Practical Amsterdam Information

Practical Amsterdam information for tourists: money, safety, scams, Schiphol transfers, tipping, tap water, emergencies and Dutch phrases you'll use.

11 Guides in this pillar

Amsterdam Tourist Tax & Hidden Costs Explained (2026 Guide)

Amsterdam’s tourist tax + hotel costs jumped dramatically in 2026. The city tax remains 12.5% but the national VAT on…

Updated September 7, 2026 · 8 min

Quick answers to the most-asked Amsterdam tourist questions: yes, the tap water is safe to drink (and among Europe’s cleanest);…

Updated August 15, 2026 · 6 min

Amsterdam laws for tourists are progressive and tolerant — but they have tightened significantly since 2023. Cannabis is regulated (5g…

Updated September 6, 2026 · 9 min

Staying connected in Amsterdam is easy — the Netherlands has 99% 4G/5G coverage, free WiFi at most cafés, English-speaking phone…

Updated August 15, 2026 · 7 min

This Amsterdam emergency contacts and healthcare guide covers everything you need to know if you fall ill, have an accident,…

Updated August 15, 2026 · 9 min

Amsterdam visa requirements depend entirely on your passport. Citizens of EU/EEA countries need nothing more than ID. Citizens of about…

Updated September 6, 2026 · 11 min

The Dutch are some of the most fluent English-speakers in Europe — over 95% of Amsterdammers speak conversational English, and…

Updated July 25, 2026 · 15 min

Money in Amsterdam is mostly straightforward (it’s the euro), but the city has a few quirks that catch out almost…

Updated August 15, 2026 · 15 min

Amsterdam is one of the safest big cities in Europe — but no major tourist destination is scam-free. Petty cons,…

Updated September 6, 2026 · 15 min

Is Amsterdam safe for tourists? The short answer is yes — Amsterdam consistently ranks among the safest capital cities in…

Updated September 6, 2026 · 15 min