Going To Amsterdam? This Is Their Time Zone

by Romano | Feb 10, 2021 | Tips and info

When travelling to Amsterdam you might want to know what the time zone is over there. Imagine arriving in Amsterdam with a jetlag and losing valuable time to enjoy the city to it’s fullest.

Amsterdam Time is in the Central European Time Zone. Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). In the summertime is shifted forward by 1 hour, 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). After the Summer months, the time in Amsterdam Time is shifted back by 1 hour to Central European Time (CET) or (GMT+1).

The answer above sounds technical but I promise I will break it down in this article. So stick around!

What is a time zone?

A time zone is an area on earth where time is the same. These time zones are originated after centuries of perfection in measuring time. Especially with the development of the train rail, the need arose for a generalized time.

The time in an area is referred to as UTC (Universal Time Coordinated). UTC is the standard time since 1972 based on an atomic clock and coordinated with the rotation of the earth. In the military sphere, UTC is often called “Zulu time”. 

UTC is almost the same as GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) which includes the United Kingdom. Originally the GMT was the mean solar time on the longitude of the Royal Observatory Greenwich, a hilltop observatory in the London borough of Greenwich.

The earth rotates around its axis in 24 hours. If the earth is divided into 24 zones, theoretical every time zone consists of one hour and is 15° wide (360°/24). This theory is only used on the open sea in international waters (also called nautical time or sea time).

In reality, there are more than 24 time zones. Worldwide there are 40 different time zones being used. In practice time zones often follow national borders and countries use the time zone of a major neighbouring country as a starting point for practical reasons.

What are all the different time zones in the world?

Below a list of all time zones. Countries with a * use a periodic summertime

Frequently asked questions

What is the first time zone?

The day on earth officially starts on the Line Islands in Kiribati which is 14 hours ahead of UTC (UTC + 14:00). Another fact is that 26 hours later (UTC – 12:00) the day starts at Howland and baker and also ends 24 hours later. Two consequents are:

1. A date remains somewhere on earth for 50 hours
2. Between 10:00 and 12:00 UTC, there are three different sets of data 

Is Amsterdam CET time zone?

CET (Central European Time) is used in most parts of Europe. Amsterdam observes CET as standard time which is one hour ahead of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), UTC+1:00. When days are getting longer and nights shorter during the summer, CEST (Central European Summer Time) is being observed. Time is then shifted forward by one hour.

What time zone is Amsterdam in GMT?

In comparison with CET, Amsterdam is one hour ahead in GMT (GMT+1:00) 

What time zone does the Netherlands use?

The Netherlands uses the CET (Central European Time) which is used in most parts of Europe and a few North African countries. When days are getting longer and nights shorter during the summer, CEST (Central European Summer Time) is being observed. Time is then shifted forward by one hour.

Is Amsterdam same time as the UK?

Considering that Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and the UK are in different time zones, the Netherlands is one hour ahead of the UK

Can You Drink Tap Water in Amsterdam & The Netherlands?

by Romano | Dec 11, 2020 | Tips and info

When I moved to Amsterdam it was hard for me to drink tap water. I was used to the taste of spring water in my home country and I also was not properly informed about the safety of drinking tap water.

Can you drink tap water in Amsterdam? Drinking water quality in Amsterdam is safe and clean. You can enjoy water from the tap and save money on buying plastic bottles of water. This reduces plastic waste and is beneficial for the environment.

Let me shed some light on the safety of drinking water from the tap in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Water network in The Netherlands

The water network in The Netherlands is managed by Waternet. This company covers the whole water cycle and makes sure to provide a safe, clean and sufficient supply of water. This includes water for human consumption and for natural areas.

Quality of tap water

The water is cleaned in a natural way. This is done in the dunes which are located between Noordwijk and Zandvoort. The water comes out of the Rhine River, is pre-treated and pumped into the dunes. The sand in the dunes purifies the water in a natural way.

The dunes that are used for the filter process are protected areas. There are strict rules against the pollution that help to ensure that the groundwater remains clean. You will recognise a groundwater protection area by the blue signs with white waves and the text ‘grondwaterbeschermingsgebied’.

The dunes in Zandvoort is also a very nice place worth visiting if you love nature. You have a beach, hiking routes, shopping center and an F1 circuit.

