Vacationing in Amsterdam, Netherlands? Don't make the same mistakes we did!

0:00 Tammy got me!
1:05 Tap out results!
2:40 Transportation.
3:02 Slow down.
3:30 Transportation card
6:10 Airport how to find the train.
8:23 Train 1st and 2nd on the train.
10:55 Currency.
13:18 Biking.
16:01 Food.
18:23 Cafe's
19:35 Eat like a Dutch person!
20:50 Tipping.
23:05 GET OUT OF AMSTERDAM!!
26:00 Tammy's touching me!
26:43 I'm taking names!!
27:23 YOUR OPINION COUNTS!!!!!!
Vacationing in Amsterdam, Netherlands? Don't make the same mistakes we did! If you are traveling to the Netherlands to move or just vacation, there are some things you need to know to make your vacation more enjoyable and run a little smoother. There is so much more to the Netherlands than just vacationing in Amsterdam, especially when the Netherlands has the best transportation in Europe! So, take it from someone who moved to the Netherlands from the US, get out, explore and have your best vacation in the Netherlands!

[@wilfredzwart2154]

Recently they introduced tapping in and out in the OV with your pincard or creditcard and even your phone if you can pay with your phone. So easy for foreigners😊.

[@T.O.P.]

When riding a bike in Amsterdam: Beware of the tram and the tram rails! You don't want your front wheel getting stuck in there.

[@Carnovach]

There is also a silence part in the trains, that means no telephone talking no loud talking etc. Greetings, Roelof.

[@MarionBrandsen6204]

Tip for you guys: Have lunch or dinner in De Ballentent ( Parkhaven Rotterdam) It is like sitting in a 1950 Rotterdam livingroom. They are known for their meatballs.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

That is on our list!!! Thank you😊😊❤

[@MartinIrma]

We learn to ride our bike since our early youth, think about toddlers. At school we get traffic lessons, followed by theoretic exams, ending in practical exams. So riding a bike is a serious matter here.

[@MichelBaek]

Great tips on how to experience The Netherlands. Only visiting Amsterdam is just like only visiting New York and thinking you have experienced America. There is so much more. Tourist should avoid tourist traps. Always make your own path instead of following the mass. ❤❤❤

[@randar1969]

Yes that's why i visited New York and then went all the way to San Fransisco by air, to have the full american experience! ;-)

[@nlx78]

It will take forever to tell people that. They are even surprised to hear there's actualyl coffeeshops (it's a real reason why people come to Amsterdam in the first place, and not just Germans and Brits come for that) all over the country. Then again, don't want them in too much in Rotterdam either. And I 'm sure the people in Amsterdam-Beach (Zandvoort) or (Amsterdam-Extra-North) in Giethoorn or Volendam are fed up with tourists thinking their living space is a tourism thing. They just open your doors, especially Chinese are known for doing that.

[@rido1274]

Absolutely, Amsterdam and the rest of Western part of the Netherlands doesn't show the real Netherlands. If you look for the real Dutch hospitality take a trip far away from the big cities. Nice cities are Groningen, Zwolle, Deventer, Zutphen, Nijmegen, Den Bosch, Maastricht and a lot more

[@theon9575]

@@nlx78 😂 Many people, anyway, come here to smoke marijuana and/or (ab)use alcohol, but by no means ALL, as you imply. It's a particular demographic only, and they are welcome if they don't break the law, for instance smoking dope in the streets. But there is a large percent of tourists, usually NOT the youth, who come ONLY for the rich offerings in art or music. eg around half a million came this year ONLY for the Vermeer extravaganza, but you don't notice them. Music lovers from around the world flock here just for Het Concertgebouw, which has a reputation as having maybe best acoustics in the world etc etc. And this year the Lord mayor set up specific strategies to DISSUADE the alcohol-and-marijuana demographic from coming here at all! THEY'RE NOT WELCOME.

[@yvonnebirch6026]

Your videos always warm my Dutch heart and make me smile. Since I have not been back to my home land in a long time. I love how much you appreciate my little country ! Thank you for another great episode ! 👍🇳🇱👍💕🌷

[@bertvanvliet4841]

Wordt weer tijd dan,lekker kaas eten broodje haring,zo weer ff naar de markt groetjes uit nederland

[@wilfredzwart2154]

I for sure tell our family from California who are coming next week to slow down and enjoy the moments 😊

[@petersymonds4975]

Hi Tammy & Eric. I spent 3 years in Amsterdam working for the parent company of what was then Telfort. I agree with everything you say. I went to Harrlem, Arnem Eindhoven,Rotterdam, Hoorn, Zwolle Groningen and loads of other places,(my memory is on the way out) I was there from Jan 1998 to June 2003. everywhere was a different vibe. I and my colleagues ventured further, a day in Düsseldorf, a couple of day trips to Brussels and a trip to Bruges. It’s so easy to travel by train. I don’t think the majority of your countrymen give public transport a thought. The train is easier than renting a car and finding somewhere to park it.

