Visa requirements
In most cases a valid passport is sufficient to enter The Netherlands. Please check with the Dutch embassy or consulate in your own country to find out whether you need a visa. They will also have the necessary forms for you to complete. For more information please visit the Dutch website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Liability and insurance
The organizing committee of ENHR 2007 does not accept any liability for personal injury, loss or damage of property belonging to, or additional expenses incurred by conference participants either during the conference or as a result of delays, strikes or any other causes. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements regarding health and travel insurance.

Currency
The currency in The Netherlands is the Euro (€).

Time zone
The Netherlands is located in the Central European Time zone. This means that Dutch time is one hour ahead of GMT.

Electricity
The voltage in The Netherlands is 220 volts (50Hz). Hotels may have a 110-volt or 120-volt outlet for shavers, but travellers are advised to bring a power converter and adapter for sockets for plugs with two round prongs and side grounding contacts.

Weather
It doesn't matter whether it's cold outside, rainy, windy or sunny, 9 conversations out of 10 revolve around the weather. The weather is unpredictable in The Netherlands but rainfall is common, so the most important items to bring are a raincoat and/or umbrella.
Summers are quite warm (by Dutch standards) with temperatures averaging 16 to 17 °C in July and August. Spring is the driest season and the average temperature in June is 15,2 °C.

Weather forecast in Rotterdam

Business hours
Shops
Most shops are open from Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm, on Saturdays between 9 am and 5 pm. On Monday, many shops are closed in the mornings and open between 11 am and 1 pm and close at 6 pm. Most cities have late-night shopping (until 9 pm) on Thursdays or Fridays. In Rotterdam, many shops are open on Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm. Late night shopping is every Friday until 9 pm.

Banks
Most banks are open from Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm. On Mondays business hours start mainly at 1 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays banks are closed. Bureau de Change offices (called GWK) are open 7 days a week.

Post Offices:
Regular post offices are open from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm. Larger ones are also open on Saturdays between 9 am and 12 noon/12:30 pm.

Pharmacies
Regular business hours are Monday to Friday between 8/9 am and 5:30/6 pm. On nights and weekends, pharmacies are open on a rotation schedule.

Restaurants
Usually restaurants are open for lunch from 11 am to 2:30/3 pm and for dinner from 5:30-10/11 pm.