Page 442 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - The Netherlands

440  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Communications Finding the Right

Before 1989, telephone and postal services in the Number
Netherlands were part of the same state-run company, • Directory enquiries for
PTT. This has now been separated into two companies – phone and fax numbers in
KPN Telecom and TNT Post. For some years, Telfort Holland: dial 0900-8008 or
118 (only one number per
public telephones have also been appearing beside the call on either service).
KPN boxes. The Telfort telephones are mostly found at • Directory enquiries for
train stations. phone and fax numbers
abroad: dial 0900-8418, or
visit www.detelefoon gids.nl.
Using the Telephone at post offices, tobacconists, • National or international
You will find the green KPN train stations and department calls through the operator:
dial 0800-0410.
telephone kiosks in the streets, stores, as well as at the GWK, • Collect calls in Holland or
in post offices and outside and come in various abroad: dial 0800-0101.
many railway stations. Most denominations. • National dialling codes are:
KPN telephone kiosks take At train stations you will Australia 61, New Zealand
both phonecards and most often find Telfort phone boxes, 64, South Africa 27, the
major credit cards (the logo painted blue and orange. United Kingdom 44, and
on the telephone will tell These accept Telfort the USA and Canada 1.
you which credit cards are phonecards, available at ticket
accepted). If you use a credit windows and in the Wizzl
card, you need to remove it station shops and also at the Hotspots gives Internet access
from the slot before speaking GWK. Telfort phones also for smart phones; send an SMS
(phonecards are only removed accept coins (10, 20 and 50 to: HOTSPOTS, number 4222
when you have finished your cent, €1 and €2) but do not and you can log on for 15
call), and you have to pay a give change, credit cards minutes for a small fee, which
surcharge of €1.15. In KPN (with a €1.15 surcharge) is charged to your phone.
booths, locals can also use and special kiosk-cards.
their bank or giro card to make Instructions on how to use
phone calls, if these are fitted KPN and Telfort telephones
with a “chipper” or “chipknip” can be found in the booths
(which means you can top in Dutch, English and other
them up). ANWB members west European languages.
can also use KPN telephone
kiosks to call the roadside
assistance patrol (see p445). Mobile Phones
There are no longer any Mobile network coverage
solely coin-operated in the Netherlands is excellent
payphones. KPN phone boxes and works on the 900/1800
accept only KPN phone-cards MHz band. If necessary,
or special kiosk-cards, available contact your service provider
at some train stations. KPN for further information. Colourful selection of Dutch
phonecards can be purchased Check your insurance policy pictorial phonecards
to see if you are covered Phoning Abroad
in case your phone gets
stolen, and keep your From the Netherlands you
network operator’s helpline can direct-dial almost all
number handy. destinations abroad. First
To use your mobile phone you need to dial the
abroad, you may need to international num ber 00,
enable the “roaming” function followed by the country
on it. It is also more expensive number, and then the local
to make and receive calls number without the first digit
while abroad, although (usually a 0), and finally the
roaming charges are due to individual number. Many
be abolished within the EU country codes are listed in
in 2017. A cheaper option telephone booths. Telephone
is often to purchase a local directories have more detailed
SIM card to use in your lists. Directories for the whole
phone. You can only do of the country are available.
Storefront of an Amsterdam this if your handset is “sim Calls made from hotel rooms
telephone shop free” or unlocked. KPN are usually expensive.

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