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Amsterdam basics ...from Experience |
About...Time Amsterdam
time in
the summer is two hours ahead of GMT, one
hour in winter. In midsummer the sky is still
light as late as 11:00 PM (23:00 hr) which
makes for fabulously long summer evenings.
Perfect
for a canal side dinners, drinks, canal boat
rides, or just people watching from your cafe'
terrace table. This
compliments the spirit and tempo of Amsterdam. This
is a late city. Most bars,
cafés, coffeeshops, and music
clubs stay open till 1, 3, or 5:00 AM. Many
shops don't open until after 10:00 in the morning.
Some shops are also closed on Monday mornings
and some all day on Monday.
Dutch
Business Hours (not
easy to grasp even for Dutch nationals) Banks
are open weekdays from 8 or 9 to 4 or 5.
Post offices are open weekdays from 8:30
to 5 and often on Saturday from 8:30 till
noon. Shopping hours, regulated by the government,
are Monday from 1 to 6, Tuesday through Friday
from 9 to 6, and Saturday from 9 to 5. Each
Dutch city may designate one night a week
as a late shopping night, when stores are
open until 9. Amsterdam's night is Thursday.
Shops now have permission to open also on
Sunday in some areas of some cities. This
is administered at a local level and varies
from city to city. In the center of Amsterdam,
you can be fairly sure of finding major department
stores, main branches of chain stores, and
shops in larger malls are open. However most
small shops still close on Sunday. Most branches
of supermarkets now stay open until 9 on
weekdays. Drugstores are open weekdays from
8 or 9 to 5:30, with a rotating schedule
in each city to cover nights and weekends.
Most national museums are closed on Monday.
As
for Holidays some of the big Christian ones have
day 2 of the holiday the day after ie; 2nd
Christmas 26th / 2nd Easter / and 2nd Pinkster
which itself is an enigma to most visitors and
residents alike.
About... Weather page
of the most complete weather forecast for Amsterdam
Click
on the weather banner above to find out what
the weather is going to be in the next few
days.
Typically the
weather ranges from around freezing in the depths
of winter, though usually without much snow,
to pleasant sunny days from 20 to 25 degrees
Celsius in the summer.
Spring
and Autumn are pleasant, but can be wet some
days ...
Our
inexperienced research assistant
"Bop
the silly Dutch boy" says...
There
is a rumor that Holland is put inside
during rainstorms. Not true, but that
is mainly because it rains about 365
days each year. This might also explain
those wooden shoes: They float.
 "Bop" & his
researchers
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About... What
to Pack
The
best advice for a trip to the Netherlands in any
season is to pack light, be flexible, bring an
umbrella and trench coat with a liner in winter
time is recomended, and always have a sweater or
jacket available.
Amsterdam's
Fashion is "practical"
For
daytime wear and casual evenings, turtlenecks and
flannel shirts are ideal for winter, alone or under
a sweater, and cotton shirts with sleeves are perfect
in summer. Blue jeans are popular and are often
worn to the office.
Good
quality, walking shoes are essential to comfortably
navigate our cobblestone and brick streets.
For
women, high heels are nothing but trouble on the
cobblestone streets of Amsterdam and other old
cities in Europe. Sneakers or running shoes will
kill your feet. A much better choice is a good
pair of walking shoes or low-heeled pumps.
Dutch
is the official language of the Netherlands,
although Fries is spoken in Friesland and a local
dialect is used in the Limburg province. Just
about everyone speaks English in Amsterdam, are
proud of this, and reply to your feeble attempt
at Dutch in excellent English. Many speak German
and French as well. In rural areas you may need
your phrase book.
In the NEWS
Dutch set culture tests for would-be
immigrants
By Alexandra Hudson
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The Dutch
immigration minister said on Monday new immigration
laws, which will set some of the toughest entry
conditions in Europe, are to equip people with
key skills for Dutch life and will not deter migrants.
From next month would-be immigrants to the Netherlands,
where social and religious tensions have escalated
in recent years, must first pass a Dutch language
and culture test in their home country requiring
up to 375 hours of study.
Only potential migrants from outside of the European
Union, North America and Australasia must take
the test which costs 350 euros ($417). If they
fail they must pay to take it again.
