Business trip to Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Amsterdam is the financial and business capital of Netherlands and one of the most important cities in Europe to do business as well. All business travelers will eventually visit Amsterdam on a business trip. The location of this Dutch capital at the heart of Europe gives it easy an access to number of major European markets.
Being a commercial cradle of the country, Amsterdam is headquarters many large Dutch corporations and banks like ING Group, Ahold, ABN Amro, Heineken, Delta Lloyd Group and Philips. Various multinational firms also make the city its center. They are attracted by Amsterdam’s prime position within Europe, with excellent international connections Schiphol airport and Amsterdam port, a strong infrastructure, a multilingual workforce, a stable political and economic climate and business-friendly policies.
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While tourism ( a short city trip ), plays a major role in the economy of the city, finance is as important sector as ever for it is fitting in a city that was home to the world’s first ever public stock exchange.
After finance, fashion and flowers are key sectors. Of all Amsterdam’s exports, tulips are the most famous. In terms of exports, fresh flowers are a large market and Heineken is the largest export brewery in the world, with sales to 150 countries.
Over the last few years, the city has also emerged as a strong base in advanced technological industries, computing, telecommunications and biotechnology while trade show industry benefiting the economy as ever. With renowned RAI exhibition and conference center, the city hosts and organizes many international Business to Business events.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names and professional titles.
Although a hierarchy exist in Dutch companies, it does not really show.
The Dutch are extremely direct, do not confuse this with rudeness. They expect you to be direct too.
Be modest about your accomplishments and do not show off your wealth.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Little time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are strictly followed.
Decision are made by consensus and are made slowly.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter or email with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
If making a toast, stand up.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much and always finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
The latest global business environment rankings published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) put the Netherlands among the top five, making it one of the best places in Europe to do business in from 2006 to 2010.
One of the most important reasons why companies prefer the Netherlands is its highly educated, flexible, and motivated workforce. Dutch professionals are exceedingly internationally oriented and are among the most multilingual in the world, enabling them to operate successfully in companies in any industry, serving clients across the world. This is why more than 400 of the 500 largest companies in the world have main offices in the Netherlands.
The country’s geographical position, with important waterways into both France and Germany, combined with its accessibility and excellent infrastructure and logistic services are other reasons why numerous European, American, and a growing number of Asian companies have established their European head offices in the Netherlands. Consider for example, the Port of Rotterdam, one of the world’s largest seaports, and Schiphol Airport, recognized as one of the major aviation hubs in Europe.
As the gateway to Western and Eastern Europe, the Netherlands enables companies to serve markets in the current and future Member States of the European Union, the Middle East and Africa.
| Currency | EUR |
| Time zone | GMT +1 |
| Population | 16.715.999 |
| Area | 41.543 km2 |
| Population density | 402 /km2 |
| GDP | € 423.698.025.000.000 |
| GDP/per capita | € 32.634 |
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Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is 15 kilometers southwest of the Dutch capital. Amsterdam Airport is the lowest lying major airport in the world, it is three to five meters below sea level.
Schiphol is the fourth largest airport in Europe when measured in total passengers, after Londen Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt. In 2004, 42.5 million passengers traveled through Schiphol. Amsterdam Airport already frequently gets the award of ‘best airport in the world’. The British business newspaper, Business Traveller, has gladly called Schiphol the ‘best airport in Europe’ 22 times since 1980.
Address
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Post office box 7501
1118 ZG Schiphol
The Netherlands
Telephone: 0900 - 7244 7465 (in The Netherlands) or +31(0)20 794 0800 (outside The Netherlands)
Fax: +31(0)20 604 1475
Email: info@schiphol.nl
www.schiphol.nl
Airport codes
IATA airport code: AMS
ICAO airport code: EHAM
Lost property
We can save lost and found items at the information desk for a maximum period of one day. Once this period has elapsed you can call 0900 0141, EUR 0.40 per min. If you are calling from a foreign country, dial +31 (0)20 794 08 00.
If your item has been found you can pick it up yourself. An administration fee of EUR 5.00 is charged for each lost item. Pick-up times are seven days a week from 07:00h. to 18:00h. and must be scheduled in advance.
Terminal info
Here’s a sound piece of advice to all travellers: make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time! We recommend the following check-in times for flights:
* two hours prior to departure if you are flying to a European destination
* three hours prior to departure if you are flying to a destination outside Europe
Check-in desks
* Departure Hall 1: desk rows 1 up to and including 8
* Departure Hall 2: desk rows 9 up to and including 16
* Departure Hall 3: desk rows 17 up to and including 32
Schiphol Airport has only one terminal but despite that, walking distances can be enormous. When your plane leaves, for example, from gate D87 you must count on at least 20 minutes walking from the departure hall to the gate.
