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The monetary unit in the Netherlands is the Euro. Items purchased on the Netherlands economy are subject to a 21% value added tax (VAT).
Pets -- There are several dogs that come under the dangerous dog law and they are not permitted to be bought into country.
Passports/Visas -- Service members and civilians assigned to The Netherlands who have non US or non EU spouses must check with their servicing personnel office and the State Department regarding visa or other entry requirements. Brunssum requires a document known as a Type C Visa for citizens of certain countries. Failure to comply with visa requirements can prevent a family member from entering or residing in The Netherlands. It can also result in denial of important overseas privileges such as tax-exemption, access to tax-free shopping facilities, and employment rights.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included.Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
USAG Benelux-Brunssum provides Army base operation services to joint and inter-agency communities in support of U.S. interests in NATO, throughout the Netherlands, and in northern Germany. Basic community support for the region is provided by the USAG Benelux-Brunssum, while many of the Soldier support services are provided by military (Army and Air Force) personnel at JFC Brunssum and Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base.
Originally, the AFCENT Support Activity (SUPACT) (US) was activated in Fountainbleau, France. In 1971, the Schinnen Mine compound was leased and the support activities were consolidated there. On October 1, 1981, the AFCENT SUPACT (US) separated from NATO SHAPE and became a full community under what is now the 21st Theater Support Command. Since assuming geographic responsibility for Northern Germany and the USAG Benelux-Brunssum has been involved in the drawdown of communities in northern Germany. In January 2020, USAG Benelux-Brunssum moved from Schinnen to about a mile from JFC Brunssum in Brunssum. For more information go to the https://home.army.mil/benelux/.
There are approximately 5,000 service members, Department of Defense and their family members living in and around Brunssum, the Netherlands, and the Tri-Border area who receive administrative support from USAG Benelux-Brunssum.
Limburg: 1,128 million people
USAG Benelux-Brunssum serves over 5,000 service members, Department of Defense (DoD) Civilians and their Family members throughout the Tri-Border area.
The U.S. Army Garrison Benelux-Brunssum is located in Brunssum, Netherlands. Tucked away in the southeastern province of Limburg, we are a thirty minute drive from Belgium and Germany. As the most widely dispersed USAG in USAREUR, we provide logistical support over 139,000 square kilometers for personnel spread across 17 separate locations. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a major influence in this region, especially with Joint Forces Command located in Brunssum, NL.
If you have questions or desire information on grave sites and memorials within Europe, visit the American Battle Monuments Commission. For general information on U.S. Army Europe visit the Headquarters U.S. Army Europe's website.
To reach USAG Benelux-Brunssum, you will arrive at one of three airports (listed by preference due to distance - Brussels, Belgium - Dusseldorf-Germany and (Schiphol) Amsterdam, Netherlands. After de-boarding, follow the crowd to the border control. Stand in line for "non EU (European Union) countries". Have your ID card, orders, and family passports ready. You will then pass through the baggage claim area where luggage carts are available at no charge. TV monitors overhead show your flight number and which carrousel (ring) to pick up your luggage from. Pets will be brought out into the rear left baggage claim area. Proceed to customs where you may be asked to open your suitcases.
Temporary Quarters
Temporary Living Quarters are available only in local host nation hotels. You should have your sponsor contact the Housing Office in advance to arrange your Temporary Lodging/Living Quarters. The housing office will make advance reservations for you and your family members. Please inform sponsor of any pets that you will bring upon your arrival.
Relocation Assistance
The Army Community Service Relocation Program can be reached at 011-0031-(0)45-534-02-43. Click here for access to the USAG Benelux Newcomers Welcome page. For more information on the South Limburg region and assignments to NATO’s Joint Force Command located at Brunssum, the Netherlands, refer to the NATO JFC Newcomer's Guide. Once you have arrived in the community, visit ACS Relocation Program to attend the monthly Newcomers Orientation and Tour.
Critical Installation Information
Directions for Inbound Personnel who Desire Shuttle Transportation from the Airports
The Brussels Belgium International Airport, Dusseldorf Germany International Airport and the Schiphol Amsterdam International Airport are the official points of arrival for anyone assigned to duties in the Benelux-Brunssum/JFC Brunssum area. Have your sponsor contact the Admin Office at 0031(0)45 526 3914 if you are being assigned to JFC Brunssum, which is the NATO base. Your sponsor can be there with the shuttle bus driver to meet you if desired. All your sponsor needs to do is provide a copy of your orders and flight itinerary with your date of arrival, flight number, number of passengers, and if there are any pets. You will also be informed how much the shuttle will cost due to you having to pay for it in euros before departing the vehicle. When filing your travel vouchers this will be included so you must save your receipt. You will be met at the airport and sponsor that will be holding a placard with your name on it and taken to spacious van which will hold up to 8 passengers with plenty of room for luggage, kennels, etc. You will then be transported in comfort to your pre-arranged (by Sponsor through coordinating with housing) temporary hotel quarters in the Benelux-Brunssum area.
Your sponsor will need to use a GPS system for directions from the Dusseldorf, or Schiphol airports.
In case of changes, always maintain sponsor's telephone numbers at home and duty, as well as unit and personal e-mail addresses. In case of emergency, when you call your sponsor or unit, give them the number from where you are calling just in case the lines get disconnected.
Outbound PCS Personnel
It is possible to use a Civilian Shuttle service to the Brussels, Dusseldorf and Schiphol International Airports. This is a simple procedure that allows you and your family to be picked up at the hotel or any other location and delivered to the airport in plenty of time to make your flight. You will need to make these arrangements in advance with flight itinerary that has the flight departure date/time, flight number and which airport. You will need to pay in euros and you will need to hold on the receipt to file along with your travel vouchers.
The USAG-Benelux-Brunssum official travel office (SATO) can assist with travel in and out of Brunssum and emergency car rental. The car rental agency is the on-post car rental option. You must have a valid driver's license in order to rent a car on post. DSN:597-4341 OR 597-4342, COMMERCIAL: 011-0031-45-534-0341/0342.
Arriving at Airport
For any referrals you can always contact the I&R at ACS: DSN: 597-4243 OR COMM:0031 ()45 534 0243.