General Information

Time zone and language

Time zone: UTC+01:00 (CET), UTC+02:00 in summer (CEST).
Language: Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands; however, English is widely spoken.
The official congress language is English.

Emergency and health

Emergency: In emergencies, contact the local police, ambulance service, fire brigade and other emergency services by dialling 112.

Medical services: Should you need to see a doctor or a dentist, please contact your hotel’s reception desk; they will direct you to the medical professionals assigned to the hotel. If immediate medical attention is required, call the emergency services on 112. Emergency medical services (including transportation by ambulance) are not free and you will be billed for any services rendered.

Health and immunisations: Vaccination certificates are usually not required when travelling to the Netherlands, but please check shortly before the congress, as requirements may change.

Telephones and electricity

International dialling code: The Netherlands +31. More dialling codes for other countries can be found here.

Electricity: The standard electrical voltage in the Netherlands is 230 volts AC, 50 Hz (hotel bathrooms may also have outlets for 100 volts). Electrical outlets in the Netherlands take two-pronged, round-pin plugs. We recommend purchasing an adaptor for your electrical equipment prior to arrival.

Water, weather and conversions

Water
Tap water is safe to drink in Maastricht.

Weather
The average temperature in October is between 8°C (46.4°F), and 14°C (57.2°F). We recommend bringing wet-weather gear.

Distance
Distances in Maastricht are given in kilometers.
1 mile = 1.62 kilometers

Currency, ATM's and tipping

Currency
The currency used in Maastricht is Euros (€).

ATM's & Credit Cards
ATMs are widely available throughout Maastricht and most are open 24 hours a day. Souvenir and clothing shops accept all major credit cards, however supermarkets, cafes and some restaurants will only accept cash.

Tipping
Most restaurants in Maastricht will automatically add a service charge to bills. Alternatively, a 5-10% tip at restaurants and cafés is acceptable.