2025 Rotterdam | USET Foundation
 

2025 CHIO Rotterdam

Rotterdam, NED
June 18-22, 2025

Venue Address

The venue address is Kralingseweg 126, 3062 CG Rotterdam.

Competition Schedule

The full schedule for CHIO Rotterdam can be found HERE.

Venue

CHIO Rotterdam is located on the edge of Kralingse Bos, a beautiful park with a forest, large lake and other amenities. The venue will have the usual first-aid stations, a mixed zone where interviews can be held, a sports information desk, medical facilities, doping control facilities and Wi-Fi access. There are many shopping opportunities including a Flea Market and food and beverage options located throughout the venue.

Tickets & Hospitality

All spectators must purchase tickets. Information on tickets including how to purchase can be found HERE.

Parking

Unfortunately, there is no parking available in the vicinity of CHIO Rotterdam. However, Less than an 8-minute walk from the entrance is the tram and metro stop Voorschoterlaan. This stop has a good connection to various train stations in Rotterdam.

Transport

Public Transport: Rotterdam has an excellent public transport network, provided by the RET. You can use the bus, tram and metro to get almost anywhere in the city and region. This makes it easy to explore the city, both for short and longer distances. Check the RET website for further information.

Taxi: Taxis use meters calculated by distance and time. +31 10 237 2018

Rental Vehicles: For automatic vehicles, it is recommended to book a rental car through a large rental agency.

Weather

Average weather for June

  • High Temperature: 67°F
  • Low Temperature: 52°F
  • Rainfall: 2.95”
  • Humidity: 73%

Suggested Clothing

It is recommended to bring layers. Pack a lightweight sweater or jacket that can be worn over a t-shirt or blouse and bring a waterproof coat or umbrella in case of rain. Keep in mind that in a flat country like the Netherlands, it can get very windy.

Water & Food

Tap water is sourced from the Maas River. This water is first naturally filtered, after which it flows to several water purification plants in Rotterdam. The result is clean, fresh, soft water, perfectly suitable for everyone. Avoid raw and undercooked foods.

Visas

Due to start in October 2025, U.S. citizens and non-E.U. nationals will need to complete The Entry/Exit System (EES) for all short-term stays to European countries. Registration and biometric data collection will be completed at a border control kiosk at the arrival airport. More information about EES can be found HERE. Please be sure to check any visa requirements.

Airport

The distance from AMS Schipol Airport to the CHIO Rotterdam Venue: 39 miles / 62.8 km.

Vaccinations

In accordance with the CDC and USOPC recommendations, you may want to consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine. Please note it takes approximately two (2) weeks to maximize immunity.

About Rotterdam

Rotterdam is home to Europe’s largest seaport, making it a logistic and economic center. The city has a population of 655,419 and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, with 180 nationalities represented. The story of the city, the bombardment and reconstruction, and the drive to innovate that locals still use today to shape their city all make Rotterdam a fascinating place to visit. Click HERE for more information. For information on tours throughout Europe, click HERE.
PLACES TO SEEADDRESSINFORMATION
Museum Boijmans Van BeuningenMuseumpark 18, 3015 CX Rotterdam Website
Holland CasinoWeena 624, 3012 CC Rotterdam Website
Theater Rotterdam SchowburgSchowburgplein 25, 3012 GP Rotterdam Website

Accommodations

There are many local accommodation options. Below is a partial list of nearby hotels. Additional accommodations can be sourced HERE.

HOTELWEBSITEDISTANCE FROM VENUE
Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark Website 1.5 mi / 2.4 km
Bilderberg Parkhotel Website 3 mi / 4.8 km

Hospitals & Emergency Services

NAMEADDRESSWEBSITE
IJsselland Hospital - Prins Constantijnweg 2 2906 ZC Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands Website

Incident Management Guidelines

Security

The Netherlands is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime rates, however, responsible care should be exercised when traveling throughout the country. There is a normal level of crime, but it varies by city. In the higher-income areas frequented by tourists, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, crime rates are higher, with petty theft the most common concern. Travelers should keep valuables out of sight and be aware of their surroundings. Avoid isolated areas when on foot, especially after dark. It is recommended to only use a trusted taxi or an app-based taxi service.
Do not hail a taxi on the street.

Assailants usually target victims for their smartphones, wallets, or purses. If confronted by someone with a weapon, it is best not to resist.

