Tips for budget travelers. How to save money in Amsterdam? Which mobile Internet to choose for roaming? How to save money when staying in Amsterdam for a long time
How can an ordinary tourist save money in the progressive and expensive Netherlands? We recently visited this country. A sea of impressions, by the way, we saw the North Sea in The Hague, but that’s not about that now. The journey lasted from September 10 to 17, the stay in Holland was 5 full days. The budget is approximately 100-120 euros per person, but we saved little and did not feel like “rogues”. How did we achieve such savings?
Airfare that almost everyone can afford
We booked our tickets well in advance, about 5-6 months before our trip. We bought them on Wizzair with a 20% discount. The price of a round-trip ticket was 600 UAH per person, departure from Warsaw. We didn’t have any trouble getting to Warsaw from Lvov; to do this we need to calculate everything over time, make small corridors and, of course, know some secrets of how to get there for pennies. One way to Warsaw cost us 100 UAH maximum. Conclusion: in order to buy inexpensive tickets, buy them in advance and keep an eye on promotions, or don’t fool yourself if you’re just taking your first steps in traveling and contact us!
Hitch-hiking
From Warsaw we landed in Eindhoven, so you understand, this city is located in the very south of Holland, and our goal is Amsterdam, which is located in the center. It takes an hour and a half to get from Eindhoven to Amsterdam - there are no difficulties, the problem is the price of the bus - 25 euros per person. I think you understand that this price is much more than for a one-way flight. We decided to hitchhike. You can believe it, after just 2-3 minutes, we were in the luxurious car of a simple 3rd year student. He was going to Rotterdam, we decided to go with him. Hitchhiking in Holland is good.
From Eindhoven to Amsterdam
Transport prices in Holland are still exorbitant. After walking around Rotterdam, we decided to go to The Hague, took the train, didn’t pay, although we were very worried about meeting the controller, and within 25 minutes we were there. Locals use their own “life hacks” for transport. For example, to travel to public transport There are personalized cards with money on the balance, which give a discount from 20% to 40% and simplify the process of buying tickets. Our “life hack” is that when we had to get from The Hague to the desired Amsterdam, and the train was again expensive for us (11.5 euros for one), we decided to ride as a “hare” again - three in one toilet, 45 minutes. You should have seen the reaction of people when we went there and three of us came out with huge backpacks. The Dutch are honest with their country, they pay for transport, and the controls in the country are difficult to bypass.
Tricks with Museumkaart
Museum card (Museumkaart) - very useful thing for people who love visiting museums in the Netherlands. What is she like? This is a card that allows you to visit almost 400 museums in the Netherlands throughout the year, including 34 museums located in Amsterdam. The cost of such a card is 54.9 euros. It seems that the price for such a card is high, right? But don’t rush to conclusions, let’s just do the math: entrance to most museums in the Netherlands for an adult costs 10-15 euros. That is, it turns out that the investment is completely justified.
But that’s not all: why buy a yearly card for 55 euros if you will be there for 2-4 days and are not going to devote all the time to museums? It’s easier to find a person who rents such cards. Personally, we took 3 cards per day for only 20 euros! After visiting the first museum, we saved 8 euros per person! And we were in 4 museums - consider the savings yourself.
NOTE: The card is personal, that is, you will walk with a card in someone else’s name, in 95% of cases no one will ask for your passport, the only exception is the Van Gogh Museum, where we were not able to enter using the card.
Amsterdam is certainly not the most expensive city Europe, but not the cheapest either. Somewhere in Italy or Spain you can pay much more for everyday items than in Amsterdam. But even here it’s quite easy to cost a pretty penny. In order to save your already small travel budget without pushing yourself into strict limits, we suggest 9 ways to save money in the capital of the Netherlands.
1. Visit markets instead of shops.
This applies to food, clothing, souvenirs, books and even wine!
Flea market Waterlooplein open daily (except Sunday) until 17:00. Here you can buy exclusive souvenirs that the store will not offer you! Nieuwmarkt and Noorderkerk— open only on weekends, here you can buy organic products and local delicacies. Besides, Noorderkerk turns into a vintage clothing market on Mondays. In the markets Dappermarkt and Albert Cuyp they sell food, flowers, fresh fish, clothing, souvenirs and much more.
2. Buy a multiple-entry tram ticket.
Instead of buying a tram ticket each time 2.80 €, consider an option that provides unlimited access to one, two, three or seven days.
