Essential Dutch numbers and helplines

Police, fire brigade or ambulance

Emergency police, fire brigade, ambulance: 112
Police information (non-emergency): 0900 8844
Anonymous tip-line (to report a crim)e: 0800 7000

Electricity and gas

There is a 24-hour number to call for electricity, gas or meter problems. If you suspect a gas leak, smell fumes or have a general power problem. The national number for such gas and electricity problems is 0800 9009.

Emergency doctor's office

An emergency doctor office exists for problems outside of regular doctor's hours. The service operates around the clock (24-hour) and is available for nights, weekends and all public holidays.

The number in Amsterdam is 088 00 30 600. The operator will connect you with an emergency doctor in your area.

General helplines

ACCESS is a not-for-profit organisation which supports the international community in the Netherlands. ACCESS can be reached by calling +31 (0) 20 423 3217.

Stolen bank or credit card

You should report all lost or stolen bank and credit cards to the police as soon as possible. It is also important to have your cards blocked in order to prevent any unwanted charges. It is advised to call your bank as soon as you can.

If a bank card is lost or stolen:

ABN-Amro 0800 0701

ING 0800 022 0011

Rabobank +31 (0)49 949 9112

If a credit card is lost or stolen:
Visa 0800 022 3110

American Express +31 (0)20 504 8666

Dinersclub +31 (0)20 557 3407

Mastercard/Eurocard 0800 022 5821

Vehicle assistance

Many Dutch drivers are members of a vehicle assistance service, such as the ANWB (Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijders Bond) or Route Mobiel. Breakdown coverage can be purchased from many insurance companies (verzekeringsmaatschappijen). In the event of a breakdown, ring the service number and a mechanic will be dispatched to the site. Non-members can still get help from the service provided they become members right away, though at a higher rate.           

Use a roadside emergency telephone (praatpaal) to call for help in the event of auto trouble. These are posted every two kilometres along motorways in the Netherlands. Tthey connect directly to the ANWB switchboard.

Contacts
ANWB General Contact Center 088 269 22 22

ANWB Roadside Assistance 088 269 28 88

Route Mobiel Information 0800 0504

Route Mobiel Breakdown service/Breakdown service (Pechservice) +31 (0)20 651 51 15

Embassies

Embassies in the area are listed on a website run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken).