Amsterdam Essentials

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Amsterdam breaks
Amsterdam Essentials & Tourist Information 
Currency
Euro
Journey Time
 Aprox 1H 20 mins
Time Zone 
 GMT = +1 hour
Language  Dutch
Voltage 230 V (European two-pin plugs)

Amsterdam Tourist Attractions
The famous Vincent Van Gough Museum (on Museumplein, Paulus Potterstraat) holds more than 200 paintings and over 500 sketches. It is open daily from 10am to 6pm (closed 1 January) and open until 10pm on Friday. On weekends the queue gets long so it’s advisable to go on a less busy weekday. Entry is free for under 12s and audio tours are available.

Amsterdam Opening Hours
In general shops are open from 1pm to 6pm Mondays and 9 or 10am to 6pm from Tuesday to Friday. Late night shopping is on Thursday until 9pm. Shops close at 5pm on Saturdays with supermarkets staying open until 8 or 10 pm. City centre shops are open on Sundays. Amsterdam’s many markets generally open during shopping hours (closing slightly earlier at 4 or 5pm).

 
Amsterdam city breaks
Amsterdam Food and Drink
Pancakes (pannekoeken) and waffles are typical Dutch fare, with lots of different varieties to try. Stroopwafels are addictive thin waffle-cookies with syrup. Other than Heineken, Amstel, Brandt, Breda, Grolsch, Oranjebook and Skol, you’ll discover many Dutch beers you never knew existed. There is an organic brewery in Amsterdam that brews everything from light pilsners to rich brown and dark stouts. As well as their beers, The Dutch are world-famous for their cheese; Gouda and Edam, Leiden (with cumin seeds) and goat cheeses. Ensure you have your cheese vacuum-packed for taking it through customs.
 
Tipping and Etiquette in Amsterdam                    
Tipping is not customary as by law, 15% is included for all services. It is standard to give Taxi drivers a 10%. If you are satisfied with the service at a restaurant throw in an extra euro or two. Amsterdam has a reputation for tolerance. The authorities, however, don’t appreciate disrespectful visitors and are particularly harsh to those who break the rules.
 
Dutch Phrases For Tourists  
Hello
Dag/Hallo/Hoi
   Thank you
Dank u
Goodbye
 Dag   Excuse me
Pardon
See you soon
Tat ziens
  
My name is...
Ik heet...
 Yes
Ja
  
See you later!
Tot ziens!
No Nee  
What do you recommend?
Wat bevel je aan?
Please Alstublieft  
Do you speak English?
Spreekt u Engels?

Amsterdam Useful Numbers
Public telephone booths in Amsterdam are numerous. Calls can be placed using coins, credit cards, or telephone cards. 
•Calling the UK from Amsterdam – 0044 + area code minus zero plus number
•For emergencies dial – 112.
 
Disabled Access In Amsterdam
Large museums, cinemas and theatres tend to be accessible for disabled users and except for the trams Amsterdam’s transport is generally adequately equipped. Bank notes have raised shapes on the corners and train timetables are published in Braille. There is a wheelchair-taxi service available for people with mobility, sight or hearing impairments. Call 633 3943 to book in advance.
 
Dutch Embassies
•Dutch Embassy in London: 38 Hyde Park Gate, SW7 5DP. Tel: 020 7590 3200
•Amsterdam Consulate: Koningslaan 44, 1075 AE Amsterdam, Tel +31 (0) 20 676 4343(Postal address: PO Box 75488 1070 AL Amsterdam).
•NS Lost Property – Stationsplein 15, Phone: +31 (0) 20 557 8544.

city breaks in amsterdam Amsterdam City Breaks
getting around in amsterdam Getting Around Amsterdam		 amsterdam things to do Things To Do In Amsterdam
weather in amsterdam Amsterdam Weather

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