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About Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands found within the province of North Holland. Amsterdam is colloquially referred to as the “Venice of the North”, attributed by the large number of canals which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Dutch capital has always been a well-known name in world history and played a central role in the history of the Netherlands. Even though it has all the advantages of a big city: rich culture, lively Amsterdam nightlife, international restaurants and good transport – it is also informal and quiet.
The Dutch capital is considered one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with at least 177 nationalities represented. A few of Amsterdam’s notable residents throughout history include: painters Rembrandt and Van Gogh, the diarist Anne Frank, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange is considered the oldest “modern” securities market stock exchange in the world. Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters in the city. Also many of the world’s largest companies are based in Amsterdam or have established their European headquarters in the city, such as leading technology companies. The Port of Amsterdam is the fifth largest in Europe. The KLM hub and Amsterdam’s main airport: Schiphol, is the Netherlands’ busiest airport as well as the third busiest in Europe.
Short history
Amsterdam’s name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city’s origin around a dam in the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, and became the leading centre for finance and trade. The rings of canals in the old city center date from this period with residents of the wealthy citizens. Because of lack of space, these houses were mostly narrow with big narrow windows, decorative gable tops, very narrow stairs inside and a pulley outside to transport larger objects to upper floors.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city expanded, and many new neighborhoods and suburbs were planned and built.
Main attractions
Since it is not a very big city, all sites of interest are easy to reach. From Amsterdam canals to world-famous Amsterdam museums and historical Amsterdam sights, it is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. Canal cruises are a popular way to see the city from the perspective of its canals. For an authentic local experience, rent a bike and cycle your way around.
Amsterdam’s main attractions include the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Concertgebouw, the Anne Frank House, the Scheepvaartmuseum, the Amsterdam Museum, the Heineken Experience, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Natura Artis Magistra, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam and NEMO.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Currency: The official currency in The Netherlands, is the euro (€).
Notes: € 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500.
Coins: 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents; 1 € and 2 €.
Power Plugs and Sockets: In The Netherlands the power plugs and sockets are of type C (so called “Euro” plug) and type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Time Zone: The Netherlands is on Central European Time – Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 1 hour. From April to October it is summer time, i.e. GMT + 2 hours.
Climate and clothing: Summers in The Netherlands are generally warm, averaging 21°C in August, with overnight lows dipping to an average of 12.5°C. Rain can be expected throughout the entire year, so it’s best to pack a jacket and a raincoat.
Mobile Phones: You can use the Dutch network with your own mobile telephone. The costs for mobile telephone calls depend on your own service provider. You can also buy a prepaid phone card. These cards are available at various prices at supermarkets, post offices, gas stations, tobacconists and phone shops. During U21 Health Sciences, participants are kindly requested to turn off or switch their mobile phones to silent mode in the meeting rooms when scientific sessions take place.
Internet: In the Netherlands you can find numerous places where you can use a computer with internet access, including internet cafés, libraries and almost any hotel. Nowadays many restaurants, lunch rooms, coffee shops and cafes also offer free WiFi services. Travelers from the European Union can use their own data plan without roaming costs. During U21 Health Sciences, public WiFi will be available.
Credit cards: Credit cards are accepted for payments in most hotels and restaurants. Please be aware: you cannot pay by credit card in a supermarket (only debit cards or cash). ATM machines are available at many places.
Tipping: Although all restaurants, pubs, cafés and hotels must include value added tax and tips in their published prices, leaving a tip is customary in the Netherlands. A good guideline is 5-10% of the total amount if you are having just a light snack and something to drink, and 10-15% for a more extensive meal.
Insurance: The organizers cannot accept any liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to the participants/exhibitors, either during or as a result of the event. Participants and exhibitors are advised to take proper travel and health insurance before departing from their home country.
Dutch Language: The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. The majority of the residents speak English well and many are fluent in one or two languages on top of that. For those keen to try, learning a few words or phrases will always go a long way with the locals. Some words/phrases:
Hi / Hello: Hoi or Hallo (hoy / hah-loh )
Yes / No: Ja / Nee (yah / nay)
Good morning: Goedemorgen (khoo-duh-mawr-ghu)h
Good evening: Goedenavond (khoo-duh-nah-fohnt)
Good afternoon: Goedemiddag (khoo-duh-mih-dahkh)
Good night Goedenacht (khoo-duh-nahkht)
How are you?: Hoe gaat het met u? (= formal) (hoo khaht ut meht ew) || Hoe gaat het? (= informal) (hoo khaht ut?)
Fine / Very good: Goed or heel goed (khoot / hayl khoot)
See you later (in the same day): Tot straks (toht straks)
See you soon: Tot zo (toht zoh)
Thank you: Dank u wel (= formal) (dahnk-ew-vehl) || Dank je wel (= informal) (dahnk-yuh-vehl)
Please: Alstublieft (=formal) (ahlst-ew-bleeft) || Alsjeblieft (= informal) (ahl-shuh-bleeft)
Important Telephone Numbers:
112: Emergency services (fire brigade, police, ambulance)
+31 (0)900 8844: Police information (non-emergency)
Informative websites: