Business trip to Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Rotterdam is home to the Dutch part of consumer goods giant Unilever, and Mittal Steel Company N.V., subsidiary of Luxembourg-based Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steel company.
Rotterdam has the largest port of Europe, with both the rivers Meuse and Rhine providing excellent access to the hinterland upstream reaching to Basel, Switzerland and into France. In 2003 Singapore took over, and in 2005 Shanghai, as the world’s busiest port. In 2006, Rotterdam was the world’s seventh largest container port in terms of Twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) handled.
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The port’s major activities are petrochemical industries and general cargo handling and transshipment. The harbour functions as a principal transit point for bulk goods between the European continent and overseas. From Rotterdam goods are transported by ship, river barge, train or road. In 2007, the Betuweroute, a new fast freight railway from Rotterdam to Germany, has been completed.
In 1872, the Nieuwe Waterweg (’New Waterway’) opened, this ship canal was constructed to keep the city and port of Rotterdam accessible to seafaring vessels as the natural Meuse-Rhine channels silted up. The canal totally measures approximately 6,5 kilometers from the western tips of its protruding dams to the Maeslantkering (’Maeslant Barrier’).
In the first half of the twentieth century, the port’s center of gravity shifted westward towards the North Sea to make the port better reachable for the larger becoming cargoships. Covering 105 square kilometers, the port of Rotterdam now stretches over a distance of 40 kilometers. It contains the city center’s historic harbor area, including Delfshaven; the Maashaven/Rijnhaven/Feijenoord complex; the harbors around Nieuw-Mathenesse; Waalhaven; Vondelingenplaat; Eemhaven; Botlek; Europoort, situated along the Calandkanaal, Nieuwe Waterweg and Scheur (the latter two being continuations of the Nieuwe Maas); and the reclaimed Maasvlakte area, which projects into the North Sea.
The construction of a second Maasvlakte received initial political approval in 2004, but was stopped by the Dutch Council of State, which advises the government and parliament on legislation and governance, in 2005, because the plans did not take enough account of environmental issues. In 2006, however, an approval was acquired to start construction in 2008, aiming for the first ship to anchor in 2013.
The Erasmus University has a strong focus on research and education in management and economics. The University is located on the east side of the city and is surrounded by numerous multinational firms. On Brainpark I, Brainpark II, Brainpark III and Het Rivium are located offices of major multinationals. In the center of the city are the above-mentioned Unilever offices, but also Robeco, Fortis (including Mees Pierson and Stad Rotterdam Verzekeringen), ABN AMRO, ING (Nationale Nederlanden), and the Rotterdam WTC.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names and professional titles.
Although a hierarchy exist in Dutch companies, it does not really show.
The Dutch are extremely direct, do not confuse this with rudeness. They expect you to be direct too.
Be modest about your accomplishments and do not show off your wealth.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Little time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are strictly followed.
Decision are made by consensus and are made slowly.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter or email with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
If making a toast, stand up.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much and always finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
The latest global business environment rankings published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) put the Netherlands among the top five, making it one of the best places in Europe to do business in from 2006 to 2010.
One of the most important reasons why companies prefer the Netherlands is its highly educated, flexible, and motivated workforce. Dutch professionals are exceedingly internationally oriented and are among the most multilingual in the world, enabling them to operate successfully in companies in any industry, serving clients across the world. This is why more than 400 of the 500 largest companies in the world have main offices in the Netherlands.
The country’s geographical position, with important waterways into both France and Germany, combined with its accessibility and excellent infrastructure and logistic services are other reasons why numerous European, American, and a growing number of Asian companies have established their European head offices in the Netherlands. Consider for example, the Port of Rotterdam, one of the world’s largest seaports, and Schiphol Airport, recognized as one of the major aviation hubs in Europe.
As the gateway to Western and Eastern Europe, the Netherlands enables companies to serve markets in the current and future Member States of the European Union, the Middle East and Africa.
| Currency | EUR |
| Time zone | GMT +1 |
| Population | 16.715.999 |
| Area | 41.543 km2 |
| Population density | 402 /km2 |
| GDP | € 423.698.025.000.000 |
| GDP/per capita | € 32.634 |
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Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is 15 kilometers southwest of the Dutch capital. Amsterdam Airport is the lowest lying major airport in the world, it is three to five meters below sea level.
Schiphol is the fourth largest airport in Europe when measured in total passengers, after Londen Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt. In 2004, 42.5 million passengers traveled through Schiphol. Amsterdam Airport already frequently gets the award of ‘best airport in the world’. The British business newspaper, Business Traveller, has gladly called Schiphol the ‘best airport in Europe’ 22 times since 1980.
Address
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Post office box 7501
1118 ZG Schiphol
The Netherlands
Telephone: 0900 - 7244 7465 (in The Netherlands) or +31(0)20 794 0800 (outside The Netherlands)
Fax: +31(0)20 604 1475
Email: info@schiphol.nl
www.schiphol.nl
Airport codes
IATA airport code: AMS
ICAO airport code: EHAM
Lost property
We can save lost and found items at the information desk for a maximum period of one day. Once this period has elapsed you can call 0900 0141, EUR 0.40 per min. If you are calling from a foreign country, dial +31 (0)20 794 08 00.
