The information on this page was correct at the time of publication (May 2007).
 |
Arriving
by Air
Schiphol
International Airport is about 15 km south-west
of Amsterdam. There are regular trains going to
Amsterdam Central Station. The journey by train
from Schiphol airport to the centre of Amsterdam
takes approximately 20 minutes. The meeting venue
is a 10 minute walk (or a short taxi or tram ride)
from Amsterdam Central Station.
The Connexxion Schiphol Hotel Shuttle runs between the airport and hotels in Amsterdam, including the Krasnaapolsky.
Every ten minutes between 06:00 hrs and 21:00, an air-conditioned eight-seater bus leaves from platform A7, situated immediately outside Arrivals Hall 2. A seat for your return trip to the airport is guaranteed if booked at least two hours before departure from your hotel.
On arrival, tickets are available at the Connexxion desk on Schiphol Plaza and the Tourist Information Office.
|
 |
Travel by Train from the Airport
At the airport you can buy a train ticket from
either the yellow ticket machines or the ticket
office. Take any train heading for 'Amsterdam
Centraal' (Amsterdam Central Station).
The meeting venue is located on Dam Square,
which is about ten minutes walk from Central Station.
Taxis are available outside the train station
to get you to the meeting venue or your hotel,
or if you prefer, most trams will also take you
to the Dam Square. If in doubt, ask the tram driver.
|
 |
Travel by Taxi from the Airport
Taxis are available at the taxi ranks outside
Schiphol airport. Beware of taxi drivers in the
arrival halls offering transportation as you run
the risk of being overcharged.
All taxis run on meter, or you can ask for a
fixed price to the centre of Amsterdam (around
EUR 45). Most taxis have a list that shows the
fixed prices to different parts of the city. Depending
on traffic, the meter usually comes out a little
bit cheaper than the fixed price.
|
 |
Visas and Passports
We will provide you with an invitation letter
upon request, after you have registered. We will
include details on how to apply for the invitation
letter in your registration confirmation e-mail.
|
 |
Currency and Banking
Currency Exchange
The Dutch currency is the Euro. You can change
money in most banks. The GWK Exchange bureau at
Central Station offers a better exchange rate.
Changing your money at hotels and some other foreign
exchange shops is more expensive.
Online Currency Converter
You can find a currency converter at:http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Banks
Banks are open on weekdays between 09:00 - 17:00.
A small number of banks are also open on Saturday
between 10:00 - 16:00, and Thursday evening between
17:00 - 20:00.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted widely, but
not everywhere. Some shops and restaurants do
not accept credit cards. If in doubt, ask in advance.
Cash-on-card services are available from selected
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and
Visa Card addresses. These cards are also accepted
by all GWK currency exchange outlets and change
express offices. You will find the GWK offices at Central Station and Schiphol airport.
|
 |
Electricity
EU standard: Netherlands 220V 50 Hz - round
two pin plugs.
|
 |
|
 |
General Information
Dutch is the national language of the Netherlands.
Most Dutch people speak good English. In addition,
many Dutch people speak German and French.
|
 |
Emergency Telephone Numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance: 112
- Police (non-emergency): 020 55 99 111
- Free legal advice: 020 54 82 611 or 020 62
64 477
- Doctor Services: 020 66 42 111
- Dental Emergencies: 020 68 61 109
|
you
are here: RIPE -> RIPE
Meetings -> RIPE 55 
