Local transport services are all run by the GVB. Single tickets, strip tickets (strippenkarten), 1 day to 4 day passes, weekly tickets, monthly tickets and yearly tickets are available for public transportation in Amsterdam. Timetables are available at all tram and bus stops or on the internet. It also possible to plan a journey on public transport using the website http://www.9292.nl/, which gives you precise times of you itineraries, including walking time from your door to the bus/tram/metro stop.
The same ticketing system is used throughout the Netherlands and strippenkarten bought in Amsterdam are valid all across the country. While Strippenkaarten used to be valid on all forms of public transportation in the city, and throughout the country, there has been a recent transition to the OV-chip card, which is a pre-paid and rechargeable smart card that will slowly replace the strip tickets as the primary form of ticketing for public transport. At present, strippenkaarten can no longer be used on metros in Amsterdam. Nonetheless, you will find that when travelling on trams and buses, the strip tickets are often the easiest and most practical tickets for your needs.
Single tickets are abnormally expensive (2.80 euros for 1 hour) therefore, if you are planning on using public transport, the OV-chip card will become the most important card in your wallet. Having to check in and out whenever you get on and of any public transport gives you the advantage of paying only for the distance that you used the certain mean of traveling, without having to pay flat rates. You can either buy an anonymous OV-chip card (costs 7.50 euros) or order online a personal one (for 7.60 euros), which will have your photo. In both cases, one has to top up with the amount of money desired in ATM like machines found in all metro and train stations and some shops around Amsterdam. Having a personal OV gives you the advantage of topping up online.
Amsterdammers are generally relaxed and accommodating, so you don’t need to worry about any kind of proper “ettiquette” on public transportation. This will be apparent from the clean, quiet and comfortable setting that you find yourself in, regardless of the form of public transport that you are taking within the city. Nonetheless, there are two minor precautions to take: firstly, as always, it is wise to mind your belongings, since you will find that at times, you might be tightly packed with others, and this could become conducive to pick pocketing; secondly, with the ticketing system, you are often held responsible for, and accountable to, paying your way – and you should be sure to do so. Even though you will notice that you might “get away” without paying, you might also spot signs that define the fines that you’ll pay if you’re caught – and it’s not worth it! Plus, if you don’t have the cash and your passport on you, there’s a good chance, you will have to go to the police station until you produce the goods.
Pets are allowed in public transportation, however they are expected to behave (most pets in Amsterdam are well trained regarding this purpose).
