Amsterdam Corporate Traveller Guide

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Business in Amsterdam first boomed during the Dutch Golden Age, when the Netherlands anchored its position as a global economic centre with strongholds in art, finance, architecture, and trade. Today, the famously liberal Dutch capital retains its position as a key business destination and remains one of our top ten booked cities globally. With the likes of Uber, Netflix and Tesla headquartering their European operations in the city, Amsterdam has a unique blend of charming cultural character while being a leading financial hub that attracts millions of corporate travellers each year.

You may know Amsterdam for having more bikes than people, more canals than Venice, and the most museums per square metre than anywhere else in the world, but what about the other stuff you need to know before heading to the city for business? Read on for our corporate traveller guide detailing all the essentials you should brush up on before you get settled in.

Amsterdam Key Information

Weather in Amsterdam

A temperate climate with warm summers, cold winters and wind all year-round. Summer temperatures average above 20°C, winter sees lows of 5°C and a consistent high chance of rain. If you have a good winter coat, sturdy umbrella and an adaptable, seasonal wardrobe you’ll be right as rain in Amsterdam.

Currency in Amsterdam

Euro (EUR)

 Amsterdam deals in the Euro and has a primarily cashless culture. Cash is still accepted but the number of ATMs is reportedly decreasing as, like many countries, Amsterdam favours card and contactless payments. 10% tips are normal but they are voluntary and discretionary.

Health & Well-being in Amsterdam

 Amsterdam’s climate and flat geography makes it ideal for outdoor exercise such as running, skating and, of course, cycling. The city is built for cyclists as cycle lanes map the entire city, and the many parks offer shady, scenic routes for both biking and jogging. Get some fresh air at Vondelpark, Rembrandtpark or Beatrixpark; Amsterdamse Bos is another haven for fitness lovers offering 1,000 hectares of green space. 

Data in Amsterdam

European travellers can usually use their normal data plan in Amsterdam at no extra cost; check with your provider to make sure.

If not, the first step to buying data abroad is to unlock your phone for international SIMs in your settings or ask in a phone shop. Using a new SIM does mean your number will change, so sending messages and making calls using apps such as Whatsapp means you can keep your own number and just buy a data-only SIM. Lycamobile and Lebara are known to offer good coverage for a decent price.

Plug Type: Type C & F

Cuisine in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a foodie heaven with comfort and indulgent foods on every street corner. Classic national dishes include zuurkool met worst (a family favourite Dutch casserole), hutspot (heart-warming mashed potato dish usually served with a Dutch sausage), and appeltaart for desert (strudel-like apple pie).

Sweet treats you have to try are stroopwafels, poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes) and the Dutch answer to a classic profiterole, bossche bol.

Language in Amsterdam

Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, but upwards of 90% of the population can understand and speak English, more than 70% can speak German, over 20% are able to converse in French. The country also has its own Dutch Sign Language.

While you can definitely get by in Amsterdam with only knowing English, if you have a basic understanding of German, Dutch is similar and may be easy to learn. Here are some Dutch phrases to get you started:

Hallo:  hello

Goedemorgen:  good morning

Doei/Dag:  bye

Bedankt:  thanks

Dank u wel:  thank you very much (formal)

Transport in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s GVB public transport system is extensive and easy to use. Cash is not accepted anywhere on the network, so pay using your card or with a reloadable OV-Chipkaart. The I amsterdam City Card is another payment option for unlimited urban exploration of top tourist attractions for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

There are 14 tram lines that connect the entire city (except Amstersam-Noord), many of which depart from Central Station. Opening at 6am and stopping at 12:00am, the tram is a popular inner-city transport method. A single fare will cost €3.20 unless you use a travel card to gain discounts.

Buses are another straightforward way to get around the city. Day buses run at the same times as trams, however night buses run all through the night hourly on weeknights and half-hourly on weekends. A single daytime fare is the same as a tram journey, however the night bus will cost €4.50.

The metro is a good option for getting out of the city centre and venturing to Amsterdam’s outskirts. There are 5 lines which run the same time and cost the same for a single fare as trams.

It goes without saying that the top transport choice among locals is to cycle and, with more than 15,000km of bikeways, it's a fun, healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around. If you’re only visiting Amsterdam and don’t want to buy one, there are places to hire a bike on every street and a day hire will cost around €12.

Use Citymapper for live travel alerts and route planning, Uber is a failsafe for taxis, and buy train tickets on Trainline.

Amsterdam Map

Feel equipped with all the knowledge ahead of your trip to Amsterdam? Start browsing our selection of Amsterdam serviced apartments and get in touch to book today. Make sure you read our handy European residence permit guide before relocating to the Netherlands to ensure you're correctly registered.

SilverDoor supplies apartments from a large and varied portfolio in Amsterdam. From the top five pet friendly apartments in Amsterdam, to the best accommodation in Amsterdam for business travel, you’ll be spoilt for choice whether travelling solo or with your furry friend on your next business trip to Amsterdam.