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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: gtdguy on 12 July 2012, 15:20

Title: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: gtdguy on 12 July 2012, 15:20
hello pepople!

i am driving to Amsterdam at the end of the month  :laugh:

i have to drive through France and Belgium. What's do I need to do to my car?

Head lamp deflectors - what's ones for my Golf GTD?
GB Sticker...?
high vis's for each passenger....?
warning triangle..?

please help many thanks
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Buck on 12 July 2012, 15:33
It is now a legal requirement to carry disposal breathalyser kits (2 IIRC) as well as the hi-vis vests (one per occupant).

If you search on Amazon for the Hella headlamp deflectors they are about £3-4 so good value and easily peel off afterwards

Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: dubber36 on 12 July 2012, 15:36
Add a basic first aid kit and spare bulbs and 2 disposable breathalisers to your list. Also you need to carry your licence, insurance and V5 in the car. Oh and your Hi vis jackets need to be within reach, not burried in the boot

I think you may have the option to set your xenons to "Travel Mode" in the set up menu of the DIS. It won't convert then to LHD, but will flatten the beam (no kick up to the left).
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: mike. on 12 July 2012, 16:16
hello pepople!

i am driving to Amsterdam at the end of the month  :laugh:

i have to drive through France and Belgium. What's do I need to do to my car?

Head lamp deflectors - what's ones for my Golf GTD?   If you have Xenons then you do this through the DIS
GB Sticker...? If you have GB on your number plate then no need for sticker
high vis's for each passenger....? Yep, need these
warning triangle..?


please help many thanks

Alcohol tester requirement wont be enforced until 1st November 2012.

Do you still need a First Aid Kit ??

Saw this on the AA site as well.

Quote from: THE AA
Driving in France, Belgium or Netherlands?
According to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office there has been a series of robberies and express kidnappings on or around the motorway connecting Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Dunkirk and the Channel Ports - particularly towards the southern end of the route.

Perpetrators of these incidents have been using threats of violence and carrying knives and/or firearms.

In the early hours they have been flagging down vehicles, seeming to seek assistance, or kidnapping single drivers outside petrol stations or 24-hour stores.

The perpetrators have generally been gangs with Eastern European connections, sometimes using UK-registered vehicles. They have been robbing victims on the spot or taking their victims under force to the nearest ATM to extract as much cash as their cards will allow.
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: R32UK on 12 July 2012, 16:28
I drove to amsterdam once.... my only suggestion would be to remember where you park your car. spent hours looking in coffee shops trying to re-trace my steps :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: dubber36 on 12 July 2012, 17:02
I drove to amsterdam once.... my only suggestion would be to remember where you park your car. spent hours looking in coffee shops trying to re-trace my steps :lipsrsealed:

Park next to the bridge over the canal. You'll find it no problem.
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: RedHP on 12 July 2012, 18:25
hello pepople!

i am driving to Amsterdam at the end of the month  :laugh:

i have to drive through France and Belgium. What's do I need to do to my car?

Ensure that there is no rizla etc lying about  :laugh:

Red
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Murrayedition35 on 12 July 2012, 18:28
Remember your passport.... :grin: and plenty of euros.....
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: R32UK on 12 July 2012, 18:36
I drove to amsterdam once.... my only suggestion would be to remember where you park your car. spent hours looking in coffee shops trying to re-trace my steps :lipsrsealed:

Park next to the bridge over the canal. You'll find it no problem.
Thats exactly where we parked!  :grin:
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr GTD on 13 July 2012, 09:15
Add a basic first aid kit and spare bulbs and 2 disposable breathalisers to your list. Also you need to carry your licence, insurance and V5 in the car. Oh and your Hi vis jackets need to be within reach, not burried in the boot

I think you may have the option to set your xenons to "Travel Mode" in the set up menu of the DIS. It won't convert then to LHD, but will flatten the beam (no kick up to the left).

Just hang them on the back of your seats...
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: wigit on 13 July 2012, 15:12
i'm really looking forward to taking the mk6 on the continent in september, i had the seat storage for shoving his vis vests et al, need to look at the xenons adjustment and work out if i need a new bulb kit

in reality i prefer most continental driving, when you get off the ferry or chunnel you realise why

the street layout of amsterdam means its fairly easy not to get lost
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr_F on 13 July 2012, 16:11
If you have xenon's i'm not sure the bulb kit applies for the fronts, just the Travel mode setting in the DIS.

