Amsterdam - Post Report Question and Answers

The national transport system is all integrated (bus, tram, metro, and train) can all be paid for with the same fare card. They are well-maintained and seem very safe. We use the anonymous OV-chipkaart, it has a one-time cost of roughly US$9.39 and can be purchased at sales machines at stations, various tobacco specialty shops, at many supermarkets, and at GVB Tickets & Info. The card is valid for four to five years. You can load and use a card immediately. Most people purchase a personal OV-chipkaart. On OV-chipkaart.nl. You will need a digital photo, a Dutch mailing address, and must pay via iDEAL. The personal OV-chipkaart has a one-time cost about US$9.51 and is valid for five years. The card will be sent to your home. A travel product or e-purse balance must be loaded on the card before you can use it to travel. The advantage of the personal card is that it is less likely to be used if lost or stolen, and reduced fares for children under 12 are available. When you have guest in town GVB passes are best. The GVB day or multiple day ticket provides you with unlimited GVB travel throughout Amsterdam - day and night - on the bus, tram, and metro, for the number of hours that best suits your plans. For example, the day ticket is valid for 24 hours starting at the first check in. Taxis are very nice (Mercedes, Audis, etc. with drivers in suits) but are expensive, and usually require dispatching or going to a taxi stand at a major hotel or transport hub - flagging one on the street is difficult and uncommon. The biggest disadvantage though, within Amsterdam city center is the traffic and lack of flow for vehicles - pedestrians, bikes, and trams move faster than cars. - Oct 2014

So safe, so organized, so wonderful! Taxis are pretty expensive, though, so we rarely took them (only late at night when the trams come infrequently). The OV-chipkaarts are awesome since you can use them on trams, buses, and trains. - Jun 2014