[@vanessavanderkramer6588]

Hi Tammy and Eric, I love your vlogs and it’s good to see you looking well Eric, Tammy, your war-bike injuries look very painful. I’m an Aussie who still calls Rotterdam home, despite having lived in many countries since. I lived many years in Rotterdam and my son grew up went to school there. I now live in the UK but miss Rotterdam every day. Your vlogs are spot on! I love your fair and positive views on things as everywhere is different and has its own special nuances. Looking forward to your next vlog! Xxxxxx

[@bertkassing8541]

In the late 90s I worked for almost 10 years in the center of Haarlem (at the court). Wonderful environment to work in. Haarlem was then even less touristy. Cozy cafes, good restaurants, beautiful historic buildings and places. My daughter now lives in Haarlem (we in Hoofddorp) so I visit Haarlem quite often.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

And admire the Station in Haarlem!

[@nikki2590]

You guys are awesome! I learned about Just Stay Apartmemts from one of your vids and I was able to rent an apartment even before arriving in The Netherlands. I am now about to celebrate my first year here and your tips are always so helpful. Keep em coming! 💗

[@janjaapzwaag7417]

Tip: don't mix a café up with coffeeshop...😉

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

And at Febo, DON"T FORGET TO CLOSE THE WINDOW!

[@davidfaasse9697]

Hallo Hallo again. Tip van de Week. Jullie zijn al wat langer Nederlanders, leave the country!!!!!! hahahaha nice city trips to Antwerpen, Gent of Brugge. Nice weekend vakantie bestemmingen. just over de border in Belgium. Vlaanderen use to be part of the netherlands for 250 years a go. you will love it.

[@tetaomichel]

It's almost summertime. Now it's almost time to experience another crazy Dutch thing, the camping. Go with a tent or rent a camper :) There are many options to pick from, just pick a camping that offers you the things you want. Have a nice day and keep on enjoying life together! Greetings from the North.

[@eddys.3524]

Good video... About the OV-chipcard, you didn't mention that you've got to load enough money to be able to tap in. For the train that's €20,- and for the rest of the transit €4,- . And remember the card is "personal" so you can't use one card to travel with 2 or more persons.. One card per person. And yes, you also got to tap out, 'cause if you don't the train ride will cost you €20,- and the tram/bus or Metro ride will cost €4,- That's the way the system is designed.

[@RH-ro3sg]

Trains: the main difference between 1st and 2nd class is that 1st class is usually a lot less crowded. (And even that is not always true). It also has a little more room per seat and a few extra amenities but those features aren't really worth the higher price in my opinion. But if you value a quiet ride highly, it may be worth it.

[@eefaaf]

Grew up in Haarlem... that station there is quite a sight by itself. It's one of the first ones built as the first line opened was Amsterdam-Haarlem.

[@ramonamaramis]

Like how you correct yourself in 'Harlem' to 'Haarlem'😊. You guys know right that the name Harlem is derived from Haarlem (together with a bunch of other Dutch place names and terms made American). Nice video btw🎉

[@ruudb9438]

Hi Tammy and Eric, I think you are the best billboard for the Netherlands that exists! because of you we Dutch people realize what a nice country we actually live in! haha. By the way, have you already been to our beautiful flower bulb region? (where we live) between Leiden and Haarlem, now is the right time for that, the flower fields are in full bloom! and a visit to the Keukenhof is of course also worthwhile. Would like to meet you and drive around the region with you! always great videos from you. greetings and lots of love!

[@susankemble-jones3021]

What a lovely message ❤️

[@chubbymoth5810]

The most beautiful and well stocked museum in the Netherlands to my idea is the Kruller Muller near Arnhem. It is in the middle of a natural park and it has a really big sculpture garden with a wide variety of interesting objects. On a dry day, renting a bike to ride a path around the museum you may encounter the local wildlife, with deer and boars for instance. Never seen long lines of tourist either. Chances of getting attacked by animals here in minimal. No bears around and apart from a few wolves that were recently re-introduced after having been extinct since 1755, there are very shy vipers you might encounter. I all my life I only saw one of the latter as road kill. The vipers are poisonous, but not very lethal and bites are easily treated as I have never heard of fatalities in the modern age. Nettles and bramble vines are you biggest source of concern here. Just don't step in them.

