The VVV office is just opposite the station at Stationsplein 10. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m every day. (closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.)
Another is at Leidseplein 15, open Monday to saturday: 9.00 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: 9.00 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. (On 30 April, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day this office is closed.)
Other VVV offices
Holland Tourist Information Office at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Arrival hall 2, open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The information office of Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board in Central Station is located on platform 2b, open Monday to thursday: 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., Friday: 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m., Saturday: 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., On Sundays and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day this office is closed.)
Addresses
Amex: Damrak 66, Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.: 9 a.m.-12 noon, Sun.: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
US consulate: Museumplein 19, open 9 a.m.-12 noon, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Getting about: Information and a map of the city’s buses, trams and underground can be had from the GVB pavilion in front of the station. If you’re going to make more than three journeys, invest in a twenty-four-hour pass. If you’re there for a while, consider the two- or three-day pass or the multi-ride ticket. The fifteen-strip ticket (sold in post offices) is good value (ten-strip ticket sold on buses), and can be used throughout Holland.
The local offices are run by individual towns and can be found in every town and village in Holland. They find you accommodation if required and supply you with all the information about the area. If you plan to cycle, ask for a cycle map. Unfortunately it’s not always free, so inquire first.
ISIC bonuses: Up to 50 per cent reduction on museums. You can get into all state museums free once you’ve bought your museum card from any state museum. For further information, contact NBBS, Dom 17, Amsterdam. In the States you can buy a Culture Card from the Netherlands National Tourist Office which gives you free museum entrances and many other bonuses.
Money matters: Banking hours are Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; there are also exchange offices in twenty-seven railway stations, some of which are open in the evenings and at weekends. Some VVV tourist offices also exchange money. ‘Store front’ style exchange shops can charge as much as 9 per cent commission, so steer clear!
• Post offices: Open Mon.-Fri.: 8.30 a.m.-5 p.m. and, in major towns, 8.30 a.m.-12 noon on Sat.
• Shops: In general, Mon.-Fri.: 8.30/9 a.m.-5.30/6 p.m. and on Sat.: 8.30/9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Museums: Most state museums are free on Wednesday afternoon. Anyone can buy a museum card which is essential for anyone taking sightseeing at all seriously.
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