For example, if you plan to use the tram three or more times during the day, then 24-hour ticket for 7.50 €. In this way you will not only save money, but also energy. After all, walking all day is not so easy. A 48-hour ticket will cost you 12 €, 72 - 16.50 € and a week ticket for 32 €. Tickets can sometimes be purchased on the tram itself, but it is better to buy them in the metro area under central station Amsterdam in special machines or cash desks.
3. Don't buy audio guides from museums.
Most descriptions of works and biographies of authors in museums are indicated near the paintings in Dutch and English languages. Free brochures are also available at Dutch and English, so before you buy the audio guide.
Usually with these two artifacts you will learn at least with headphones. The only museum where an audio guide can be useful is Van Gogh Museum, but in the central Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk you can easily do without them.
4. Savor local pastries for breakfast.
Amsterdammers have a very low-key breakfast - usually a pastry and a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee.
In most hotels and hostels breakfast included in price and you can get tea or coffee with toast or cereal. But if you are not provided with breakfast at your place of residence, we do not advise you to rush to a cafe or order breakfast at a hotel when you wake up. Better go to the nearest bakery. These establishments are located on almost every street corner in Amsterdam, so you're sure to find something nearby.
Typically, bakeries offer fresh, still hot baked goods at a very reasonable price, cheaper than in a cafe.
5. Don't buy water on the street.
In the city center there are many kiosks, souvenir shops and street terraces of restaurants where you can buy some water. But a bottle of regular mineral water will cost you here 2,50 € . Better stock up on water at the supermarket and take it with you to the restaurant.
Amsterdam is sorely lacking drinking water in the center, for example, drinking fountains, so merchants often unjustifiably raise the price of this product.
6. The farther from the center, the cheaper.
Hotels outside the city center tend to be newer, refurbished and slightly larger than hotels in the Red Light District and around Dam Square.
Of course, you can catch a hot offer and live right in the heart of the city, but such promotions sell out very quickly. Therefore, we advise you to stay somewhere far away, this way you can book a bed in a hostel in just for 6 € also with breakfast. And when paired with a multiple-entry tram ticket, it becomes a winning combination.
7. Avoid Argentine restaurants.
You will see them all over the city, but in reality there is no Dutch in them.
Argentine meat restaurants are here only for tourists. Most offer daily steak and fries specials for approximately 12-15 € . Not too expensive, but quite unreasonable. Moreover, you will not be limited to one menu, the waiter will definitely persuade you to drink coffee or order a salad and this way you will spend a lot more.
Usually in such establishments there are “barkers” working on the street who shout to you from afar about low prices and free tables.
8. Drink beer or wine instead of cocktails.
If you still decide to plunge into nightlife Amsterdam, please be aware that cocktails and champagne will cost you from 6 € and more per glass.
Instead, enjoy local beer or Italian and French wine. Surprisingly good imported wines are quite cheap here, and sometimes you can try homemade wine from the restaurant owner’s cellars.
9. Rent a bike.
To feel completely local, you need to rent a bicycle - the main form of transport in the city.
There are quite a few rental points here, but the main thing to consider is long-term rent is much cheaper. One day may cost from 7.50 € to 15 €, and rental for three days can cost the same 15 €. The best and most famous rental is to remember, be affectionate, experienced. You have no more loan 4 hvilin.
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With respect, Solomiya
» offer direct flights on the Moscow-Amsterdam route. Tickets are available regularly good discounts, however, for those who are not afraid of connecting flights, interesting inexpensive options there is almost always.
This card provides a huge number of bonuses and discounts for visitors to the capital of Holland. The card gives you the right to free travel on any type of public transport, except taxis.
For those who do not want to visit museums and use public transport, there is the most popular and cheapest option in Amsterdam - a bicycle. Almost half of everything traffic The city's population consists of cyclists.
The tram is also a fairly cheap form of transport. It's sixteen in Amsterdam tram lines crossing the city in all directions.
The metro in Amsterdam is a fast and convenient way to travel, but only when you need to travel far from the city center.
Keep in mind - this is very small town, and going down the subway to travel one or two stops is impractical.
Accommodation
When choosing a hotel, we advise you to focus on the “golden mean” principle. Try not to choose a hotel in the very center, but you shouldn’t go outside the city if you plan to get acquainted with historical heritage and the life of the city. However, if you choose a hotel on the outskirts, you should keep in mind the cost of transport.
If you do not want to stay in a hotel, then it is possible to rent an apartment. This is often a more profitable option. In addition, in Amsterdam, many apartment owners can optionally provide a number of services that are usually the prerogative of hotels.
Services like breakfast, of course, are provided for an additional fee, but having a kitchen in the apartment will allow you to save a lot, since food in supermarkets is much cheaper than what is offered in cafes and restaurants. By the way, in the city center even fast food can cost a serious amount, so you shouldn’t neglect proper meals in a hotel or apartment.
The main rule of the capital of the Netherlands for those who want to save money is to buy food in supermarkets. Aldi is the cheapest supermarket in Amsterdam. One of the cheapest product brands, Euroshopper will delight you with its price and quality.
As for restaurants, if you do not set a goal to go to a specific restaurant in the center of Amsterdam, then it is better to completely avoid this area in terms of food. By the way, pizza and pasta are prepared in almost all establishments.
Remember that in Amsterdam, despite stereotypes about freedom of morals, there are very strict laws regarding behavior in public places. Drinking alcoholic beverages on the street is prohibited. Alternatively, pour the drink into a non-alcoholic drink bottle.
The most delicious thing you can eat in Holland is fish. Firstly, it is always fresh, and secondly, it is prepared by the Dutch, unlike anything else.
From 16.00 to 18.00 it is very difficult to find somewhere to eat. At this time, in most catering establishments there is a shift change and the kitchens are practically not working anywhere. Please note that most restaurants are closed on Mondays.
It is customary for the Dutch to do pre order, and if you come without calling, there is a high probability that there will not be a table for you.
Essential goods can always be bought at the city markets. And if you get there around four o’clock, you can buy many products at a good discount. By the way, most traders leave unsold goods, such as vegetables, right on the shelves at the end of the day. And you can safely take it for free.
Attractions
Good museums in Amsterdam are quite expensive. Students have great privileges in this regard. Museum card, which can be issued at the box office of any cultural center with an identification document, it costs only 20 euros, and you can use it to visit about 100 museums throughout the Netherlands.
Separately, it is worth mentioning about Amsterdam museums. The average cost of visiting the museum is 10 euros per person. If you are brave enough to get around all or almost all of them, then it’s a good idea to get a map “ I amsterdam card" It costs 40 euros for 24 hours, for 48 hours - 50 euros, for 72 hours - 60 euros.
As mentioned above, it gives the right to free travel on public transport. The card also includes a free tour of the canals of Amsterdam.
Most museums provide a 50% discount on visits using this card, or even 100%. In addition, the card gives a 25% discount on a fairly impressive number of restaurants in the city.
The card will also provide a 25% discount on all attractions that operate from spring in the center of Amsterdam on Dam Square.
The card can be purchased at any branch of the Amsterdam Tourism Convention Board. One of them is located right at the airport. You can buy the card online, then it will be 1 euro cheaper. Present your printed confirmation coupon at any information office of the company and you will be given your card.
The card's validity begins from the moment it is first used.
Of course, in the spring, when traveling to any city in the Netherlands, you simply need to carve out a day to visit the largest tulip park in Europe, Keukenhof.
Amsterdam really can’t be called a cheap city for tourist visits. You need to go there with a certain reserve in monetary terms. However, there are still opportunities to save even in this city.
The first and very important savings item is transport. Let's start with plane tickets. Of course, both Aeroflot and KLM offer their services in direct flights Moscow - Amsterdam. Both there and there there are good discounts on tickets. However, if you are not afraid of connecting flights and firmly want to save money, then you can always find an interesting and very economical option.
Now, Amsterdam Airport - Schiphol is considered the fourth most important in Europe, and it is located 15 kilometers from the city center. Since you decided to save money, we are not talking about a taxi. You have three options left - train, bus or rent a car. Since the car is also quite expensive pleasure, let's focus on the first two options.
The fastest and most convenient way to get to the city is by train, since even railway station located right in the airport building. During the daytime, trains to Amsterdam depart literally every 15 minutes. For a second class ticket you will have to pay 3.7 euros one way. At night, trains depart every hour. 
Now the bus. The Conexxion bus line 197 or 370 takes you to the city center - Leidseplein. Buses depart from platform A7, which is located directly opposite Schiphol Plaza. You will get to the city in half an hour, but you will have to pay 10 euros for a ticket (round trip).
