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Visa/entry requirements A passport is only required for stays longer than 90 days. If a visa is needed, in order to obtain it, a fee anywhere from 30 - 60 in Euros is required. The Embassy of the Netherlands website has the actual procedures to be taken for the visa application (Travel. State. Gov.).

4.2	Currency/currency conversion 1 EUR = 1.23519 USD as of March 2018. Which means that it would take 1.2 USD to buy one Euro. However, concerns over the rising US budget deficit and political risk threatens the Euro's currency because divergent monetary policies are expected to weigh more heavily on the Euro. This means that the future of the Euro is looking dim and will fluctuate greatly within the next few years depending on the U.S.'s budget deficits and potential political policies (Skinner, James).

4.3	Key tourism Niche Markets The Netherlands are known for their tulip gardens, where more than six million tulip bulbs are planted in the Keukenhof Gardens (Events). Tulips and other flowers cover nearly 32 acres with color and the smell of flowers. This massive tulip and flower garden is well known for its fairytale festival and flower parade (Events).

The Netherlands are also well known for their windmills. The best place for windmill watching is Kinderdijk. Here, there are 19 windmills. Before these windmills were used purely for working purposes to pump water. Although, now they are a famous icon of the Netherlands.

4.4Level of Tourism Development (e.g., hotels, infrastructure) The Netherlands tourism has been developed and promoted as the ideal location for anything you need, from business to holidays, there's something for you to see and do regardless of your reason for going. The Netherlands is expecting over 16 million visits a year from tourists by the end of 2020. Tourism will increase by promoting the less well-known destinations in the Netherlands. This will continue to draw in more foreign tourists. In 2016, foreign tourists spent over 21 billion euros in the Netherlands, which was up 7% from the previous year. Tourism in the Netherlands has become so attractive to all people because of its many conveniences. For example, transportation is very convenient with an exemplary public transport system. Made up of a fully integrated network of trains and buses that bring every part of small villages and cities together. All train and bus stations are nearly always right next to each other, and the fair for travel is at a very reasonable price too (Tourism Sector Continues to Grow).

4.4	Transportation Options Transportation in the Netherlands is exceptionally good. It is known as one of the most modern and reliable public transportation systems in the world. The best way to gain access to the busses and trains would be to buy an OV Chipkaart. An OV Chipkaart is similar to a fast pass, or an electric card that you can swipe to track your fare fees. To obtain this card, you need to complete an application process here (look up website).

There are two types of Trains in the Netherlands, the fast train and the night train. The fast train includes two different trains - the Fyra and NS highspeed. As a traveler, you are able to make a reservation for a seat on the train, or there are sections for standing. These trains mostly go between Rotterdam and the Amsterdam airport, or Schiphol in about 40 minutes.

The night trains are more common, running every hour of each night of the week. You can see a map of the routes this train takes here (give the website). Train is the most common form of travel for longer distances. However, there are other transportation options available such as metros, trams, and busses. All metros, trams, and busses vary from city to city, along with fees and routes.

Of course, the most common forms of transportation that all Dutch people use are bikes. There are many people found biking through the streets alongside the canals. If you decide to rent a bike, keep a close eye on it and buy a bike lock. Bike theft is high in the Netherlands (Transportation).

4.5	Attractions

4.5.1	"Must See" attractions (primary attractions) Keukenhog, also known as the Garden of Europe, is covered with over 70 acres of flowers, and manicured landscapes. The iconic pictures of the Netherlands with small rolling hills of tulips are found here. The best time to visit the garden is in May, when the tulips are in full bloom. This is the largest public garden in the world and contains all varieties of flowers. They also have restaurants in the garden where you can rest from walking, or take a break surrounded by fields of flowers.

The Windmills of Kinderdijk are a must-see attraction of the Netherlands. Located about an hour and fifteen minutes away from Amsterdam (by car), these windmills and visitor sites display the history of the Netherlands perfectly with their rich culture experiences and demonstrations. The cost of a ticket is 7 Euros to enter the facilities. However, for additional costs you can take a boat tour down the river by the windmills or ride bikes alongside the river. Because there are so many things to do in Kinderdijk, many visitors usually spend two days and one night. There are options of hotels, bed and breakfasts, or camp sites available.

Village of Marken was a small fishing town, now known as a tourist attraction with cheese factories. It once was an island but is now connected to the main land. Marken has a population of about 1,000 people but is rich in history. If a private tour of Marken is booked, you can plan a total trip of about eight hours (including meals, travel time from Amsterdam, and viewing sites). In Marken they have a variety of souvenir shops, where they are famous for their wooden clogs (A Dutch Day Trip to Waterland).