[@ylvafreijters2535]

Arnhem heeft wel een mooie dierentuin Burgers Zoo en niet te vergeten het Openlucht museum met alle mooie huisjes en tradities.

[@Johsebthur]

Kröller-Müller has dozens of the most famous and most expensive Van Gogh paintings. It has to be one of the biggest art secrets in the world.

[@ewolthaus]

10 minutes before a waiter shows up.... that's quite quick :) Yes, it is part of the culture. Benefit is: you're not expected to finish your meal as quick as possible, like in the US. We went for a nice meal at a highly rated pizza place in Salt Lake City. Everything we ordered was served all at once and we were expected to eat and leave. In the Netherlands, you can take your time for a nice meal, sit down, enjoy the food and company and not be bothered if it take 2-3 hours.

[@Konaboy]

I love your passion for the Nederlands. I have the same feelings about the place, we’ve been visiting since 1989 and I still get excited when we drop in for a few days. Thanks for the tip on tipping, “tell them how much to add to the bill, when paying” no prompt to tip Is nice.

[@dutchigirl]

and don't forget the Silence compartments/carriages. NO talking (unless soft wispering) NO phones ringing or conversations, just basically reading or nothingness, oh the sound of silence, those cariages have the letter S on the outside, and on each window

[@qritique]

Do a trip to Dordrecht one day. It is only 20 minute by train from Rotterdam CS. The center is very nice with a lot of water and nice old buildings and history.

[@bertoverweel6588]

You can also take the "Fast Ferry" to Dordrecht, a verry nice boat trip.

[@sim-one]

Especially when it’s a sunny day 😊

[@jschouten1985]

Hoe dichter bij Dord, hoe rotter het wordt 🤣

[@sacroyalty]

Can't wait to be back in the Netherlands next month! Ayo. Thanks for the video. We plan to go to Utrecht and explore there

[@hunchbackaudio]

Excellent choice! If you have the time, also visit Amersfoort, beautiful medieval town without the tourists. Only 20 minutes by train.

[@marjabeverwijk5630]

Tammy, if you want to cycle (or walk) more calmly, next to Castricum train station, there is a very beautiful nature reserve of the PWN (Provincial Water Supply Company of North Holland) where you can certainly enjoy the nature around you (wooded dune area, in the Kennemerduinen (there are currently Scottish Highlanders, Shetland ponies, Koniks and Exmoor ponies) Or, if the weather is nice, cycle to the beach. You do need a day ticket for the dune area, which you can buy near the station at the machine (or you can buy an annual ticket online, but I might not do that for one visit). I hope you both can discover and enjoy a lot more in the Netherlands.

[@leovanmontfoort7114]

It is really beautiful here indeed! Cycling through the dunes is really wonderful. You can rent bikes near the train station

[@fafaenmiel]

6:53 Love how you say "slaughterdyke". You make it sound like a place you'd better avoid 😅

[@JulesStoop]

6:40 Stations like Amsterdam Zuid, Sloterdijk and Bijlmer are viable options for tourists that happen to stay in a nearby hotel. Also: especially A’dam Zuid is really well connected to the city center via metro. If people indeed follow your advice and get a blue OV card, they’ll be fine when traveling via Zuid and catching one of the GVB metro trains.

[@wm7195]

Good connection to Museumplein

[@thax321]

Greetings from Leiden, can recommend a visit here. Its a bit like Delft, but in its own little way. Enjoy your travels.

[@ingridwatsup9671]

Actually you may be proud: Leiden produced Rembrandt and Delft produced Vermeer; two of our greatest painters!

[@reviewerdiogeones5857]

I sense a bit of irony when people from outside the Netherlands provide some real useful information how to be the perfect tourist. Keep up the good work. You look so happy here! Please stay for as long as you want

[@Maverick21491]

Just a heads up , if you want to use the OV chipcard on the train , there must be a minimum of 20 Euro on the card .

[@dutchigirl]

and it has to be activated for railroads/NS

[@Paul_C]

Eh, think the NS is rolling out the possibility to pay directly from your bankaccount. Just like you do with shopping.

[@therealdutchidiot]

@@Paul_C Correct. They call it OVPay. It's identical to a public card, just without the upfront cost.

