3. Schools in the Netherlands reopen after May holidays

After enjoying a short break, children across the Netherlands will prepare to return to the classroom as schools open their doors once more from May 2. The next school break will be for summer vacation in July. 

4. New bank account for Dutch tax office

The Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst) is switching banks in May, from ING to Rabobank. This means that the tax office will have a new account number. Taxpayers are advised to check the official account number before making any payments. And if you accidentally send money to the old account number, don’t fret, this account will remain open for a year to give residents and businesses time to note the switch. 

Banks & money transfer companies in the Netherlands

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5. Airlines scrap flights in May 

Dutch airline KLM and its subsidiary Transavia have both cancelled a number of flights in May due to the rising kerosene prices. KLM scrapped 160 European flights to and from Amsterdam, and Transavia cut around 2 percent of its flights during the busy May holidays.

If you’re travelling in May, make sure to check any updates for your flight information. 

6. Meat and fossil fuel-related ads banned in Amsterdam

From May 1, advertising of meat- and fossil-fuel-related products and services will be banned in public spaces in Amsterdam. This includes petrol and diesel, cruises and air travel, making Amsterdam the first capital city in the world to pass such a ban.

7. Holiday allowance gets paid out

The public holidays aren’t the only thing many workers look forward to in May; the holiday allowance, also known as vakantiegeld, is another! The 8 percent bonus is usually paid out in May or June, depending on your employer. Note that some employers spread the allowance out over the 12 months of the year. 

8. Keukenhof closes its doors

After almost two months of frolicking through the gorgeous tulips at Keukenhof, the Dutch park is closing its doors in May. For any last-minute visitors who still want to enjoy a trip to the tulip gardens, do so soon, as Keukenhof’s spring season ends on Sunday, May 10.