Business trip to The Hague, The Netherlands.
The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam and Rotterdam, with a population of 485.818 and an area of approximately 100 km². It is located in the west of the country close to the North Sea. The Hague is, like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Almere, part of the Randstad metropolitan area, with 6.659.300 inhabitants.
The Hague is the seat of the national government, but it is not the capital of the Netherlands. This role is set aside for Amsterdam. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands lives and works in The Hague. All foreign embassies and government ministries are located in the city, as well as the Hoge Raad der Nederlanden (Supreme Court), the Raad van State (Council of State) and many lobbying organisations.
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The Hague is also the judicial capital of the United Nations, being the location of its primary judicial institutions.
The city of The Hague contributes considerably to international politics: The Hague houses over 150 international organizations. Among these the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and the Appeals Chamber of the ICTY and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
After the establishment of the League of Nations, The Hague became the seat of the Permanent Court of International Justice, which was replaced by the UN’s International Court of Justice after the Second World War. The establishment of the Iran-US Claims Tribunal (1981), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (1993) and the International Criminal Court (2002) in the city further consolidated the role of The Hague as a center for international legal arbitration.
At the moment, The Hague is the world’s 2nd United Nations city, after New York. In line with the city’s past as an important convention center and the current presence of institutions such as the ICJ, The Hague’s city council employs a city branding strategy that aims to establish The Hague as the Legal Capital of the World and the International City of Peace and Justice.
There has never been any large-scale industrial activity in The Hague, with the possible exception of the fishing harbor in Scheveningen. Many of the city’s logistical and minor-industrial services are located in the Binckhorst district, which contains many large warehouses.
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 The Hague. Fares are calculated on a basic rate plus a fixed rate for each kilometer traveled. No special night rates apply in The Hague although some drivers are known to charge extra, especially when the trams and buses finish at midnight. It is possible to hail a taxi in the street but you will also find special taxi ranks at the train stations and throughout the city. Alternatively, order a taxi by telephone.
| Company name | Phone |
| Hofstad Taxicentrale | 3462626 |
| Taxi The Hague | +31703301040 |
| Noordzee Business Taxi | 3589999 |
| Rukhsar Tax | 4273069 |
| First Choice | 3996652 |
Café-Restaurant Greve
Located in an old car showroom below the oldest multi-storey car park in the Netherlands the Café-Restaurant Greve has become an institution in The Hague, known for its striking architecture and trendy atmosphere. The Greve offers inexpensive Mediterranean style food and views from its large windows across the lively Torenstraat. If you are on a business trip to The Hague, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
138, Torenstraat
2513 BW The Hague
Telephone: 070 360 3919
(No website available)
Restaurant Garoeda
Indonesian restaurant Garoeda celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1999. The restaurant is situated in the stylish city-centre of The Hague with all her monumental buildings. At restaurant Garoeda, within a walking distance of the house of Parliament and the working palace of the Dutch Queen, you can enjoy either a light lunch up to complete Rijsttafel (rice table).
Kneuterdijk 18 A
2514 EN Den Haag
Nederland
Phone: 070 3465319
www.garoeda.nl
Restaurant Le Bistroquet
Le Bistroquet opened its doors at the end of the sixties as a creation of late Gerard Fagel. Being one of the first of the bistro-type restaurants, it combined a simple but cozy environment with affordable meals. In 1977, Le Bistroquet gained its nation wide fame when, at table number two, the first Van Agt-Wiegel government team was created.
Lange Voorhout 98
2514 EJ The Hague
Telephone: +31-70-3601170
www.bistroquet.nl
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to The Hague.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to The Hague 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 The Hague.
- 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:
Best Western Hotel Petit
Best Western Hotel Petit is a friendly and very comfortable 3 star hotel situated by two mansions built in 1895 and overlook a beautiful pond and 100% smoke free. Hotel Petit is situated in the fashionable embassy neighborhood between The Hague City Center and Scheveningen. The World Forum Convention Center as well as various points of interest and museums is within walking distance.
Groothertoginnelaan 42
2517 EH Den Haag, The Netherlands
Phone: 31 70 346 55 00
More info about Best Western Hotel Petit
NH Hotel The Hague
The NH Den Haag is located in the business centre of The Hague, close to governmental buildings and ministries. Within walking distance from the railway station and city centre which is very convenient during a busy business trip, easily accessible by car and close to Scheveningen the famous seaside resort and the pituresque city of Delft.
Prinses Margrietplantsoen 100
2595 BR Den Haag / The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel. +31.70.3812345
More info about NH Hotel The Hague
Hotel Novotel Den Haag City Centre
The Novotel Den Haag City Centre is a 4 star hotel in the monumental Haagse Passage shopping arcade in the very heart of The Hague. The hotel is located opposite of the Binnenhof (the Dutch parliament) and within walking distance of museums and shopping streets. The central location makes it ideal for a business stay or weekend away. Our cosy rooms feature Wifi and high speed internet access.
Hofweg 5-7
2511 AA DEN HAAG
NETHERLANDS
Tel (+31)70/3648846
More info about Hotel Novotel Den Haag City Centre
A good place to start shopping is on the Noordeinde, well known as one of the most elegant shopping streets in The Hague. Here you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to The Hague.
The historic Noordeinde Palace is located here as well. Parts of which date back to the 16th century, and today serves as Queen Beatrix’s "work and reception" palace.Exclusive stores selling haute couture fashion, shoes, jewelery, antiques, art and interior decorations stretch along this street. ’Scapa’, the famous Belgian-based label, which sells classic men’s and women’s fashion as well as the popular Scapa Sports wear range is at Paleisstraat 2.
Nearby you will find a maze of narrow streets where many trendy boutiques are located. On Molenstraat, visit ’Organised Confusion’ where Anke Baedi creates her individually designed pieces for women in her studio basement and sells them alongside shoes from the Spanish brand Camper.
For excellent quality outdoor activity and sportswear, Barbour is a must visit on Papestraat. For menswear, turn down Heulstraat to Shirts and Cappuccino, where you can search for a trendy shirt and matching tie while sipping a coffee.
At Papestraat 21 is ’Red Chocolate’. They have a great selection of Emma Hope shoes and Lulu Guinness accessories from the UK, women’s fashion from Europe and Australia, jewelery from Scandinavia and a surprisingly good range of children’s wear.
Escher in the palace
If you have some time left on your business trip to The Hague and it’s a rainy day, I would suggest the Escher exposition.
The Lange Voorhout Palace has been owned by the Royal Family for almost a hundred years.
In 1896 it was bought by Queen Emma, the great-grandmother of present Queen Beatrix. She had among other things the central stairway constructed, which was meant for only three people: the Queen and the two most important Ladies of the Court. All the others had to take the (yellow) servant stairway, still in use for the second floor, or they had to take the one that has now been replaced by an elevator.
The Palace Lange Voorhout is nowadays home to a beautiful Escher exposition. The Dutch graphic artist Maurits Cornelis Escher, 1898-1972, is a past master at drawing impossible situations. Only when you take a closer look do you realize that what he has drawn couldn’t possibly exist. Water flows uphill, birds metamorphose into fish and figures walk endlessly up and down the staircase in the same courtyard.
In “Another World” you look into space while simultaneously viewing the craters on the lunar surface from above and from the side. In other drawings small reptiles crawl out of the frame across objects on a table and back onto the sheet of paper.
Escher in The Palace
Lange Voorhout 74
2514 EH The Hague
telephone: 070-4277730
www.escherinhetpaleis.nl
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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