[@JaapGinder]

I think Eric and Tammy dis that, but it is such a thing you don't remember afterwards.

[@dutchgamer842]

​@@dutchigirlThe OV chip card doesn't have to be activated for NS at all.

[@rmyikzelf5604]

12:53 ah the quarter (kwartje, in Dutch). Sadly, since the Euro, that doesn't exist anymore. The old Dutch guilders had coins for 25c (kwartjel, 2.5 guilders (rijksdaalder/riks) and 25 and 250 guilders notes, the latter nicknamed 'vuurtoren' (lighthouse). Especially the last few generations of guilders notes were truely remarkable designs. Very colourful and nontraditional in what they depicted, with abstract designs on one side and various images on the other. The 25 note was pinkish red featuring a red robin, the 50 note was bright yellow with sunflowers, the 10 deep blue, and the 250 purple with a lighthouse. I (and no doubt others too) ran into a bit of trouble after the latest design of the 50 note was just issued, when, while on holiday in I think in France or Spain, the local bank/postoffice employee initially didn't believe it was real money 😂 No problem these days, we have the utterly boring euros now.

[@cata-wampus]

Nice video! You're absolutely right that if you stand on the red path, that 'ching-ching' sound means you are about to die. I have to admit though that I have lived in NL for more than twenty years but have never once eaten at the FEBO. XD

[@theodorakelders93]

Loved this video. You are so right. The Netherlands is so much more than just Amsterdam. I live in the east close to the German border and it's so lovely out here. You should take a trip out to the east or north, hardly any tourists and a whole different atmosphere compared to the west of the country.

[@sylviasmits9275]

Be a traveler not a tourist. I couldn't have said it better. But Eric... I WANT MY HOUDOE BACK!!!!!

[@AlexK-yr2th]

Awesome video. I am going to use this every time someone asks me what to do and how when they visit Amsterdam or The Netherlands. I will just copy and paste the link from now on. Thanks!

[@susankemble-jones3021]

i am coming to the netherlands in july and this is so helpful.. i've been glued to the screen for the information, can you let us know about maastricht at all, because that is where i am basing my stay there. thank you so much for everything you have informed us of. by the way Tammy. i can hear that dutch accent sneaking in now in your speech!!

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Hi Susan! We haven’t been to Maastricht yet, but hope to visit soon!! ❤

[@ingridwatsup9671]

Maastricht in the province of Limburg is extremely beautiful with lovely people and delicious foods/sweets (vlaai). If you are 🇺🇸 don’t miss going to the American Military Cemetery WW2 at Margraten. All the graves and persons on the Wall of the Missing have been adopted by locals, schools etc. On YT you may find very moving vids.

[@marjabeverwijk5630]

I would definitely recommend you to go to the Sint Pietersberg and the ENCI quarry, really beautiful and very impressive area to visit (we had opted for a walk with a forester from Natuurmonumenten, and found that certainly interesting and a nice addition, but you can also enjoy the environment there independently). Also well worth a tour of Ford Sint Pieter offered by Maastricht Underground, (who also give several tours of the "caves" (actually man made for marl mining)) But during the tour of the Fort you will receive information about the past conflicts (wars) and the fascinating history of Maastricht/Limburg. And of course also just wandering through the city, it is absolutely beautiful and you simply can't go wrong (at least that's my opinion as a tourist in my own country)

[@susankemble-jones3021]

@@ingridwatsup9671 I am coming from Australia 🇦🇺 thank you all for the information

[@ingridwatsup9671]

@@susankemble-jones3021 You’re welcome! Nice to know if you love art: 1942-1945 many paintings, among them Rembrandts huge painting of the Nightwatch, were kept safe in specially built faults in the St Pietersberg which you can visit. Have a good flight and hope you will enjoy 🇳🇱🌷🌷

[@renebouman7513]

Nice video but some remarks, the colour of the chairs is red for 1st class and blus for 2nd class but you can reckonize the class outside the train by looking at the numbers (1,2) of course but the 1st class is also marked by blue lines above and under the windows, clearly visably in your video. And don't forget before using the OV card to travel, you have to top it up with a minimum of 4 euro for use in a bus or minimum of 20 euro for using it in a train

[@jackvandersluis1723]

Just great vlog/info! Congrats with 10K 🥂🍾👍

[@catharinaforbes-boeren82]

Great and informative video 🎉

[@macbosch64]

Thanks for another fab video, loved it

[@00wheelie00]

If you're travelling between Amsterdam and Rotterdam you'll want to pay the surcharge for the 'Intercity Direct' and take that. It's a massive timesaver!