The tap water is considered to be soft. It does not contain a lot of calcium and magnesium. The average hardness is 7,8 dH. The harder your water is, the more calcium and magnesium it contains. The guideline for water hardness is:

• 0 – 4 dH, 0 – 70 ppm : very soft
• 4 – 8 dH, 70 – 140 ppm : soft
• 8 – 12 dH, 140 – 210 ppm : medium hard
• 12 – 18 dH, 210 – 320 ppm : fairly hard
• 18 – 30 dH, 320 – 530 ppm : hard

Taps with free water in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has more than 500 taps with free drinking water. The taps are available 24 hours a day. Grab your bottle and fill it up!

You can find the taps in the Vondelpark, in the Museum Quarter, and in many other places throughout the city. There is always drinking water nearby!

Can you drink tap water in hotels, apartments, airport, bathroom, and such? 

Yes, all the water that comes out of the water reservoirs in hotels, apartments, malls, and such, as all are connected to the water system managed by Waternet.

If you are not comfortable drinking the tap water directly, you can use a water filter bottle. Check this one out on Amazon.

And of course, there is always the option to buy bottled water if you are just not digging the taste.

SIM Card in Amsterdam: How To Get One And Which One To Buy

by Romano | Dec 10, 2020 | Tips and info

In modern time it is a must to have a SIM card when traveling. Having mobile data and able to communicate makes everything so much easier. International mobile packages are very expensive, or even over priced, so finding the best and affordable prepaid SIM card when traveling to Amsterdam is a must.

At the airport there are kiosks that sell SIM cards. Outside the airport, most supermarkets, tourist shops, convenient stores sell SIM cards. There are also options to buy online before coming to Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

As a local, helping friends and family with getting a SIM card on their vacation in The Netherlands, I have done research for the best options. The most important thing is to have much mobile data rather than minutes.

How do prepaid SIM cards work?

Basically, with a prepaid SIM card you are able to use he mobile services and get a phone number in the country you are visiting. Important is in order for using a local SIM card, you phone must be SIM lock free (unlocked).

Unlocking you phone is usually done in the dashboard of your account if you have a subscription. Otherwise you can always let your phone be unlocked at a mobile shop. If you have an American phone, you might first have to go through with this process when unlocking your phone.

Of course, if you switch SIM cards you will not be reachable via your own number. On the other hand, your number will remain in your WhatsApp and will you be able to receive calls and messages on your own number via WhatsApp.

But if you also want to be reachable on your own phone number you might want to consider a second phone or a phone with a dual SIM card option.

Can I buy a SIM card at the Amsterdam Airport?

There are shops and kiosks that sell SIM cards at the airport. Keep in mind that any shop in the airport is marketed towards tourists and therefore not cheap.

The most obvious SIM card to buy will be Lebara. In the main hall you will find a Lebara kiosk. They focus on making many sales, what makes them pushy, rather than service and are overpriced.

Not far from the mobile kiosk you have a book kiosk called AKO book store. They also sell an overpriced Lebara SIM card. Trust me, when you walk in a small shopping centers at the edge of Amsterdam, these cards are handed out for free!

Not long ago the Airport Telecom Shop opened its doors. The Airport Telecom store is located between Arrivals 1 and 2. Although it has a wide range of mobile products and services, like most shops it is not cheap.

In my experience the most convenient is to have a SIM card before you reach your travel destination. One time I landed at the Miami airport, I needed to call the person picking me up. Not being able to communicate was very frustrating. The only way was to call was with my own number, thus paying way too much for that 5 minute phone call. Buying a prepaid SIM card online in advance is recommended.

Do I need a SIM card from The Netherlands as a European citizen?

If you are a citizen from Europe or from the UK and you already have a local SIM card, then you don’t need to buy one from The Netherlands.

You can use your own plan to make phone calls and use data with no extra charge. There are no roaming charges anymore in Europe and the UK (despite Brexit).

Do I need a SIM card from The Netherlands as a non-European citizen?

You do not necessarily need a SIM card from The Netherlands. It al depends on your budget and how often you will need your phone. Most shops have Free WiFi and if you need to navigate you can also use the offline Google maps or some other (free) offline map.

1. Use your home provider

In general it is possible use your home carrier when traveling. When you will use your home subscription without any upgrades it will become very expensive. Fees can be up to $2.05 per minute,MB or text for calls and data usage overseas

Carriers often offer international travel plans. AT&T, for example, has a AT&T International Day Pass for $10 a day to use your home plan overseas. The AT&T Passport is also an option at $70 a month per device. A con is that it is limited to 2GB which is not that much for that price.

