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1. ATM’s are absolutely the best way to get cash. There are machines in the hallway right outside the customs/baggage claim. Most Dutch banks (at least as of March 2008) do not charge fees, there are no commissions, and you get the bank exchange rate. Those money changing booths are a rip-off. Also, since there are no fees, you can take out a little at a time so you don’t have a lot of cash on you. VERY IMPORTANT! Call your credit card companies before leaving home and tell them to expect charges in the Netherlands. They are more suspicious of foreign charges than ever, and you don’t want to be stuck standing at a shop with no cell phone and no credit.

2. If you are arriving alone or in a couple, the best, cheapest and fastest way to get downtown is the train. They leave every 15 minutes or so. The Holland Tourist Information booth, across from Arrival Hall 2 sells the Amsterdam All in One Travel card, which will get you a RT ticket to and from the airport and unlimited tram travel for 2-3-4 days, whatever you choose. BEST TRAVEL DEAL available. Hop on the train to Central Station, when you get there, the trams to all parts of the city leave from right out in front. The 2 & 5 line goes to the venue (in the Leidseplein area), and the Museum area. If you can not check in right away, there are lockers at the far left end (looking out the front of the station) where you can store your bags and set off unencumbered. If you got euros and a travel pass at the airport, you’re set.

3. To use the tram pass, simply get it stamped the very first time you get on, then just show it to the conductor each time after that. They will fine you on the spot if they catch you trying to ride for free.

4. Here’s the MOST IMPORTANT piece of advice you will get before arriving; LOOK BOTH WAYS, THREE TIMES BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET. Between the cars, the bicycles, and the trams coming from every direction, it can be very dangerous. Also, DO NOT walk in the bike lanes.

5. Cell phones. Most US phones do not work on the GSM network in Europe. Even if you have one that does, it’s very expensive, like $1.29 a minute whether you’re calling across the canal or back to the States, incoming or outgoing. Not having a cell phone is a very odd feeling these days. To any Americans who want to call cheaply, we suggest you buy an unlocked GSM phone off eBay for $30-40. Then you just buy a SIM card in Amsterdam at one of many shops. This will give you a Dutch number, with free incoming calls, and 30-50 cents back to the states. And you’ll own the phone.

6. If you have a Gore-Tex shell with a hood, you’re golden. Much less of a hassle to transport than an umbrella, and a fleece or sweater under that, you’re good to go. Expect temps in the 40’s, but little fluctuation at night. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea.

7. Almost everyone you encounter will speak English, so nothing to fear there.

8. Smoking weed in the street is not legal and not cool. They give you plenty of freedom there, don’t abuse it. Chances are, there’s a coffeeshop nearby to duck in to.

9. After a day or so, you’ll have a pocket full of heavy change. Try to spend the metal first.

10. While Amsterdam is probably the best walking city in the world, using the tram to get to farther places like the Zoo, and the museums will save some energy for the shows! Get a tram map if you get the tram pass. Once you get it, it’s just not that hard.

11. The Melkweg has a liberal in/out policy (like most other things in Holland!). EVERYONE gets a laminate. If you have paper tickets, you will exchange them for a laminate at the door. As long as you have your laminate, you can come and go freely.

Was just over there for Thanksgiving and the new 24/48/72/96 hour unlimited tram/bus cards are great that they give you with the new packages. You get a card that you just swipe by a little machine just after you enter the doors of the tram so there is no waiting in line for the ticket person anymore. They still have the ticket person mind you for those with the strips to get stamped, but the new automatic cards they issue make it much easier with packages. The new package with the r/t train from airport to central is cool too.

thanks for the tips, much appreciated.

when we were there in 2008, we found that the best map of the city was in a little free paper booklet outside of Boom! Chicago, which is right in the Leidseplein, just around the corner from the Melkweg. (and it also has generic tourist info, etc in it) - not sure if they still have that, but if you're looking for a good free map, it's worth a shot

Also, don't rely on Google Earth for addresses, etc... the street numbers do not follow a road the same way as they do here in the states, and it definitely threw it off for us... Here in the states, as you drive up a road, the numbers on both sides of the street increase (or decrease, depends on which way you're going), with odds on one side and evens on the other... It doesn't do that there. Instead, it counts up as you go down one side of the street, then when you hit the end of the street it jumps to the other side and continues counting... I know, that doesn't make a ton of sense, but it will when you get there. point is, Google Earth I guess didn't know this in 2008 and I had multiple times where I thought I knew exactly where I was going, only to not find my destination even close to where I thought it was... For some reason ( ) I didn't figure that out and quit using it until about day 3 or 4 of our weeklong trip

Hey Dave,
Are you going again this year?

We met on the canal cruise and again at the Ij brewery.


Chip and Kristina from Oregon

Chip! Unfortunately, we cannot make it this year We did Holidaze in December and just can't afford two big trips that close to each other... are you guys goin? Have fun if so!!!