Tourist information

Money:

You may need to be flexible during your trip with when you use card and when you use cash.

Generally any contactless visa or MasterCard debit card can be used in most places. Fewer places will accept credit cards and it may be difficult to use a non contactless card at times. Not everyone accepts cash but it is worth having some in case of difficulty paying with cards. When changing money, try not to accept any notes over the value of €50 as many places will not accept €100 and €200 notes.

You aren't expected to tip waitstaff in the United States.

Sales tax (BTW) is included in the shown price of products and food with the exception of plastic bottles where a surcharge will be added at the checkout. If you live outside of the EU and want to do some shopping while you're in Utrecht then you may be able to get a tax refund. Use the NL customs VAT app or ask for a tax refund form in a shop.
https://www.douane.nl/onderwerpen/reizen-en-vakantie/btw-terugvragen-bij-uitvoer/app-nl-customs-vat/

Language:

Almost everybody in the Netherlands understands and speaks English, but it's fun to have a few Dutch phrases at the ready. Check out this video for some common Dutch phrases and pronunciation:
https://youtu.be/sgiDZvYZyMQ?is=hFofHlz2lEvS2aFZ