Travel Information

Passports and Visas

In The Netherlands you are obligated to always carry identification. This may be a passport or an identification card. Whether a prospective visitor requires a visa also depends on his or her nationality and how long the visitor intends to stay in The Netherlands. Nationals of many countries require a visa for an uninterrupted stay of up to three months (list of countries). Make certain to check visa requirements and, if needed, apply for one well in advance of the conference dates. For more information visit the website of the Dutch foreign affairs ministry. If your visa requires a letter of invitation from a Dutch hosting organization, please provide the names and contact information for three well known geospatial professionals in your country with at least one of them employed by your national government along with your background and full contact information and the request for the letter. Send this request to a.riedijk@geonovum.nl

Arriving in Rotterdam by Air

Numerous airlines fly non-stop into Schiphol airport (Amsterdam). Rotterdam has its own airport too, but the flights are limited to European flights only. When you arrive at Schiphol airport, it is possible to take a taxi or train to Rotterdam or rent a car. The train is very efficient and the ride to Rotterdam Central station takes around 50 minutes at a cost of about 10,50 euros. If you buy your train ticket from the teller window at Schiphol rather than from a mahine you can request a prinout of instructions for your train trip. The World Trade Center is close to Rotterdam Blaak train station as well. It is easy to access the World Trade Center by public transport as well as by car (Follow the submenus: Congress Center > Address Details > Click Here to View the Map).

Obtaining Cash

Automated teller machines are available conveniently at the airport, many train stations and throughout the urban area. Many are open 24 hours per day for obtaining euros. If you have a foreign bank pass with a Cirrus logo you can obtain money from almost any Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Some ATMs of the ABN AMRO bank also accept passes with the PLUS logo. Also check your pass and the ATM for EDC, EC and Maestro logos. Of course, you can use most credit cards as well to obtain money from an ATM or a bank. View here for an actual currency converter.

Getting Around Town

Rotterdam is the second largest city of The Netherlands. Transport around the city is very easily by train, buss, tram, and / or subway. There are information offices at the main train stations to help you find your way in the Dutch public transport. Taxis are conveniently available at the airport, at most train stations and hotels. The Dutch are quite skilful at speaking foreign languages such as English, so do not hesitate to ask the local people for help.

Other Issues

* The voltage in Holland is 230 volts. Hotels may have a 110-volt or 120-volt outlet for shavers, but travellers are advised to bring a power converter and an adapter for two-prong, round-prong plugs with side grounding contacts. Most laptops have power converters but not the outlet adapter.

* Car rentals are available at the airport and driving is on the right side.