Amsterdam Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile are the main mobile providers in the Netherlands.

SIM Card Options

"Prepaid SIMs" are widely available at stores that sell phones.
Your phone needs to be open for a local SIM.
EU "Roam Like At Home" rules generally apply for EU SIMs. Consider an eSIM from Airalo.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free in Haarlem and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Hotels and accommodations generally offer Wi-Fi.
Cafes and restaurants provide Wi-Fi access.
Many public spaces have free Wi-Fi. For portable Wi-Fi, visit Solis Wi-Fi.

Postal Services

PostNL is the national postal service. Post offices are often integrated into larger shops.

Sending Mail

Purchase stamps at PostNL locations.
Look for the orange PostNL logo for service points.
Post services are often in supermarkets or bookstores.

Language & Translation

Dutch is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

English Proficiency

You will rarely encounter a significant language barrier.
Most signs, menus, and information are available in English.
Translation apps like Google Translate are useful offline. Learn some Dutch phrases with Rosetta Stone.

Essential Dutch Phrases

Greetings

Hello: Hallo (HAH-low)
Hello: Goedemorgen (KHOO-duh-MOR-khen)
Good day: Goedendag (KHOO-duh-DAKH)
Good evening: Goedenavond (KHOO-duh-AH-vond)

Useful Phrases

Goodbye: Dag (DAKH) or Tot ziens (TOT ZEENS)
Please: Alstublieft (AHL-stoo-BLEEFT)
Thank you: Dank u wel (DANK oo WEL)
Yes: Ja (YAH) / No: Nee (NAY)

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand typical operating times to plan your activities effectively.

Shop Hours

Generally 09:00/10:00-18:00 (Mon later). Thursday for "koopavond" (late night shopping) until 21:00. Limited Sunday opening.

Dining Hours

Cafes/Lunchrooms typically 09:00/10:00-17:00. Restaurants generally open for dinner from 17:00/18:00, kitchens often close around 21:00/22:00.

Museum Schedules

Museums are typically open 10:00/11:00-17:00. Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum are closed on Mondays.

Banking & ATMs

Banks generally open 09:00-17:00, Monday through Friday.

Cash Access

ATMs (geldautomaat) are widely available.
Find them at bank branches or larger supermarkets.
Look for stand-alone yellow Geldmaat machines.

Public Holidays

Public holidays can affect opening hours. Many shops and businesses are closed or have reduced hours.

Holiday Impact

King's Day (April 27) sees widespread closures.
Liberation Day (May 5) usually has businesses open.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day result in closures.

Seasonal Variations

Winter Adjustments

Museums and sights may have reduced hours.
Low season generally runs through winter.
Check specific schedules for seasonal closures.

Summer Operations

Some beach clubs operate only during warmer months.
Typically from April/May to September/October.
Longer daylight hours affect activity planning.

Planning Ahead

Always check individual websites for specific accessibility information and current opening hours before your visit.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interact respectfully with Haarlem's culture and traditions.

Greeting Customs

IT'S common to shake hands for formal introductions. Among friends and family, three kisses on the cheek are common.

Social Interactions

Handshakes are standard upon meeting.
Three kisses (right-left-right) common for closer relations.
Direct eye contact is normal and shows sincerity.

Appropriate Attire

Dress is generally casual and comfortable. Smart casual suits evenings out at restaurants.

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable clothing is standard.
Smart casual for evening dining.
No strict dress codes apply for religious sites.

Dining & Tipping

Service is direct and efficient. Tipping is not required, but a modest gratuity is recognized for excellent service.

Restaurant Practices

Expect efficient, straightforward service.
A small tip (rounding up or 5-10%) is customary for good service.
Tipping acknowledges a positive experience.

Photography Ethics

Photography is generally permitted in public spaces. Always ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly for kids.

Image Guidelines

Respect signs in museums regarding photography.
Flash photography is often prohibited in museums.
Hofjes are private residences; be discreet and respectful.

Cultural Considerations

Sensitive Subjects

Avoid discussions on controversial political topics unless well-known.
Be mindful of noise levels, particularly in neighborhoods and hofjes.
Do not walk in bike lanes; this has safety concerns and local annoyance.

Local subtleties

Refrain from littering or defacing property.
Respect local norms and daily life.
Avoid disturbing residents privately areas.

Social Inclusivity

Local Acceptance

The Netherlands is progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
Haarlem is generally an open and tolerant city.
Societal acceptance is widespread.

Tourist Considerations

No specific gender-based restrictions apply to tourists.
Visitors typically experience a welcoming environment.
Respect community standards for a harmonious visit.

Respectful Travel

Observe and adapt to local customs and daily life for a more authentic and appreciated experience.

Accessibility Information

Haarlem aims for accessibility, but historic elements can present challenges.

Mobility Infrastructure

Newer buildings and public transport generally offer good accessibility.

City Navigation

Many train stations have lifts and ramps.
Historic city centers including Haarlem can be challenging.
Cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, and steps exist in older buildings.

Accessible Attractions

Many museums and larger sights have ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms.

Visitor Comfort

Ramps and lifts ease movement within attractions.
Accessible restrooms are typically available in public venues.
Newer buses offer low-floor and wheelchair access.

Sensory Accessibility

Public transport announcements often come in both visual and auditory formats.

Support Tools

Auditory announcements assist hearing-impaired travelers.
Some museums offer audio guides or tactile exhibits.
Visual formats accompany audio for accessibility.

Accessibility Resources

Accessibletravel.nl provides general information for accessible travel in the Netherlands.

Further Assistance

General accessibility information is available online.
Contact individual hotels for detailed features.
Check individual attraction websites before your visit.

Inclusive Travel

Check individual websites for specific accessibility information before your visit to ensure a comfortable journey.

Amsterdam Travel Tips