Emergency Numbers
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A little local know-how goes a long way in Amsterdam. Here you will find all the essential advice and information you will need during your stay.
Pickpockets work crowded tourist areas, trams and trains between the city centre and Schiphol airport. Use your common sense and be alert to your surroundings.
If you have anything stolen, report the crime as soon as possible to the nearest police station. Bring ID with you and get a copy of the crime report in order to claim on your insurance.
Bar and club areas like Leidseplein and Rembrandtsplein, the Red Light District and city parks can be dangerous for lone tourists in the early hours.
If you have your passport stolen, or in the event of a serious crime, contact your consulate in Amsterdam, or your embassy in Den Haag.
Minor ailments can be dealt with by a chemist (drogist). For prescriptions go to a pharmacy (apotheek). Details of the nearest 24-hour service are posted in all pharmacy windows.
The Central Medical Service (Centrale Doktersdienst) will direct you to the nearest pharmacy, and can refer you to a GP or dentist. EU citizens can receive emergency medical and dental treatment in the Netherlands at a reduced charge. You may have to pay upfront for medical treatment and reclaim on your insurance later.
Visitors from outside the EU or Australia are responsible for the payment of hospital and other medical expenses. As such it is important to arrange comprehensive medical insurance.
Central Medical Service
The Netherlands has a smoking ban in all public places, including bars, cafés, restaurants and hotels. Confusingly, this also applies to coffeeshops, where smoking cannabis is decriminalised, but smoking tobacco is illegal.
Foreign tourists were banned from entering coffeeshops in 2013, although Amsterdam police tend to turn a blind eye to this. Soft drugs such as hashish and cannabis are decriminalised under the condition of personal use. Hard drugs are a different matter: anyone caught with them by the police will certainly be prosecuted. Never try to take drugs out of the Netherlands: if caught you will face prosecution.
Alcohol consumption on the streets is illegal; there is a fine for carrying an open can or bottle. The Netherlands has a strict limit of 0.05 per cent BAC (blood alcohol content) for drivers.
In the Netherlands, everyone over the age of 14 is legally required to carry ID, including tourists. You can be fined for not having the correct ID, so carry your passport, or a photocopy of your passport, with you at all times.
Do not photograph prostitutes in the Red Light District – this will anger local sex workers. Avoid using cameras and recording equipment in the area, as someone may mistake your intentions.
Dress respectfully: cover your torso and upper arms; ensure shorts and skirts cover your knees.
Free Wi-Fi hotspots are widely available in Amsterdam’s city centre. Cafés and restaurants usually permit the use of their Wi-Fi on the condition that you make a purchase.
Visitors travelling to Amsterdam with EU mobile phone tariffs won’t be affected by data roaming charges. Users will be charged the same rates for data, SMS and voice calls as they would pay at home.
Stamps (postzegels) can be bought in shops, supermarkets, newsagents or tobacconists. Mail can be sent by priority or standard post. Send items of value by registered mail from the post office (postagentschap).
VAT is 21% in the Netherlands. Non-EU residents are entitled to a tax refund subject to certain conditions. Shops that stock the relevant forms will have a sign saying “Tax free for tourists”. When leaving the country, present this form, along with the goods receipt and your ID at customs to receive your refund.
The following discount cards are available to tourists for a set fee. It is wise to consider carefully how many of the offers you are likely to take advantage of before purchasing, as they can be expensive.
I amsterdam City Card includes unlimited travel on public transport, a canal tour and free or discounted access to most museums and attractions. Available online and from all tourist offices. Valid for either 24 (€59), 48 (€74) or 72 (€98) hours.
Museum Card (Museumkaart) offers discounted admission to over 400 museums in the Netherlands for one year. Available from tourist offices, online and at museums for €59.90 (adults) and €32.45 (under 25s).
CJP Card under 30s can enjoy discounts on museums, festivals, fashion and more. Available online and from tourist offices.
Need to know Practical Information
Need to know Practical Information
CET/CEST
Central European Summer Time (CEST) runs 31 Mar–27 Oct 2019
Unless otherwise stated, tap water in the Netherlands is safe to drink.
Need to know Practical Information
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www.iamsterdam.com |
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The official tourist information network |
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Instabridge |
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Accessable offline, this app directs you to free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city centre. |
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GVB |
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The official transport app from Amsterdam's public transport provider |
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NS Reisplanner |
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The official app of the NS (Dutch national railway) |
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VaarWater |
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This app provides information on popular boating routes, timetables and where best to moor. |