Communication and money matters
What currency is used in the Netherlands and where can you change or withdraw money? How much should you tip a taxi driver? How can you call home? And where can you surf the web?
Dutch currency
As in most European countries, the currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €). Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change dollars, etc. at one of the currency exchange offices located throughout the city. Most shops and restaurants in Amsterdam accept credit cards, but not all. It is therefore recommended to either ask before you order or ensure you have a sufficient amount in cash to cover the bill.
General opening hours
Shops are open from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 18:00 (Saturday until 17:00 and Thursday evenings until 21:00). Sundays 12:00 to 17:00. Some supermarkets stay open until 20:00 or 22:00 on week nights. Most businesses operate Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 17:00. Banks are open weekdays only, between 9:00 and 16:00. Post offices are open weekdays only, between 9:00 and 17:00. The main post office on Singel 250 is also open Saturday morning from 10:00 to 13:30.
Tax-Free Shopping
Non-EU residents have two possibilities to shop tax-free in Holland: shop at affiliated retailers to Global Refund and ask for a taxfree cheque OR shop at all shops in Holland and ask for a tax receipt. Register for a refund online at VATfree.nl or at Schiphol Airport, departures 2, counter Service Wings.
Please note: Make sure to spend a minimum amount of 50 Euro per shop per day to become eligible for VAT refunds. Visit Customs before leaving the EU to ensure your VAT refund. For more information go to www.globalrefund.com and/or www.vatfree.nl.
Telephone
Most local telephones are card-operated. Telephone cards are available at post offices, tobacco stores and several tourist offices. The international access code to call abroad from the Netherlands is 00, plus the code of the country you wish to call. When calling Amsterdam from abroad, dial 0031 (for Holland) and 20 (for Amsterdam).
Internet
If you are a guest of a hotel, you can often use their wireless internet. And more and more cafes are now also offering wireless internet, which you can access with your own laptop. Some places offer this service free of charge, while in others you have to pay. If you don´t have a laptop you can use one of the internet cafes in the city.
Tipping
Service is always included. It is however customary to tip in restaurants, bars and when paying for taxis. As a general rule tipping between 5 - 10% is acceptable.
- Tell a friend
