Checked on 23 October 2026
Everyday life in the Netherlands: customs, public holidays and emergency numbers
In the Netherlands, people make appointments for almost everything, are punctual and speak frankly: a direct answer is not rudeness. English is widely understood, but Dutch remains the language of the administration and of many official letters. In a life-threatening emergency or if you witness a crime, call 112; to reach the police in a non-emergency, 0900-8844.
Daily life
- Language: Dutch (and Frisian in Friesland). Many Dutch people speak English, but letters from the municipality, the tax office or the school often arrive in Dutch: a translator or a colleague helps in the first months.
- Appointments and diary: appointments (afspraak), even friendly ones, are often planned in advance; arriving on time is expected.
- Frankness: giving your opinion directly, in meetings as among friends, is common. The informal "you" (je/jij) is frequent at work, the formal "you" (u) remains customary with older people and in some letters.
- Meals: light lunch (often a sandwich), dinner fairly early, around 18:00 (common custom, not a rule).
- Cycling: main means of transport in cities; respect cycle paths and cycle lights and fit your bike with lighting.
- Payment: bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, some businesses no longer accept cash (custom to be checked on the spot).
- Tipping: service is in principle included; rounding up the bill is an appreciated gesture, not an obligation (common custom).
- Shops on Sundays: opening depends on the municipality (koopzondag): hours to be checked locally.
These customs are common habits described cautiously; they vary by region and by person.
Public holidays
- 2026: 1 January; Good Friday 3 April; Easter 5 and 6 April; King's Day (Koningsdag) Monday 27 April; Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) 5 May; Ascension 14 May; Pentecost 24 and 25 May; Christmas 25 and 26 December.
- 2027: 1 January; Good Friday 26 March; Easter 28 and 29 March; Koningsdag Tuesday 27 April; Bevrijdingsdag 5 May; Ascension 6 May; Pentecost 16 and 17 May; Christmas 25 and 26 December.
- Day off on these days? No law requires the employer to give a day off on public holidays: it all depends on your collective agreement (cao) or your contract.
Emergency numbers
- 112: life-threatening emergency, accident, fire, break-in, or if you witness a crime.
- 0900-8844: general police number, non-emergency.
Common pitfalls
- Dropping in unannounced. At friends' homes as at the administration, it is better to warn them or make an appointment.
- Ignoring a letter in Dutch. Administrative deadlines run even if you did not understand the letter.
- Counting on a public holiday off. The law does not require the employer to give a day off: check your cao or contract, including for Good Friday and 5 May.
- Settling in without registering with the municipality within 5 days (if you stay more than 4 months): without a BSN, procedures with administrations (care, taxes) are blocked (see NL-ADMINISTRATIONS-TOUS-001).