Trip prep: United States → Amsterdam
A complete checklist for traveling from United States to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: Visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
- Register with STEP: step.state.gov — gets you embassy alerts.
2 Money
- Tipping in Netherlands: Tip 5-10% at restaurants.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 112 — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Healthcare is excellent. Pharmacies (Apotheek) well-stocked. Insurance recommended.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: Different plug (Type C) AND different voltage (120V → 230V). Pack a Type C adapter; you'll need a voltage converter for hair dryers/curling irons.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for Netherlands — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
6°C / 1°C
cold · rainy
May
17°C / 8°C
mild · rainy
September
19°C / 11°C
mild · rainy
- Layers: t-shirts + sweaters + a packable rain jacket
- Walking shoes (broken in)
- Rain jacket and umbrella
6 Once you're in Amsterdam
- Public transit: Metro + Tram + Bus + Ferry — single fare €3.40, day pass €9 (24-hour). Trams are the workhorses. Hold your contactless card to the pink reader when you BOARD and when you EXIT — both matter.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) — Picture-postcard Amsterdam + UNESCO 17th-century mansions + central. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Keukenhof + Lisse (tulips), Zaanse Schans, Haarlem. Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: Bicycle theft is RAMPANT. Use heavy-duty locks. Drug touts in Red Light District — never buy from a stranger.
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for Netherlands in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation