Destinations > Netherlands > North Holland > Amsterdam > Practical Information

Amsterdam

Practical Information

The national chain of Dutch tourist offices is called the VVV. The various branches are staffed by a helpful team of impressively multilingual people who really know their city. The main office outside the train station is usually very busy, so you may prefer to try the branch at Leidseplein. AUB Uitburo is an information service more geared toward selling tickets for theatre, concerts and special events.

A 17½% sales tax called Belasting Toegevoegde Waade (BTW) is included in most prices. This tax is similar to VAT or GST, and travellers from non-EU countries can claim a refund on items over €135 if they are taken out of the European Union within three months. You will need to get an export certificate from the shop that sells you the good and get this endorsed by the customs official when you leave the EU. An easier option is to shop at a place displaying a "Tax Free for Tourists" sign on the window.

Although tipping isn't necessary, you may want to round up the bill to the nearest 5% or so. A 10% tip is considered generous. Please don't overtip as it is not only a waste of your money, but you're also doing your part to promote an American custom that most Europeans can do without.

If you can read Dutch, pick up a copy of Uitkrant. This free tabloid is full of listings of what's happening around Amsterdam.

INFORMATION CENTRES & USEFUL NUMBERS

VVV Tourist Information

Stationsplein 10, Amsterdam

Tel (06) 340 34066

Leidseplein 1, Amsterdam

Tel (06) 340 34066

AUB Uitburo

Leidseplein 26, Amsterdam

Tel (020) 621 1211

Train Information

Centraal Station, Amsterdam

Tel (0900) 92 92 (50-70c/min)

Train Reservations

Centraal Station, Amsterdam

Tel (020) 620 2266

Lost property - GVB metro, trams & buses

Prins Hendrikkade 108-114, Amsterdam

Tel (020) 551 4911

Lost property - trains

Stationsplein 15, Amsterdam

Tel (020) 557 8544

Lost property - police

Waterlooplein 11, Amsterdam

Tel (020) 559 3005

Emergency

Tel 112

CREDIT CARDS

American Express

Damrak 66, Amsterdam

Tel (020) 504 8000

Mastercard/Eurocard

Lost card hotline (030) 283 5555

Diners Club

Lost card hotline (020) 557 3407

Visa International

Lost card hotline (020) 660 0611

EMBASSIES & CONSULTATES

British Consulate

Konigslaan 44, 1075 AE Amsterdam

Tel (020) 676 4343

United States Consulate

Museumplein 19, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

Tel (020) 664 5661

INTERNET ACCESS

easyInternetcafé (Damrak)

Damrak 33, 1012 LK Amsterdam

Website www.easyinternetcafe.com

Open 9am-10pm daily

easyInternetcafé (Leidsestraat)

Free Record Shop, Leidsestraat 24, 1017 PB Amsterdam

Tram 1, 2, 5

Website www.easyinternetcafe.com

Open Mon 11am-7pm, Tue-Sat 9.30am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm

easyInternetcafé (Reguliersbreestraat)

Reguliersbreestraat 22, 1017 CN Amsterdam

Website www.easyinternetcafe.com

Open 9am-10pm daily

The MAD processor

Kinkerstraat 11-13, 1053 DB Amsterdam

Tram 3, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17 Bus 80, 82, 89, 142, 145, 170, 172, 197

Tel (020) 612 1818

Website www.madprocessor.com