So you’ve booked a trip to the Netherlands, and now you want to know what to pack. This list, which includes seasonal information, is exactly the packing list for the Netherlands you need.
Packing List: General Items
Foldable Shopping Bag: On January 1st, 2016, the Netherlands banned free plastic bags. While there are a few exceptions, if you want a bag to carry around your shopping, you will need to pay for it. A simple alternative is to purchase a foldable shopping bag that you keep with you.
Pepto–Bismol: When it comes to over the counter medicines, you shouldn’t have too much trouble in the Netherlands. Most things can be found at drugstores like Kruidvat, Etos, and Trekpleister. The one exception seems to be Pepto–Bismol. While heartburn remedies are in ample supply, as is Imodium, the middle section of this range is missing. For stronger or prescription items, you will need to head to the pharmacy (apotheek in Dutch). N.B. Pharmacies tend not to be open at night, over the weekend, or on public holidays. In a pinch, you can head to the local hospital, as they often have an open pharmacy, or visit a 24-hour pharmacy (prices will be higher).
Money Belt/Secured Bag: The Netherlands is a relatively safe country, however busy cities like Amsterdam and close encounter situations such as city markets will always be prime targets for pick-pockets and thieves. For moments like these, a money belt or secured bag can come in handy.
Umbrella: No matter the season, the Netherlands is always at risk of a rain shower, so you’ll want to bring an umbrella with you or pick one up at the first sign of rain. If you plan to cycle while you are here, then rain gear can be an excellent option. Unfortunately, when there is rain, there is often wind. To avoid that embarrassing inside-out umbrella situation consider a Dutch senz° storm umbrella.
Credit Card: You don’t need to bring a credit card to the Netherlands, but if you do ensure it is one with a security chip. Mastercard and Visa are quite regularly accepted, American Express much less so. If you are planning on using a credit card during your trip, be aware that not all places take them. In the Netherlands, most payments are made by cash, debit cards, or via internet banking.
Sunscreen: It may be a local pastime to make fun of the Dutch weather, but when the sun does shine, you will want to have some sunscreen available. Again, this is something that doesn’t neccesarily need to be on your packing list since you can buy it in the Netherlands at a local drugstore, but depending on the time of year it can be pricey. [clickToTweet tweet=”In the Netherlands, it’s compulsory to carry some form of identification with you at all times:” quote=”In the Netherlands, it is compulsory to carry some form of identification with you at all times.”]
Passport/Identification: It might seem like an obvious thing to bring your passport along, but once you have arrived in the Netherlands be aware that is compulsory to carry some form of identification with you at all times. While it is unlikely that you will be asked to show your identification, and your actual passport might not be the best thing to carry around, there is a fine for not being able to show identification.
Small Change: If you need to use the toilet while you are out exploring, don’t be surprised to find that you need to pay (usually less than a Euro) for the opportunity. Some public toilets, especially at motorway service stations, will give you a credit voucher in exchange for your payment, which you can then use in the nearby shops.
Converter/Adapter: The Netherlands electricity is 220 volts, and the continental plugs with two round prongs are in use here.
Good Walking Shoes: Whether you plan to stick to the city or head further out, a pair of good walking shoes is a must. You will be on your feet a lot, and in many locations, the ground can be uneven or covered in cobblestones.
Extra Book/Magazine: The Netherlands has the highest English proficiency rate in the world, so finding a book or magazine in English, especially at the airport and in bigger cities, isn’t difficult. But you will pay quite a bit more for it.
Camera: With so many things to see and do in the Netherlands, you will want a camera to capture the best moments—even if it is “just” the camera on your phone.
Packing List: Spring Items
Spring in the Netherlands runs roughly from March to May. This is one of the most colourful seasons in the country due to the bulb fields being in bloom. Temperatures can range from 12°C-18°C (53.6°F-64.4°F) with chilly evenings and even colder, cloudy days here and there. Therefore, be sure to pack some all weather clothing with plenty of layering options and add a warm coat to the packing list.
Packing List: Summer Items
Summer in the Netherlands runs roughly from June through August. However, it is not unknown for Mother Nature to play games and shift it entirely. In general, summer is not overly hot (17°C-24°C / 62.6°F-75.2°F), but the number of days that have you running for an ice cream stand is on the rise. Be aware that most places in the Netherlands are not air-conditioned. Pack light clothes, but don’t exclude some long-sleeved items for colder moments or trips to the coast.
With so much water, it is understandable that the Netherlands has its fair share of mosquitos (muggen in Dutch). Many houses now have window screens, but that isn’t so much the case in hotels and public buildings. It is possible to buy mosquito spray in some supermarkets and drugstores; the bottles tend to be small and expensive. So if you are a bloodsucker favourite, you might want to bring your own. The same applies to stronger anti-itch creams.
Tip: Ticks can be an issue in nature areas of the Netherlands. Tick season tends to start in March and runs until the end of September. The University of Wageningen has a website where you can find a ten-day forecast of tick activity across the Netherlands (in Dutch). The Stichting Tekenbeetziekten have produced materials in multiple languages about dealing with ticks.
Colder, wetter temperatures don’t mean you can’t have fun in the Netherlands. Just be sure to add some warmer clothes to your packing list. Photo Credit: FamVeld/Shutterstock
Packing List: Autumn Items
Autumn in the Netherlands runs roughly from the end of August/September to October with temperatures ranging from 12°C-17°C (53.6°F-62.6°F). You’ll want to pack clothes that can be layered, a decent coat, and some warm sweaters/jumpers. If you plan to spend time outside, then do be prepared for chilly winds and some rain.
Packing List: Winter Items
Winter in the Netherlands runs roughly from November to February/March. While a dusting of snow is likely to be the most you will see, strong Atlantic low-pressure systems can bring gales and colder weather. Daytime temperatures tend to range from 2°C-6°C (35.6°F-42.8°F), so you will want to pack a warm jacket, a hat, scarf, and gloves—especially if you plan to join the Dutch out on the ice.
Is there anything you would add to the packing list?
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