General information
Every type of visitor will find something of interest in the variety that Amsterdam offers: the historic centre along the canals, the museums, churches, arts & craft stores, antique stores, the contemporary architecture in the former harbour areas, and the theaters and concert halls that offer both classic and modern repertoire.
You can explore Amsterdam and its surroundings on foot, by bike, coach or boat. Information is available at the Amsterdam VVV Offices (Tourist Information Office) at Platform 2 of the Amsterdam Central Station, at Stationsplein across from the Central Station, and at the Holland Information desk at Schiphol Plaza. See www.amsterdamtourist.nl.
Weather
The climate of the Netherlands is temperate maritime.
Average temperature in Amsterdam in October is 10-11 degrees Celsius.
Average precipitation in Amsterdam in October is 91.5 mm.
Approx. sunrise 08:00 hr, sunset 18:40 hr.
Daylight saving period
Daylight saving period 2007 starts on March 25 and ends on October 28. During daylight saving time clocks are turned forward one hour. The Netherlands is located in the Central European Timezone UTC+1
Currency
The official currency is the Euro.
Banks
Most banks are open from Tuesday to Friday between 09:00 and 16:00 hr. On Mondays business hours start mainly at 13:00 hr. On Saturdays and Sundays banks are closed.
GWK offices are open 7 days a week and can be found at Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central Station.
ATMs are available at Schiphol Airport and throughout the city.
Electricity
230V/50Hz (European plug)
The cellular phone network in the Netherlands is GSM 900/1800. All mobile operators support GPRS. KPN and Vodafone offer UMTS service in some parts of the Netherlands.
Safety & crime
Amsterdam is considered as a relatively safe city. In general, violent crimes do not occur very often. You do need to be cautious of petty crimes, such as pick pocketing. Pickpockets are mainly active in the summer and in the train travelling between Amsterdam Central Station and Schiphol Airport. They can also find you in a tram or when you are watching one of the many street artists perform. Watch your belongings carefully.
National Emergency numbers
Police, fire brigade, ambulance: tel.: 112
National number police, no emergency: tel.: 0900 8844
ATAS (Amsterdam Tourist Assistance Service)
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 104-108
1012 SG Amsterdam
Tel.: (+31) (0)20 625 32 46
ATAS provides a special service to tourists who are robbed or otherwise victimised while visiting the city of Amsterdam.
Embassies and consulates
Dutch embassies and consulates abroad and foreign embassies and consulates in the Netherlands can be found on www.minbuza.nl
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