Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25–50 | €80–160 |
| Food | €15–25 | €30–55 |
| Transport | €0–8 | €10–18 |
| Activities | €0–15 | €20–45 |
| Drinks | €5–12 | €15–25 |
| Daily Total | €45–110 | €155–303 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone — most nationalities get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period
- Schiphol Airport (AMS) is 20 minutes by train from Centraal Station (€5.70). Trains run 24 hours
- Amsterdam is a popular Schengen entry point — queues at immigration can be 30–60 minutes. Have your documents ready
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is excellent — carry a reusable bottle. Free refill points marked across the city
- Bike theft is the most common crime — always double-lock rentals. Pickpockets operate around Centraal and Dam Square
- Emergency 112. Pharmacies (apotheek) are easy to find. Many are open late and some are 24 hours
Getting Around
- GVB runs trams, buses, and metro. OV-chipkaart or contactless payment on board. Single €3.40, 24hr pass €9
- Cycling is the local way — rent from MacBike (€10/day) or Black Bikes (€8/day). Flat terrain and dedicated bike lanes everywhere
- The free ferry from Centraal to Noord runs 24 hours. Canal buses and water taxis are scenic but expensive alternatives
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, hotels, and on GVB trams. Amsterdam has good municipal WiFi coverage
- EU roaming works at home rates. For non-EU visitors, Lebara, Lyca, or KPN prepaid SIMs from €10 at phone shops or Albert Heijn
- Download 9292 app for Dutch public transport planning, and Google Maps offline for navigation
Money
- Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere — the Netherlands is nearly cashless. Some markets still prefer cash
- ATMs widely available. Use bank ATMs (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank). Avoid Euronet and tourist-area exchange bureaus
- Tipping is not expected — service is included. Rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving 5–10% for good service is common
Packing Tips
- Rain is possible any month — a good waterproof jacket and compact umbrella are essential. Layers for changeable weather
- Comfortable shoes for cobblestones. Bring a light scarf for windy canal-side walks even in summer
- A small backpack or crossbody bag — easier for cycling and navigating narrow canal-side streets
Cultural tips
Cycling Rules
Stay in bike lanes, signal turns, never stop in a bike lane, and watch for other cyclists. Amsterdam cyclists are fast and assertive. If you hear a bell, move — it is not a greeting.
Coffee Shop Culture
Coffee shops sell cannabis (legal for adults). Cafés sell coffee. This distinction matters. Most coffee shops require a purchase to sit. Cannabis use in public is technically illegal but tolerated in designated areas.
Directness
The Dutch are famously direct — this is not rudeness, it is cultural honesty. If a waiter says the food will take 30 minutes, it will take 30 minutes. Appreciate the clarity.
Take Off Shoes
When visiting a Dutch home, always offer to remove your shoes at the door. This is standard etiquette and will be appreciated even if the host says it is not necessary.
Snack Culture
Dutch snack culture is serious — bitterballen, kroket, frikandel, and kaassoufflé from FEBO automats or frietkoten (chip shops) with mayonnaise, not ketchup. Fries with mayo is the local way.
Weather Resilience
The Dutch do not cancel plans for rain — they just get on their bikes with an umbrella. Pack a waterproof layer and embrace the weather. Some of Amsterdam's most atmospheric moments happen in the rain.
