amsterdam travel tips, information of visa and language of amsterdam

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Travel Guide » Europe » Amsterdam

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Amsterdam

(Netherlands)

History, art, a head of beer and a roll-your-own.

Amsterdam is one of the world's best hangouts, a canny blend of old and new: radical squatter art installations hang off 17th-century eaves; BMWs give way to bicycles; and triple-strength monk-made beer is drunk in gleaming, minimalist cafes.

The city seems to thrive on its mix and, despite hordes of tourists, still manages to feel quintessentially Dutch. The old crooked houses, the cobbled streets, the tree-lined canals and the generous parks all contribute to the atmosphere.

Tips for you

	Tipping

	Restaurant bills usually include a service charge and taxes, but a little extra is always welcome as a tip. It could be something as simple as rounding up to the next euro - or up to 10% (considered quite generous). For porters, figure 1.00 per bag. Figure also 1.00 for taxi drivers unless it's a long trip, in which case add more. The standard for toilet attendants is 0.50.

	Language Tips

	Official Language(s) - Dutch, Frisian

	Visa Info

	Tourists from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and most of Europe only need a valid passport - no visa - for a stay of up to three months. EU nationals can enter for a stay of three months with just their national identity card or a passport expired less than five years ago. If you have a Schengen visa for one of the countries that is a member of the Schengen Agreement, it may be valid for the Netherlands also. Double-check with the embassies or consulates of the countries you're visiting though, to make sure the Schengen visa conditions still apply. Tourist visas can be extended for another three months maximum, but you'll need a good reason and the extension will only be valid for the Netherlands, not the Schengen Agreement areas. A three-month Dutch visa can take a little while to process, so don't leave it until the last moment; fees vary depending on the country in which you apply, but expect to pay around 35.00. Most types of visas also require that you show sufficient means to support yourself during your stay.