Either you're coming to The Netherlands or you're interested about what goes on here, and if so you're at the right place! A lot of the information here will be specific to Eindhoven as that's where our apartments are and where people who stay in them will be living, but most of that information can be applied country-wide.

Travelling

When you arrive in The Netherlands by aeroplane, you'll probably get your first glimpse of the country at Schiphol Airport. For people staying in our apartments who wish to be taken directly to their place, we can arrange a transfer service. Please see our Schiphol Service page for more information.

If you arrive by train, then you'll see first hand exactly how easy it is to use the system. You'll experience a service that is on time to the second and friendly staff who are only too willing to help. To read more about the train services, see the Nederlandse Spoorwegen site (in Dutch and English).

Buses are also easy to use, and if you're travelling within the local area you will find that they are the easiest way to get around if you don't have a car with you. On your first bus trip (particularly if you will use the bus to get to/from work) it's a good idea to do a trial run if possible.

The bus system is divided into zones and the number of zones you travel through determines the fare amount that you have to pay. You can pay your fare when you get on the bus or you can purchase a Nationale Strippen Kaart (National Strip Ticket) which the bus driver stamps. The "Hermes" office at the Eindhoven bus station sells these tickets along with weekly and monthly bus passes (you will need a passport photograph to buy one of these). The Nationale Strippen Kaart can be used anywhere within The Netherlands which makes it even more easy to use public transport everywhere.

For a map of which buses go where, ask for a "Lijnennetkaart". In Eindhoven, the Hermes office has these.

Bicycling through the Netherlands is made easy with special bicycle paths laid out for that specific purpose. A word of warning - don't walk on these paths or the people riding past you will ring their bike bells at you in an effort to get you to move! If you'll be using the bicycle paths remember to ride of the right hand side of the path as many have lines to determine the trafficway. You can hire bicycles from over 100 train stations throughout the country for a reasonable price, if you don't have your own. Bicycles are allowed on trains with the specially marked carriages, but check when you buy your ticket as you will more than likely have to buy a seperate ticket for it.

Cuisine

Typical Dutch food is very filling and hearty - especially in winter. A few dishes that you may find include:

Erwtensoep - a thick pea soup with ham and sausages.
Het Bliksem - potatoes, bacon and apple seasoned with salt and sugar.
Jachtschotel - a meat casserole with onions and potatoes.

It's easy to find restaurants offering Greek, Chinese, Indonesian, French, Italian, Japanese, Thai and Mexican food among others.

At the bus station

At the train station

Just another busy day in Eindhoven!

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