OV-chipcard or ticketsThroughout the Netherlands, the public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) is used to travel by public transport. If you're in Amsterdam for a longer period of time and use public transport regularly, buying an OV-chipkaart is the best way to go.
The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking but if you need to get somewhere fast, the use of an OV chip card is the answer. Being used on trams, buses and metros, the OV chip card (OV-chipkaart) is the easiest way to pay for all your travel about town.
Dutch currencyMany shops and restaurants in Amsterdam accept credit cards, but not all. It is therefore recommended to either ask before you order or ensure you have a sufficient amount in cash to cover the bill. Most shops and restaurants do not accept €200 or €500 notes.
The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is an affordable public transport option. It gives you 1, 2 or 3 days of unlimited use of all tram, bus and metro lines of GVB, Connexxion, AllGo, R-net and EBS (including night lines) and NS in Amsterdam and the region.
The “I Amsterdam” card offers the following benefits1 free and unlimited use of the public transportation system operated by the GVB. This includes the Metro, city buses, and trams. Ferries are generally free of charge.
The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station is the fastest and cheapest way to the city center. The train runs 24 hours a day, with departures scheduled for every 10–15 minutes between the hours of 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. (they depart every hour during other times).
The Validity of the I Amsterdam City CardThe card is valid for one person and can be purchased locally at various points of sale or at a discounted price from us online.
Using credit and debit cards in the NetherlandsMajor credit cards and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in the Netherlands at restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations. Although some small shops may charge a fee of anywhere from 2-6% if you use them.
As of 2023, all domestic trains, metros, trams, and buses in Amsterdam (and nationwide) accept payment from contactless methods including credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. As long as your card has an OV chip in it, you should be able to use it to pay for your fare.