|
Medical
Water is considered safe to drink throughout the Netherlands.
The quality of healthcare in the Netherlands is very
good. A reciprocal health agreement with certain countries including
all EU countries, Cape Verde, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Yugoslavia,
means that basic medical treatment for residents from those countries
is provided free or at a discount. Dental treatment and prescribed
medicines must, however, be paid for. Residents from the EU, Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland must carry a EHIC (European
Health Insurance Card, which replaces form E111 as of January 1,
2006) to receive free or discounted treatment. This must be obtained
from your home country prior to travel.
Regardless of whether they qualify for the reciprocal
health agreement it is strongly advised that all visitors obtain
travel insurance in case of serious accident that requires protracted
specialised treatment and/or repatriation.
There are several hospitals in Amsterdam, the most
central of which is:
Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (OLVG)
Oostenparkstraat 279
Tel: +31 (0)20-599-9111.
Personal Safety
The rate of violent crime in Amsterdam is generally
low, although pick-pocketing and petty theft can occur, especially
on trains and public transport. Be especially alert on the train
from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station, where thieves
often work in pairs. Other areas to watch out for are: Centraal
Train Station, the red light district, in restaurants and on trams.
After dark, you are advised to avoid the streets of
Nieuwendijk, the southern end of Zeedijjk and Damrak. Ensure that
you keep your personal belongings secure at all times and leave
your passport in a hotel safe during your stay. Do not purchase
any cannabis on the street, nor smoke the drug outside of the designated
coffee-houses licensed to sell marijuana.
Throughout the Netherlands, and particularly in Amsterdam,
theft of bicycles and belongings left in cars is common. If you
hire a car during your stay always lock the door and ensure that
belongings are not left in view.
The main police station is located at:
Elandsgracht 117
Tel: +31 (0)20-559-9111
|
