The voltage in Holland is 220 volts. Hotels may have 110/120 volt outlets for shavers, but travellers are advised to bring a power converter and adapter for two-prong, round-prong plugs.

Medical facilities are of high quality and widely available. Customers' medical insurances are not always valid in the Netherlands; please check before coming here. Travellers have sometimes found it necessary to take out extra medical insurance with specific overseas coverage.

Smoking is increasingly banned by companies and in public buildings as organisations are becoming increasingly concerned at the health risks to their employees, as well as wanting to create healthier living and working environments. Most organisations set aside specific areas where smoking is allowed. The majority of hotels and restaurants have smoking and non-smoking rooms and public areas.

A person can legally buy beer and wine from the age of 16 years. For spirits and other strong drinks the age limit is 18 years. Alcoholic beverages are sold at wine stores and supermarkets. Supermarkets may only sell beer, wine and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol level not exceeding 13%.
Drinking and driving. It is a criminal offence to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol (measured at over 0.05 % blood-alcohol level).

Drug trafficking, including buying, selling, producing and processing either hard or soft drugs is an offence in Holland. However, it is not an offence for persons over 18 to use a limited amount of soft drugs as long as this has no negative effect on third parties. The 'coffee shops', where soft drugs may be purchased, can be described as cafés where small amounts of soft drugs can be bought, but where alcoholic beverages are not available. Although the sale of soft drugs is actually an offence, coffee shop owners escape prosecution provided that they sell only very small quantities for personal consumption. No drugs may be sold to persons under 18, nor are minors admitted to the premises.