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Dutch currency
As in most European countries, the currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €). Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change dollars, etc. at one of the currency exchange offices located throughout the city. Many shops and restaurants in Amsterdam accept credit cards, but not all. It is therefore recommended to either ask before you order or ensure you have a sufficient amount in cash to cover the bill. Most shops and restaurants do not accept €200 or €500 notes.
Tipping
Service is always included. It is however customary to tip in restaurants, bars and when paying for taxis. As a general rule tipping between 5 and 10% is acceptable.
Post office
Post offices are open weekdays only, between 9:00 and 17:00. The main post office on Singel 250 basem*nt is open weekdays between 7:30 and 18:30 and also open Saturdays from 07:30 to 17:00.
Telephone
Public telephones are becoming rare and those remaining are often card-operated. Telephone cards are available at post offices, newsagents and several tourist offices. The international access code to call abroad from the Netherlands is 00, plus the code of the country you wish to call. When calling Amsterdam from abroad, dial 0031 (for Holland) and 20 (for Amsterdam). For mobile use, while most international SIM cards can operate on Dutch networks, it is also possible to purchase a prepaid SIM card from high-street telecom shops (Vodafone, T-Mobile, Hi, etc). Lebara frequently has a stand near the main entrance at Schiphol Airport that offers free SIM cards. Please note: some international mobile phones do not operate on frequencies used in the Netherlands.
Internet
If you are a guest of a hotel, you can often use their wireless internet. And more and more cafés are now also offering wireless internet, which you can access with your own laptop. Some places offer this service free of charge, while in others you have to pay. If you don´t have a laptop you can use one of the internet cafes in the city.
