Amsterdam

Overview

Amsterdam's labyrinth of canals, tulip-scented streets, vibrant art scene and laid-back attitude have charmed visitors for centuries. The city works as hard as it plays. Since its golden age in the 17th century, Amsterdam has occupied a prominent position in world trade. Its central location and its seaport complex (one of the largest in northwestern Europe) have certainly helped. The city is renowned for its new media and biotechnology industries. The numerous Netherlands-based ventures that have made Amsterdam their headquarters include KLM, Heineken, Philips, ABN Amro and ING Group.

Planning

Climate

Amsterdam enjoys cool winters (average temperature 46°F/8°C) and mild summers (64°F/18°C). Winter is a good time to visit, as it's less crowded than summer, and the city's cozy cafes come into their own in snowy weather.

Voltage

230V AC, 50Hz two-pin plugs are standard.

Time

GMT +1 hour in winter (GMT +2 hours in summer)

Money

The official currency is the euro (€), which consists of 100 cents. Banks, airports, hotels, and authorized dealers exchange foreign currency. ATMs are available throughout the city. Most businesses accept traveler's checks as well as major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.

Doing Business

Business Etiquette

Chambers of Commerce

Address: Wibautstraat 129; 1091 GL Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 562 8200

Website: Dutch French Chamber of Commerce

Address:De Ruyterkade 5; 1013 AA Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 751 3363

Website: Italian Chamber of Commerce

Embassies & Consulates

Address: Museumplein 19; 1071 DJ Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 575 5309

Website: American Consulate General

Address: Strawinskylaan 1201, 1077 XX Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 575 3016

Website: Czech Republic Consulate General

Address: Vijzelgracht 2; 1017 HR Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 530 6969

Website: French Consulate General

Address: Vijzelstraat 79, 3rd floor; 1017 HG Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 550 2050

Website: Italian Consulate General

Address: Frederiksplein 34; 1017 XN Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 620 3811

Business Centers

Most large hotels have business facilities. There are also a few independent executive centers, including the following:

Address: Herengracht 574; 1017 CJ Amsterdam

Telephone:+31 (0) 20 521 93 00

Website: Amsterdam Herengracht

Address: Keizersgracht 62/64; 1015 CS Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 520 7500

Website: Euro Business Center

Address: Strawinskylaan 1; 1077 XW Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 575 9111

Website: World Trade Center Amsterdam

Conference & Exhibition Centers

Address: Europaplein 22; 1078 GZ Netherlands

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 549 12 12

Website: Amsterdam RAI International Exhibition and Congress Center

Address: Schiphol Boulevard 101; 1118 BG Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 316 4300

Website: Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel & Conference Center

Translation Services

Address: Weerdesgein 205A; 1083 GN Amsterdam

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 622 13 75

Website: Berlitz

Courier/Messenger Services

Address: Deccaweg 8; 1042 AD Amsterdam

Telephone: 0900 2255 877 (within the Netherlands)

Website: UPS

Address: Breguetlaan 25; 1438 Oude Meer, Amsterdam Area

Telephone: 0800 0222 333 (within the Netherlands)

Website: FedEx

Local Knowledge

Telephone

Country code for the Netherlands: +31

Area code for Amsterdam: 020 (drop the first zero when calling from abroad)

Police: 112

Ambulance: 112

Fire: 112

Tipping

Bills rarely include a gratuity, so leave a tip. Around 10% is acceptable.

VAT & Taxes

Value-added tax (VAT) is 19% on apparel and luxury goods, and 6% on basic goods. Hotels charge 6% VAT and 5% tourist tax. The tourist tax in the area of Schiphol is 6%.

Getting Around

Taxis

Taxis in Amsterdam have blue license plates. The driver must display a price list inside as well as outside the vehicle, and a driver pass on the dashboard. Official taxi stands around the city include those at Schiphol Airport, Central Station and the Dam. You can hail cabs as well. Note that cabs are not allowed to stop in many places, especially tram and bus lanes.

Buses & trams

The OV-chipcard is an electronic form of payment for travel on all public transport in the city. They carry a memory chip, which registers your credit and deducts the cost of each journey from it. The best option for visitors to the city is an All-in-One Travel Ticket, which allows for one train journey from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station when you arrive, and back again when you leave, and include 24-, 48- and 72- hour OV-cards for Amsterdam public transport. All-in One Travel Tickets are on sale in Schiphol Airport at the Holland International tourist information desk.

Bicycles

Cycling is Amsterdam's favorite mode of transportation. Everyone cycles, including businesspeople. Bicycle rentals are available across the city, including Central Station, Leidseplein and Dam Square. The rental price includes a lock.

Public Holidays

January 1

March-April

April 30

May 5

April-May (40 days after Easter)

May-June (seventh Sunday after Easter)

May-June (Monday after Whit Sunday)

December 25

December 26

Leisure

Dining

While a hearty meal of liverwurst (traditional sausage made with liver) washed down with local Heineken beer is considered typical, dining out in Amsterdam tends to be an international experience. From Turkish rolled pizza to spicy Surinamese broodjes (sandwiches), menus reflect the immigrants who call the city home as well as centuries of Dutch colonial rule.

Indonesian food is particularly popular. Try rijsttafel (an elaborate meal of Indonesian dishes with rice) on and around Utrechtsestraat. For different Asian cuisine, head to Chinatown, in the Nieuwmarkt area.

Try the Negen Straatjes and Jordaan areas for small, good-quality restaurants. Head to Toscanini for authentic Italian. Just west of Jordaan is the atmospheric Amsterdam restaurant, a former water-pumping factory that now serves high-quality Dutch fare.

Shopping

Leidsestraat, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendjik make up the city's main shopping districts. Also soak up the atmosphere of Amsterdam's markets. Among the best is Singel's famous floating Bloemenmarkt (flower market), founded in 1862, where you can pick out a bunch of Dutch tulips from a sea of color.

For traditional handmade and painted Delft pottery, head to Jorrit Heinen. If the Dutch amber nectar appeals to you, the beer shop De Bierkoning is well worth a visit. You'll find original gifts – from bicycle-tire bags to soft clog slippers – at Saskya & Co., near the central station.

Things to do

Walk or cycle along Amsterdam's labyrinth of canals to reach the city's highlights. At Anne Frank's House on Prinsengracht, you can see the original diary and learn more about the family's experiences. Next door stands the Dutch Renaissance-style Westerkerk church, where Rembrandt is buried.

An absolute must-see, the Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of the Dutch master's work. Nearby is the imposing Rijksmuseum, home to many Rembrandts and Vermeers. Finish your tour by strolling through leafy Vondelpark.