Local Knowledge
Telephone
Dialing Codes
Country code for the Netherlands: +31 Area code for Amsterdam: 020 (drop the first zero when calling from
abroad)
Emergency Numbers
Police: 112 Ambulance: 112 Fire: 112
Tipping
Bills rarely include a gratuity, so leave a tip. Around 10% is acceptable.
VAT & Taxes
Value-added tax (VAT) is 19% on apparel and luxury goods, and 6% on basic goods.
Hotels charge 6% VAT and 5% tourist tax. The tourist tax in the area of Schiphol is
6%.
Getting Around
Taxis
Taxis in Amsterdam have blue license plates. The driver must display a price list
inside as well as outside the vehicle, and a driver pass on the dashboard.
Official taxi stands around the city include those at Schiphol Airport, Central
Station and the Dam. You can hail cabs as well. Note that cabs are not allowed
to stop in many places, especially tram and bus lanes.
Buses & trams
National strippenkaarten (bus and tram cards) are available on every bus and tram
in the city. To save money, buy your strippenkaart in advance at the Amsterdam
Tourism and Convention Board, newsstands, some GVB (public transport company)
offices and train stations.
Bicycles
Cycling is Amsterdam's favorite mode of transportation. Everyone cycles,
including businesspeople. Bicycle rentals are available across the city,
including Central Station, Leidseplein and Dam Square. The rental price includes
a lock.
Public Holidays
New Years Day
January 1
Good Friday
March-April
Easter Monday
March-April
Queen's Day
April 30
National Liberation Day
May 5
Ascension Day
April-May (40 days after Easter)
Whit Sunday
May-June (seventh Sunday after Easter)
Whit Monday
May-June (Monday after Whit Sunday)
Christmas Day
December 25
Boxing Day
December 26
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