[@ruawhitepaw]

Please do bike! It's an amazing way to experience the country and it gives you a lot more freedom than a car would. The countryside is full of bike paths, both to get you places and for enjoyment. What I recommend against though, and this is probably where you're coming from, is starting off in the city center. Get out of the center first, find some quieter spots, and start there.

[@Semmy27]

I was here when Eric was doing solo's, glad to be an early follower/supporter of the channel! Love your video's to the both!

[@bertschalk1798]

Great video again, thanks for that....lots of useful info !! Really enjoyed watching this one...... 😊

[@jolandeputto445]

Go visit the east of the Netherlands, like Deventer, Zutphen,Zwolle. Nice old cities!!!

[@royklein9206]

Best start of a video!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@paulnobel6241]

it always makes me happy when i watch your video,s , and you are on point as well , so keep up the good work and on to 10K 👍

[@Wielie0305]

Almost 10k! You guys deserved it 👍🏻

[@bordiepenbeek145]

"Slow down" is a song by the Dutch singer Douwe Bob.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Leiden with the great observatory Hortus botanicus, and Tropen museum....

[@tubularap]

Cycling in Amsterdam is easy, I did it often. On many kinds of bicycles and combinations, at all times. (except on a unicycle 🙂) Once on a loaded 2-wheeled bakfiets towing two loaded bike-trailers, ... on the ferry crossing the IJ, ... during peak hour. No problem.

[@Tclans]

Whahah that was a funny intro!

[@fransezomer]

Eric forgetting to tap-out. That was a funny clip! LOL😅

[@corjp]

Again.... Great job guys 👍👍

[@Haroekoe]

👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼yet another great video, with great advices....

[@iamsuzanne73]

I really enjoyed this video 🤗 good job guys 👍🏻

[@ilonkagootjes858]

You are handing out some good advice. Only 1 thing. When travelling by train, on a anonymus card, make sure it has at least 20 euro's on it, every time you check in. The ride won't cost you that much, probably, but its a back-up system. ❤ Are you going to "chase" our royalty's on Kings-day? They're comming to Rotterdam. Would be nice to see a vlog about that. 😊 Maybe we'll meet😂🎉 💃

[@19hen70]

you are great ambassadors for the netherlands!! If you like trains and nice food its a nice idea to try 'the dinner train'.... so so nice experience...👍🏼😘

[@eefjewentelteefje8390]

Arnhem has to be on top of your list! Good vibes, fashion, Artez Univerity of Arts, SONSBEEK PARK best City Park in The Netherlands (Vondelpark in Amsterdam: eat your heart out). History (A bridge too far: WWII). Life is good in Arnhem. Must see: Eusebius Toren, Rozet Building, Focus Cinema (open air movie nights under the stars in Summer time...) Dudok Appeltaart, deck chairs at the Rijn, great architecture Central Station, near to The Veluwe, the Posbank, trolley buses unique in our country, cosy shopping areas. Stay the night at Hotel Molendal. The list is endless. Have fun! Ellen

[@dutchyjhome]

Yeah nice review! I'd say always bring (even in the summertime) a wind jacket which also protects you from the rain. When you are here, you'll know why ;-) Think about this a minute; Why are we such a great sailing nation....and why do we have so many windmills...? Cause the wind blows here very, very, very, very frequently and so does it rain very, very, very, very often.

[@OP-1000]

Me during July begs to differ 🥵

[@dutchyjhome]

@@OP-1000 Who knows, maybe we're gonna be lucky, it can get seriously hot here as well. Even in the coastal provinces of South-Holland and North-Holland 2 years ago it was like 40 degrees Celsius and that's not even funny hot, for The Netherlands that is ;-)

[@GewoonFrieda]

This is a very good video for tourists. Have you been to Zaandam? That station is so beautiful and the houses and mills. Or Volendam.

