...see previous posts on this thread ad infinitum.
Is it worth it for a few days when there is WiFi widely available?
For information, I used a company called Robin when I lived in Amsterdam last year, as they were really cheap, but you needed a Dutch address to register with them.
rc93
I am interested in getting opinions on best options for purchasing SIM cards for travel in the Netherlands. I will be traveling for about a week in May, mostly in Amsterdam, but also the surrounding area. I have an unlocked Android device. Most information I am finding online is dated, and I know these things (e.g., regulations, companies, prices) can change frequently. What are the best options currently available? Considering, for example,
-Which company to purchase through?
-(related) Which provider has the best service?
-Who is cheapest while still retaining quality and range?
-Purchasing in advance or when I arrive?
-Is any documentation required or is it as simple as "purchase card, insert into phone?" (I've been to some Asian countries where the process can be complicated)
Any insights are much appreciated! Thanks!
4
cecilia
By the way for Amsterdam - Paris I don't know if it's 90 or 92 days (or even 3 or 4 months??) in advance when tickets are being sold, I always find out when I need them. But I just wanted to say that I do know people who sit by their computer at midnight when the tickets are first released, to book them for the cheapest fare... soon after that batch sells out, prices will go up, and later up again, and again. At a certain point if you book a very short time in advance, even the 1st class tickets are cheaper than the (by then) expensive 2nd class ones.
jesseconway
Hi -
I am flying to Amsterdam from Portland, Oregon. It is a Delta Flight on an Airbus 330. I plan to pay a little more for delta comfort. I was wondering if any one has taken this flight or a similar one. I was thinking about booking the bulkhead seats as it appears to be a bit more room and the kids (5yr, 3yr 6mo) can lay on the ground maybe. anyone have any thoughts? Thanks!
Jesse
9
cecilia
I agree with the others that trains are much more convenient for getting to places like Haarlem, The Hague.
Münster is too far for a daytrip. Bruges is also quite a hike, at least 2.5 hours travel time one-way... and there are so many other picturesque medieval villages much closer to Amsterdam, for example Haarlem, Leiden, Enkhuizen, Kampen, Deventer, Den Bosch (= 's-Hertogenbosch).
Get tickets in advance for Anne Frank House! http://www.dutchamsterdam.nl/82-anne-frank-house
The 12 year old might be happy to visit the Museum of Bags and Purses. It's actually quite interesting and in a beautiful old canal house.
A round-trip canal boat tour is always fun.
And take another boat trip, the free ferry from the north of Central Station to Buiksloterweg (not the other ferries), in order to go to EYE film institute. Good place to have lunch with a view. And there you can make a flip booklet with a few seconds 'movie' of yourselves, you know one of those books where you flip the pages so fast that you see the pictures forming a movie. Think of a fun scenario of a few seconds! The shop has examples and explanations. It's only €4.95 and would make for a great gift to mom, I'd say.
Perhaps you also want to go on the 'swing across the edge' on the rooftop of the tall A'DAM tower.
More ideas for things to see and do: https://obertop.wordpress.com/travel-tips/amsterdam-tips/
10
cecilia
Thanks all!
Cecilia thanks for the info and great website! We are very excited for Rotterdam!
Couple of questions for you:
Do you think with our current itinerary a day trip from Amsterdam to either Utrecht and/or Enkhuizen is feasible? It looks like Enkhuizen May be more unique compared to the rest of our trip but both look great
Either one is doable or I would not have suggested them. ;-)
Utrecht might be a bit more like Amsterdam, although it's also different and less crowded. Enkhuizen is really picturesque and small.
On Kings Day is public transit insanely busy within the city?
In the center there will only be a few metros. No public transport other than that outside the center. Trains into the city can be crazy busy and if you arrive the same time as the crowds, it will take a long time to walk with your luggage to your hotel. See www.iamsterdam.com and do a search for King's Day, that will get you all the info.
We are looking at potentially staying at the Double Tree NDSM Wharf while in Amsterdam. As a Hilton member I can use points. We understand the need to take a ferry but typically we leave the hotel I’m the AM and return at end of day so I don’t think we will need to take it more than a couple of times a day however the ferry has me a bit apprehensive. We aren’t tied to Hilton and are also looking at some hotels near Vondelpark. Being a bit outside of the main area isn’t a huge concern as prices are more affordable. Any thoughts on these locations?
There's also a Hilton at Apollolaan where King's Day will be celebrated as a huge neighborhood event.
The DoubleTree by Central Station is also in a good location and has great views over the oldest part of the city (especially from its SkyLounge bar at the roof) but will probably eat up more points. You can also just visit this bar if you're not staying at the hotel.
How are the Dutch with gluten free food options? I’m intolerant and try to avoid as much as possible
Tell any waiter. Marqt has a lot of gluten free products.
Thanks, getting excited for the trip!
Have fun!
9
cecilia
Or in case they need to go to western Amsterdam (Westerpark, Museum Het Schip) they can take the ferry from NDSM to Westerdoksdijk. https://9292.nl/amsterdam/halte-veer-ndsm-werf (map shows stops).
