Practical information

BANKS Most banks are open from Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm. On Mondays businesss hours start mainly at 1 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays banks are closed.

BICYCLE RENTAL You can rent bicycles at different bike shops in Amsterdam. Compare prices and services

BOAT RENTAL Canoes, pedalboats and other boats can be rented at Canal Bike

CAR RENTAL Need a car during your stay in Holland? Recommended car rental firms in Amsterdam are: AmCar Jacob Obrechtplein 13-15, easyCar Overtoom 333, Sixt Prins Hendrikkade 20a, ph. +31 20 6242955, and Europcar Overtoom 197, ph. +31 20 6832123

CHURCH SERVICES In English: Anglican church Groenburgwal 42, English Reformed Church Begijnhof 48

CURRENCY The Euro. Check out the current exchange rates (updated every day).

ELECTRICITY 240V AC

EMERGENCY Dial 112 for ambulance, fire department, police and on-call doctors.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the Netherlands to determine your entry/visa requirements.

LANGUAGE Dutch. English is spoken by most everyone as well; Many people understand German and, to a lesser degree, French.

MOVIE THEATRES There are plenty of theatres in Amsterdam showing movies. At the Reguliersbreestraat you will find première theatre Tuschinski, one of the most beautiful buildings in the heart of Amsterdam.

PARKING Parking correct and legal in Amsterdam can be quite difficult. Parking in Amsterdam The best and cheapest way to park is in a P+R car park for only € 8 per 24 hours, including a free return ticket for the metro into the city.

PHARMACY Regular business hours are Monday to Friday between 8/9 am and 5:30/6 pm. On nights and weekends, pharmacies are open on a rotation schedule.

POLICE Find the nearest police stations , or call the Amsterdam Tourist Assistance (ATAS) at +31 20 6253246.

POST OFFICES Regular post offices are open from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm. Bigger ones are also open on Saturdays between 9 am and 12 noon/12:30 pm. Stamps can be bought in most news stands and kiosks.

SHOPPING Shops are usually open 10:00-18:00 Mon-Fri, 10:00-17:00 on Saturdays. Department stores and many of the larger stores in city are open on Sundays 12:00-17:00. Grocer's shops are open everyday, most of them until 20:00, some of them even longer.

SUMMER TIME At 2:59 a.m. on the last Sunday morning in March, the time in Amsterdam will change to Central European Summer Time (the beginning of what Americans call "Daylight Saving Time"). Don't forget to set your watch ahead one hour!

TAXI Taxi Centrale Amsterdam +31 20 7777 777.

TELEPHONE Country code: 31, City Code: 20. When calling from abroad, dial: [your outgoing country code] + 31 + 20 + [local number].

TOURIST INFORMATION Be well prepared and know what is on in and around Amsterdam. Call, email or visit one the official Amsterdam Tourist Offices (VVV) at Leidseplein, Centraal Station, Schiphol Airport, Museumplein from Mon to Fri 9:00-17:00 CET

TRAINS & BUSES Information regarding train traffic is given on ph. 0900-2021163 or www.ns.nl . Call 0900-9292 or visit www.9292ov.nl for information regarding local buses, subway and commuter trains.