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Safe travel matters
SafeTravel is the official source of travel advice for New Zealanders, with advisories for specific destinations. Checking SafeTravel helps you avoid travel blackspots.
On SafeTravel you can also register your details and travel plans. If a crisis occurs overseas, MFAT will contact New Zealanders who have enrolled to check on their safety and well-being.
We also recommend you take out travel insurance. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
While you are overseas, make sure you respect cultural norms and obey local laws.
SafeTravel(external link) is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website designed for New Zealanders who are travelling or living overseas. You will find:
- traveller’s checklist(external link) to help you plan your journey
- news features(external link)
- travel advisories(external link) for specific destinations, with up-to-date information on security risks
- registration facility(external link) where you can log your travel plans in case you need to be contacted in an emergency
- when things go wrong(external link) - information that may assist you.
Travelling in the Netherlands
New Zealanders travelling in The Netherlands should be aware that petty crime such as pick-pocketing, bag snatching and theft is common in some areas.
Travellers have reported thefts on public transport, at Central Station in Amsterdam, in budget tourist accommodation, bars and nightclubs, cafes, internet cafes and other crowded places.
Thefts have also been reported on the Schiphol-Amsterdam train and other inter-city or international trains (e.g. Brussels-Amsterdam). Thefts from cars at service stations or rest stops on the highway are not unknown.
Thieves are often professional and work in teams of two or three and are usually observing unwary travellers. Techniques used to distract victims include asking odd or persistent questions, spilling food or drink, or telling travellers someone has spilled something on their clothes, or simply walking off with a bag, suitcase or wallet when the owner is not looking.