In the Netherlands we drive on the left side of the road, some travelers may encounter road conditions that differ from those in there own country the main one being we drive on the left side of the road while United kingdom, Ireland and Below is some useful information about the Netherlands.
Netherlands enjoys excellent Public Transport and its safety record is among the best in the whole world. The condition of the roads is also excellent
Netherlands has one of the best and most reliable public transport systems in the world and is highly advanced. Getting between cities is simple, Amsterdam central station is the hub of the system and from here you can catch trains to many European countries , Paris in four hours, Berlin in six and many others this is possible through their highly advanced national train, light rail, and tram network. Most people use the public system and their are many park and ride systems in operation as well as an huge focus on bike lanes.
The whole transport system is designed as a convenient alternative to driving, particularly around Amsterdam and the other main cities, The Hague, and Rotterdam, where the cities and roads are designed to discourage cars so road congestion can be frequent.
All rail information is on the main site for the National rail service at http://www.ns.nl.
Traveling by car
Inter-city travel in the Netherlands by road is fairly safe in comparison most of the other European countries. In the Netherlands seat belt and child seat use is compulsory.
The maximum speed limit on any highway is 120 km/h, with varying speeds on other secondary roads The speed limit in residential areas is 30 km/h .
Motorists must be very careful driving around the centre of the cities as you have bikes, trams and pedestrians coming at you from every angle and also keep in mind priority rights of bicyclists.
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to drivers from the right at intersections and roundabouts.
Drink Driving The maximum allowable blood alcohol level in the Netherlands is 0.5.
Use of cellular telephones is not yet banned but is discouraged while driving. Always use hands free.
Pedestrians should be very careful of trams and bikes when walking around the cities and try keep out of the bike and tram lanes which are usually noticeable by it's reddish/brownish colour brick used.
If you hear a cling cling behind you if means get out of the way quick as you are about to be hit by a tram or bike.. Do not jump the wrong way as you way be jumping out of the way of a bike but into the tram lane which has happened to several tourists over the last few years.
Taxi service in the Netherlands is safe, but it is VERY expensive.
Recently the taxi system was deregulated which has meant a huge increase in the number of taxis available but also in the number of taxi drivers who just do not know the city and many ask you " Do you know how to get there". Others use the navigation system which is great for them but lousy for the paying passenger as they drive from A-Z before dropping you off at B.
