Amsterdam Travel Tips

Business hours in Amsterdam are fairly relaxed, typically from 09:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Friday, with most businesses being closed on Monday mornings and at weekends. Department stores also follow this weekday trend, although late night shopping can be had on Thursday evenings.

Banks: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday (except Monday mornings)
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Friday; Monday afternoons; late night shopping Thursday until 21:00; Sunday 12:00 to 19:00
Museums: 10:00 to 17:00, daily except Mondays
Business Offices: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday (except Monday mornings)

Holland is one of the safest countries in Europe to visit. Although violent crimes are quite rare nowadays, petty crime is still a statistic and you should be careful in touristy areas, particularly the red light districts, on trams and trains and at the airport underground train station. Take standard precautions by keeping valuables out of sight and looking like you know where you are going.

Cycling is the main form of transport for Amsterdam residents and countless people are injured each year in bicycle accidents. Footpaths and bike lanes are not the same and you should keep a look out for the red/purple tiles and bike icon on the ground - which denotes a bike path - if you are on foot. However, locals also ride the footpaths sometimes, so keep your wits about you.

Tram accidents are also common, so always be careful when crossing the street and be aware that taxis may also be allowed to use certain tram lanes. Trams are quieter than buses and surprisingly quick and not as fast at stopping.

Although the police presence in the red light district is better than anywhere else, it's a good idea to keep to the main streets and travel in groups. Taking pictures of the prostitutes in the windows is forbidden.

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz

Holland has an excellent healthcare system, with many quality hospitals and clinics and a range of pharmacies spread throughout the city. Holland has reciprocal agreements with many countries; check with your embassy or consulate before embarking on a journey to Amsterdam.

If you have come here to try out some marijuana or hash, look for an establishment with a 'Coffee Shop' sign in English. These are licensed premises. 

Ambulance: 112

Emergency Hospital
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Gasthuis
Eerste Oosterparkstraat 179
Phone: +31 20 599 9111 

Central Medical Service
Phone: +31 20 592 3434 

Central Pharmacy:
Dam Apotheek
Damstraat 2
Phone: +31 20 624 4331

Dutch is the national language of the Netherlands, although English is compulsory in schools and is a second language to the Dutch and is widely spoken by most people. The Dutch are perhaps the clearest speakers of English from a non-English speaking nation and in addition, many Dutch people speak French and German.

The Dutch converted to the Euro when it was first introduced in 2002. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro, and coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros. There are 100 cents in one euro.

Bureaux de change and banks with foreign exchange counters can be found throughout the city, although commercial bureaux de change often have higher commission rates. The best option is to use the De Grenswisselkantoren (GWK), as exchange rates are generally more favourable, offices usually stay open late and they can be found in train stations. Travellers' cheques are still the safest way to carry money and most credit cards are accepted including: Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Diners Club.

Cash machines are liberally sprinkled throughout the city and those who have the Cirrus logo on their debit cards can use ATM machines, while an increasing number of ATMs also accept cards with the PLUS logo. Those with major credit cards can also obtain money via cash machines 24 hours.

Anyone over the age of 17 years old may import liquor and tobacco items into Holland, but will of course be subject to Dutch import regulations. Visitors arriving from outside the European Union may bring in: 200 cigarettes, 250 grammes of tobacco, or 50 cigars; one litre of spirits, or two litres of sparkling wine or liqueur; two litres of non-sparkling wine; 50 grammes of perfume and 0.25 litres of eau de toilette without duty charges.

Restrictions for other items also apply and you should check with your embassy or consulate or contact the Customs Tax Line. Anyone importing more than these maximum quantities will have to pay VAT on top and may even be fined if they don't declare their goods and get stopped. Importing and exporting drugs is a serious offence.

The Dutch are hardworking, neat and disciplined and place value on others who are well-groomed and attired. Use the handshake (firm and swift) for greeting and you should even shake the hand of children when you meet them. Close friends air-kiss the cheeks three times starting with the left.

Amsterdam has a reputation for tolerance, as seen in certain laws including legalised prostitution and the consumption and possession of small amounts of marijuana. However, the authorities are particularly harsh to those who break the rules and do hard drugs. While the Dutch are more tolerant than other nations, they don't appreciate disrespectful visitors getting drunk or stoned and generally giving the place a bad image; keep the grass-smoking to the coffee shops and a sense of control in public places.

Dining is quite formal in Amsterdam, with the men remaining standing until the ladies have been seated. Knives and forks should be crossed to imply you have not finished your meal, don't leave any food on your plate and place the fork and knife parallel and to the right of the plate when finished. In upmarket restaurants, men should wear jackets and ties and ladies dresses or a jacket, while being well-attired in any eating establishment is the norm.

Value-added tax and service charges are usually included in restaurant bills and it is therefore not necessary to leave an extra tip. However, a tip will be appreciated even if it's just small change at a café or perhaps 10 per cent of the cost of the meal at a class establishment.

Citizens of the European Union are allowed to enter the Netherlands for a stay of up to 90 days with a valid passport. Citizens of Schengen countries can enter the Netherlands for 90 days with just their national identity card, while citizens from other countries should consult a Dutch embassy or consulate in their country for information on visa requirements.

Amsterdam has several official tourist offices, which can be found at Central Station, in the Leidseplein and at Schiphol Airport:

Amsterdam Kantoor Central Station
Stationsplein 15 spoor2
1012 AB Amsterdam
Phone: +31 900 400 4040

Amsterdam Kantoor Stadionplein
Argonautenstraat 98
1076 KV Amsterdam
Phone: +31 900 400 4040

Amsterdam Kantoor Leidseplein
Leidseplein hoek Leidsestraat 1
1017 PR Amsterdam
Phone: +31 900 400 4040

Schiphol Airport
Aankomstpassage Schiphol Plaza 40 Schiphol
1118 AX Schiphol Amsterdam

Alternatively, you can access excellent information and resources from the Amsterdam Tourist & Convention Board's website at: www.visitamsterdam.nl