn more about De Parade and book your tickets on the official website (Du).
Rotterdam Unlimited
Rotterdam Unlimited is a very large, bright and colourful street event that takes place every year for several days in summer. The festival is filled with live music, dancing and happy vibes, with the highlight being the Summer Carnival street parade through the centre of Rotterdam held on Saturday. Learn more about this year's edition on the official website.
World Port Days
This is the largest maritime festival in the Netherlands, made for people who love sailing ships, ports and maritime adventures. For three days hundreds of thousands visitors can peek behind the scenes of Europe's biggest harbour. The World Port Days traditionally take place in the first weekend of September, with shows and festivities organized on the Maas River and its banks. Learn more about the World Port Days on the official website (Du).
Local pages
Brandgrens
The people of Rotterdam will never forget May 14, 1940. Within 15 minutes, the historical Rotterdam was bombed to the ground by Nazi Germany. This day made Rotterdam different from the typical Dutch cities, known for their lovely historical core. Learn more about the bombing of Rotterdam, the line of fire and the touching stories on Brandgrens.
Doing business in the Netherlands
Doing business in another country should be seamless and without surprises, like in your home country. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Should you have any questions about doing business in the Netherlands, do not hesitate to contact Jerry Maguire. Whilst Jerry Maguire focuses on advising clients on finance and taxes, they will be able to help you with all kinds of practical questions about doing business in the Netherlands, or more specifically in Rotterdam.
Harbour tour
Spido offers several boat tours in Rotterdam. Get for instance a boat tour through the impressive harbour of Rotterdam, one of the largest harbours in the world. This is a well-known attraction, also among locals!
Nightclubs
Find an overview of the parties in Rotterdam per day on Partyflock.
Rain radar
Check if it will rain today in the Netherlands on Buienradar.
Real estate
Find real estate for rent or for sale throughout the Netherlands on Funda.
Rules and fines
The Netherlands is known as a very tolerant country. A country where it is allowed to smoke marihuana about anywhere, although it is formally not legal. But beware, the Netherlands has a number of surprising rules in place, which are strictly enforced. The official website (Du) of the Public Prosecution Service offers a list of violations and the applicable fines.
Tourist office
The tourist office of Rotterdam is always ready to help. Their main office can be found directly behind the Schielandshuis – get directions. Besides the answer to all your questions, you will also find the Rotterdam Discovery there, which is a free exhibition that serves as a nice introduction to Rotterdam. It prepares you to make the most of your visit, interactively showing important historical events, the future plans of Rotterdam, and the cultural agenda.
Another tourist information point can be found in the central hall of Rotterdam Central Station. Learn more on their official website.
Watertaxi
The watertaxi is an original (and sometimes very efficient) way to move from A to B in Rotterdam. These fast boats can drop you at 50 locations in Rotterdam, or at the surrounding docks. Learn more about the prices and dock locations on the official website of the Watertaxi.
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