I will have to lookup what is required for LED's in the other lights.

One thing you need to be aware of in Holland is that bikes have priority everywhere, especially roundabouts.  You'll notice that each roundabout has a bike lane round the outside, which you pass over to exit.  Be weary that the bikes have right of way on these, and it's very tricky looking over your left shoulder to spot them coming.

Any accident with a bike and it will be YOUR fault, no questions.

Belgium, enjoy the drivers that sit on your bum with their indicator on, they're cool, they just want to pass.

If your driving through belgium I'm guessing your going via the Antwerp ring road, be careful as you aproach the ring road, three motorways just merge, no messing, no slip roads, lanes just merge! It's highly entertaining in rush hour.

There's plenty of night time red lighting in front of the houses in one particular district of Amsterdam, good place to park, because passer by eyes won't be on your vehicle. :-)

Mr F
...Lived in Utrecht for a bit.
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Joseph on 14 July 2012, 10:10
Be very conscientious when parking. They clamp or remove very quickly and it is at least 150 euros to remove/recover.
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Big_Dave on 15 July 2012, 05:17
If you have xenon's i'm not sure the bulb kit applies for the fronts, just the Travel mode setting in the DIS.

I will have to lookup what is required for LED's in the other lights.

One thing you need to be aware of in Holland is that bikes have priority everywhere, especially roundabouts.  You'll notice that each roundabout has a bike lane round the outside, which you pass over to exit.  Be weary that the bikes have right of way on these, and it's very tricky looking over your left shoulder to spot them coming.

Any accident with a bike and it will be YOUR fault, no questions.

Belgium, enjoy the drivers that sit on your bum with their indicator on, they're cool, they just want to pass.

If your driving through belgium I'm guessing your going via the Antwerp ring road, be careful as you aproach the ring road, three motorways just merge, no messing, no slip roads, lanes just merge! It's highly entertaining in rush hour.

There's plenty of night time red lighting in front of the houses in one particular district of Amsterdam, good place to park, because passer by eyes won't be on your vehicle. :-)

Mr F
...Lived in Utrecht for a bit.

I very nearly came a cropper with this the first time I drove in Rotterdam, my own fault for not reading the rules properly before going. I'd seen a cyclist coming to a roundabout and knew she'd get there about the same time as me, I was turning right, she just carried on (which is fair enough) and didn't even bat an eyelid when I managed to stop only a couple of feet away from her. I think she must have come across another tourist though as she was holding an ice pack and towel to her head.
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: gtdguy on 16 July 2012, 08:43
 :laugh:

hello pepople!

i am driving to Amsterdam at the end of the month  :laugh:

i have to drive through France and Belgium. What's do I need to do to my car?

Ensure that there is no rizla etc lying about  :laugh:

Red
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: gtdguy on 16 July 2012, 09:22
Great reply's thanks people! ill sure be careful! I have a garage with the apartment that i'm staying in so got that sorted :)

with my travel mode in the car for the lights when I turn it on, the lights seem to move a little bit not 100% but on my dash the little yellow bulb light flashes.... is this normal? does it mean its working?




Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: C14YTN on 31 July 2012, 16:45
Great reply's thanks people! ill sure be careful! I have a garage with the apartment that i'm staying in so got that sorted :)

with my travel mode in the car for the lights when I turn it on, the lights seem to move a little bit not 100% but on my dash the little yellow bulb light flashes.... is this normal? does it mean its working?






Mind me asking how much it cost you for an apartment with a garage and how long for? always wanted to drive to the dam but a little weary about leaving my car on the streets round there. By the way first post here people proud new owner of Golf mk6 GT TDI :-) will get pics up after weekend hopefully
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr GTD on 31 July 2012, 18:27
Great reply's thanks people! ill sure be careful! I have a garage with the apartment that i'm staying in so got that sorted :)

with my travel mode in the car for the lights when I turn it on, the lights seem to move a little bit not 100% but on my dash the little yellow bulb light flashes.... is this normal? does it mean its working?






