Featured Country: The Netherlands

According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis published last July, the Netherlands was the largest recipient of direct investment from the U.S. in 2010. The United States invested $521.4 billion dollars in the Netherlands, 13.3% of total U.S. FDI. This is the third consecutive year that the country found itself in first place in U.S. FDI. For comparison, in the same year, the United Kingdom received $ 508.4 billion (13%), Canada $ 296.7 billion dollars (7.6%) and Luxembourg $ 275 billion (7%).

U.S. companies are attracted to the Netherlands for investment. The company Patagonia Inc., recently decided to relocate its distribution center from Chartres (France) to the Dutch city of Heerenberg. Similarly, the Heinz Company has invested heavily in the Netherlands to create a center of European research and innovation in the city of Nijmegen, which should be online by 2013. This research center will be the largest research center outside of Heinz USA.
The Netherlands has many strong assets including a highly developed communication and transportation infrastructure, a skilled workforce that is both productive and multilingual, a strategic geographical position that makes it a gateway to the main European markets, a stable political environment and financial sector. For example, Patagonia Inc. will, through its presence in Heerenberg, deliver its products in Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the Benelux countries in less than 24 hours. Also, thanks to the quality of the Dutch infrastructure, the distribution center in Heerenberg will be able to manage three containers a day, instead of the three containers per week that were being produced in Chartres. In the end, Heinz has decided to move to Nijmegen, a city in a region where skills are focused on diet and health, providing an attractive framework for the best talent in the field of research and development of new food products.

To learn more about the establishing trade or business in the Netherlands, visit The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.

Amsterdam serves as the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, with just over 1.36 million residents. Located in the province of North Holland, the city comprises the northern edge of the Randstad, a conurbation of Dutch cities that also includes Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, which totals more than 6.5 million people. The city serves as the financial and cultural capital of the country, and hosts the headquarters of several of the world's top 500 companies. The 2009 European Cities Monitor, which provides an overview of corporations' perceptions of 34 leading European business cities, ranked Amsterdam as the 8th best city in which to do business. The same survey ranked Amsterdam 7th in terms of quality of telecommunications and 12th in terms of quality of life for employees.Good medical facilities are widely available. Emergency medical response can be accessed by dialing 112. Pharmacies ( Apotheek ) are widely available and can assist with emergency prescription needs. Some common medications are not available in the Netherlands without a prescription, and some prescription drugs cannot be sent to the country. Travelers are urged to carry an adequate supply of prescription drugs in their original container, in their carry-on luggage. Please carry a letter from your pharmacist or medical doctor with you, as some drugs are subject to confiscation by local custom agents. Those traveling with any pre-existing medical problems should bring a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs.Netherlands, International health nsurance

Although the rate of violent crime in Amsterdam is low, there is an elevated risk of theft. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and other petty crime is often reported. As hotel rooms and automobiles are targets of theft, valuables should not be left in plain sight and should be secured in safes. Thieves often work in pairs, with one distracting the victim, often by asking for directions, while an accomplice moves in on the victim's unguarded property. Thieves are active in and around train and tram stations, the city center, and public transport, and frequently time thefts to coincide with train or bus departures. Trains to and from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport are particularly high risk, and theft of hand luggage and laptop computers is common. Likewise, foreigners on city trams to and from the Central Train Station are often targets for thieves and pickpockets. In January 2010, nine workers at Schiphol Airport were arrested for allegedly stealing objects from passengers' luggage. Surveillance cameras showed the suspects rummaging through the travelers' suitcases, apparently searching for electronic gadgets, clothing, money, and jewelry. The thieves were caught using specially prepared decoy suitcases.

There is a low risk of violent crime in Amsterdam. Kidnapping is not a frequent occurrence in the Netherlands, but has been known to occur on occasion.

Participation by the Netherlands in U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have garnered the attention of militant Islamic groups, and, indirectly, raised the risk of targeting by such groups. The national government currently rates the risk of terrorism as "Substantial," the third highest out of four levels. In November 2004, authorities arrested members of the Hofstad Network, an Al-Qaida-linked cell allegedly planning to attack Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. One year later, six people were arrested in Amsterdam and The Hague on charges of recruiting radical Muslims for international jihad.

Demonstrations are common, ranging from small groups to thousands of participants, and usually remain nonviolent. Prior notification is required to hold a demonstration and police are usually present. Demonstrations are common at the Museumplein and in Dam Square. In February 2010, dozens of students occupied lecture halls and university buildings in Amsterdam in protest of planned government cutbacks to higher education. In August 2009, thirty people were arrested after violent clashes broke out between British and Dutch soccer fans in Dam Square. There were no reports of serious injuries, as police acted quickly to break up the fray.

Bicycles are ubiquitous in Amsterdam and can be dangerous for pedestrians. Watch for speeding bikes when crossing the street or a bicycle lane look for speeding bikes. If using a bicycle, watch for pedestrians, and lock the bike with a strong lock, as thefts are common.

Police in Amsterdam are generally capable and well-trained. Emergency operators will answer phone calls in Dutch, but most speak English. In addition to contacting the police, victims of crime are urged to report any incident to their respective embassy or consulate.

Most Dangerous Areas

Pickpockets typically time their theft to coincide with train and tram stops so they can quickly escape the scene. Within Amsterdam, thieves are very active in and around Central Station, WTC/Zuid train, tram stops near the red light district, and in restaurants and hotels. Foreign nationals may also experience theft on public transportation routes, especially trams 1, 2, and 5 between Central Station and the Museum district. Other areas to avoid include Damrak, the flea market in Waterlooplein, De Bijenkorf department store, Dam Square, Royal Palace, and the Flower Market. Demonstrations are common at the Museumplein and Dam Square.




Vaccinations are not required for travel to the Netherlands.

We recommend reviewing your health insurance policy.  If your policy is not international health insurance coverage, nor provide emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, then please contact Insurance Services of America at 800.647.4589 or 480.821.9052 or visit us online at http://www.worldwidemedical.com/.