Map
Currency Converter
Emergency Words and Contacts
Who to call and what to say when you need help in a hurry...
Useful Emergency Words and Phrases
| English | Dutch |
|---|---|
| Call an ambulance | Bel een ambulance |
| Call the police | Roep de politie |
| Call the fire brigade | Roep de brandweer |
| Call a doctor | Haal een dokter |
| I am ill | ik ben ziek |
Emergency Services, Telephone Numbers and Websites
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Police, Ambulance, Fire | Tel: 112 |
| National Police (non-emergency) | Tel: 0900 8844 Website |
| Telephone (KPN) | Tel: 0800 0407 |
| Gas, Electricity Emergency | Tel: 0800 9009 |
| Sea Rescue / Coast Guard (Kustwacht) | Tel: 0900 0111 Website |
| Tourist Medical Service (ATAS) | Tel: 020 592 3355 |
| Breakdown Service (ANWB) | Tel: 088 2692 888 Website |
| Animal Ambulance | Website |
Operators for the Pan-European emergency number (112) speak English and will contact the appropriate emergency service. Calling 112 is free from any telephone (mobile cellular or fixed-line).
- The noodsituaties ("emergency situations") website has practical information on what to do in a variety of crisis situations: Click here
- For the information pamphlet: Click here (PDF)
Doctors and Minor Medical Emergencies
In the case of minor or non-urgent medical problems, patients should contact their doctor for advice. They will arrange a home visit, urgent appointment or refer the patient to a hospital for treatment. Patients with non-life threatening illnesses who arrive at a Dutch hospital may be refused treatment if they do not have a doctor’s referral.
Most general practitioner’s surgeries are open Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00.
People who are not registered with a GP or cannot reach their doctor can call the Central Doctor’s Service for urgent medical advice (Centrale Dokterdienst). The help line is open evenings, weekends and public holidays.
- Central Dokterdienst
Tel: 020 592 3434
To search for a local GP, see the Huisartsen website (in Dutch)
24 Hour Pharmacies (Apotheek)
Most chemists open Monday to Friday 08:30-17:30 and some are open Saturday morning as well. Dutch pharmacies follow a rota system, which means that there is always one open out of hours (i.e. nights, weekends and public holidays).
- To find an on-duty pharmacy Tel: 020 694 8709
A list of 24-hour pharmacies is also displayed in chemist windows and in free local newspapers under Medical Assistance (Medische Diensten)
Emergency Pharmacies
A list of 24-hour pharmacies is displayed in chemist windows and in free local newspapers under Medical Assistance (Medische Diensten).
Other Useful Numbers
| Service | Telephone |
|---|---|
| Directory Enquiries National | Tel: 0900 8008 |
| Directory Enquiries International | Tel: 0900 8418 |
| Public Transport Information | Tel: 0900 9292 |
| Crime line - M: to report crime anonymously (Meld Misdaad Anoniem). Reports can be made in English; the line is open daily. | Tel: 0800 - 7000 Tel: +31 800 7000 (from outside the Netherlands) Website |
Lost Property (gevonden voorwerpen)
| Public transport or place | Tel: 0900 9292 |
Further Information
- Information on the 112 number from the European Commission website