The only plus side is that you are reachable on your own telephone number when traveling. Of course, you will still be reachable via WhatsApp if you would use a SIM card from The Netherlands.

2. Get a Global SIM

There are many options when it comes to Global SIM cards. The benefit rubout these cards that you have one SIM which you can use all over the world. You don’t need to search for local options any more when traveling to a specific destination.

The rates may be higher as you pay for the convenience. In my research I came across Drimsim. Drimsim is the first universal SIM card and free app for travelers. Drimsim is a real SIM card. It’s a plastic card with a chip, just like any other, which you can insert into your phone, tablet, or router.

Drimsim operates in 229 countries, provides stable communication, a fast Internet connection, and prices similar to those of local operators.

You can call your friends and they can call you. You can chat, post photos, and make routes without being afraid of spending all your money on roaming. Drimsim negotiates directly with the operators. Therefore, Drimsim is cheaper than roaming and SIM cards from other providers.

Drimsim has an app to help you keep track of your expenses. The balance can be refilled manually or via auto-payment. Money is written off in seconds and megabytes, but not for packages or subscribers.

3. Get a Local SIM card

Where to get a SIM card and the costs

SIM cards are available in many shops. You can get them at supermarkets (e.g. Albert Hein), Media Markt (not far from Amsterdam Centraal), convenience stores (e.g. AKO book store), tourist shops and of course mobile shops.

Lycamobile and Lebara are relatively cheaper when it comes to prepaid SIM cards compared to other local operators such as KPN, t-Mobole, Tele2 etc. I have used them both and basically for me they are just the same. They take over each other with offers. One month Lebara has a discount offer, the next month Lycamobile has good discount as well.

If you want to top-up, you can buy credits at many stores but for your convenience you can always buy online at opwaarderen.nl (this link will only open in the Netherlands). I have always used them without any problems.

In the table below I will sort out the popular providers with their cheapest or profitable plan.

So what is the best prepaid SIM card in The Netherlands for tourists?

I have summed up the options for you. What you choose depends on your budget and the level of convenience you want.

Public Transportation In Amsterdam: A Complete Guide

by Romano | Dec 3, 2020 | Tips and info

When I first moved to Amsterdam I used public transportation all the time. At first, it can seem overwhelming but after a while, you find that it is well organized.

How do you use public transportation in Amsterdam? Public transportation in Amsterdam is operated by the GVB. They cover transportation via tram, metro, bus, and are accessible with the same ticket within a time frame. Other ways to get around are (Uber) taxi, bike taxi, rent a bike or just walk.

In this article, I will give more information about using the various ways of transportation and how to get around in Amsterdam.

Public transportation: an overview

Public transportation in Amsterdam is covered by the GVB (Gemeentelijke Vervoersbedrijf). This is well organized by them and the cover transportation via tram, metro, bus and ferry. There are view places where you can use a ferry. You will probably use only one, which is located behind the central station (Amsterdam Centraal) and it is free.

The main station in Amsterdam is called Amsterdam Centraal. From there you can travel to anywhere. There are also a lot of international trains that depart from Amsterdam Centraal to Paris, London, Antwerpen, Milan and many more.

Below you can see a map of Amsterdam Centraal Station (Central Station)

At this station, you have all services when it comes to travelling like travel information, buying tickets, bike renting, and such.

During the years GVB phased out cash payments on the bus and trams. As for now, it is a completely cashless system. So make sure you have a debit or credit card, or an OV-chipcard with cash on it.

Public transportation option

Metro
The Amsterdam Metro is a public transportation system in Amsterdam, Diemen and Duivendrecht, managed by GVB. The length of the network is approximately 53 km and the biggest part is underground. There are 5 lines available:

• M50 – Runs from Isolatorweg to Gein
• M51 – Runs from Central Station to Isolatorweg
• M52 – Runs from Noord to Zuid
• M53 – Runs from Central Station to Gaasperplas
• M54 – Runs from Central Station to Gein

Tram
The tram is also exploited by the GVB and is a smaller version of the metro. While the metro serves bigger stops at specific places, the metro stops at more places all over the city. The network counts 13 lines:

