Currency

The The EURO is the currency of Netherlands., though the US dollar is widely accepted. For most current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com.

How much money should I bring?
This is totally subjective based on how much you’d like to spend on souvenirs and meals not included. Keep in mind what is included in your pilgrimage package. We recommend you bring at least 100 euros per person (keep 50 euros with you and 50 euros in your checked bag).

How does tipping work?
Tips are an important part of earnings for your Guides and Bus Drivers. While tips are included throughout (Restaurants, Local Guides, Porters, etc.) – Tips to your Guide and Driver are at your discretion, via the Tip Envelopes with your Travel Documents.

When do I give the guide/driver their tip envelopes?
We suggest you tip the Tour Escort and Bus Driver the day prior to your return. We provide labeled tip envelopes within your final documents package.

How much should I give?
Tip according to your discretion and satisfaction. We note a recommend an amount per person/per day in your Digital Confirmation. Tipping in local currency is preferred.

Do I tip the spiritual director?
This is not required, but some pilgrims opt to give a small gift or donation.

Credit Cards & ATM Machines (In Netherlands)

ATM machines can be found just about everywhere in Europe and are accessible 24 hrs. a day; most offer English as a language option. Be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit before you depart.

U.S. Customs (In Netherlands)

U.S. citizens who have been in Europe for more than two days may return to the US with up to $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. For those who wish to bring more home, a flat rate of 3% duty is levied on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. It’s a good idea to retain the receipts from your purchases should they be requested by a Customs Inspector upon your return to the US.

For details visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel

Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund (In Netherlands)

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a form of indirect tax applied to the value added at each stage of production (primary, manufacturing, wholesale and retail). This tax is much like the sales tax in the US. Tourists who purchase goods worth 400 Euro or more are entitled to a discount of at least 5% on the purchase price plus a VAT refund. There is 22% value added tax on most goods and services. At retail stores, this tax is already included in the price. Upon making a purchase of 175 Euro or more at a gift store that has an agreement with VAT authorities, you should fill out a form at the store and have it stamped there. You will be eligible, upon presenting the form and the item, for a 20% refund at the airport prior to departure. Do not pack these gift items in your luggage, but should be kept in your hand luggage. Tourist services, such as hotel accommodations and meals taken in hotels, paid with foreign currency are exempt from VAT tax. VAT refunds, if applicable, may sometimes take up to three (3) months to process. If you pay with local currency, there will be no VAT refund.

In order to acquire a VAT refund, the following procedure must be followed:
• Look for the “tax refund” sticker on the business door or publication
• Ask for a VAT refund invoice from the sales clerk.
• At the airport VAT desk, show the original receipt, the VAT tax form, and the goods you have purchased.
• At the end of the procedure, you will receive a check drawn in your favor which may be cashed that same day
• On each purchase exceeding $200 (including VAT), the VAT will be refunded upon presentation of the invoice at the port of departure

Tips

Tips are an important part of earnings for your guides and bus drivers. Although you should tip according to your discretion and satisfaction, we recommend that you bring the money and place in tip envelopes (included in your final documents package) as follows: