Tourist information for Amsterdam: everything to know before you go

The practical essentials for your trip: the official visitor centre, money and payments, tourist tax, transport, power plugs, health care, safety and local etiquette.

Last checked: September 2026

Essentials

Practical information at a glance

Visitor centre

The official I amsterdam Visitor Centre is at Stationsplein 10, opposite Centraal Station, for information, maps and tickets.

Money

The currency is the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and many places are card-only.

Tourist tax

Stays carry a 12.5% city tourist tax plus 21% VAT (since 2026). Compare total prices.

Transport

Tap in and out with a contactless bank card on trams, buses, metro and trains.

Power

230 V, 50 Hz, with type C and F sockets (two round pins). Bring an adapter if needed.

Drinking water

Tap water is safe and good to drink.

Emergencies

Call 112 for police, fire or ambulance. Non-urgent police: 0900-8844.

Health care

Out of hours, call the GP service (huisartsenpost) on 088 00 30 600. Bring your insurance details.

Language

Dutch is the official language, but almost everyone in Amsterdam speaks English.

Etiquette

Be a welcome guest

Respect the bike lanes: don’t walk or stand in them.
Keep noise down in residential streets, especially at night.
No drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis in public in large parts of the old centre.
Don’t photograph sex workers in the Red Light District.
Tipping is optional; service is included in prices.

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