Practical

When to go

Amsterdam is a year round destination, with so many museums and indoor attractions it is guaranteed that you'll have a nice time. But as there is also much to see outdoors a bit of good weather would be nice. The weather is very changeable with rainy periods coming and going, but anywhere between late spring and mid autumn (april - october) would at least give you a chance of some warm weather.

During the main holidays and in summer (july/august) most tourists arrive in the city, so hotels will be fully booked and (when available) the most expensive. Air conditioning is not common, so if you think you need it then check in advance.

Banking

As in most European countries the Euro is used. ATM's are very common and bank offices and change offices are available in almost every street. There are many shady change offices in the center, maybe you are better of at the GWK Travelex office in central station (open 24 hours a day). Credit cards are accepted at the bigger shops and restaurants. There is an American Express office at Damrak 66 (center). When arriving at the airport you will find many change offices there as well.

The most commonly used Euro notes are the 5, 10,20 and 50 ones. It's better not to buy 100 euro or higer notes as they are not always accepted.

Safety

Although generally safe, you should be aware that theft and crime does happen in the city. Especially in crowded and tourist areas like trams, trains, trainstations and the Dam area you should never leave your luggage out of sight and make sure that your walllet is in a safe place.

Tourists are often the target of scams, we list a few of them but be aware that there are many others!

• Money changing 1 - When changing money at a money changing office tourists are lured away by people from the street offering higher exchange rates. When participating in such a change you get counterfeit money in return. Never change your money outside an office.
• Money changing 2 - Somebody asks help in changing a large bill into smaller notes or coins. If you 'help' this persons they steal some notes from your wallet without you even noticing it.
• Bird poop pick pockets - Someone will notify you of some bird poop or other substance on your coat and assist you with the removal of it, meanwhile a 2nd person will steal your wallet.
• ATM - When taking money out of the machine, be discrete. Thieves can try to read your PIN code and the amount of money you have obtained and evaluate if your an interesting target or not.
• Broken pair of glasses - A person will draw your attention by saying that you broke his glasses by stepping on them, while you get involved in a discussion a 2nd person will pick your pockets.
• Restaurant trick - Thieves might seat themselves around the coat that you laid on top of a chair in such a way so that they can empty the coat its pockets without you noticing.
• Fake police - Police imposters approach you in civil clothing and say that they want to search you for illegal drugs or anything like that. They show a fake-ID badge. They even might ask you to show your credit card or ATM card and tell them your PIN code, while you participate they steal your belongings without you even noticing. Never participate in such a request as it is highly irregular! Dutch police do not have a golden or silver badge, they carry a creditcard format plastic card photo ID. More info

Phone

The Dutch mobile phone networks operate on the 900 Mhz and 1800 Mhz frequencies, if you phone supports this frequency and your operator supports roaming with Dutch operators than you should be able to use your mobile phone. If you think roaming is too expensive then you could also buy a pre-paid sim card in one of the many telecom shops.

If you want fixed phonelines then you'll note that there are just a few phone boots left, and that most of them do not take cash. An option would be to go a 'internation phone house', but these are hard to find in the center. An other option would be to dial through an 0900 number, the cheapest rates for calling abroad or even in the Netherlands itself can be obtained by calling through an 0900 number. You dial the 0900 number that is relevant for your destination its rate (e.g. 0900-0400823, 2 cents a minute) and wait until you are told to enter the phonenumber you wish to call and then enter the number in international format, e.g. 0041-201234567 for a number in London, U.K. When calling from a hotel room you might need to pay an extra charge per minute. All 0900 numbers for a company called Telebuddy.

Internet

Internet is very common in The Netherlands. Many hostels will offer an internet PC in the lobby and more expensive hotels might offer (paid) Wifi access. There is complimentary WIFI in some cafes and restaurants, also there is a big 'Easy.com' internet cafe next to the Tuschinschki movie theater at Rembrandt square.

Smoking

Smoking is common in the Netherlands and just recently banned from offices and public buildings. It is allowed to smoke in restaurants and bars, most restaurants do not have a seperate smoking space, when making reservations for a restaurant you might want to check.

Electrical appliances

The power outlet is 240 volts and uses the same plug as in all other European mainland countries. If you want to charge your mobile phone, camera or laptop you might only need a cheap (one euro) plug-adaptor and not an expensive power converter as many chargers will take anywhere from 100 to 240 volts, check what your charger indicates.

Service

The level of service might not be what you are used to. If you are in a cafe or restaurant the service can be slow compared to your own standards. Also staff might be less friendly, or more 'direct'.

Public restrooms

There are not many public restrooms, but the ones that are still around you'll find in the center at the channel borders and are not of much use for the ladies. You are better of going to one of the large department stores or a cafe. Typically you'll find that there is a cleaning lady that would appreciate a 10 to 50 cents donation for her cleaning work.