General Information
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Location

The Netherlands is located in North Western Europe, at the West and North-West coastline the North Sea; the country borders with Belgium from the South and Germany from the East and Northeast.



Language

Dutch is the national language of The Netherlands. However, English is spoken by everyone in Amsterdam. In addition, many Dutch people speak German and French.

Climate

The climate of the Netherlands is a typical mild maritime climate, wet and mild, winters are rarely strong, and summer is never very hot.

Time

The time in Amsterdam is GMT +1 (Summer time GMT +2)

Currency

The official currency in Amsterdam is the Euro EUR. Please visit www.xe.com for up to date exchange rates.

International Dialling Code

The international dialling code to Amsterdam is 0031.

To dial internationally from Amsterdam is 00 + country code.

Opening Hours

Banks

Most banks are open on weekdays from 09.00am - 17.30pm.

Some banks are open on Saturday morning and have late opening hours once a week. Some banks open only in afternoons on Mondays. The Post Bank (available at post offices) is open on Saturday mornings as well.

Post offices

Most post offices in Amsterdam are open Monday to Saturday from 7:30am - 18:30pm

Many tobacconists include full-service post office franchises. To find one, simply ask a local. Stamped letters can also be mailed in any of the bright orange TNT mail boxes. For mail destined outside Amsterdam, use the slot marked, "Overige Postcodes" (Other Postal Codes).

Shops

In general, shop-opening hours are 13.00 - 18.00pm on Mondays and 09.00am - 18.00pm Tuesday to Friday. Most shops have late night shopping on Thursday until 21.00pm and close earlier on Saturdays, at 17.00pm. Some supermarkets, like Albert Heijn stay open until 20.00 or 22.00pm. On Sundays, you can shop in the city centre, Kalverstraat, Damrak, Leidsestraat, and near the Noorderkerk.

Supermarkets

The generally accepted opening hours are 09.00am to 17.00pm Monday to Thursday (suburbs are open until 21.00pm Thursdays) and Friday 09.00am to 21.00pm.

The above is a guide only as stores generally choose their own opening times quite separate from consumer need and sales opportunity.

Emergency numbers

Police, Ambulance and Fire:112
Amsterdam Central Doctor Service:020 592 3434 / 0900 1515
Tourist Medical Service:020 592 3355
Electricity

In Amsterdam the electrical current is 220 volts/50Hz and the European round 2-pin plugs are standard. Americans and Canadians with 110V equipment will need a transformer which changes the voltage and an adapter to fit Dutch sockets. These can be bought at any hardware store.

Smoking

It is prohibited to smoke in public places in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Tipping

Restaurants

By law, the service charge for dining at restaurants is included in the price of the meal. IF you feel the service was exceptional, you can leave a tip (10%) in addition to the price on the bill.

Taxis

It is customary to give taxi drivers a tip of about 10 percent.

Contacts EACTA 2012
Chairman EACTA 2012
Peter M.J. Rosseel
E-mail: Click here

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