• 1 – Runs from Muiderpoortstation to Osdorp De Aker
• 2 – Rust from Centraal Station to Nieuw Sloten
• 3 – Runs from Zoutkeetsgracht to Flevopark
• 4 – Runs from Centraal Station to Station RAI
• 5 – Runs from Westergasfabriek – Amstelveen Stadshart
• 7 – Runs from Slotermeer to Azartplein
• 12 – Runs from Centraal Station to Amstelstation
• 13 – Runs from Centraal Station to Geuzenveld
• 14 – Runs from Centraal Station to Flevopark
• 17 – Runs from Centraal Station to Osdorp Dijkgraafplein
• 19- Runs from Sloterdijk to Diemen Sniep
• 24 – Runs from Centraal Station to VU Medisch Centrum
• 26 – Runs from Centraal Station to Ijburg

Bus
The Amsterdam public bus system has a bigger network after the tram. This is also managed by the GVB with 35 bus lines and many more stops. For an overview of the bus network, please check the GVB bus routes and schedules map.

Between Amsterdam and Schiphol you have line 397 which departs every 8 minutes from the airport.

Ferry

The GVB has 3 ferry lines that will take you to the north of Amsterdam. These ferries are entirely free to use and there is no ticket required. Ferry services are available for foot passengers, cyclists, and moped users.

The ferry lines are:

• Line 901/907 – Central Station to Buiksloterweg
• Line 902 – Central Station to IJplein
• Line 906 – Central Station to NDSM-wharf

There are also 2 additional ferries that operate out of the Western Islands area, as well as a ferry from Azartplein to Zamenhofstraat.

Especially with good and sunny weather, these boats offer a beautiful view of Amsterdam. The most popular ferry route is Line 907 from Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg, ideal for attractions such as the Eye Filmmuseum and Tolhuistuin

Train

The main train station is Amsterdam Central, which is serviced by GVB’s trams, buses, ferries and the metro. If you plan the visit locations outside of Amsterdam, by train is the best way. Also, international trains depart from Amsterdam Central Station to popular cities in Europe.

The train service is managed by NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen), a dutch railroad corporation. Keep in mind that you cannot use a GVB ticket for admission to the rail network.

Ticket information and prices

There are a lot of places where you can buy tickets or top-up your OV-Chipcard. The OV-Chipcard you can use across the entire public transportation network in the Netherlands. Some tickets only apply in the GVB network. For example, you can not buy a ticket at GVB and use it on bus 397 that takes you to Schiphol airport.

GVB disposable paper chip cards

You have different tickets at the GVB. In the table below I will give an overview of all the types.

With the GVB 1 hour ticket you can transfer unlimited between GVB transportation within an hour. Be sure to check out if you leave the bus or tram. When using the metro there are gates so there is no other way than to check out.

The GVB bike tickets you can use in all of Amsterdam outside the rush hours. Rush hours are Monday to Friday, between 07:00-09:00 and between 16:00-18:30. On ferries, there is no charge. On all vehicles, there are designated spaces to place the bike.

All the multi day tickets validate the moment you check in.

OV Chipcard

What is the OV-chipcard?
The OV-chipcard, a plastic card the size of your bank card, is the payment method for public transport in the Netherlands. With this card, you no longer need to worry about strip tickets or metro tickets. Just load enough credit onto the card in Euro. There are many places where you can top-up the card.

Compared to the GVB disposable tickets, you can transfer easily from one operator to another. You can use it through The Netherlands at all operators and vehicles

Amsterdam Travel Ticket

With the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, you can travel unlimited in Amsterdam for one calendar day on every form of transportation like:

• NS train
• GVB bus (day and knight), metro and tram
• Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) and Niteliner N97 (of Connexxion) between Schiphol and Amsterdam

Depending on whether you have the 1, 2, or 3-day variant, this ticket is valid from the first time you check in until 04:00 in the morning after the last valid day.

Where can you purchase the Amsterdam Travel Ticket?

• AKO’s Luchthaven at Schiphol Airport
• Holland Tourist Information at Schiphol Airport
• I Amsterdam Visitor Centre Amsterdam at Schiphol Airport
• NS Tickets & Service Schiphol
• GVB Service point
• GVB Service & Tickets-desk
• GVB Ticket Vending machine (pin/credit card/cash)

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket, you can explore the Amsterdam Area and offers unlimited public transportation by metro, tram bus and train

Alongside Amsterdam, the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket allows you to explore all popular and iconic sights and scenery of the surrounding area. The ticket is valid for 1, 2, or 3 calendar days, weekends included. A day in this context begins at 0:00 AM and ends the next day at 4:00 AM.

Where can you purchase the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket?

