Transportation Card
Get an OV-chipkaart
This is a public transport card to travel by train, bus, metro and tram on which you can deposit money. You can order a personalized card (click for more info) or buy a regular card at one of the GVB machines.
Bicycle
Rent or buy a used bicycle
Most dutch people use their bikes on a daily basis. You can consider buying previous exchange students bikes by connecting with them on social media platforms. Alternatively, here are some sites international students use to rent or purchase a bike.
Register at your nearest municipality
Everyone who lives in the Netherlands (Dutch and expats) needs to register with the local municipality, so make this a priority once you’ve found your new home. Find out more about registration.
Open a Dutch bank account
It might be useful to open a Dutch bank account during your stay. Your faculty contact person can tell you where to go and which documents you need. The major Dutch banks are ING, ABN AMRO & Rabobank. Once you have opened an account, the bank will provide you with a bankcard. Credit cards are not often used in the Netherlands.
Money Exchange
Either use an ATM to withdraw local currency or go to Pott Change for unbeatable rates.
**Unfortunately, some grocery or convenient stores do not accept Credit Card. So make sure you have a debit card that does not charge for foreign transaction fees or cash.**
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About Us
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is a non-profit international student organisation. Our mission is to represent international students, thus provide opportunities for cultural understanding and self-development under the principle of Students Helping Students.
Contact
CREA, room 1.15 Nieuwe Achtergracht 170 1018 WV Amsterdam
Monday 13:00-17:00
Wednesday 13:00-17:00
Friday 13:00-17:00