Connectivity from the airport
Train
The train station is reached via the underground corridor. There are not only direct train connections with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, but also to places such as Groningen and Maastricht and even to international destinations. During the night there are trains to Utrecht, Amsterdam, Leiden, The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam. In 2007, Schiphol became accessible by high speed trains (HSL-South).
Attention: The station is a favorite place for pickpockets!
Taxi
Schiphol Plaza are Schiphol taxi’s (tel: + 31(0)20 653 1000). All the taxis have meters.
Schiphol Travel Taxi is a national taxi service that has fixed rates for everyone who travels to and from the airport.
You can reserve Business Taxi’s by telephone (tel: +31(0)38 339 4766).
If your business trip to Amsterdam takes you to the center of Amsterdam, you do not a taxi. But if your need to visit a company located outside the center, take a cab. If you need to take a taxi, you should feel lucky if you are able to hail one on the street. Otherwise, there are taxi ranks outside Centraal Station, the bus station at the junction of Kinkerstraat and Marnixstraat, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein, among other stops. Taxis in Amsterdam are identified by signs on their roofs and blue license plates.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Ambassador Taxi | +31 65 47 47 47 0 |
| AIRPORT TAXI | +31644370751 |
| Saki Taxi | +31(0)614624894 |
| Tna schiphol taxi | +31(0)611144699 |
| Taxicentrale Amsterdam | +31206777777 |
Brasserie De Poort
Following tradition, Dutch dishes have a place of honour on the menu. Also, no menu from the Brasserie ‘De Poort’ would be complete without the famous numbered steak. This steak is worth a trip to Amsterdam!The world famous numbered steaks have been served since 1870 and come with their own numbered certificate. Besides the special steak there is also the choice from Dutch and International dishes prepared with fresh ingredients daily.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 176 – 180
NL 1012 SJ Amsterdam
Tel. 020 6244860
www.dieportvancleve.com
Restaurant Breitner
Breitner is a serious restaurant that prefers its clientèle to enjoy themselves rather than defer to its quality. Breitner appeals to business travelers who appreciate the fact that they can meet amid hip surroundings and dine without a contingent of overly attentive servers. Great food and ambiance, no matter your purpose.
Amstel 212
1017 AH Amsterdam
Tel: +31 (0)20-3302998
www.restaurant-breitner.nl
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Amsterdam.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Amsterdam it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Amsterdam.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Hilton Amsterdam
Famous for John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 ’bed-in for peace’, Hilton Amsterdam is a short walk from the old city centre, Vondelpark, the Concert Hall, Amsterdam’s world-famous Van Gogh Museum and the renowned Rijks museum.
Apollolaan 138
1077 BG Amsterdam
Tel: 31-20-710-6000
More info about Hotel Hilton Amsterdam
Bilderberg Hotel Jan Luyken
The newly renovated Bilderberg Hotel Jan Luyken is a charming and elegant four star boutique hotel in the cultural heart of Amsterdam. It is positioned in three 19th century townhouses where modern design is combined with classic elements of splendid Amsterdam architecture.
Jan Luykenstraat 58
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
More info about Bilderberg Hotel Jan Luyken Amsterdam
Park Hotel
At the hub of Amsterdam’s best city centre location, Park Hotel Amsterdam combines stylish looks and cosseting service with a contemporary mindset. A fabulous location, in the middle of one of Europe’s most exciting cities, on foot only a short trip to the famous Leidseplein, the Museumplein and the luxury fashion district which is very convenient during a busy business trip.
Stadhouderskade 25
1071 ZD Amsterdam
The Netherlands
T +31 (0)20 671 1222
More info about Park Hotel Amsterdam
Markets in Amsterdam
Shopping in Amsterdam’s colorful and lively markets is a great way to clinch a bargain while picking up a few Dutch souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Bulbs are a great gift for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to Amsterdam.There are 12 daily outdoor markets, 15 markets which are open one or two days of the week and several markets which open on a certain day of the season. Most are open during normal shopping hours so weather permitting, you can shop to your hearts’ content.
There are some great markets to choose, located at a short walking trip from the centre of town. Whatever you are into, you are most likely to find it at one of the many markets- whether its general domestic appliances and other household goods or specialty produce such as cheeses or bread. All items are individually priced but if you are really daring, go down to the Waterlooplein Flea Market, one of the few markets in Amsterdam where haggling is commonplace, for your flowers or plants visit the Flower Market – Bloemenmarkt, and for your biological food check the Farmer’s market - Boerenmarkt (on Noordermarkt).The most important Amsterdam´s markets are:
Albert Cuypmarkt
Amsterdam’s largest and busiest market
Speciality: General goods, food produce, exotic herbs and spices
Located: Albert Cuypstraat/Ferdinand Bolstraat, 1072 LL
Tram: Albert Cuypstraat: tram 16, 20, 24 & 25
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
Antiekmarkt De Looier
Antiques marketAntiques and curiosa market - one of the few covered markets in Amsterdam
Specialty: furniture, jewelry, silverware, collectables.
Located: Elandsgracht 109, 1016 TT
Tram: Elandsgracht: tram 7, 10, 17 & 20
Open: each day of the week except Friday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday closed.
Bloemenmarkt
The only floating flower market in the world
Here you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to Amsterdam!
Speciality: Flowers, seeds, bulbs and rare flowers such as black tulips
Located: Singel, 1071 AZ
Tram: Muntplein: tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 & 25
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
Lindengrachtmarkt
Saturday food and flower market, next to the Noordermarkt – usual weekend shopping place for people who live in Amsterdam.
Speciality: Food, general goods, bicycles and bicycle parts, shoes, DVD´s.
Located: Lindengracht, 1015 KJ
Tram: Marnixbad: tram 3 & 10
Open: Saturday 9.00 am - 4.00 pm
Waterlooplein Flea Market
Flea market, an unique 300-stall outdoor bazaar is full of curiosa, general bric-a-brac, second-hand clothing, CDs, DVDs, appliances and other brand new and used goods.
Speciality: Second-hand clothes, curiosa.
Located: Waterlooplein, 1011 PG
Tram: 1, 2, 5, 13 from Magna Plaza or 14 from Central Station
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm; Saturday: 8.30 am –5.30 pm.
Immerse yourself in art.
If you have some time to spare during your business trip to Amsterdam, visit a museum!
Museums in Amsterdam are among the main tourist attractions. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum are the most popular choices for visiting Amsterdam during a short trip, but there are many, many more. Amsterdam has over fifty museums, which attract millions of visitors every year. Alongside the wealth of majestic Golden Age paintings, you’ll find exciting modern art, press, film, theater and photography museums and some unique Dutch treats like the Heineken Experience, the Ajax Museum and the Houseboat museum.
The Rijksmuseum is a must see when you have some spare time during your business trip to Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands, with more than a million visitors each year. The Rijksmuseum is a familiar Amsterdam landmark and possesses an unrivaled collection of Dutch art, from early religious works to the masterpieces of the Golden Age.
Location: Stadhouderskade 42
Van Gogh Museum
The museum houses some 200 paintings and 550 sketches showing Van Gogh in all his moods. These combined with hundreds of letters by Van Gogh to Theo, and selected works by his friends and contemporaries, form the core of the museum’s collection.
Location: Paulus Potterstraat 7
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House in the center of Amsterdam is the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. The original of the diary is on display as part of the Anne Frank House’s permanent exhibition.
Location: Prinsengracht 267, Jordaan quarter near Westerkerk.
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| General emergency number | 112 |
| Police (non-urgent) | 0900-8844 |
In case of a medical emergency you can turn to any hospital. Everyone in a hospital speaks at least a little english.
Dutch is a West Germanic language spoken by over 22 million people as a native language, and over 5 million people as a second language. Most native speakers live in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, with smaller groups of speakers in parts of France, Germany and several former Dutch colonies. It is closely related to other West Germanic languages (e.g., English, West Frisian and German) and somewhat more remotely to the North Germanic languages.
Most Dutch people speak at least some English but sometimes some Dutch phrases can be usefull....
| Hello | Hallo |
| Good morning | Goedemorgen |
| Good evening | Goedenavond |
| Good bye | Dag |
| See you soon | Tot ziens |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nee |
| I don’t know | Ik weet het niet |
| True | Waar |
| With pleasure | Met plezier |
| Where? | Waar? |
| When? | Wanneer? |
| Please | Alstublieft |
| Thank you | Dankuwel |
| Excuse me | Neem me niet kwalijk |
| I’m sorry, but... | Het spijt me, maar... |
| May I... ? | Mag ik... ? |
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