Baltic Sensuell
August 2nd - 11th, 2016

GENERAL INFORMATION

Known as the ‘Venice of the North’, Amsterdam is a city built on a cobweb of canals that boasts one of the most picturesque settings in the world. True, it is a city full of hazy coffee shops where stoners smoke all day and where prostitutes standing in red-lit windows try to lure in prospective customers, but there is much more to the Dutch capital than hookers and hash. It boasts world-class museums, great architecture and a buzzing nightlife making it the perfect city for a few days break.

Amsterdam is a truly unique city, beautiful architecture and a lively night culture. It’s really has something for everyone. The Rijks museum, Red Light District, Green Cafes, Canal cruises, and the Heineken Museum. Everything is relatively close (except Heineken and the Rijks museum) within walking distance, and walking to sights is definitely the best way to get to know the city.

Where do I fly into?

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AirportCode: AMS)

Address: Airport Post office box 7501 1118 ZG Schiphol, Netherlands

Ph: +31 020 794 0800

Website: http://www.amsterdamairport.info/

Amsterdam Weather

Typical weather ranges from a little around freezing in the depths of winter to typically pleasant sunny days of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in the summer. Spring and autumn are pleasant, but can be wet (100+ mm of rain per month).

Passport and Visa Information

Nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the majority of other European countries only require a valid passport to enter the Netherlands for a stay of up to 90 days with a passport which is valid up to then.

EU Nationals can work and stay for longer with a valid passport for up to 5 years. You are advised to contact your local Dutch embassy before travelling to ensure you know the full details for entry to the country.

Health and Safety Compared to other large cities,

Amsterdam is relatively safe. Violent crimes do not occur very often, and overall, residents and visitors enjoy a safe experience without incident. For emergency visits to your hotel room, telephone consultation and consultations on location you ask your receptionist for help or call the tourist doctor.

Fees are determined by the national GP association and are covered by most travel and medical insurances.

Currency Exchange

The currency used in the Netherlands is the Euro which is made up of 100 Cent. Notes come in denominations of €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5. The coins in use are €2, €1, 0.50C, 0.20C, 0.10C, 0.05C, 0.02C and 0.01C. ... ...

You can change foreign currency and traveller’s check at the American Express Office on Damrak 66. GWK offices at Central station and Schiphol also offer good rates and are open 24 hours. If your bank card has the ‘Cirrus’ logo you will be able to withdraw funds from bank machines, and also with your credit card

BANKS

Banks are open Monday from 13:00 to 16:00 and Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 16:00

CLOTHING

When contemplating what your travel wardrobe should consist of when traveling to Amsterdam, it is important to know that unlike cities such as Paris, Amsterdam is a casual city. You will not be required to dress up, however appearing presentable and sticking to the general color scheme of black, denim, army green and tan will allow you to blend in amongst the local’s style.

The general style within the city is grunge meets vintage, pack mostly casual clothes that you can dress up with a few key items. The city’s streets are paved with cobblestones so you will also require a pair of comfortable and waterproof walking shoes, to ensure you are able to do plenty sightseeing.

Electricity

Dutch Electricity was 220 volts, and has now moved to the European standard of 230 volts. We recommend travellers bring a world travel adaptor.

Tipping

Tipping On average, a 5%-10% service charge will be added to your bills, whether for hotels, taxis or restaurants. An extra 5% is often added in instances of superior service.

Water

August is the hottest month in Amsterdam with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F) and the coldest is January at 3°C (37°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in June. The wettest month is November with an average of 90mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 18°C (65°F)

Language

The native language in Amsterdam is Dutch, although you will find that most people speak English so don’t worry about a language barrier

What to pack for a trip to Amsterdam

• Luggage and bags: tag everything with colored tape, ribbon or such
• The spring season can be cool, so bring a light jacket and an umbrella or raincoat to protect you from the wetter days.
• An essential item would be waterproof jacket.
• Boots or brogues are the perfect addition to any spring outfit, and are both cute and fashionable.
• The best colors to choose for your footwear would be in the darker shades such as blacks or metallic.
• Good walking shoes
• Jeans and capris trousers in darker shades which you can team with vests, long sleeve shirts, jumpers, and hoodies.
• Sunglasses are important to protect your eyes from the sun and the glare, also include lip balm and sunscreen to protect you from the elements, and a swimming costume in a bright color.
• Personal Toiletries
• Medical Supplies: If coming from USA, make sure you bring with your cold medicines, aspirin, etc. You cannot purchase these items over the counter.
• Photo Equipment: I have found it’s nice to have with your laptop that will burn CD's. When my memory card is full, i just download onto the laptop

Things to carry on with you

• A copy of your passport and driver’s license.
• Your emergency telephone list of phone numbers from back home.
• A business card showing the phone and address of your hotel.
• Cash cards only if you plan to go to the bank.
• Credit cards only if you plan to go to the bank, major shopping, or to a nice restaurant