ATM / Money Exchange / Tipping, Amsterdam

Netherlands was the first country (of 33) I have visited, that we had lots of problems with ATM:s. Outside Amsterdam most of them didn´t exept foreign cards! In AMsterdam there was also some witch didn´t but in most central streets we found those ones, witch took our card also. This was also the first country we had problems paying with foreign cards. We have Visa electron and Master card, and many places we heard the same "Sorry, no foreign cards.." Next time we go there, I will take more money with me, so it´s easier. Outside Amsterdam none bar,restaurant, museum, shop or what so ever took our card (becose it wasn´t local). And in Amsterdam only most famous museums and little "better" restaurants took it. It was June 2010, so not so long ago.

It seems not only is friendliness invited, it's rewarded in Amsterdam.

In booking a hotel room one night, we started up a conversation with the receptionist and were told the room was 100 Euro. We looked at the room, and decided it was a go. As we were moving our luggage, we noticed another couple looking to stay there who seemed a bit upset and stressed out. They were fairly rude and demanding. They got the same size room as we did for 150 Euro. My fiancee and I noticed a sign by the receptionist stand that said "Prices of your rooms may vary depending on your Attitude."

Also, as we stayed in Amsterdam for 9 days, we found a few places we enjoyed eating...and ended up eating at them fairly frequently. By the last day, we were paying significantly less than the first day for the same food! It pays to be nice! (And there's no reason not to, everyone is incredibly cordial in Amsterdam)

When in Dam Square, please remember to tip the living statues if your going to take pictures or video tape. I couldn't keep count of all the times people took pictures without tipping them.

This is what they do for a living, so it has to be worth while for them. I've heard locals say anywhere from .5 Euros to 2 Euros. Whatever you feel like giving, as long as you give something.

Tip low - generally. Waitresses and Waiters make much more than peeps in the U.S. They do not work based on tips, and usually the service shows for it. The general feeling is that you should feel lucky to be served by them, and that they dont need your business. Be polite, and dont expect much. When I recieve extraordinary service (basically service that can be compared to what I am used to in NYC) I tip appropriately (at least 15%), otherwise, I tip MUCH less.
If you expect too much, and show your distain, they will treat you even worse.
ALSO, most places wont serve you tap water with your meal. If you request it most place will not give it. You have to pay for water. Spa Blue is the water with no bubbles, Spa red has bubbles.

Tipping guidelines are different than the North American standard of 15%:

If you are just having coffee or a beer, round up.

If you are having a meal, around 10-15 percent is nice.

If your service sucks... don't tip.

Waiters don't live by their tips here. :)

A service charge is generally included in restaurant prices and taxi fares, but it is usual to round the total up to the nearest Euro plus 10% for good service. Porters, doormen and room service in Amsterdam hotels will expect a small tip for their services.

Most people say that it is not necessary to tip in Amsterdam. I have noticed that it is appreciated by all bartenders and all waitstaff. I have gotten into the habit of tipping just a bit...if your looza is 1.80, leave the 2euro.

Why wouldn't you tip for a meal like this?

Before you leave, contact you local bank...you should tell them you will be using your cards (credit or ATM) out of the country. You may want to have your daily ATM limit raised.

ATM's around Dam Square have long lines all weekend and usually run out of money by Sunday so make sure you have enough

Banks are open weekdays from 8 or 9 to 4 or 5; post offices are open weekdays from 8:30 to 5 and often on Saturday from 8:30 to noon.

Shopping hours are Monday from 1 to 6, Tuesday through Friday from 9 to 6, and Saturday from 9 to 5 with usually a late night during the week until 9.00pm. Certain shops now have permission to open from noon to 5 on Sunday.

Dutch are very good at making sure you understand them. First they all speak perfect English. And then, even on road signs, they can get fairly imaginative to make sure that even if you don't speak the language there is no possibility for misunderstanding.