Mind me asking how much it cost you for an apartment with a garage and how long for? always wanted to drive to the dam but a little weary about leaving my car on the streets round there. By the way first post here people proud new owner of Golf mk6 GT TDI :-) will get pics up after weekend hopefully

Welcome and look forward to the pics...
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: gtdguy on 01 August 2012, 09:15
didnt read this before i left and i DID loose my car! for like 2 hours, i think i parked it on that bridge near that canal also  :undecided: but its defently the best place to get a bit stressed, after we found it went for a lovely big "Coffee"  :wink:



I drove to amsterdam once.... my only suggestion would be to remember where you park your car. spent hours looking in coffee shops trying to re-trace my steps :lipsrsealed:

Park next to the bridge over the canal. You'll find it no problem.
Thats exactly where we parked!  :grin:
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: gtdguy on 01 August 2012, 09:26
Welcome!
i paid
euro tunnel £140
Apartment -600 euro sleep 6 2 nights with underground parking, it would have been 30euro a day but the man who owned the apartment had a pass so it was FREE :)
Diesel - £110 the whole trip
Spending money - TOOOO MUCH!  :laugh:

split between 4 people worked out nicely!

you should defiantly do it! once fru the tunnel its about 3.5 hours with no traffic! its not as hard as every1 makes out, jst got to pay attention to what's around you.

in jan 2013 they are putting a ban in Amsterdam for all non residents are not able to enter the coffee shops. it has stared in the south of the county already.

hope this help and convinces you to go!


Great reply's thanks people! ill sure be careful! I have a garage with the apartment that i'm staying in so got that sorted :)

with my travel mode in the car for the lights when I turn it on, the lights seem to move a little bit not 100% but on my dash the little yellow bulb light flashes.... is this normal? does it mean its working?






Mind me asking how much it cost you for an apartment with a garage and how long for? always wanted to drive to the dam but a little weary about leaving my car on the streets round there. By the way first post here people proud new owner of Golf mk6 GT TDI :-) will get pics up after weekend hopefully
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr_F on 01 August 2012, 12:56
the Norfolkline ferry does returns from about £28 in the summer.  Early morning boat, get decent food, and your 20 miles closer as it comes into Dunkerque.

£800 in deisel, you didn't hang around......

Gld you had fun, their a good bunch The Dutch!
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: dubber36 on 01 August 2012, 14:15


£800 in diesel, you didn't hang around......




??? I thought he said £110.  :undecided:
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Edi35 on 01 August 2012, 14:23


£800 in diesel, you didn't hang around......




??? I thought he said £110.  :undecided:

He did it was £800 for the coffee  :laugh:
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr GTD on 01 August 2012, 16:00


£800 in diesel, you didn't hang around......




??? I thought he said £110.  :undecided:

He did it was £800 for the coffee  :laugh:

Show me where he mentions 800?

The biggest sum quoted was 600 :drool:
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr_F on 01 August 2012, 16:41
Good chop I don;t work in a job where technical accuracy is paramount!!

Next job: Air Traffic Control!

still  £110 thats a driving with pace fuel figure.
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: gtdguy on 02 August 2012, 09:03
it was roughly 600 miles round trip! i normally get about 420 miles a tank give or take 30 miles

was good going

with the lovely open, empty motorways it really helps to keep to the speed limits out there.
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr GTD on 02 August 2012, 12:14
it was roughly 600 miles round trip! i normally get about 420 miles a tank give or take 30 miles

was good going

with the lovely open, empty motorways it really helps to keep to the speed limits out there.

Sounds like you had a great time... :cool:
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr_F on 02 August 2012, 13:14
if I do 500 to a tank I've been hamering it, why is yours so shocking?
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Buck on 02 August 2012, 13:18
i normally get about 420 miles a tank give or take 30 miles

I thought mine was on the poor side at 500 to a tank but I'll never get super economy as my daily commute is stop start with lots of hilly bits in it!
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: gtdguy on 02 August 2012, 13:38
i dont know if it is because mayb i have  replaced the panel filter?
also had the AC on quite a bit i heard that doesnt help and to be honest i dont think im the most economical driver in the world bit pedel heavy maybe  :laugh:

Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr_F on 02 August 2012, 15:25
which is probably why you drive a diesel as a heavy foot in a GTI would equal sub 300 miles to a tank, no?
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: jdjd on 02 August 2012, 15:28
I went to France in my R other week, fuel is like €1.74 on motorways for 98ron fuel,
 Went on the tunnel and didn't get our passports checked in or out of the country, nice border controls
Title: Re: Driving to Amsterdam- What do i need?
Post by: Mr GTD on 02 August 2012, 23:44
I went to France in my R other week, fuel is like €1.74 on motorways for 98ron fuel,
 Went on the tunnel and didn't get our passports checked in or out of the country, nice border controls

My brother inlaw drove to Lithuania a few days ago and he also didn't get asked for his passport....