Visa Application

Requirements for visitors’ visas differ from country to country. Be sure to review at the link below whether you need a visa to enter the Netherlands. 

https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands

If you do need a visa, we recommend that you start your application as early as possible.

Language

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. However, most of the population speaks English.

Currency

In Rotterdam, the euro (€) is the legal tender. Practically anywhere in the town, you can pay at every register with cash or PIN and chip-cards. Do you need cash? ATMs and banks are always close by, particularly in the city center. If you need to exchange other currency into euros, you can use the services of GWK Travelex at Stationsplein (next to Central Station)  or currency exchange counters at Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

Dress Code & Weather Preparation

Average High in October: 15. °C (59 °F)

Average Low in October : 6.0 °C (43 °F)

October is often a wet month with regular showers and occasional autumn storms. So bring an umbrella and a rain jacket. The weather is a favorite topic of conversation in the Netherlands. Not in the least because it can vary greatly, influenced by weather fronts and wind conditions. There is no universal advice or prediction we can give, so check the current weather info and forecast online before and during your trip, for instance with the Buienradar.

Electrical Outlets/Plug Type

In the Netherlands, the power plugs and sockets are of Type C and Type F, operating on a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.

Hotlines and Important Numbers

Keep the following numbers close at hand:

Emergency Hotline: 112 – The national emergency phone number. You can use this to receive urgent care from doctors, police and fire departments. You can reach them on any phone.
0900 8844 – Police. This is the national phone number for non-urgent care and problems. For emergency care, dial 112.
010 446 89 00 – Rotterdam Fire Department (for non-emergency calls).

Medical Services 

Rijnmond region's GP outpatient clinics

For urgent medical issues that cannot wait until the next working day, you can visit one the Rijnmond region's GP outpatient clinics. The posts are located at Franciscus Gasthuis, Maasstad Hospital, IJsselland Hospital, and Spijkenisse Medical Center. Call first for an appointment and make sure you have personal information and insurance information handy.

Hospitals

Rotterdam has several hospitals where you can go for first aid:

• Erasmus Medisch Centrum’s Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam
  Tel: 010 704 07 04
• Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital
  Dr. Molewaterplein 60, 3015 GJ Rotterdam
  Tel: 010 704 07 04
• Ikazia Ziekenhuis
  Montessoriweg 1, 3083 AN Rotterdam
  Tel: 010 297 50 00
• Maasstad Ziekenhuis
  Maasstadweg 21, 3079 DZ Rotterdam
  Tel: 010 291 19 11
• Franciscus Gasthuis
  Kleiweg 500, 3045 PM Rotterdam
  Tel: 010 461 61 61
• Franciscus Vlietland
  Vlietlandplein 2, 3118 JH Schiedam
  Tel: 010 893 93 93
• IJsselland Ziekenhuis
  Prins Constantijnweg 2, 2906 ZC Capelle a/d IJssel
  Tel: 010 258 50 00
• Het Oogziekenhuis Rotterdam (Eye Hospital)
  Schiedamse Vest 180, 3011 BH Rotterdam
  Tel: 010 401 77 77

Security 

Rotterdam is generally a very safe city with a security level comparable to other major Western European destinations. While violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, standard urban precautions apply. 

Traffic and Trams: Pay close attention to dedicated bicycle lanes, which should not be walked on. Trams have strict right-of-way over pedestrians, even at many marked crossings.

In the Netherlands, and therefore also in Rotterdam, the police and regulatory authorities (such as bus and train conductors) are allowed by law to ask for your proof of ID. Care providers are also allowed to check your identity. This is only allowed in certain situations:

• Traffic surveillance
• Maintaining public order / security
• Investigating criminal offenses

In those contexts, you need to be able to show an authentic, valid proof of identity (passport or ID card). If you are unable to do so, you are in violation of the law and run the risk of being taken to the police station or receiving a fine.

Transportation

Rotterdam offers seamless international connectivity, making delegate travel simple and stress-free.

By plane: Two airports, minutes away

Rotterdam offers a unique dual-airport advantage:

Schiphol Amsterdam Airport: one of the world’s busiest international hubs, just 24 minutes by train from Rotterdam Central Station. For more information you can also check the Schiphol airline overview and all European & international destinations.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport: serving over 40 European cities, located just outside the city center.

By train: high-speed rail hub

Rotterdam is a major hub in Europe’s high-speed rail network, connecting directly to key capitals and business cities across the continent. With Eurostar, Thalys, and ICE services running daily, delegates can travel seamlessly between Rotterdam and major hubs like London, Paris, Brussels, and Frankfurt. NS International (Dutch Railroad Company) provides train travel from any Dutch train station to over 3,300 destinations throughout Europe.

Compact city advantage

Rotterdam is a walkable, compact city, where most conference venues, business event venues, and hotels for conferences are within 15 minutes of each other. This eliminates long transfers and makes it easy to integrate networking dinners, social programs, and team-building venues into the delegate journey.

Eco-conscious mobility for smart events

Delegates can walk, cycle, or take the metro between venues, hotels, and attractions, creating a smooth and sustainable event experience.

Local attractions 

These are the top 10 places to visit in Rotterdam. The city is a hub of creativity and innovation, offering a wealth of experiences. Discover attractions that highlight the diversity of its architecture and museums, including Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen and the Markthal.