Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Netherlands, The / Amsterdam
 |  | Fact File : Amsterdam |
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| | | Amsterdam | | Did you know?
The centre of Amsterdam has more trees per square km than any other European capital.
Language
Dutch.
Visas
None required from UK.
Getting there
Most of the world's airlines fly direct to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.
Flying time from London
50 minutes.
Getting around
Best way is to walk or cycle (you can hire a bike). Buses, trams and the metro are efficient and cheap.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
Pint of beer £1.70, 36 exposure camera film £4, moderate restaurant meal for two £15, short taxi ride £5.50, litre of petrol 75p. All prices will vary.
Weather
Sunniest months are May-August, hottest June-September with highs of 21C (70F), winter lows 4C (39F). Rainfall spread throughout the year, usually drizzly.
Time difference
One hour ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 31 20.
Voltage
220v. Bring an adaptor for the two-pin plugs.
Opening hours
Banks usually open 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, shops 9am-5.30pm Monday-Saturday. Some shops don't open til noon Mondays. Many museums are closed Mondays. Post offices open weekdays 9am-5pm. The main post office at Singel 250 also opens Saturday morning.
Health — before you go
The UK has reciprocal health arrangements with The Netherlands but you'll need to take an EHIC form (get one at a UK post office). You may have to pay first and claim once you're home. No jabs required.
Health — when you are there
If you need an over-the-counter remedy go to the drogist (chemist) or, to fill a prescription, the apotheek (pharmacy).
Warnings
Beware of pickpockets. Avoid the following areas after dark: the alleyways of Nieuwendijk, the south end of Zeedijjk and Damrak. The bike is king in Amsterdam, with 400,000 cycles for the 727,000 inhabitants so never stop in a bike lane to look at a map — it drives locals nuts.
Emergency
Police 112. British Embassy, Koningslaan 44, near the Vondelpark. Tel: (00 31) (20) 676 4343. Open weekdays 9am-noon, 2pm-3.30pm.
Customs
Amsterdam has a great cafe society: the brown cafes (so-called from smoke stained ceilings) with wooden floors are the place for a meaningful chat, then there are the grand cafes (more comfy) and theatre cafes that attract artists, actors and theatregoers. In reality the cafes are pubs that also serve coffee.
Pets
Dogs and cats are allowed into The Netherlands with the relevant veterinary certificate. Check with your vet for details of the Pet Travel Scheme.
Tipping
Not compulsory, but if you're pleased with the service add 5-10%.
Tourist office
Netherlands Board of Tourism, PO Box 30783, London, WC2B 6DH. Brochure line 0906 8717777 (60p/min).
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| | Available rental properties in Amsterdam |
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| |  | | Luxury 2 double bedroom apartment + ADSL
75 m2 2 bedr. ap., center Amsterdam. Livingroom, luxury kitchen and bathroom, 2 bedrooms and balcony. with shops, restaurants, pubs nearbyCentral Station. Incl. ADSL connection
|  | | Romantic Garden house Weesp for two
In a picturesque city nearby Amsterdam is a beautiful guesthouse, separated from a residential historic farmhouse, available for you
|  | | Beautiful vacation apartment...
Beautiful renoveted apartment has two floors with three bedrooms, modern furnished with all the faciities, fully aquipt kichen and wireless internet..
|  | | sunny amstel
apartment has 2 bedrooms.sleeps up to 4 guests. equipped with everything. Location is perfect and canal views amazing. Located on the Amstel next and
|  | | House of Locatelli - short stay
Fully furnished and equipped appartment in 18th century `canal house`, perfectly located in the historical centre of Amsterdam.
The views from the
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Holiday Rentals in Amsterdam |
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