Packing Checklist — Netherlands Business Trip

Adjust based on season + trip length. Netherlands weather is unpredictable — pack layers.

Documents (Carry-On Only — NEVER in checked bag)

• Passport (with visa)
• Photocopy of passport + visa (separate from original)
• Printed invitation letter from Droplet
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Round-trip flight tickets (printed)
• Travel insurance certificate
• Yellow fever vaccination card (if any)
• Driver's license (international permit if planning to drive — usually not needed)
• 2 extra passport photos (just in case)
• Emergency contacts list (printed)

Money & Cards

• Euros — small bills + coins for first day
• Credit card (notify bank of travel)
• Debit card (with PIN that works internationally)
• Backup card (kept in different bag)
• Some PHP for return at NAIA

Tech

• Phone + charger
• Universal travel adapter (Netherlands uses Type C/F — same as most of EU)
• Power bank
• Laptop + charger (for work / Droplet meetings)
• Headphones
• Camera (optional — phone usually enough)

Clothing (3–5 day business trip)

Business / Office

• 2 button-up shirts
• 1–2 dress pants OR smart chinos
• Smart shoes (closed, leather)
• Belt
• Light jacket / blazer
• Tie (if formal — usually NL is business casual)

Casual / Off-hours

• 2–3 t-shirts / casual shirts
• 1 pair jeans
• Comfortable walking shoes (NL involves a LOT of walking + cobblestones)
• Underwear + socks (1 per day + 2 spare)
• Pajamas / sleepwear

Weather Layers

• Waterproof jacket / windbreaker (Netherlands rains often)
• Compact umbrella
• Sweater / hoodie (always cooler than expected)
• Scarf (autumn/winter)
• Beanie + gloves (winter)

Toiletries (under 100ml each, in clear bag for carry-on)

• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Shampoo + soap (or use hotel's)
• Deodorant
• Razor + shaving cream
• Moisturizer / sunscreen
• Personal medications (in original packaging + prescription if rx)
• Pain reliever (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Allergy meds (if applicable)
• Band-aids

Misc

• Reusable water bottle (NL tap water is excellent and free)
• Snacks for flight (long haul!)
• Notepad + pen (for Droplet meetings)
• Business cards
• Small gift for Droplet team (Filipino delicacy / pasalubong is a nice touch)
• Sunglasses
• Compact daypack (for site visits)

Pasalubong Ideas (Bring TO Netherlands)

• Dried mangoes
• Coffee (Kapeng Barako)
• Native chocolate (Auro, Malagos)
• Polvoron (sealed packs travel well)
• Avoid: anything liquid >100ml (carry-on rules) or anything with raw meat/dairy (EU customs)

Pasalubong Ideas (Bring BACK from Netherlands)

• Stroopwafels (the iconic Dutch caramel waffle cookie)
• Dutch cheese (Gouda, Edam — vacuum-sealed for travel)
• Dutch chocolate (Tony's Chocolonely — fair trade brand)
• Delft Blue souvenir (if budget allows)
• Tulip bulbs (only buy from sellers with EU export certificate — otherwise customs will confiscate at NAIA)