Practical Information About Amsterdam

The city of Amsterdam

The Dutch capital has been - through the centuries - a renowned cultural, scientific and commercial centre and has always been characterised by its open mind and flexibility. It cherishes a long tradition of unrestricted exchange of ideas.

Although Amsterdam is one of Europe's leading capitals, it still has the charm of a village. Amsterdam has a dazzling array of cultural attractions with something for everyone. Virtually all points of interest are well within walking distance. Moreover, the Dutch are multilingual which makes getting around so much easier. Amsterdam will welcome you warmly and you will feel at home in one of the most interesting cities of Europe. http://www.iamsterdam.com/

• 7,000 historic buildings, some of which date back to the 14th century
• The well-known symmetrical rings of canals with over 1,000 bridges summon up visions of Holland's Golden Age.
• 42 museums, including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk (Municipal) Museum, the Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum),
  and the Anne Frank House.
  The city is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Dutch National Ballet and the Dutch Opera. 

Transport to the Netherlands

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is acknowledged as one of the world´s best airports. With 490,000 flights and 45 million passengers a year, Schiphol has the highest standards of service and is constantly improving the benefits for the traveler. From all over the world direct scheduled services fly non-stop to Schiphol. These scheduled services fly from 129 destinations within Europe and from 108 non-European destinations. In addition there are charter flights to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. As many as 80 airlines fly to Schiphol, conveniently located in the heart of Western Europe. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol enjoys a very special status among its users, ranking first among the world's airports in virtually every poll of frequent international travellers.

On arrival at the airport, you can board a train carrying you to Central Station Amsterdam within 10-15 minutes. From there you can take a tram or a taxi that takes you close to the hotel in downtown amsterdam. Inform at the Schiphol airport about the train ticket and OV-chipcard, if you are traveling by train and tram. From the airport, you could also take a taxi directly to your hotel (costs would be around 40 euro - it is advisable to take a taxi at the taxi stand just outside of ariport, not with somebody that might approach you in the airport itself).

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Netherlands Railways (NS)

Transport in Amsterdam

The compactness of the city minimizes the need for taxis and public transport as almost everything is within walking distance. Nevertheless public transport in Amsterdam - buses, tram and metro - is most efficient, modern, reliable. Taxi ranks are located outside hotels, business and shopping areas. Trams, buses and taxis move rapidly, even during rush hours, thanks to separate traffic lanes. 

Climate in July

The weather in the Netherlands is somewhat unpredictable, and there is always a chance that it will be raining.  But typically, the weather is fairly good in July, with temperatures in the seventies (Farhenheit) or twenties (in Celcius). For more detailed information, see http://www.world66.com/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/lib/climate

Crime

Crime levels are low in Amsterdam, and it is one of the few cities where women will happily cycle home alone. However, watch out for pickpockets, especially on the train from and to Schiphol Airport, on crowded trams, or street caberet, etc.

Currency and banking

• currency: Euro
• Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted at the Registration Desk
• in general, all major credit cards are accepted for payment in hotels, restaurants and shops.
• banks are open from 9.00 to 17.00 hrs on working days (on Mondays from 13.00 hrs).

Medical care

Visitors who have medical insurance through a health plan in their home country are entitled to medical care in the Netherlands in accordance with the stipulations of the Dutch Health Insurance Act, providing that:

• they come from a country with which the Netherlands has international agreements regarding health care;
• treatment cannot be postponed until return to the home country;
• a copy of an international insurance document can be submitted to the doctor, dispensing chemist, hospital, etc.

Visitors from countries with whom the Netherlands has no international agreements are advised to purchase travel insurance in their home countries. For more information, contact your Health Service.

Hours that shops are open

• shops open 7 days a week in the city centre
• business hours: 09.30 until 18.00 hrs (Monday to Saturday); 12.00-17.00 hrs. (Sunday (City Centre only))
• on Thursday evening shops are open until 21.00 hrs.
• pharmacies usually open during working days from 08.00 – 17.30 hrs. For a pharmacy open 24/day please consult the staff at the Registration Desk.

Time zone

The Netherlands and Amsterdam are in the Central European Time Zone, one hour ahead of GMT.

Tipping

Service is always included. However, it is customary to tip in restaurants, bars and when paying for taxi’s. As a general rule tipping between 5-10% should be adequate.

Voltage

Electricity in the Netherlands is 220-240 volts. USA, English and some other foreign appliances require an adapter for the voltage as well as an adapter for the plug. There are no adapters available at the congress venue. Speakers who wish to use their laptop must bring their own power converter and an adapter for two-prong and round-prong plugs.