Rijksmuseum is an art museum that tells the story of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. It has nearly one million objects in its permanent collection and receives over 2.5 million visitors a year. The majority of paintings on display are of famous Dutch artists. The museum reopened its doors after a ten-year remodel that was completed in April 2013, which includes all new facilities such as displays, gardens, an Asian Pavilion, etc. The museum is located in Amsterdam. Ticket prices, and hours vary. Click here to purchase information and to see visiting hours. (Rijksmuseum) (Rembrandt) (Rijksmuseum Sees Record Attendance)

The Anne Frank house is a small museum that showcases the life of a Jewish family living under German control in WW II, all recorded through the eyes of a young girl. Located at Prinsengracht 263, Museum entrance Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam. The museum welcomes over one million visitors a year. Because of the high demand, tickets must be purchased online reserving a time and position. Ticket pricing varies, depending the time of the year and age of visitor. Make sure to wear good shoes and be prepared to climb steep staircases. Here is the link to purchase tickets online: http://www.annefrank.org/en/Museum/Practical-information/Online-ticket-sales/

The Van Gogh Museum is located in Amsterdam and it's the world's largest collection of works by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. Featuring his masterpieces such as Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossom and The Bedroom. The museum is very spacious and well laid out. Located at Museumphlein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam. Make sure to book your tickets in advance as to avoid waiting in long lines (Visit the Museum about Vincent Van Gogh in Amsterdam).

A place that is iconic to all pictures in The Netherlands is a charming neighborhood in Amsterdam called the Jordaan. It is filled with narrow alleys, and canals lined with 17th-century houses, unique specialty shops, small cafes and boutiques. Although you do not buy tickets for this, you can purchase a 5-hour walking tour of the Red Light District, Jordaan area, and other sights, take a 1.5 hour private boat tour through the canals of Amsterdam as you sip Champagene along the ride, take a bike tour through the city's 250-mile (400-kilometer) walkways, or rent bikes and explore the neighborhoods yourself.

4.5.2	Secondary attractions Mauritshuis is an art gallery located in the Hauge that is world renowned for being home to the most famous Dutch paintings of the Golden Age. In the art gallery there is a Brasserie which offers drinks, light meals, and pastries. You can also take a guided tour through their free app which guides you through the history and art pieces. Download the app here: https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/visit/plan-your-visit/mauritshuis-tour/ And book your tickets in advance here: https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/visit/plan-your-visit/online-ticket-sales/

Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk is a large protestant church which is just 3.6 km from Mauritshuis. It is built form red brick in Gothic style and many members of the Dutch royal family were baptized here. The church has a giant bell tower with 51 bells and a huge pipe organ. The church is open to visitors and does not require tickets to enter. For more information and viewing hours, go here (https://denhaag.com/en/location/398/big-church)

Heineken beer is a trademark of the Netherlands. The original factory is located in Amsterdam. There are self-guided tours which create an interactive experience. Here you can see how beer is brewed, learn about the four main ingredients and taste test beer at the end of the tour. A reservation must be made for a group of 20 or more. To see rates and hours visit their website here (https://www.heineken.com/us/Heineken-Experience).

Efteling is the biggest theme park in the Netherlands, located in Kaatsheuvel, it is one of the oldest themes parks in the world (first opened in 1952). The park is elf themed with many roller coasters and elf forests to explore. There are accommodations for overnight stays and many restaurants to choose form. Good for a family of all ages as it attracts young children to enchanted forests and play grounds, but also can entertain the thrill seekers in your family who want to ride the roller coasters. To view the theme park, ticket pricing, and accommodations, click here. https://www.efteling.com/en

The Hogue national park covers over 13,800 acres. Going to the park is a great day trip, there's a sculpture section and the common animal sittings include red and roe deer. This park is also well known for excellent bird watching. An activity known and enjoyed by many is biking through the park. They have white bikes free for public use.

Zaanse Schans is a residential area located about 15 kilometers to the north of Amsterdam. You can stroll around a traditional Dutch village and learn how ancient craftsmen would have worked in the 18th and 19th centuries. This area includes five windmills, a shipyard, a grocery store, pewter factory, and a variety of small green wooden houses. You can also witness a clog making demonstration first hand (25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands).

If you would like a more calm and relaxing place in Amsterdam to ride bikes, go for a jog, or take a walk, the Vondelpark was built and designed in 1850. This is the ultimate location for tourists and locals who enjoy long walks through beautiful greenery or picnics on the grass.

