Practical information

Are you visiting Amsterdam and want to be well prepared? Check out the various topics covered on this website below!

list with most common practical info

In this list, you find a quick overview of the most common practical info topics.

• Emergency number: call 112 in case of a life-threatening situation
• Dutch languages: in the Netherlands people speak Dutch. Nevertheless, Enlgish has been adopted by many as a second language. This means that you can get along easily with basic English. Other languages that are spoken by many Dutch people are French and German.
• Vehicle renting: One of the best ways to discover Amsterdam is by bike. There are several bike rental shops in Amsterdam where you can rent one for a certain time. This also counts for renting a scooter. When you plan to rent a car, we only recommend this when you prefer to see more of The Netherlands instead of just Amsterdam. Public transport is a better way to get around.
• Money and currency: the Euro (EUR, €) is used as currency in the entire country. Foreign currencies can be exchanged, but are not accepted. Or just use your domestic bank card at one of the many atm’s. Credit cards are usually accepted in hotels, restaurants and gas stations. However, be aware that most supermarkets do not accept credit card payments.
• Discount cards: The most commonly used discount cards for Amsterdam are the: Amsterdam Holland Pass, I Amsterdam City Card and the Museumkaart.
• Visiting Amsterdam with children: Amsterdam is considered a very safe city. Although, the is a lot of traffic, and many people are not stopping consequent for traffic lights. Some locals are using the term ‘Amsterdam green’ for a red traffic light. This said, there are plenty of activities to do with young children or nearly-grownups.
• Embassies: via the website of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs you can fill in your country to see precisely where the embassy of your country is located. Some of you might also need to know if a Visa is mandatory for your trip. Take a look at the visa requirement page for the Netherlands.
• Socket and plugs: take a look at the image below, to prevent battery problems for your phone and other electronic devices.
• Also check out the FAQ Amsterdam page to find everything you need to know about Amsterdam.