The city of Amsterdam uses a card system that requires you to tap in and out when you enter and leave whatever mode of transportation you are on. You can buy a ticket (more on that below) or as of 2023 you can now use your contactless card or pay with your phone just like a ticket! Read the full information here.

Yes, you must tap off the bus in Amsterdam. The public transport system in the Netherlands (operated by GVB and others) uses a "check-in, check-out" system. Whether you are using a physical OV-chipkaart, a mobile ticket, or the newer OVpay system (which allows you to tap with your contactless debit/credit card or phone), the fare is calculated based on the distance traveled. If you forget to tap off when exiting the bus, the system will charge you a "default" or "boarding fee," which is significantly higher (often €4.00 or more) than the actual cost of your journey. In 2026, the tapping process is universal across all buses, trams, metros, and trains in the city. When the bus reaches your stop, you will find the card readers near every exit door. A successful tap-off is usually confirmed by a single beep and a green light on the reader, sometimes displaying the remaining balance or the cost of the trip you just completed. Forgetting to tap off is a common mistake for tourists, but it can quickly drain your travel budget if done repeatedly.