[@nfboogaard]

You two are adorable together ❤ I was thinking, maybe it would be fun for you to rewatch some of your first videos and have some fun doing a reaction video. Stay happy and healthy both of you... Stay off the bicyclepaths and keep tapping in and out 😂

[@Bandit-Darville]

If you want something else, and perhaps have already been to the Efteling, Burgers Bush & Zoo is well worth a visit. And if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, perhaps book a weekend somewhere around Arnhem and visit the Kröller-Müller Museum too, which is not to far from there. It will send you more towards the Veluwe, which is a beautiful national park worth a visit on its own. Bicycles can be rent there as well obviously and opens the park up for you to go pretty much wherever you'd like to go. While probably not legal outside official visiting hours, you might just catch a glimpse of newly settled wolves in the area too.. It's a bit of a controversial topic at the moment to be honest but if you're into that sort of thing, the Veluwe can have you covered if you choose to :-)

[@nerina97]

It's so nice to watch and listen your videos. If you like museums, you could take a 'museum kaart' - museum card. you pay once like 65 euros per card, then you only have to show your card at a museum and you get acces. So if you do the math it takes three or four museum visits and then you have already benefit from your card. the best thing is, if you don't like a museum you can walk out and pick another one. And seeing your videos so far, you can easily plan (day)trips to explore certain cities and their museums and travel with public transport.

[@daveyjones5702]

tourist tip: the well beaten path is also the most expensive one. all the sellers of things, especially food, up their prices in the knowledge that a lot of tourists come through there.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

You really need to go see Leiden ...and the Pilgrim fathers etc

[@jobzwart3449]

Love your videos, and I think you will definitely love the city of Alkmaar (if you haven't already been there, but I think you haven't?). Congrats with being Dutch residents and you know what they say: "You ain't much, if you ain't Dutch!" Grtz

[@cs6861]

I always enjoy your video’s and your Dutch adventures. Did you already explore the wonderfull world of the Eurovision songcontest? In 2021 the Host Country was the Netherlands in your city Rotterdam. You either love it or hate it. It’s a wild ride.

[@adpermentier3416]

Bezoek het Waddengebied vanuit Harlingen of Holwert

[@Tclans]

The space in between the train cars is called the balcony btw.

[@Maria-pq5nm]

Great vlog, especialy the bick part..😂

[@nellyschepers1254]

A good tip openlucht museum in Arnhem!

[@schiffelers3944]

This was entertaining and informative, also with visual aids. There were things I would not have thought about, because that is just how it works for me. Like no assigned seating. And just taking an empty spot in a café or lunchroom. If seats are reserved there will be a sign on them saying so. Or the service will simply ask you friendly to take different seating. There would be things I would add, or correct. But this video was centered on Amsterdam, and with that I believe all things are covered. All main / central stations have an AH to go, or a Kiosk, a place with something to eat/snack/bite and drink, etc. But not all train stations do. Capital city places often do, smaller stations don't. Also the difference with local transport service versus NS service and the tapping/checking in and out at the right places. Arriva is one of the local OV providers in the land, not just with the busses, but also trains. But there are others as well. The easy way to think of it - did you come with the Yellow (and blue) train, NS, you use the Yellow check points. It will cost you money if you make mistakes. You might be able to reclaim them digitally, by logging in with the provider of the plastic OV chip cards. If you like privacy like me you can also take the anonymous card (Blue plastic card, no photograph, name etc. on them). The yellow ones, do. But you can have abonnementen on them with special price offers so to speak. I would only recommend these if you live here, or study multiple years in the Netherlands, etc. Opstap tarieven! You forgot to mention this. You need to make sure you have a minimum tariff on the card. Also don't think you can do this in just a minute and fast, sometimes the machines have glitches, so to speak and it might take you longer. There often is less of a time crunch once you get off at your final station, not a bus stop. But you can also pay with card in the bus to charge the OV card, not sure they still take cash. Some places cash is getting fazed out. Some times it's easy breezy, and a piece of cake - fluitje van een cent. Some times you have to try over and over again, very frustrating. Take your time, slow down, as your advice also is. Also in my experience the local OV machines often have this problem more than the NS (Yellow/Blue) machines. Or there are lines in front of you and the machine. My advise is keep an eye on the money on the card, the check in/out machines/gates often will show this on a screen. If it is getting lower than *€20* when you check out, first add money on the card. Opstap tarief for NS trains is €20, for local providers €10 if I go with my local provider. This is the minimum you need to check in. This money will be put back on the card, minus the price/cost of the fare on the card when you check out. In busses I believe this minimum tariff is *€5.* So once you get below that point you can't check in, and need to put money on the card. You might have money on the card if you leave, figure out how much money you need on the card on your last day to minimize this. Seldom people will be able to get it into minus but not impossible. More often there will be a small amount left on the card in part because of the opstap tarieven. It all depends on the type of tourist or traveler one is, and what you like to see and experience... There is loads to see and do in the Netherlands. Hunnebedden in Drenthe, prehistoric megalithic stones, graves from the Neolithicum. Ancient Roman remains in the south of the Netherlands / below rivers / Limes Līmes (Latin, singular; plural: līmitēs) is a modern term used primarily for the Germanic border defence or delimiting system of Ancient Rome marking the borders of the Roman Empire, but it was not used by the Romans for that purpose. I'm from south Limburg, the second youngest province of the Netherlands. Born and raised in Heerlen, Heële, or Coriovallum in Roman times. Maastricht, capital city of Limburg also has Roman, and pre-Roman roots. Lot of catholic church power still present. Also has Maasriver tours. Some take you through sluizen, others to caves. Pancake tours, etc. (Dutch pancakes, different than American) Vaals with its hill and 3 country border point, the highest location of the Netherlands, but not the Kingdom of the Netherlands, that is Saba if not mistaken. Valkenburg, also a touristy place with loads of things to do. Visit caves, or the castle ruin, etc. it is also a wellness center so to speak. It all depends on what you are looking for. Coffeeshops are all over the Netherlands not just Amsterdam. The Wallen is more or less unique to Amsterdam, pleasure locations can be found all over the Netherlands. Sex museum in Amsterdam. So what is your vice, we offer them all. Nature, architecture, history?? The heksenwaag in Oudewater, Utrecht and the history of witch hunts and trials. It has the reputation to have never found a person guilty by trial of weighing. Also because they were ordered by Emperor Karel V, [1545] to have an honest/fair procedure. From the 16th to the 18th century people accused of being a witch have been weighed here. In this digital age - I would say do some research, some things need reservations others don't.

