Amsterdam Hotels

Weather

The weather in Holland is usually mild, rarely dropping below freezing in the winter or becoming too hot in the summer. It can be beautiful when the canals freeze over, (but not much fun if your bike lock has frozen solid). Rain is spread pretty evenly throughout the year, so it is advisable to pack umbrellas and rainwear.

Currency

The currency used in the Netherlands, and throughout most of the EU is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 and the coins in use are €2, €1, 0.50C, 0.20C, 0.10C, 0.05C, 0.02C and 0.01C. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 09.00 to 16.00/17.00. Exchange offices are indicated by the letters GWK, and you can also book theatre and concert tickets here. GWK offices can be found in the city centre, (Leidesplein) major railway stations, Schiphol airport and at the border crossings with Germany and Belgium. Note: visa cards are a rarity in the Netherlands. Most chain stores don't take them and you need to show proof of identity when buying something (take your passport).

The cheapest way to exchange money is to use the ATM machines in the walls of most major banks. As soon as you insert your foreign debit card, text will appear in English. (Even the Dutch bank staff recommend you withdraw cash this way).

The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world. Children still walk to school without being chaperoned by their parents, (although it is advisable to accompany them to the local park.) The main problem in the cities, especially Rotterdam and Amsterdam, is the presence of pickpockets. Be particularly vigilant in street markets, crowded tourist sites and railway stations. Don't carry a laptop in your hand, hide it away in a backpack instead.If you are the victim of a crime, the majority of police officers speak good English and deal sympathetically with your case.

The emergency telephone number (no coins required) is 112

In Amsterdam, areas round the Oude Kerk, Zeedijk and De Pijp can feel unpleasant at night, so leave valuables at home or in the hotel safe. Women don't tend to get hassled in the street, but cycling is a safer way of getting home late than walking, if you are alone.

Tipping

Although a service charge generally is included in restaurant prices and taxi fares, it is customary to give taxi drivers and waiters a tip of about 10 percent. Porters, doormen and room service will expect a small tip for their services.