 

ATMs and Credit Cards

It is best to use ATMs inside banks instead of ATMs that are more accessible to passers-by and all banks advise customers to cover ATM keypads with their hands when entering codes. When making credit card transactions, travelers should expect the vendor to use a credit card reader in their presence.

Safety List

The key to good security is vigilance. Be aware of what is happening around you and always pay attention to anything that appears unusual or out of place. This includes people who appear nervous about their surroundings.

  • Make a copy of your passport or real ID and travel documents and leave the original in a safe place.
  • Always travel in groups.
  • Do not overtly wear expensive jewelry.
  • Keep your phone hidden.
  • Do not carry excessive amounts of cash or credit cards if you do not need them.
  • If you are in a vehicle in standstill traffic with the windows rolled down, keep phones and other possessions low and away from windows and be mindful of people walking through the traffic.
  • Do not approach unattended bags, cases or packages – report them.
  • Do not accept packages from anyone, the contents of which are unclear.
  • Do not advertise where you are staying.
  • If you are out in the evening and you become aware of increased police activity, leave the area immediately.
  • If you see an incident involving the police, do not get involved. Do not play the good Samaritan.

Local Business Hours

Office hours are Monday through Friday from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Banks are typically open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Some banks may be open on Saturday mornings.

Shopping centers are open Monday through Saturday with some open on Sundays. The hours of operation can widely range depending on store type.

 

Currency and Exchange

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency of The Netherlands. The symbol for the Euro is €. There are different currency exchange services available in Rotterdam. Money can be exchanged at the airport, exchange houses or banks, however, it is recommended you exchange currency before you leave for your trip.

Currency slang includes but is not limited to:

  • Money – “floes,” “mula,” and “saaf”
  • €10.00 – “Donnie”
  • €100.00 – “Barkie”

 

Credit Cards

The credit card culture in the Netherlands isn’t as popular as in other Western countries. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. Use of debit cards is widespread, although many stores impose a minimum per debit card purchase, and service charges may apply.

Travelers Checks

Very few places will accept travelers checks in The Netherlands. It is best to use an ATM card at the many ATM locations available in Rotterdam. Use the ATM at Dutch banks or Geldmaat. Avoid Euronet.

Tipping

Restaurants: While tipping is not obligatory, leaving a small gratuity (10%-15%) is considered a polite gesture to acknowledge exceptional service.
Transport: Tipping taxi drivers is not required but if you received excellent service, you may round up to the nearest euro.
Hotels: Tips are appreciated in hotels. As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill.

STEP

When traveling abroad, U.S. citizens may enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Visit travel.state.gov for more information.

Consulate

Should you need to contact the U.S. Consulate while traveling, the nearest one to the event is located in The Hague.

U.S. Consulate in The Hague
Lange Voorhout
102 2514 EJ The Hague
Netherlands
Tel.: + 31 70 310 2209

To search other consulate locations, CLICK HERE.

Language

Dutch is the official language of The Netherlands, however, approximately 90% of residents are proficient in English.

Communications (phone, WiFi, and internet)

Cellphone reception in The Netherlands is often greater in major cities, although rural Dutch areas are surprisingly well-connected when compared to other nations. Contact your phone provider for more information on sim cards and international data plans.

Electrical

Power in The Netherlands operates on a 230-volt current and a 50 hertz frequency. Electricity will be supplied through a Type C (two round pins), and Type F (two round pins with two earth clips).

Universal Power Adapters can easily be purchased before travel.

Food

Dutch cuisine can traditionally be divided in three regions. The northeast of the country is known for its meats and sausages and heavy rye bread, the west for fish, spirits and dairy based products, and the south for stews, fruit products and pastry.

Local Restaurants

There are many local restaurant options. This list below is a sample of some local restaurants. There are many more from which to choose. Additional restaurants in the area can be sourced HERE.

Some popular dishes include:

  • Rookworst (smoked sausage)
  • Metworst (dry sausage)
  • Kibbeling (battered fish)
  • Jenever (gin)
  • Stroopwafel (caramel waffle)
  • Boerenkaas (cheese)
  • Hachee (stew)
  • Limburgse vlaai (pastry with fruit filling)
  • Bossche bol (chocolate covered cream puff)
RESTAURANTADDRESSWEBSITE
Restaurant KralingenKralingseweg 200, 3062 CG Rotterdam Website
Restaurant De Tuin van de Vier WindstrekenPlaszoom 354, 3062 CL Rotterdam Website
Mamma LiciaOudedijk 159A, 3061 AB Rotterdam Website
Osteria ViciniKortekade 63A, 3062 GN Rotterdam Website