[@calebcunningham9936]

Thank you both so much. I am a new subscriber. I have seen other KZbinrs who make videos on the Netherlands but find your videos so honest, informative, and personal. You definitely have made a long time viewer out of me. I can't wait until I am able to visit the Netherlands in a few years!!

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Thank you for watching…more good stuff coming out! Eric

[@rollingrene]

Het is tijd van de keukenhof ga daar weense heen. 22 April is er grote bloemen corso in de bollen streek erg leuk om dat eens te zien.

[@jwenting]

On big platforms, also check what part of the platform you need to board. Multiple trains CAN AND DO stop at the same platform, sometimes simultaneously! Those platforms will be marked as A, B, etc. (so 1A, 1B). Seat colours can differ between equipment types, generally 1st class looks nicer, with less gravity. Assigned seating exists, in the high speed trains and some foreign trains. Not in NS regular material. Euros are easy, only thing that is easy to confuse are the 20 and 50 cent pieces as they're almost identical in size and colour. If your eyes aren't good, those are easy to confuse. When tipping, just round up the amount. And/or just leave the tip in cash, saves the waiters from getting it taxed as income (I didn't say that...).

[@tubularap]

Thank you for your appreciation for my town Haarlem. And thanks for sharing the adventure of your life in the Netherlands. [already subbed]

[@peterpaulharnisch]

So loved your video you two! I found the info very real and practical. I'll he heading to Amsterday in mid May for the very first time and am so excited. Good tips for leaving the city as well. I'll check out some of your other vids. Hugs, Peter (Salmon Arm, British Columbia)

[@rudyloedeman5730]

Nice video again beautiful people. Tulip season is about to start so in a week or 2 it will be worth visiting the area's where they are growing, In my area around Emmeloord they are starting to blossom and a marked tour is set up to drive around the farms. Also the coastal region around Noordwijk is quite common to visit for tulips 🌷 as well as Keukenhof which is a real tourist destination

[@womenfrom0202]

THANK YOU for mentioning bikes, it’s a nightmare biking home with all the tourists on the bike lane……..

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

In Haarlem go to the Corry ten Boom museum.

[@GOTHICDRAGONS-TRAVELS]

I like this video! You both did it very well and you both are funny and the things you both tell is exactly how it is But you forgot to mention that on the OV chip card you need to put money on it It works like a sort of prepaid card

[@ingeborgvanessen9595]

Hi Eric and Tammy, always enjoying your videos 😄. When you are in Amsterdam...a tip for best ice cream...banketbakkerij van der Linden op de Nieuwedijk 183... Really delicious.

[@juliazoutendyk5959]

I highly recommend the boat tour of Haarlem. It was beautiful!

