Amsterdam’s Required Information

In Amsterdam, as well as in all the Netherlands and many other countries of European Community the accepted currency is Euro (EUR, €), no other currencies are commonly accepted, so you will have to change your dollars, sterling, yens, etc to Euros.

Amsterdam and the Netherlands have the 220-240 Volt / 50Mhz system – the same as elsewhere in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.However, visitors from (among others) the UK, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland and others need to bring a plug adaptor. C, E and F type plugs generally fit on Dutch electricity sockets.The USA, Canada and a large part of South America have the different 110-127 Volt system, which means many devices from there can only be connected in Amsterdam using a transformer.
However, some devices (including mobile phone and camera chargers) may also work without a transformer, but check this carefully in advance.

Normally a foreign visitor should apply for a Netherlands Visa to enter Amsterdam.
Whether you can enter the Netherlands without a visa depends on your nationality.

Travelling within Amsterdam by public transport is straightforward and convenient. The extensive network is operated by GVB and connects the city’s neighbourhoods by train, tram, metro, bus and ferry.When using Trams and the Subway; The blue and pink paper tickets (strippenkaarten) have now been fully replaced by PT smart cards (OV chipkaart). So unless you have the I Amsterdam card (which gives you free access to trams, buses and the subway for 24, 48 or 72 hours, next to free access to museums etc.), you need to buy a PT smart card.When entering (“checking in”) a tram, bus or subway, you have to hold your smart card against the reader until you hear a beep. Don’t forget to “check out” in the same way when leaving the tram/bus/subway, or it will cost you much more.

Schiphol is the biggest, most important and the busiest airport in the Netherlands. It’s the fifth most trafficked airport in Europe. It is located in Haarlemmermeer, a municipality that borders towards the city of Haarlem. The tourists who land at Schiphol can benefit themselves of the suitable Dutch Railways (NS) service that links the airport to Amsterdam Central Station within 15 minutes. Schiphol is the main convenient civilian airport for Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has a number of direct international rail services which can connect you to Belgium, France, Germany, UK and beyond.

You are only allowed to bring in medicines for your own use. Sometimes we ask for proof that the medication is for yourself (or for your children). You can demonstrate this with a medication passport for instance. A medication passport can be obtained at your physician or pharmacy.If your medication covered by the Opium Act, you must have an official statement.