• Tourist information offices
• Various hotels and campsites in the region of Amsterdam
• I Amsterdam Visitor Centre Stationsplein ai Amsterdam Central Station
• GVB Ticket Vending machine (pin/credit card/cash)
• GVB Service point
• GVB Service & Tickets-desk

Which Amsterdam ticket/pass to choose

As you have read before, there are a lot of options when it comes to using public transportation. Choosing the right ticket depends on how long you will stay, if you are planning to visit places outside of Amsterdam and where you are planning to stay.

Below we have put all the pros and cons of the tickets in an overview so it will be easier for you to choose.

Other ways to get around Amsterdam

Besides the typical public transportation options, there are many other ways to find your way around Amsterdam such as:

• (Uber) Taxi
• Bicycle
• Bicycle taxi
• Hop-on-Hop-of bus and boat

Taxi

Taking a taxi can be useful on some occasions. Like when you must travel to or from the airport, at night after partying or you want to avoid the somewhat hectic public transportation.

Amsterdam city is made bike-friendlier by the year, so taxis are not allowed to stop on many places in the city. There are taxi queues throughout the city, mostly nearby party centres. Centers are at Central Station, Leidseplein, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Nieuwmarkt, Rembrandtplein (Amstel), Spui, Westermarkt, and many more.

You can also stop a taxi insofar they are allowed to stop. They are recognized by their taxi sign on the rooftop and blue license plate. They are also obligated to have their pricing visible somewhere on the car, mostly the side window in the back.

Uber taxis do not have the rooftop lights but also to be recognized by the blue license plate. In general, you must have the Uber app to use an Uber driver but if you hail at them they will certainly stop. By law, they have a taximeter and you can also pay on this bases.

What can you expect of Amsterdam taxis?

• The taxi driver must always accept short trips but is allowed to decline if he fears his safety
• The taximeter will be turned on when the tourney begins. In the end, you will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt as it contains important information about the trip and the taxi in case you want to file a complaint etc.
• Taxi drivers must deliver you safely to your destination via the shortest or quickest route. If they want to take a longer route they must ask your permission.

Bike Rental

A fun way to travel around Amsterdam is by bike. The city is very bike-friendly and every place is perfectly accessible by bike. On larger roads, the bike lanes are always separated. There are many bike rental companies in the city such as Mac Bike and Black Bikes.

Some basic rules when traveling by bike are:

• In general, is right-sided, so cycle as far to the right as possible
• Watch out for tram lanes
• Signal with your bell, for example to foot travellers wandering on the bike lane
• Stop at red lights

Bicycle Taxi

Another alternative way to get around is by using a bicycle taxi. You will mostly find them on the Dam square. And you can always hail at one.

With the increasing popularity and the innovative climate in The Netherlands, these taxis are now electric-powered compared to a few years ago. It is now even possible to be dropped off at the airport by a bicycle taxi.

A few alternatives operating in Amsterdam are (links may not open in your region):

• Fietstaxi Sander
• Tuk Tuk Sightseeing
• Solar Rickshaw 
• Amsterdam Fietstaxi 
• Disco Taxi

Hop-on-Hop-of bus and boat

Another alternative transportation option you may want to consider is the hop-on-hop-off bus or boat service. They are useful for travels because they pass the most typical tourist attraction in the Amsterdam city center for example Rijksmuseum, the Heineken Experience, Madame Tussauds, the Van Gogh Museum and more!

The tickets are valid for multiple days. So you can use this service not only for the purpose of the tour but also as public transportation. The good news is that most tourist passes include the Hop on Hop off bus or boat tour.

For more information, please read through their website.

So here you have an overview of public transportation in Amsterdam and also other ways to travel around.

Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam!

How To Get From Amsterdam Airport To City Center

by Romano | Dec 2, 2020 | Tips and info

After sitting hours on a plane, you want to leave the airport as soon as possible. Planning how to get to your hotel, motel, and such is a must. Otherwise, you can spend more hours at the airport figuring out how to reach your destination.

There are many ways to get from Amsterdam airport (Schiphol) to city centre. Depending on your budget and patience you can travel by:

• Taxi, Uber or private transfers
• Airport shuttle
• Train
• Bus
• Bike
• Carshare
• Car rental

In this article I will give more information about the options.

Comparison of the options

How to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center by taxi, uber or private transfers

The most serviceable way to travel is by taxi. Right outside of Schiphol, you will find plenty of options when it comes to taking a taxi. You will recognize them by a blue license plate and taxi name light on the car roof.

