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Practical Information

Practical Information

The Netherlands

Communication

Nijmegen has strong connectivity, and English is widely spoken.

Stay Connected

  • Local SIM cards: Purchase at mobile stores, supermarkets, kiosks. Requires passport.
  • eSIMs: For immediate connectivity, consider Airalo.
  • Wi-Fi access: Available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and at Nijmegen Central Station.

Language & Translation

Dutch is the official language. English proficiency is high among locals.

Communication aids

  • English is widely spoken, reducing language barriers in tourist areas.
  • Translation tools: Google Translate (text, camera, voice), DeepL Translate for accuracy.
  • Basic Dutch phrases: Learning a few greetings is appreciated.

Business Hours & Schedules

Public holidays and specific days can change operating hours.

General opening times

  • Shops: Mon 1-6 PM, Tue-Fri 9/10 AM-6 PM. Late shopping (Koopavond) Thurs 9 PM.
  • Supermarkets: Mon-Sat 8 AM-9/10 PM. Many open Sun 10 AM-6/8 PM.
  • Restaurants: Lunch 12-2:30/3 PM. Dinner from 5/6 PM, last orders 9/10 PM.

Holidays & Services

Be aware of public holidays and their influence on services.

Planning around closures

  • National Public Holidays: New Year's Day, Easter, King's Day (April 27, big festivities), Christmas.
  • Banks: Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM. ATMs (Geldautomaat) are widely available.
  • Impact: Many shops, banks, attractions may close or have reduced hours on public holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Social interactions

  • Greeting: Firm handshake for introductions. Three kisses on cheek (right-left-right) common among friends/family.
  • Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact during conversations for engagement.
  • Attire: Generally casual and practical. Smart casual for nicer evenings.
  • Photography: Ask permission for close-ups of individuals. Respect museum rules.

Dining and Social Norms

  • Tipping: Not obligatory; service charges usually included. Round up or 5-10% for good service.
  • Punctuality: Arrive on time for reservations.
  • Directness: Dutch people are direct in communication; not meant as rudeness.
  • LGBTQ+ Rights: The Netherlands is progressive and inclusive.

Postal Services

PostNL is the national postal service. Find PostNL offices or service points (often in supermarkets or shops) for sending mail. Stamps are available there.

Accessibility Information

Nijmegen works on its accessibility infrastructure, but older parts of the city can present challenges.

Infrastructure Overview

Newer buildings and transport vehicles have accessibility features. Older city parts with cobblestones can be challenging.

Transport Accessibility

Most modern buses are low-floor with ramps. Major train stations have lifts and ramps to platforms.

Accessible Attractions

Major museums like Het Valkhof have lifts, accessible entrances, and restrooms. Check individual websites.

Services for Sensory Impairments

Nijmegen strives to be welcoming for all visitors.

Support for visitors

  • Visual Impairment: Braille/audio guides at major attractions. Guide dogs generally allowed.
  • Hearing Impairment: Clear public announcements. Widespread English helps communication.
  • General information is often available in multiple formats.

Resources & Organizations

Find dedicated information for accessible travel.

Where to find help

  • Accessible Travel Netherlands: General info and practical tips for Dutch travel.
  • VVV Nijmegen (Tourist Information): Contact for specific accessibility details in Nijmegen.
  • Individual Attraction Websites: Check their dedicated accessibility pages before visiting.

Flight Compensation Services

Priority Pass

  • Independent airport lounge access for frequent travelers.
  • Priority Pass for comfortable waits.
  • Access to numerous lounges worldwide.

Compensair

  • Service for compensation for flight delays, cancellations, denied boarding.
  • Compensair helps with your claim.
  • Streamlines the compensation process.

Learn a bit of Dutch

Learning basic phrases shows respect. Consider language platforms like Rosetta Stone for preparation.

Important Phrases Dutch

A few basic Dutch phrases demonstrate respect for the local culture. Pronunciation guides are included.

Greetings & Goodbyes

Start and end interactions with polite words.

Essential phrases

  • Hello: Hallo (HAH-loh)
  • Good morning: Goedemorgen (KHOO-duh-mor-khun)
  • Good evening: Goedenavond (KHOO-duh-nah-vont)

Basic Courtesies

Show appreciation and politeness in daily interactions.

Manners for travelers

  • Please: Alstublieft (AHL-stoo-BLEEFT) / Alsjeblieft (AHL-shuh-BLEEFT)
  • Thank you: Dank u wel (DAHNK oo VEL) / Dank je wel (DAHNK yuh VEL) / Bedankt (buh-DAHNKT)
  • Yes: Ja (yah)

Questions & Assistance

Ask for help or inquire about costs.

Getting around

  • No: Nee (nay)
  • Excuse me/Sorry: Sorry (SOR-ee) / Pardon (par-DON)
  • How much does it cost?: Hoeveel kost het? (HOO-vayl KOST het?)

Dining & Specific Inquiries

Practical phrases for restaurants.

At the table

  • The bill, please: De rekening, alstublieft (duh RAY-kuh-ning, AHL-stoo-BLEEFT)
  • Do you speak English?: Spreekt u Engels? (SPRAYKT oo EN-guls?)
  • Asking for separate bills: Apart betalen / Ieder apart.

Sensitive Topics: World War II

Historical Context

  • Nijmegen experienced heavy bombing during WWII.
  • Operation Market Garden significantly affected the area.
  • Discuss war topics with sensitivity, avoiding generalizations or insensitive jokes.

Other Topics

  • Monarchy: Avoid overly critical or disrespectful comments in public.
  • Drugs/Prostitution: Regulated but sensitive. Public consumption of soft drugs is not permitted.
  • Directness: Understand Dutch directness is a cultural trait, not rudeness.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Cycling Culture

  • Respect cyclists' right of way.
  • Be mindful of dedicated bike paths (often red); avoid walking on them.
  • Adhere to traffic rules and signals when cycling.

Gezelligheid & Punctuality

  • Embrace "gezelligheid" (coziness, conviviality) in cafes and pubs.
  • Punctuality for dinner reservations and meetings is expected.
  • Asking for separate bills is common and accepted.

Religious Site Etiquette

Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) when visiting churches, especially during services. Maintain quiet, silence phones, and avoid flash photography.