If your item has been found you can pick it up yourself. An administration fee of EUR 5.00 is charged for each lost item. Pick-up times are seven days a week from 07:00h. to 18:00h. and must be scheduled in advance.
Terminal info
Here’s a sound piece of advice to all travellers: make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time! We recommend the following check-in times for flights:
* two hours prior to departure if you are flying to a European destination
* three hours prior to departure if you are flying to a destination outside Europe
Check-in desks
* Departure Hall 1: desk rows 1 up to and including 8
* Departure Hall 2: desk rows 9 up to and including 16
* Departure Hall 3: desk rows 17 up to and including 32
Schiphol Airport has only one terminal but despite that, walking distances can be enormous. When your plane leaves, for example, from gate D87 you must count on at least 20 minutes walking from the departure hall to the gate.
Connectivity from the airport
Train
The train station is reached via the underground corridor. There are not only direct train connections with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, but also to places such as Groningen and Maastricht and even to international destinations. During the night there are trains to Utrecht, Amsterdam, Leiden, The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam. In 2007, Schiphol became accessible by high speed trains (HSL-South).
Attention: The station is a favorite place for pickpockets!
Taxi
Schiphol Plaza are Schiphol taxi’s (tel: + 31(0)20 653 1000). All the taxis have meters.
Schiphol Travel Taxi is a national taxi service that has fixed rates for everyone who travels to and from the airport.
You can reserve Business Taxi’s by telephone (tel: +31(0)38 339 4766).
Rotterdam Airport was originally named Vliegveld Zestienhoven (Sixteen Courts Airport). The airport was opened in 1956 and was initially, reasonably successful. In the 70s the airport was less successful and was almost closed down. The tide turned with the economic recovery in the 90s and it was decided to keep the airport in the same place.
At and around the airport there is work being done on developing the RTM Airpark, a luxurious office location, the project should be finished in 2020.
Rotterdam Airport is the most important regional airport in The Netherlands and processes more than one million passengers annually.
Address
Rotterdam Airport
PO Box 12025
3004 GA Rotterdam
The Netherlands
(physical address: Rotterdam Airportplein 60, 3045 AP Rotterdam)
Telephone: +31(0)10 446 34 44
Email: info@rotterdam-airport.nl
www.rotterdam-airport.nl
Airport codes
IATA airport code: RTM
ICAO airport code: EHRD
Lost property
If you have lost or found something at the airport, you are advised to report to the Airport Authorities, on the first floor of the terminal building. This is where lost property is kept until claimed. The desk is open 24 hours per day.
For more information, you can contact the Airport Authorities via tel. +31(0)10-4463450
Terminal info
Rotterdam Airport prides itself in its short check-in/check-out times. The check-in desks are open from 2 hours before the departure time of your flight. For scheduled flights with VLM Airlines you can check-in till 20 minutes before departure and for scheduled flights with KLM, Intersky and Welcome Air, check-in is possible right up until 30 minutes before take-off. However we advise you to arrive at the airport in good time.
For holiday flights and scheduled flights with transavia.com or Volareweb.com you are requested to check in no later than one and a half hours before the scheduled departure time. For these flights, passengers who report to the desk later than 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time are not accepted.
Connectivity from the airport
Bus
Bus line 33, leaves, on average, every ten minutes from the airport to Rotterdam Central Station, the cost is €2.70 with a so called “uurnetkaart”.
Taxi
Taxis at Rotterdam Airport are at the Arrivals Hall (tel: +31(0)10 262 04 06). The rates to the center of Rotterdam are approximately €20.00–€25.00, to Rotterdam Brainpark €35.00, to Rotterdam-Botlek €55.00, and to The Hague €45.00.
Limousines with a driver are rented by Quality Limo Service (tel: +31(0)614 998 925).
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Rotterdam.
Taxis are rather expensive in the Netherlands; Rotterdam is no exception. Unlike in most other Dutch cities, where you’re not supposed to hail cabs, but find yourself a taxi stand instead and call from there, in Rotterdam you can also hail one when the sign on the roof is lit.
| Company name | Phone number |
| St Job Taxi | 0031104257000 |
| Taxi Rooney | 0031174388888 |
| TaxiRotterdam.com | 0031615111241 |
| Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale | 0031104626060 |
| Diamond Taxibedrijf | 0031104201854 |
Restaurant La Vilette
Comfortable restaurant in a business district. Discreet welcome and service, smart, intimate setting, open kitchen and up-to-date menu composed by the new chef.
Westblaak 160
Rotterdam
+31(0)104148692
www.lavilette.nl (Only in Dutch)
Zeezout fish restaurant
The chic and trendy atmosphere, fish and seafood menu and waterside terrace are this modern brasserie’s assets, whose name - "Sea Salt" - gives the game away. If you are on a business trip to Rotterdam, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Westerkade 11b (Scheepvaart-kwartier)
3016 CL Rotterdam
+31(0)10 436 50 49
www.engelgroep.com (Only in Dutch)
Restaurant De Harmonie
A modern restaurant opposite the Museumpark in a chic avenue of fine houses. A modern, refined dining area opening onto the charming garden terrace.
