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General Information
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Rotterdam is very different from other cities in Holland. It is rather rougher around the edges, and has a big city-feel and lots of modern architecture, but no old city centre. Rotterdam was founded in the mid 13th century, but bombings during World War II destroyed the heart of the old city, and forced it to completely renew itself. Like other major Dutch cities, however, Rotterdam is full of culture, activities and attractions, and is famous for its water. It is located on the Maas river and is one of the world’s biggest port cities, with a harbour second in size only to Shanghai. The city is full of dock activities, and many people flock here for boating and other water-related sports. One of the best ways to tour the city is also by water, on one of he many popular boat or “water taxi” rides.
Rotterdam is also known for its bustling nightlife and its youth culture. It is the only city in Holland whose population is getting younger instead of older, and this is refected in its energetic feel, busy cultural agenda, and hip shopping and eating establishments. It has become a city that is lively, diverse and full of surprises, and has something for everyone to enjoy.
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Weather
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Holland has a mild and wet climate. Summer temperatures almost never get really hot, and on average stay between 17 - 26˚C (63 - 79˚F). Temperatures also rarely drop below freezing in the winter, and generally stay between 2 - 13˚C (35.5 - 55˚ F). It still manages to feel quite cold, however, partly due to it being frequently damp and windy. Rain is common and should be expected at any time of year. The best stretches of weather often occur in the fall, when there tends to be more sun, and the days are warm with a crisp breeze.
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Language
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The language spoken in Rotterdam is Dutch. The vast majority of people in Holland can speak English, however, and in the major cities and touristy places they are generally quite fluent.
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Religion
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The Netherlands is known as a country where religion is not very popular, and it has the highest percentage of athiests of any country. Only about 39% of the population defines themselves as religious. Catholics make up the largest religious group, followed by Protestants, and there is now also a sizeable Muslim population. There are also small numbers of Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists making up collectively less than 3% of the population.
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Currency
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The currency which is used in the Netherlands is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 and the coins in use are €2, €1, € 0.50, € 0.20, € 0.10, € 0.05.
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Tipping
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Service charges are almost always included in restaurant bills and taxi fares, but additional tipping is customary. For small bills in restaurants, it is normal to just round up the bill, or add a euro or two if the service was excellent. For larger bills, you can tip between 5-10%, but should not feel obligated to tip if the service was not satisfactory. In general, the Dutch are stingy about tipping, and just give whatever they feel like, not worrying about the percentage. When taking taxis, however, a tip of around 10% is customary. Hotel room service will also expect a small tip, as well as porters and restroom attendants.
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Taxes
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Sales tax in The Netherlands is 19%, and is included in the shop prices. This tax can be refunded to tourists from outside of the EU whenever €50 or more is spent in the same shop on the same day. This only works in shops participating in Global Refund Tax Free Shopping, most of which display a sign in the window. Along with your receipt, the shop will present you with a form to fill out, to give to officials at the airport. All you have to do to get your refund is go to the Global Cash Refund Office before check in (in departure hall 3). Note that whatever you buy has to leave The Netherlands within three months for you to get a refund.
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Telephone
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There are public telephones all over Rotterdam, which can be found on the street, in train stations, post offices, and some other establishments. Some of them take cash, but most take only phone cards or credit cards. You can buy phone cards in values of € 5, 10, or 20 at tobacco shops, telecom shops, newsstands, and post offices.
The country code of The Netherlands is +31 and the area code for Rotterdam is 010. To dial a number in Rotterdam from abroad, dial 00 31 10 followed by the local number.
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Internet
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There are many internet cafés throughout Rotterdam, easy recognizable on the commercial streets in the centre of the city. Most of them also feature long distance phone calls, photocopying, fax, printing, and other services. Many regular cafés also offer free wifi.
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Emergency Number
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All-purpose emergency number (ambulance, fire and police): 112
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Opening Times
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In general, shops are open Mon - Fri 10 am - 6 pm and Sat 10 am - 4 pm. Some shops open at 9 am, and supermarkets and other big stores often stay open until 8 or 9 pm. It is also not uncommon for stores to open later on Monday. On Thursday night many shops stay open late, until 8 or 9 pm. Most stores are closed on Sunday, but night shops or “avondwinkels” stay open. These shops are also open nightly until about 1 or 2 am.
Banks are open Mon- Fri from 9 am- 4 or 5 pm. Post offices also open at 9 am and close at 5 or 6 pm.
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Public Holidays
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On the following days, most shops, banks and museums will be closed, and public transport is likely to be more limited.
1 January, New Year’s Day
Good Friday
Easter Sunday and Monday
30 April, Queen’s Day
5 May, Liberation Day
Ascension Day
Whit Sunday and Monday
25 and 26 December, Christmas
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Safety
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Rotterdam is generally a safe city, and tourists should have no apprehensions about travelling here. Crime rates are higher in Rotterdam that elsewhere in the Netherlands, however, and there are the usual problems that visitors need to be wary of, such as pickpocketing and con scams. Following common sense procedures should guarantee you a safe stay in the city, however. Always keep your money in a very secure place, and no not carry all of your cash with you at once. Be particularly careful on public transport and in touristy locations. Also, avoid the parks and the seedier neighbourhoods at night.
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