Hema is more of a department store (similar to Target in the US and Monoprix in France) that stocks everything you could need from clothing to beauty to drugstore items. If you’re into alternative medicine, organic products, or just prefer a premium experience, Holland and Barrett is a popular health food and product chains for those who want something less standard. Trekpleister is a smaller drug store that generally stocks a bit less in the way of selection, but has the basics. That said, their weekly specials are often really great if you’re in luck or you know what you’re looking for. This Dutch drugstore is a bargain hunters dream although the cramped aisles, chaos in terms of product displays, and massive bargain bins make it an experience.
If you love deals and saving money, Kruidvat is for you. READ MORE 30+ Things To Know Before You Move To The Netherlands Kruidvat They’re known for having some of the most knowledgable staff of the drugstores. (I’m not biased at all…) Of course, you pay a little more, but the shopping experience is the best of out of the drugstores and I find their selection of skincare and make-up to be the best. It has a clean layout, clearly labeled products, friendly staff, and best selection of brands. EtosĮtos is the most premium of the drugstore chains in the Netherlands. It’s sometimes best to focus more on the issue rather than the specific medicine that you’re seeking. Generally, employees at most of these stores in the Netherlands speak good English although it can get a bit tricky with medicines. Drug store chains in the Netherlands typically do not have a pharmacist on staff and are open most days (6/7 days a week during normal business hours.) Drugstore chains in the Netherlandsĭepending on the product that you’re looking for and your budget, you might want to head to a different drugstore chain. You can generally walk in without an appointment. Pharmacies are typically open during business hours (Monday to Saturday until 5pm later if you’re lucky. These shops generally have later hours (5-8pm) although most will close in the early evening. Pharmacies are typically independently run or run as a group, so just check to find the one nearest to you with good hours.ĭutch drug stores are consumer-focused shops that stock most of what you need for your health although you cannot get items with a prescription here, typically. You can bring a prescription here to be filled. There will be a pharmacist on staff, but the hours will be more limited. Dutch pharmacies ( apotheek carry some variant of these basics along with more premium brands. In the Netherlands, there is a distinction between drug stores ( drogist)and pharmacies. Useful products that you might need from the Dutch drug store with their Dutch equivalents.Similarly, there’s a pharmacy open later (but not 24 hours) within Amsterdam Central Station. In Amsterdam, I recommend OLVG for late night care, which also has a 24-hour pharmacy. Seeing a doctor in the Netherlands isn’t overly expensive althoughĪppointments are generally short and tests are extra. family doctor) area for less urgent issues if you need a doctor late at night. Most hospitals in the Netherlands have a 24-hour emergency room as well as a “ huisarts” (e.g. You can call 112 for emergency services in the Netherlands. If you need urgent medical help, please consider talking to a doctor or pharmacist.
If you are looking for more in-depth travel advice about Belgium and the Netherlands, I created a guidebook on behalf of Moon Travel about Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges.