Climate
The climate of Amsterdam is temperate, generally mild and damp. The weather is being influenced by the prevailing westerly winds and the Atlantic Ocean. Summers are usually warm, but cloudy; rainy days can be expected any time of year. On the whole weather is changeable, and even in mid-summer you should be prepared for sudden drops in temperature.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted at the Conference facilities.

Getting to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top destinations and can be reached easily by air, land or even sea. Cheap flights from within Europe and direct flights from outside Europe are readily available, serving Amsterdam airport Schiphol - Europe’s fourth largest and located just a few kilometers from the city center.

Transport from the airport
A Direct Rail Link connects Schiphol International Airport to Amsterdam central station and is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the city center. Trains run every 10 minutes from platforms 1 and 2 in the main arrival plaza and cost just € 3.60 for a single journey. Have change on hand to use the ticket machines to avoid the lines and € 0.50 surcharge at the ticket office. From October 2005 a fine of 35 Euro will be added to the fare if you do not have a valid ticket with you on the train.

Airport Shuttles run by Connexxion depart every 10 minutes with service to more than 100 hotels throughout the city. Tickets cost € 11 one way, € 17.50 for a return, and can be purchased inside the main arrival plaza. Guests of major hotels should first check the shuttle area to see if their hotel provides a complimentary service.

Taxis and Limousines to the city center start at € 40.

Getting Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a wonderfully walkable city with most major sites located in or near the city center. Public transportation is excellent and driving is strongly discouraged within the canal ring. Of course biking is the preferred Dutch way to travel and some would say the only way to truly experience the city.

Public Transportation - GVB (www.gvb.nl) is the public transport company of Amsterdam providing integrated metro, tram and bus service throughout Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. 24-, 48- and 72-hour GVB passes allow for unlimited travel on all trams, buses, metros and night buses for the duration of the pass and provide the most economical way for visitors to explore the city. Passes can be purchased at one of the GVB Tickets & Info Offices located at all major train stations. In addition, 24-hour passes may be purchased from GVB drivers and conductors, as well as at most major hotels and the tourist office.

A GVB 1-hour ticket (disposable OV-chipkaart) is available for purchase at 2.60 Euro. With this ticket you can travel for one hour on all GVB tram-, bus- and metrolines.  The validity starts after the first check-in. Within the validity period you can change to other GVB lines. When the time has expired, the ticket is no longer usable. The ticket can be bought at the Ticket Vending and Add Value machines and onboard from GVB drivers and conductors.

Trams provide the best way to get around Amsterdam (map) and run regularly until 12:15am.

City Buses are primarily used to reach outlying suburbs and after the trams have stopped running. Night buses run from midnight until 7am with routes connecting to Central Station, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Stop/Go Bus is blue mini-bus which rides through the Old City centre along the Prinsengracht back and forth. It has no stops - it will stop on your request at any place of its route.

The Metro (tube) is fast but is only useful if you need to travel far outside the city center or to the Amsterdam Arena.

 

Canal Boats
The Canal Bus runs every 40 minutes from 9:50 until 7:25 with 14 stops along three different routes throughout the city. Day passes cost €16 and are valid until 12:00 the next day. All of Amsterdam’s major attractions are on the route and historical commentary is provided along the way. The Museumboot (Museum Boat) is a similar concept for €14.25 per day with stops at Central Station, Prinsengracht, Leidseplein, Herengracht, Muziektheater and the East Dock. Tickets includes half-price entry to most city museums.

 

Bicycles
Bicycling in Amsterdam is a way of life for most Dutch and still the best way to get around. There are dedicated bike paths throughout the city and few hills to conquer. A number of companies offer bicycle rentals.

 

Taxi
Taxi stands are available at most tourist hubs including Leidseplein, Dam Square and Central Station. Hailing a taxi is quite difficult and virtually impossible on weekends, but cab service is generally prompt if you call ahead. Rides cost €1.80 per km regardless of the time of day and a 5%-10% tip is expected.

For a truly Dutch taxi twist, catch one of the many bicycle taxis around the city. The pedal powered taxis can carry up to two people and are actually cheaper than conventional taxi.