For your safety never use a taxi without these signs. Most of the time these illegal taxi drivers will approach you at the airport.

There will be busy hours where you have to get in line for a taxi. I recommend ordering a taxi, or private transfer, in advance to save time and avoid headaches. Check the options for transfers below.

In the best-case scenario, your travel time will be approximately 20 minutes. During the day there will be traffic jams. In the worst case, it can take up to 45 minutes depending on your destination.

Most of the time your taxi driver is familiar with the area and is able to drive around the traffic jam. He should inform you about him or her taking a different route because it can increase the pricing.

Uber is also well-established in Amsterdam. It is cheaper than a normal taxi and convenient when it comes to payments. Payments go automatically within the app. If you don’t have the uber app, you can download the Uber app in the Apple store or Google play store. This will also be convenient after partying so you can be in your accommodation fast.

You can choose the standard UberX, a luxury Uber Black, or a van for a larger group of people. UberX is overall cheaper than standard taxis, but you’ll need internet on your phone to call Uber. The pricing is dynamic. If there is more demand than supply, Uber could be more expensive than regular cabs.

There is Wi-Fi at the airport so you should be able to call an Uber. Check with your mobile carrier about the fees when using mobile data in The Netherlands.

How do I get a sim-card in The Netherlands?

When you are in a foreign country, in some cases it is expensive to use mobile data from your mobile carrier. They may have special (data) packages for foreign countries but in my experience, they are always expensive.

I recommend getting Drimsim. Another option is to get an All-in Lebara prepaid sim-card. Of course, your data will be finished fast if you watch (YouTube) videos. Most places have free Wi-Fi so take advantage of that.

Public transportation in The Netherlands

Public transportation is well organized in the Netherlands. At every bus stop or train stop, you will find timetables about when the bus or train will leave and if applicable, which platform or track. You can also find this information online if you want to plan your trip in advance.

The options to use travel transportation are either to use an OV-chipcard, which you need to top-up, or to buy a ticket old-school out of the ticket machine. The price for this card is € 7,50. At some big stations, there are manned boots where you can buy tickets and also get travel information

The annoying thing about this card is that you need a balance of € 10 on top of the ticket price if you travel by train. At the end of your stay, this € 10 is not refundable.

You can also use this card on the bus, metro, or tram where the € 10 balance is not required. Keep in mind that it is beneficial if you use this balance for short trips, 3 – 4 stops.

If your trip is longer and you would return back in an hour, it is better to buy a ticket on the bus or tram. For the metro, you have to get a ticket out of the ticket machine. The ticket price is € 3,20 and is valid for one hour. Be sure to check in and out when leaving the bus or tram. Otherwise, you can’t check in anymore, if you would use it within the hour.

Can you buy a ticket on the tram or bus in Amsterdam?
You can buy a ticket on the bus or tram. This ticket is disposable and has a predetermined validity of an hour, a day or two days. Also, al the busses and trams (blue and white) are cashless. You can only pay with a debit or credit card. The card types that are accepted are:

• V-pay
• Maestro
• VISA
• Mastercard
• JCB
• Diners Club
• Union Pay
• American Express

How to get from Amsterdam airport to the city center by train

Conveniently the train system is connected with the airport. When you are in the central hall you will find the platforms below the floor. Every hour there are enough trains leaving Schiphol for Amsterdam.

Depending on the train you take, be sure to check whether you have to switch trains at a train stop. This will most likely be announced on the train. You can always ask the train conductor for information on how to get to a certain station.

The best way to see which train is leaving for Amsterdam Centraal on short notice is by looking in the Google maps app. Just type in Amsterdam Centraal, click on route and select the train icon. Then you will see all the options for upcoming trains.

Other ways to check or plan your trip is through the following apps:

• NS app – Apple or Android
• 9292 app – Apple or Android

How do I buy a train ticket at Schiphol?

• Use an OV-Chipcard
• Buy a ticket out of the ticket machine
• Buy a ticket through the NS app

How much is a train ticket from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central? Depending on the options mentioned above, the prices vary. Check the table below for the pricing.

How to get from Amsterdam airport to city center by Bus

Another way to travel to Amsterdam city is to travel by bus. Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397, run by Connexxion, is an easy way to travel to the city centre. The platform is right outside the central hall of Schiphol, bus stop B17. During the night, the Niteliner N97 drives the same route hourly between 01:00 and 05:00 AM.

