Amsterdam is an international city that is easily reached by plane or train. Most Dutch people speak English and are generally very helpful. With this basic guide, we offer you some useful hints and tips when visiting this well-liked city.
The Best Time To Visit And Climate
Taking an umbrella is a useful tip since it rains a lot in Amsterdam. The driest time during the year in Amsterdam is from June to August in the Summer, but the city is typically very crowded with tourists during this time. The perfect time to visit Amsterdam is during Spring (May), Autumn, and mid-September when most of the tourists have left. During these times, the hotel prices are often discounted, and the days offer crystal-clear light.
Currency
The currency for the Netherlands is the euro (€), with a euro divided into a hundred cents. Your most useful notes are the €20 and €10. You also get 50-euro notes, but it can be problematic to be accepted or changed since many of them are forged. A swelling number of areas is cash-free but will accept the international range of well-known credit and debit cards. ATMs are commonplace.
City passes
The most familiar city pass is the broadly available I Amsterdam City Card, which offers numerous savings like a city map, one free canal cruise, free admission to most city museums, and unlimited use of their public transport system. The costs are:
€50 for 24 hours
€80 for 48 hours
€93 for 72 hours
Best Vicinities To Stay At In Amsterdam
There are numerous hotels in Amsterdam, and it is recommended to make advance reservations for all of them. Try not to remain near or in the red-light district and instead head for either the western side of the city that borders the three chief canals, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht or the museum district close to Rijksmuseum. You can check out Get events Amsterdam for more relevant information.
Remaining Connected During Your Travels
There is excellent coverage for cell phones throughout the city on the GSM European network. However, some non-European phones may not have access to this network, therefore check with your mobile provider before leaving home. You can purchase phone cards starting from €5, which is widely obtainable across the city.
Tipping
Tipping in the Netherlands can be a little perplexing since it is not as straightforward as in other places. Most local restaurants and taxi bills are rounded to the nearest number of euros, but some customers will add ten or fifteen percent to their bill to show their appreciation. Some places may supplement the bill with a service charge, in which case there is no need for adding an additional tip.
Coffee And Cannabis Shops
The licensed coffee shops are permitted to sell dope, but quite surprisingly, cannabis is technically not legal in Amsterdam but is tolerated if you only purchase small amounts for personal use. Coffee shops are authorised to sell up to five grammes (more or less a fifth of an ounce) to each person per day.