[@theonijkerk3012]

Have you guys been to Arnhem? 1 hour from Amsterdam, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Rotterdam with a transfer in Utrecht.I know how nice it is, I've live there for more than 40 years. City Centre is nice, the Korenmarkt and along the Rhine are terraces, the Zoo in Arnhem is something special and the Open Air Museam show live in the Netherlands in 17th century. Take a bus to those atractions, bus stops straight at the entrance of the Zoo and you'll experience the hills in Arnhem. Those hills give Arnhem a kind of non-Dutch international feeling.

[@MartijnFrazer]

Honestly the tapping in/out thing drives me crazy with the ov-chipkaart. It's so easy to forget! And it's really hard to tell whether you're checked in our out! The original plan when they introduced them was to make gates at all entrances/exits, which would open when you tap in/out. So it would be impossible to enter the station without tapping in and you wouldn't be able to leave without tapping out. That makes a lot of sense, but it was deemed too complicated to apply everywhere because of different station designs and such. So they abandoned that and replaced it with... nothing! What the hell!

[@JaapGinder]

It became for us Dutch, well the most of us, a habit to tap in and out. I've seen a lot of checking in train and metro... The fine is higher... And some people take that for granted.

[@ganymedes62]

I'd like to add just one comment as I've seen tourists struggling at my local Albert Hein ... they generally do NOT accept credit cards! Other than that, it's nice to see an 'outsider' view of my home town and country. And you're right, you can always ask people, 99% of the Dutch will understand English and will be more than happy to show you the way.

[@Haroekoe]

Recently this was changed, and one should be able to use credit cars at, for instance, Albert Hein. Before that, credit cards were declined. I work for a major bank; cash management is my daily job. I added my credit card to ny Google Pay; since the change was made, I use it almost daily, also with AH. BTW I use my Revolut and Wise debit cards, that use the same channel as credit cards. I could always use them with Aldi and Lidl, also Dirk, but not AH (die op de kleintjes let, dus het cc kanaal niet openstelde, omdat dat meer kost). However, some vendors have old POS machine, that do not enable the channel. Unfortunately then it doesn't work.

[@roykamaaina]

Am an old timer in Holland. OV thing was interesting. Love watching you two. The connection is so great. I am surprised that no one drives.

[@mariadebake5483]

Almost everyone drives. We use bikes a lot too, but usually we have both

[@Paul_C]

Sold my car, it wasn't cost effective. The advent of the subscription based cars made that a decent alternative. In my case it saved me about 2000 euro per year.

[@roykamaaina]

@@mariadebake5483 Sorry, I meant Eric and Tammy.

[@SuperPassionflower]

In my perception, very informative for anyone coming over to NL - Amsterdam for the very first time! to the subject of "public transport" and the "ov chipcard", I may have missed it, but it's important for people to know you have to "check in", when entering and "check out" when exiting. If you switch train to tram you are also switching transport-provider and that means: exit train: check out, enter tram : check in! and so on. On FEBO.. it originates from a small bakery in FErdinand BOlstraat -Amsterdam, who was very successful with his "kroket".. it has become an imperium.

[@CJBruin-wj4vh]

Eric & Tammy, always really very nice to follow your vlogs I really hope you will also make a vlog of the “Koningsdag” on the 26th but on the other hand I cannot imagine you wouldn’t (esp because our king is coming to Rotterdam), vbrgds Cees

[@lewisbale1]

I love watching your videos, so informative. I've only been to Amsterdam once, loved it but it wasn't so wheelchair accessible. We stayed at the Ibis hotel at central and walked/rolled every where.

[@juliazoutendyk5959]

Biking: I was having a terrible flare up of sciatica when I was there last fall, so my husband and I rented bikes in little Volendam. I hadn't been on a bike in years, and the shop only had bikes that were too tall. THAT was an experience 😂. I only fell once, but I suffered through the rest of our vacation by just walking and stopping to relieve the pain. 😂

[@barryjm]

You no longer need to be an OV-Chipcard. As of very recently you can check in & out with any creditcard. And it works!

[@harrystevens9521]

Haarlem is great for shopping. And next time you have dinner with us in Velserbroek. I will learn you to make excellent Indonesian food. We first go to the toko in Haarlem.

[@mjvn8870]

Dit was zo'n lieve video. En zo fijn dat jullie het hier zo naar je zin hebt. Aan Eric wilde ik vragen wat is het verschil tussen begrafenisondernemer in Nederland en in Amerika?

[@juliazoutendyk5959]

There is a paper card for 48€ that can be used all day after 9:00am. That saved us money when we went to Giethoorn one day.