"We don't want to stop immigration, we want
to make clear what knowledge is necessary for participation
in Dutch society," Immigration Minister Rita
Verdonk told foreign journalists in The Hague.
"Without knowing Dutch language or anything
about the way of life it is difficult to get to
grips with society," she said.
The legislation is the latest in a series of tough
new laws by the centre-right government since the
murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh by a Dutch-Moroccan
in 2004, which deeply unsettled Dutch society and
provoked an anti-Muslim backlash.
That murder, along with that of anti-immigration
populist Pim Fortuyn in 2002, has forced the Netherlands
to examine the integration of its immigrant communities,
who first arrived in the 1960s to help ease a labour
shortage.
Verdonk has pledged to get tough on failed asylum
seekers, and urge immigrants already in the country
to fully contribute to Dutch society.
Some migrant groups have warned the new test poses
an unrealistic challenge and will do little to
help integration once people arrive and find themselves
facing a labour market where unemployment is up
to three times higher for foreigners.
"We have problems here and we have been naive
for too long," Verdonk said, criticising those
who fear the country is losing its reputation of
tolerance.
"What is tolerance ? Saying 'come over here
and see how you get on'... the tolerance we used
to speak of was more like indifference," she
said.
Our
research assistant
"Bop
the silly Dutch boy" says...
Never
ever try to speak Hollands even if you
have lived in Holland for more than five
years.
Not
only will it give you a splitting headache
but also Hollanders won't understand
a single word of what you are trying
to say.
Foreigners
are expected to speak English or gibberish.
Speaking gibberish they are easy prey
for pickpockets since they can't make
a report to the police.
"Bop" & his
researchers |
€ it's
About the... Money,
Honey! €
There
are many places to change money in town. The GWK
at Central station is good. Compare rates carefully
at the exchange offices in town. Hotels are usually
the most expensive way to change money. Banks can
be slow and not very helpful to visitors, or residents
equally.
There's
an American Express office on the Damrak
and a Thomas Cook branch is right on the Dam, across
from the war memorial monument. GWK offices are
all around in the center tourist areas.
The
current exchange rates are in Dutch but you should
be able to figure it out. "Verkoopt" = Sell, "Koop" =
Buy Easy
to use...Currency Converter Page
Credit
cards are not as widely accepted here as in many
other country's, but it's getting gradually better.
Always ask first if you want to pay by credit card.
You can use Cirrus and Maestro cards (and most
other major cards) for getting cash out of a cash
machine (ATM)
All
prices in the Netherlands by law include tax and
tips: the price you see is the price you pay.
Normal
Dutch practice in restaurants is for the customer
to round up to the nearest guilder for small amounts,
and the nearest 5 for larger amounts. Don't feel
obliged to leave a tip. It is not expected but
appreciated for exceptional service. In taxis a
10% tip is usual, although not obligatory.
Our
research assistant
"Bop
the silly Dutch boy" says...
Hollanders
do not like to spend money, they'd
sooner cut off their own ears. (see Art
Museums)
A
Hollander will become a friend for life
if you give him something for free. (Note:
Social diseases are no exception) This
might explain the success of MacDonald's
in Holland but I'm just not shore.
The
story that copper wire is an invention
of two Hollanders fighting over a found
cent is absolutely true.
"Bop" & his
researchers |
About...Customs & Duties
There are no limits on goods
(such as perfume, cigarettes, or alcohol) brought
into the Netherlands from another EU country, provided
that they are bought duty-paid (i.e., not in a duty-free
shop) and are for personal use.
If you enter from a non-EU country, or have purchased goods
duty-free, you may bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or
100 small cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 1 liter of alcohol
(more than 22%) or 2 liters (less than 22%), 50 grams of perfume
and .25 liter cologne, 500 grams of coffee, 100 grams of tea,
and other goods with a total value of up to €75
There are no restrictions regarding the import or export of
currency.
Maps of
Amsterdam 
click
on Map to visit
our map page
How
Amsterdam started 800 years ago, any why
it is the way you see it today |
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explore
... eight centuries of treasures |
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About...Passports & Visas
U.S.
Citizens - tourist status
All
U.S. citizens, including infants, need a valid
passport to enter the Netherlands for tourist stays
of up to 90 days here.