4.6	Weather / Climate concerns Umbrellas and sweaters should be brought year-round, the chances of it raining at least once while on your trip are very high. If you do not mind the rain, July and August are usually the wettest months. Be aware, that because of the flat landscape, it is really windy (especially along the coast). The tulips bloom in May which is the ideal time to visit because the dry weather season is spring and fall (March-May and September-October). The tourist season peaks from June to August, because the weather is warm but not too hot. This is the best time to enjoy the canals of Amsterdam or long walks through the streets. The average temperature of July is about 64 degrees Fahrenheit, or 17.9 degrees Celsius. The winter is much cooler with commonly occurring snow, fog, and freezing temperatures (The Weather and Climate of the Netherlands).

4.7	Safety/security concerns (i.e. crime, health) The Netherlands is ranked 16th on the ranking of the world's safest countries. Pickpockets are common in the larger metropolitan areas, especially in large tourist attractions such as crowded galleries or restaurants. Important to know that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, if the prostitute gives her consent, and it's also legal to have small amounts (under 5 grams) of cannabis or weed, this can be purchased throughout the country, and in coffeeshops to people of 18 years of age or older. However, hard drugs are not permitted. Therefore, it's important to be aware and on your guard when traveling through the Netherlands. To put things into perspective, the United States has 53% more crimes a year than the Netherlands, and three times greater rape rate in the United States than in the Netherlands (Netherlands vs United States Crime Stats Compared).

4.8	Environmental concerns Air and water pollution are key concerns for the Netherlands. Specifically, within the rivers the pollution is coming from heavy metals, organic compounds, nitrates and phosphates, which in turn flows through the rivers into the agricultural areas of the Netherlands. This has potential to cause serious harm to the crops and expedite soil exhaustion ("Netherlands." WWF).

In order to maintain its biodiversity, while being able to better control emissions, the government is considering different options such as intensifying policy or actual system changes within a factories assembly process. Another way the government is trying to minimize the air pollution is by making car-free urban areas, which would promote the use of bicycles and walking in order to lessen the emissions given off by cars and busses (The Netherlands Country Briefing).

4.9	Socio-cultural concerns (i.e. cultural norms) In the Netherlands, shaking hands is common for greeting people both casually and professionally. It's important to state your name after a handshake. However, in a professional setting it is common to shake hands again before you leave.

Dutch people quickly start referring to others by their first names, unless in written form such as an email or a letter, then you address them with a title before their name. Dutch people who know each other well, greet their friends and loved ones with three kisses. However, if you are not completely comfortable with this, and would prefer not to kiss, it is socially acceptable to extend your hand for a handshake.

When it comes to eating out, the Dutch have basic eating manners. However, if you are invited to dinner and the person makes it clear that you are their guest, then the person who has invited you intends to pay for your meal. If not, and it is proposed as a casual dinner they intend for you to pay for your own meal.

When you're eating out, you should never snap your fingers or yell loudly to get a waiter or waitresses attention. It is polite to raise your hand, make eye-contact, or call "Ober" ("waiter") or "Mevrouw" ("Waitress"), but not too loudly. It is also considered rude to leave the table during dinner. Unless it is a long dinner, then it is socially acceptable to leave the table in between courses. However, even then you should still ask if you may be excused. When you are officially done eating, place your fork and knife at the 15:15 position on your plate, this will symbolize that you are finished.

There's a term in the Netherlands called "Going Dutch," this means that whoever you are eating a meal with you'll split the bill in half. In the Netherlands, men and women are considered as complete equals, so it's rare for someone to buy the other person dinner unless they are specifically invited as their guest.

In the Netherlands everyone receives a basic salary, because of this it is not necessary to tip. However, you still can if you feel the person has done an exceptionally good job. Although leaving some change on a restaurant table afterwards is common. In restaurants and cafes if you tip, it's usually about a 5-10% tip, and taxi drivers usually receive about a 3-5% tip.

When making phone calls, it's polite to always state your name first. For both the person calling and the person receiving the call. Not identifying yourself is considered rude. After identifying who each person is, the person calling asks if it's a convenient time, and if not convenient, then you offer to call back later. People generally do not start making phone calls before 9:00am, or after 10:00pm. It's also polite to avoid calling during meal times.

While at the beach, the Dutch people wear as little clothing as possible. It is also common for women to sun bathe topless at most beaches, and there are also nudist beaches throughout the country (Holland Expat Center South).

4.10	Emergency contacts (i.e. lose passport; consulates) Police, Ambulance fire (112) National Police (non-emergency) (09008844) Gas, Electricity, Emergency (08009009) Tourist Medical Service (020 592 3355) (HOW TO GUIDES).

This is a trial sentence, seeing if it records properly.

Toursim link for the Netherlands: https://www.expatica.com/nl/news/country-news/NL-pulls-in-14-million-tourists-Amsterdam-popular_473317.html