OV Chipkaart, Amsterdam

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The Amsterdam Public Transport or GVB (Gemeentelijk Vervoer Bedrijf) has many means of transportation, like tram, bus, metro and ferry.

For using the Amsterdam Public Transportation (GVB) there are a number of options:
-Using an anonymous rechargable or a disposable "OV-chip kaart"; see OV Chipkaart information GVB or National OV-Chipkaart information

-Ticket for one day or more days; see GVB day tickets

-IAmsterdam card, a combination with free museum entrance and more; see IAmsterdam ticket info; IAmsterdam Information.

This is being described as being similar to the London oyster card but I tend to disgree it appears it is going to be a far more expensive way to travel.

My suggestions are if you plan to be in Amsterdam for a while or plan to revisit to purchase an anonymous card for Eur4 and top up with the credit you may need for your journeys. The rates are calculated on a base rate of 75c + 10c p/km. The amount you pay should be good for an hour so if you transfer trams you won't have to pay another 75c although there is some dicrepency of being charged after 35min. You need to tap your card in on entry and out on exit if you forget to tap out you will be charged Eur4. I also believe you cannot gain entry if you don't have enough credit on your card.

The other option is to purchase a disposable card which is Eur2.60 for 1hr this works out a lot more then the strippenkaart which normally worked out to E1 per trip. For 2 x 1hr it costs Eur5 but your 2nd hour starts on your 2nd tap in (confused yet?)

A 24hr (1 day) costs Eur7, 48hrs Eur11.50 and 72hrs Eur15, 96hr Eur18.

This card is only for transport on the metro, buses and trams at the moment in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

I only used around Eur7 when I was there for 4 days using the card.

When being in Amsterdam for a few days and you think that you will use the public transport you need an OV chipcard. You can buy one from the shop in front of Central Station.