U.S.
Citizens - resident status.
Work is another story entirely! Consult
an Attorney and be prepared to SPEND some serious
coin to get residence permit and settled and
working. Sponsorship from an employer is a fast
track but this is also a bureaucratic minefield
as with most other Dutch government process .
Canadians are
UK members and have simular immigration and
work possibilities
You
need a valid passport to enter the Netherlands
for stays of up to 90 days. Children under 16 may
be included on a parent's passport but must have
their own to travel alone.
U.K.
Citizens
Citizens
of the United Kingdom need a valid passport to
enter the Netherlands for stays of up to
90 days. Children under 16 may travel on an accompanying parent's
passport. U.S. and Canadian residents do not require visas
to visit the Netherlands for pleasure or business trips not
exceeding three months. British citizens do not require visas
regardless of the length or purpose of their visit, but will
be required to register with local authorities if they take
up residence.
Citizens of
other countries contact the Dutch (Netherlands)
Embassy in your country for requirements and the
most up to date information.
About... Electricity
Dutch
Electricity was 220 volts, and then moved at a
rate of 1 volt per year to the European standard
230 volts. You can buy voltage and plug converters
at Aurora Electric Co. when you get in town. They
are on the Vijzelstraat at the end of the Flower
Market, near the Munt tower at Rokin.
About... Safety
Amsterdam
is for the most part a safe city, and there is
nothing to fear from walking in any part of the
city. Even in the RedLIGHT district
around the Oude Kerk, there are always lots of
tourists wandering around. As in any large city
you should beware of pick pockets and keep
an eye on your belongings. Report all incidents
to the Police...even if they didn't get
your wallet or bag.
Don't
photograph the women in the RedLIGHT district,
this is not allowed, not very nice, and not wise
to try.
MEDICAL
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Ambulance: 112
Police: 112
Fire: 112
mobile
tel. 06 112
Police,
ambulance, and fire tel. 555-5555
Police
only tel. 622-2222
Center
City police stations Elandsgracht 117;
Lijnbaansgracht 219; Warmoesstraat 44-46; and
near the entrance to IJtunnel
Hospital
Emergency Rooms
Academic
Medical Center (Academisch Medisch Centrum)
Address: Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands,
1105 AZ
Phone: +31-20-566-9111
Boven
't IJ Ziekenhuis Statenjachtstraat 1, tel.
020/634-6346
Academisch
Ziekenhuis Virije Universiteit
Address: De Boelelaan 1117, Postbus 7057, Amsterdam,
Netherlands, MB 1007
Phone: +31-20-444-4444
Onze
Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (le Oosterparkstraat197,
tel. 020/599-9111
Slotervaartziekenhuis Louwesweg
6, tel. 020/512-4113
Medical
Needs - Referrals tel. 592-3434 (mobile
tel. 020 592-3434) =
24-hour service for all medical
assistance, including names and opening hours
of pharmacists and dentists.
Experience Amsterdam
ssaaffeellyy
About...Smoking
Amsterdam
has very few restrictions on smoking cigarettes.
Some establishments mostly Large chain Hotels and
international restaurants, have started feeble
attempts at designated non smoking areas. As much
of the population smokes here, it is mostly for
show, to accommodate non smoking tourists. The
bars are traditionally smoky.
On
smoking weed...It is not polite to just light up
a joint anywhere. Coffeeshops are everywhere to
be found with over 300 to choose from.
Smoking
in public is not illegal but is best kept to the
parks and outside at entertainment venue's. The
exception is always around the corner in Amsterdam
so keep you nose sharp and let the hosts lead by
example... or simply just ask what the policy is,
you won't be ridiculed just politely informed.
About Queens
Day April 30th ... every
year
"Konninginnedag"
The
uniquely Dutch holiday when the entire county celebrates
the Queen's birthday. It is not really the present
Queen Beatrix's birthday but her mother Willimina's
birthday.
The
party is everywhere. The streets, (delightfully
closed to traffic.) On the canals and rivers, tens
of thousands of boats of all types imaginable converge
for this party.