The bus stops at popular places in the city centre and most of the hotels are in reach from these places. The buses depart every 7,5 minutes and the ride takes approximately 35 minutes.

The bus-stops of the airport express 397 bus are:

• Museumplein
• Rijksmuseum
• Leidseplein
• Elandsgracht

A one-way ticket is €6 and €10 for a return ticket. Keep in mind that you can not pay cash on the bus. It is advisable to buy your ticket in advance.

How to get from Amsterdam airport to the city centre by bike

The Netherlands, in general, is very bike-friendly and any place is reachable by bike. The bike tracks are safe and very well maintained. Schiphol airport is located around 17km from Amsterdam Centraal station. You can navigate your bike route via Google maps.

Alright, let’s get crazy. You have the energy and motivation to cycle to the city center. Unfortunately, at the airport, there are no companies that rent bikes in order for you to cycle to Amsterdam. There are some companies but the bikes are used to move between terminals.

Some hotels nearby rent out for bicycle tours nearby. But they don’t offer the option to rent a bike and cycle to your accommodation in the city and leave it.

In my opinion, I think that it would not be a good business opportunity because cycling to the city center takes up to one hour. If you had a long flight and you have a lot of luggage, cycling may not be an option. Therefore I don’t see many people choose this option.

But if you are that crazy person, the nearest rental shop is 2.6 miles from the airport. Another option is FlickBike, but there is no guarantee that there will be bikes available nearby.

Care sharing to the city center

Car sharing has many benefits for the environment and therefore very popular in The Netherlands. The most car-sharing company is car2go. Here is some information on how it works.

The cars they use are very little SMART cars which are 100% electric. If you have a lot of luggage or travelling with your family, this might not be the best option.

The electric Smarts has room for two persons and a small amount of luggage space. A ride from and to Schiphol Airport is € 0,31 per minute, plus a grant of € 8,90 per ride. To be able to use this car you must register online against a one-time administration fee of € 9.

These cars are parked in the parking garage at The World Trade Center (Schiphol Boulevard 329).

Car Rental at Schiphol Airport

Like any big or busy airport, there are enough options when it comes to renting a car. For pricing, you can search below.

If your accommodation is in the city center, renting a car would not be the best option. Through the years the government tries to discourage people to go to the city center by car. Not only did they make it more bicycle-friendly, but the parking costs are also expensive.

At the moment the hourly rate for parking in Amsterdam city center is € 7,50. The further you are from the center, the cheaper it gets. The cheapest is € 1,40 an hour. Only in Amsterdam South-East, there are some (living) areas where parking is free.

What is the best way to travel from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam?

The fasted and arguably the best way to Amsterdam city center is by hiring a taxi. You will be in the city in approximately 15-20 minutes. Going by bus or train is cheaper but a matter of convenience. The train is just as quickly as a taxi but the fact that it has stops feels like forever plus it doesn’t put you at the doorstep of your accommodation.

What to do in Amsterdam

After arriving at your accommodation, I can imagine that you want to hit the road immediately and enjoy your stay to the fullest.

To explore the city, the best way is to take a canal cruise or rent a bicycle and tour around the city. There are many rental bike rental shops in the city. Then you have the infamous red-light district, a popular tourist attraction, with many pubs and coffee shops.

Can You Walk Around With Beer In Amsterdam?

by Romano | Nov 30, 2020 | Tips and info

When you are on vacation in Amsterdam you might want to explore the city. Wandering around admiring the wonderful architecture while enjoying a beer. Of course, you don’t want to get in trouble and might want some more info on this topic.

Can you walk around with alcohol in Amsterdam? It is forbidden to drink alcohol in a public space: on the street, in parks, on the sidewalk, on the stairs in front of your home. It is prohibited to have opened bottles or cans of alcoholic beverages with you. Violation of the alcohol law carries a fine of € 95.

Spend your € 95 enjoying your stay in Amsterdam! In this article, I will give some more info about drinking alcohol in Amsterdam and what to expect.

Alcohol in public places in Amsterdam

When does the alcohol prohibition apply?

In some areas, you may or may not drink alcohol in public. The district takes extra precautions by hanging signs that forbid to drink alcohol or smoking weed. These are mostly areas where it is easy and tempting to hangout and thus a bigger change that people can misbehave due to the alcohol, public intoxication.

Public intoxication, also called public drunkenness, is also prohibited. Yelling on the street, drunk talking, or simply not able to stand on your feet are ways you will get a fine.

What is the fine for drinking in public in Amsterdam?

