2008 CFA Institute European Investment Conference

 

About Amsterdam

 

To make your stay as pleasant as possible we have provided below some useful information. Please note that this information is meant to serve as a guideline only.

 

Airport

Schiphol Airport is approximately 10 km from the city centre. 

For flight information please contact + 31 (0) 20 549 12 12. The country code (+31) is replaced with a “0” when dialing within the Netherlands. Due to upgrades to the airport, construction work may be going on. We suggest you give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and check in for your departing flight.

  

Banks

Commercial banking services are available at the airport as well as change bureaus, and automatic tellers (ATMs). Foreign banks are well represented, and you can bank by ATM or internet.

 

Climate

Average minimum temperatures for December are 1°C / 33°F.

Average maximum temperatures for December are 6°C / 42°F.

December is the average wettest month.

 

Clothing

Amsterdam is quite informal. Businessmen wear suits. Restaurants can require smart casual, although jeans and t-shirts are generally accepted.

 

Credit Cards

Most international credit cards are accepted in the Netherlands (VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express).

 

Crime

Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions. Do not display expensive camera equipment or jewelry while walking about and do not walk alone in deserted areas at night. Basic Safety Tip guidelines will be available at hotels and tourism information offices.

 

Currency

The currency of the Netherlands is the euro (€) and eurocents (c). Exchange rates are printed daily in the press or visit this website.

Rounding to multiples of 5 cents:

When receiving a cash payment, retailers may round the payable amount to the nearest multiple of 5 eurocents.This optional practice must be clearly announced, however, by a sticker on the shop front and another one at the checkout point. Rounding has made paying easier and reduced the overall cost of the cash payment system. The rounding rule does not apply to debit card and other noncash payments.

 

Customs

Visitors need valid passports to enter the Netherlands.

Please visit the following website for further information on visa requirements for the Netherlands.

 

Electricity

The Netherlands electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz.

Most plugs have two round pins; however, some appliances have different pins. Adaptors are available at some hotels and can be purchased but may be in short supply. U.S.-made appliances may need a transformer. Please see this website for details.

 

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance: 112
Police : 112 
Police (tourist assistance): 0900-8844

These numbers can only be dialed from within the borders of the Netherlands

 

Etiquette

The Netherlands is an informal country and most people introduce themselves by their first name. Although a relaxed nation, punctuality is key.

 

Languages

The two official languages are Dutch and Fries. The most common languages used are Dutch and English.

 

Medical Care

The Netherlands has excellent medical services. For medical assistance please contact the front desk of the hotel. For emergency ambulance service, dial 112. The tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

 

Newspapers (English)

Expatica.com is an english on-line newspaper.

The International Herald Tribune is available online.

 

Standard Time

The Netherlands is one hour in advance of Greenwich Mean Time. Please check this website for specific time zone information.

 

Taxis

From Schiphol Airport, you can take a taxi directly to your hotel from the taxi stand. The taxi rate from Schiphol to the Novotel hotel is 30 euros. Official taxis in the Netherlands have blue license plates. If the taxi does not have blue plates, it is not an official taxi.

 

Tipping

Tipping is expected in The Netherlands. Here are some guidelines: 

• Taxis 10%
• Waiters and waitresses 10%

 

Trams

Trams are commonly used in Amsterdam with routes heading out from city center in all directions. Most tram journeys are paid for using Strippenkaarten, paper tickets which can be used for multiple trips. They can be purchased at tram stations, hotels, and newspaper kiosks. It is possible to buy a ticket for a single trip, but in general it is more cost effective to use Strippenkaarten.
View the tram schedule.

 

Travelers Checks 

Travelers checks are accepted and can be cashed at most banks. 

 

VAT/Tax Refunds

19% VAT is levied on most goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country. Please note that this does not include foods or services consumed while in the Netherlands.

 

When leaving the EU from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport:

• Go directly to the Global Refund Cash Refund Office in departure hall 3 (behind check in desk 22). Show your purchases, receipts, passport, ticket and Global Refund Checks.The staff will check your export goods. Your refund will be in cash.
• Global Refund Cash Refund Office planeside - for hand luggage
  • Planeside there are 2 offices:
  -In lounge 3 Global Refund Cash Refund Office, next to the Customs office.
  -In lounge 2 Cash Refund Office at ABN AMRO bank (desk 1)
  
  • Service provided at our 2 planeside offices:
  - refunding Global Refund checks to passengers in transit.
  - refunding of non stamped checks for goods carried in hand luggage.
  - refunding of checks already stamped prior to arriving at the airport.

 

Other useful links

• For useful information on the Netherlands visit this website.
• For useful information on Amsterdam and the surrounding area visit this website.
• For information on driving in and around the Netherlands visit this website.
• For information on the Dutch Investment Association visit this website.