As of June 3, 2010, the strippenkaart system used for so many years on Amsterdam public transportation has been replaced by an electronic chip card system. Learn what this means for visitors to the city.
Why the Switch?
The switch is part of a nation-wide project: on the longer run, all public transport in the Netherlands must be paid with the OV chipcard. As the project is technically complicated and comes with many (computer) start-up problems, the introduction of the OV-chipkaart is carried out in stages. Making the OV-chipkaart obligatory in Amsterdam is one of these stages. The Rotterdam region preceded Amsterdam in this, in February.What Should Visitors Do?
For visitors of Amsterdam, the most practical card is the GVB 24-168 hours ticket (valid for 1-7 days). From the moment you first use it, it is valid until exactly 24 to 168 hours later. The GVB card is valid on all buses, trams and metros within the Amsterdam city limits, including the night buses. It does not work on the Dutch Railways, so also not on the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam. For use of the train you should still buy a ticket, at the counter or at a vending machine. There is also the Amsterdam All in 1 Travel Ticket (only on sale at the airport). This OV-chipkaart includes 2 single train rides from Amsterdam to the airport, and unlimited travel on bus, tram and metro within Amsterdam for 24 to 96 hours.Other Options
Buying a disposable OV-chipkaart on the bus or tram is also a possibility, but relatively expensive: each ride (1 hour) is E 2,60 per person. On the bus or tram you can also buy a 24 hour disposable card for E 7,-. Buying a disposable card each time you use a bus or tram may be an option if you expect to walk in Amsterdam most of the time. Most attractions are in the centre of Amsterdam, and if your accommodation is there too, walking everywhere becomes an option. The centre of Amsterdam is relatively small.
