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AMSTERDAM: Fast Facts

Emergency
  • Country code: 31
  • Emergency: 112
  • Pharmacy = Apotheeks
Money
  • Currency: euro
  • Cash: Most vendors only take cash and ATM's can be difficult to find
  • Credit Cards: accepted at hotels, but only some other establishments
  • Most vendors prefer debit cards or cash
  • Cards must have the chip and PIN system, since the old swipe system is very rare
Electricity
  • 220 volts
  • Two round pins
Language
  • Dutch
  • Most locals speak English as a second language
Restrooms​
  • It is rare to find a public toilet
  • Some pubs/cafes will allow you to use the restroom for 0,50 euro or it is customary to make a small purchase
  • Public urinals are available for men in the nightlife area
Tipping
  • Restaurants
    • All prices include taxes and tips as required by law
    • It is customary to round up the bill a euro or two or leave small change amounting to about 5% of the bill.
    • Leave the tip in cash, don't add it to the credit card bill
  • Taxis 
    • ​Service charge is included
    • Give a small tip 1-2 euro
Dining
  • Make restaurant reservations in advance
  • You may need to call the waiter when you need something (the menu, more water, the bill)
  • Bufet van Odettchotel or dagmenu = menu of the day (saves money)
  • Restaurants are usually open for dinner from 6pm-11pm, most close at 10pm
  • Restaurants may be closed Monday and Sunday
Food & Beverage
  • Apple pie
  • Bitterballen: fried meatballs with gravy
  • Cheese
  • Chips and sauce (fries)
  • Chocolate
  • Dropjes: licorice candy
  • Herring (raw)
  • Jenever
  • Pancakes
  • Poffertjes: baby pancakes covered in butter and powdered sugar
  • Rijsttafel = rice tables
  • Stamppot: mashed potatoes and vegetables
  • Stroopwaffles
Customs & Etiquette
  • Three kisses starting on the right cheek
  • Know the difference between a cafe serving coffee and coffeehouse/coffee shop
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Shopping
  • Most shops are open from 9:30am to 6:00pm, some stay open until 8 or 9
  • Most shops are open on Sundays 11:00am to 5:00pm
  • Prices are not cheap
  • ​VAT
    • ​21% value added tax
    • Must spend 50 euro to get a VAT refund
    • Make sure you get the paperwork stamped by customs
    • Must be leaving the EU (within 3 months of purchase)
  • Souvenirs
    • Cheese
    • Chocolate
    • Clogs
    • Delftware = pottery
    • Tulip bulbs​
Safety
  • ​Don't walk around with a map in your hand
  • Don't buy anything from a vendor or shop that doesn't list the price
  • Beware of pickpockets when dining, shopping, or taking publc transportation
  • Beware of fake police accusing you of having drugs or counterfeit money, then asking to see your wallet or passport
  • Crime areas include trams, Central Station. Dam Square, and the Red Light District
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