For drinking in public or public intoxication, you will get a fine of € 95. In case of substantial public intoxication (obstructing traffic, disrupting public order, or threatening the safety of another) you can get a fine of € 380. Taking into consideration, you can also get a fine when you are not able to legitimize yourself with an ID. The fine for that is € 90.

How old do you have to be to buy alcohol?

Sellers are not allowed to sell alcohol to you if you are not 18 years. Also, the sellers risk a fine if they do. You are not allowed to have any alcohol in public places if you are younger than 18 years, even if it is light alcohol.

• Light or weak alcoholic beverages: This has an alcoholic percentage under 15%. Examples: beer, wine, port, sherry, vermouth, mixed drinks
• Strong alcohol: this has an alcohol percentage of 15% and higher. Examples: rum and liquor

If you buy alcohol in a supermarket, cafe, and such, you will always be asked for an ID if they have doubts about your age.

If you are under 18 and you are caught having alcohol in your possession, you will risk a fine or community service. If you are between 12 and 16 the fee is € 47,50. are you 16 or 17? the fee is € 95. These amounts are without administration costs.

Is alcohol expensive in Amsterdam?

I am surprised. According to European statistics, the Netherlands is not the most expensive country across the EU when it comes to alcohol and it is below average. Of course, buying alcohol in the supermarket or at a liquor store will be much cheaper than in a club, pub. and such.

In this example, you can get a beer for between 4 and 8 euro. It all depends on the location. The further you are from Amsterdam Central, the cheaper it gets.

On Friday Night Drinks, between 5:00 – 9:00 PM, I go with colleagues at this place where you find for as low as € 2,80, before heading to Amsterdam Central to party.

Can you drink alcohol in coffee shops in Amsterdam?

The first time I went to a coffee shop I had a “what the…..” moment when I asked for a beer. These coffee shops literally sell coffee and no alcohol. Understandable, if you are not a frequent drinker or a frequent smoker, a mix of both can kick in strong. If they did sell alcohol, imagine all the wasted people on the streets. Not to mention all those fines for public intoxication.

Do coffeeshops in Amsterdam take Credit Cards?

To avoid embarrassment it is best to have cash on you and always ask if Credit cards are accepted before ordering. Even supermarkets don’t accept Credit Cards. The majority of coffee shops don’t accept Credit Cards and are even cash-only.

Is weed legal in Amsterdam?

The Netherlands is often seen as a paradise when it comes to smoking weed. Despite the many coffeeshops in Amsterdam, weed is illegal but at the same time legal. The (opium) law, in general, implicates that the use of soft- and hard drugs is not punishable, only the trade and production of this. Contradictory to this is that it is illegal to grow weed but it is allowed to sell it in coffeeshops

Many popular or busy places and areas are prohibited by the district to smoke weed. This is more to control the excessive use of it and police tend to allow it if no one is bothered. A new trend is that in the excluded areas also the use of laughing gas is prohibited.

Toleration policy softdrugs and coffeeshops

Because of the fact that soft drugs are less harmful than hard drugs, soft drugs are tolerated. You are allowed to have 5 grams of cannabis (weed, hash) in your possession.

Coffeeshops are allowed to sell weed and pot under strict rules:

• It is not allowed to sell more than 5 grams of soft drugs per day to someone
• It is not allowed to sell hard drugs
• It is not allowed to sell soft drugs to minors (under 18)
• Minors are not allowed in the coffee shop
• It is not allowed to sell alcohol
• No nuisance may be caused in the area.
• No access and sale to anyone other than residents of the Netherlands

Rules coffeeshop clients have to follow

If coffee shop owners don’t obey the law, they risk losing their license to sell cannabis. So as a client it is very important to keep that in mind and respect their rules. If possible try to follow the rules below:

• Try not to get in trouble.
• If there are smoking areas, use them. Don’t smoke in the shop.
• Always have your ID or other documents that can confirm your age.
• Don’t bring alcohol or food in the shop to consume.
• Don’t buy weed or any drugs from street dealers. it is also for your own safety

Related Questions

Can you drink alcohol in Amsterdam Parks?
A park is a public place. The law is that it is not allowed to drink in a public place. Therefore it is not allowed to drink in a park.

Are there open container laws in Amsterdam?
It is prohibited to have opened bottles or cans of alcoholic beverages in your possession or in a vehicle, including the backseat and both passenger and driver’s side. Even if the vehicle is stopped or parked.