The
river attracts tall ships and ocean going yachts
from all over the sailing world. Orange crape is
strewn all about, is worn by patriots and visitors
alike Hats adorn are available in an unusual collection
of ridiculous design's. Some are regional in origin
and a mystery to us to this day . As Amsterdam
is the cultural heart and real capitol of Holland
(although most will deny this) Dutch Nationals
from all parts of Holland come to Amsterdam but
once a year and Queen's Day is the day.
Traditionally
it is the practice to suspend all rules of selling
goods and partying and except for New Years Eve
in Amsterdam the noisiest party in Europe.
Vondel
park is reserved for the kids. The park is packed
with a plethora of games, magic tricks , juggling
acts and musicians ...To list a few examples.
Amsterdam
stretches to over-capacity, welcoming up to a half
million, possibly more, additional people to the
population. Music loudness rules are suspended
and advantage is taken...The place is carpeted
with flat Heineken cans, in some places ankle deep.
Truly an amazing party to experience. The parties
run for several days before the 30th and after.
Special events are happening all over town for
a week or more.
About... Politics
and The Dutch Government
The
Christian Democrats
Netherlands
belongs to the Benelux. The 3 country free trade
union of Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, forming
the really first model for the development of the
European Union. Amsterdam is the capitol of Netherlands
but the Seat of Government and the Parliament is
in Den Hague (The Hague).
Amsterdam
is and always has been a liberal left wing city.
Municipal government is made up of 16 districts
with 45 council members elected every 4 years.
The mayor is appointed by the Queen or King and
the mayor Reigns for 6 years but this is due to
change to an elective process sometime this 21'st
century.
The
other Prominent political parties are
The Labor Party (PvdA), The Conservative Liberal
Party,(VvD) and The Environmental Socialists
(Green Left). Less popular but still representative
are The Progressive Liberals (D66),, The Radical
Socialists (SP) and the Mokum Mobied (car lovers
) Party.
Last,
and thankfully so are the PIMS List Party .A totally
inept and dysfunctional party that was formed by
a good citizen Pim Fortuin. He was murdered (assassinated)
just before the election a few years ago.. ...A
majority voted for him anyway and the PIMS LIST
Party led the Netherlands into the grip of the
Christian Democrats and their right wing attitudes.
Watch
this spot for updates and bullitins on changes
in The Netherlands Government
Join
us on the bicycle lanes and see Amsterdam the
Dutch way
http://www.macbike.nl 
Stop
dreaming... Book a flight!...see how
much fun you can have in Amsterdam... |
Our
research assistant
"Bop
the silly Dutch boy" says...
Holland
is a kingdom. It has no king but a queen
and her husband is no king but a prince.
The queen doesn't rule the country ...well,
not much anyway...but she is very good
at opening bridges, roads and visiting
other countries. She is also very decorative
at state banquets.
Her
son, the crown prince, will be king as
soon as she stops queening (nice word
eh?). Now his wife won't be a queen but
she will be a princess because Nederland
is much too small for a king and a queen
at the same time.
On
April 30th its Queen's Day, the national
celebration of the Queen's Birthday...which
is not the birthday of the queen, but
the birthday of princess Juliana the
queen's mother (who used to be the queen).
It is no wonder that more and more Nederlanders
wish to make Holland a republic.
Queen's
Day, by the way, has nothing to do with
royal festivities. It's just a Hollander's
excuse to drink large quantities of alcohol.
On Queen's Day Hollanders also sell garbage
in the streets.
Safety? Last
year a riot broke out at Central Station
because "someone" in the mayors
office decided to stop trains from arriving
in Amsterdam presumably to stop so the
influx of Amsterdam dreamers from overcrowding
the city and things would not get worse...but
they forgot or ignored the fact that
at the end of the day there would be
no trains in the Central Station to get
folks back home. Needless to say that
50 thousand people might be a little
upset. They were pissed and broke some
city property to make the point. We hope
it is thought out better this year.
If you get to town before the 30th and stay till the
day after you can relax and party till ya drop.
Editorial
comment. Privatization
of the railways is
just a bad idea. Government
is for the basics of society and one
is our Public Rail Transportation System,
affordable, safe, and available when
needed, and on time! This is as basic
to a well functioning society as our
clean air and available food.
...That's
another subject
No-worries
mate!
"Bop" & his
researchers |