Westersingel 95
3015 LC Rotterdam
Telefoon: (010) 436 36 10
www.restaurantdeharmonie.nl (Only in Dutch)
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Rotterdam.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Rotterdam it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Rotterdam.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Hilton Rotterdam
Located off Hofplein square, the Hilton Rotterdam hotel is at the heart of the city’s business and shopping areas which is very convenient during a busy business trip. Located 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, the hotel has 12 meeting rooms for 4-325, a business center, Executive Lounge and wireless internet access throughout.
Weena 10
Rotterdam, Netherlands, 3012 CM
31-10-710-8000
More info about Hilton Hotel Rotterdam
NH Atlanta Rotterdam
The NH Atlanta Rotterdam dates from the 1930’s. Located midtown Rotterdam, Holland’s second largest city with the largest harbour in the world. The business district (the hotel is just in front of the World Trade Centre) as well as the shopping areas and the city’s famous drinking spots are very close to the hotel.
Coolsingel/Aert van Nesstraat, 4
3012CA Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
Tel. +31.10.2067800
More info about NH Hotel Atlanta Rotterdam
Best Western Crown Hotel Rotterdam
The hotel is a fully modernized 4-star hotel with a friendly atmosphere and personal service. Centrally located and walking distance from the shopping center, theatres, cinema, World Trade Center, City Hall, concert- and congress hall De Doelen and numerous excellent restaurants, the hotel is easily accessible, by public transportation as well which is very convenient during a busy business trip.
Schiekade 658
3032 AK Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: 31 (0) 10 466 33 44
More info about Best Western Crown Hotel Rotterdam
Rotterdam has a broad diversity of shopping districts. From popular to exclusive, from megastore to small boutique, in an arcade or a bustling street; Rotterdam has it all.
The "Lijnbaan"
On the Lijnbaan and the Beurstraverse, better known as ‘de Koopgoot’, well-known department stores and shops selling all the big brand names are not far from each other. Explore the luxury items of the Bijenkorf, or discover the eleven floors of Selexyz Donner, the largest bookshop in the Netherlands, with also a large section with english books. Large indoor malls can be found just outside the city centre. At Shopping Centre Zuidplein and in shopping area Alexandrium you will find over a hundred fashion, home decorating and lifestyle stores.
Shop in style
In the area surrounding the Van Oldenbarneveltstraat, Karel Doormanstraat and Kruiskade you can shop in style. Stores such as Van Dijk, Mostert & Van Leeuwen, SHPPR and Roush offer an exclusive collection of high-quality foreign labels. In Witte de Withstraat, lingerie queen Marlies Dekkers presents her beautiful and spicy lingerie. At Nieuwe Ontwerpers on William Boothlaan, they stock clothes by young, talented Rotterdam designers.
Shopping curio
Delfshaven is wellknown for its antique and bric-a-brac shops. At Manet you can find porcelain, silver and cutlery, everything for the stylish dining table. A bit further along you will find Casa Interior, a pleasing shop full of antiques and old designer furniture. The Maritieme Kunst en Antiekhandel is located in the former Henkes gin distillery. Petri Voet not only designs and makes colourful works of art but also everyday ceramics, such as vases and dishes. They are all for sale at her studio in Delfshaven. African Art specialises in African sculptures, masks, fabrics and implements.
Easily accessible by metro (station of the same name), historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk.
It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit the Dubbelde Palmboom museum, the pilgrimfathers’ church, or the little shops in this neighbourhood. By night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. If you have only a short time for sightseeing during your business trip to Rotterdam, this would be the place to visit.
But when you are not in the mood for walking. There is also the possibility of making a harbourtour. All the year round Spido offers various fascinating harbour trips. There’s the possibility to make a 75 minute cruise through the port of Rotterdam all year long, but also several extended tours and day trips in the summer.
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| General emergency number | 112 |
| Police (non-urgent) | 0900-8844 |
In case of a medical emergency you can turn to any hospital. Everyone in a hospital speaks at least a little english.
Dutch is a West Germanic language spoken by over 22 million people as a native language, and over 5 million people as a second language. Most native speakers live in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, with smaller groups of speakers in parts of France, Germany and several former Dutch colonies. It is closely related to other West Germanic languages (e.g., English, West Frisian and German) and somewhat more remotely to the North Germanic languages.
Most Dutch people speak at least some English but sometimes some Dutch phrases can be usefull....
| Hello | Hallo |
| Good morning | Goedemorgen |
| Good evening | Goedenavond |
| Good bye | Dag |
| See you soon | Tot ziens |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nee |
| I don’t know | Ik weet het niet |
| True | Waar |
| With pleasure | Met plezier |
| Where? | Waar? |
| When? | Wanneer? |
| Please | Alstublieft |
| Thank you | Dankuwel |
| Excuse me | Neem me niet kwalijk |
| I’m sorry, but... | Het spijt me, maar... |
| May I... ? | Mag ik... ? |
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