Practical info Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting around the city
The central area of Amsterdam is fairly compact and easy to get around on foot. The GVB public transport office at Central Station has route maps and a guide to the ticketing system, which is based on zones, with the same ticket valid on trams, buses and metros. After midnight, night buses run from Central Station to most parts of the city. Taxis are among the most expensive in Europe and renting a car is not recommended. Streets in the city centre are narrow and awkward to navigate, and parking is limited and expensive. The ideal way to get around is by bicycle. Visitors will find several rental agencies around town.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round European-style plugs are used.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Foreign currency can be changed at banks, post offices or bureaux de change (usually indicated by the letters GWK). Banks are closed on weekends but bureaux de change are open. ATMs are widely distributed and most are open 24 hours a day.
Communication
The international access code for the Netherlands is +31. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Emergency number
112 (General)
Travel documents and health
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Getting to the city
The airport railway station is located beneath Schiphol Plaza and trains depart for central Amsterdam and other destinations around the Netherlands. Trains leave the airport station regularly, except from 12.30am to 5am when the service only runs every hour. Most buses into Amsterdam run every 15-30 minutes from 6am until midnight on weekdays and slightly less frequently on weekends. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to guests.
Car rental
Car rental desks can be found inside Schiphol Plaza, and include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Enterprise.
Airport taxi's
A taxi to the city centre takes around 30 minutes. Visitors can go to Schiphol Plaza where they will find the metered Schiphol Travel Taxis, which offer fixed rates for everyone who travels to and from the airport.
Facilities
Facilities at Schiphol include ATMs and currency exchange facilities, a lost and found, information desks, luggage lockers and wrapping services, state-of-the-art conference facilities, a medical clinic, pharmacy and casino. There are also numerous shops and restaurants, a food court, and duty-free shopping.
Parking
Short-stop parking facilities are located close to the terminal for €1 per 10 minutes. The daily maximum cost is €40. Daily parking can be booked in advance on the Schiphol website and the lots are connected to the terminal via a frequent shuttle bus service. Valet parking is also available.
Internet
There is free wifi throughout the terminal.