The best way to travel around Amsterdam is on foot, as the city is small. Besides, it’s much better to get to know him this way. But, if you still prefer public transport, then you will simply need to purchase an Amsterdam tourist card - “I amsterdam card”. With its help, you will receive many bonuses and discounts as a guest of the capital of Holland. Again, with such a card, you can use public transport for free, with the exception of taxis, of course. And this card also gives significant discounts on visiting museums. 
If you don’t want to use public transport or visit museums, then you can rent a bicycle. This, by the way, is the most popular and cheapest form of transport in Amsterdam. Cyclists make up almost half of the traffic in the Dutch capital. The tram, in principle, is also a convenient and inexpensive form of transport. Its 16 lines cross Amsterdam in literally every direction. The metro is also a very convenient way to travel, however, it is better to use it in cases where you need to travel a fairly decent distance from the city center. Because going down the subway to travel just a couple of stops is completely impractical.
As for living in Amsterdam, it is best to choose the “golden mean”. Do not consider accommodation options in the very center of the city, but do not move to the outskirts either, as this will bring additional costs for transport. You can consider the option of renting an apartment. In addition, you will have the opportunity to cook your own food, rather than eat in cafes and restaurants, which, you see, is not so cheap. Or consider staying in a hostel; this system is very well developed in Amsterdam. 
Now, as for food in the capital of Holland. If you plan to save on everything, then try to buy products at the Aldi supermarket chain, where they are much cheaper. And also the cheapest brand of products - Euroshopper will undoubtedly delight you not only with its low price, but also with its quality.
If you still want to visit a restaurant in Amsterdam, then at least try to avoid the city center, as the prices there are incredibly high. And by the way, you must remember that pasta and pizza are served in almost all city establishments.
Please note that, despite the fact that Holland is an incredibly liberal country, public order is still very strictly monitored here. Drinking alcoholic beverages in public places is strictly prohibited. Besides, why do you need hefty fines as well? 
Perhaps the most delicious thing you can try in Amsterdam is fish dishes. They are always fresh and prepared perfectly. Plus it's relatively inexpensive. As elsewhere, it is best to purchase essential goods in city markets. In addition, at four o'clock in the afternoon, many products are sold at a significant discount. And yet, many vegetable sellers, having not sold their goods during the day, simply leave them on the shelves. You can come up and calmly take what you need.
When it comes to attractions and museums, the “I amsterdam card” will help you here. This is very convenient if you plan to visit in one day large number museums. Most museums give a 50% discount on visiting if you have such a card, and some even 100%. A 25% discount will await you when visiting many restaurants in the city. By the way, by purchasing this card, you can travel along the canals of Amsterdam completely free of charge. 
Such cards are sold at any branch of the Amsterdam Tourism Convention Board. One of these branches is located at the airport. You can also buy it online, it will even cost you 1 euro less.
And don’t forget, while in Amsterdam, be sure to visit the Keukenhof Tulip Park. This is the most amazing thing you can see in Amsterdam.
Only 800 thousand people live in Amsterdam, and if you count the suburbs together, you get 2.3 million people. Moreover, about 4.5 million tourists come to the capital of the Netherlands every year.
Anastasia Myachkova, who hosts instagram-an account about life in Amsterdam, I moved here with my husband two years ago on a work invitation as highly skilled migrants. The Village asked Anastasia to tell us how much Amsterdam residents spend on living.
1,500 euros
Minimum salary
2,000 euros
Low income
2,500–4,000 euros
Average income
from 4,000 euros
High income
Housing
from 800 to 15,000 euros per month for renting an apartment
There is a very high demand for rental housing in Amsterdam itself. If you look for an option outside the ring or in the suburbs, then the chances of finding housing are reasonable price are increasing. The average cost of a small apartment for two in Amsterdam itself is 1,500 euros. Many apartments in historic buildings are very tiny, with a shower directly above the toilet or behind a partition in the bedroom. The most extravagant option we've seen is the closet toilet. After that, a bathroom on the floor below the apartment itself or a bedroom across the floor from the living room no longer seemed so strange. A bathroom instead of a shower in an apartment in one of the central areas can become truly exotic.
To get nice apartment, you will have to try: look at many options and convince the owners of the ones you like that you are the ideal tenants they are looking for. For example, we were asked to write a short essay about ourselves. Sometimes such an essay needs to be submitted even to get to the primary screening. Although most often the real estate agency schedules an open house day, when everyone wants to inspect the apartment at the same time. Often apartments are rented unfurnished, and sometimes without flooring. Laminate here belongs to the same category as a sofa or table - you buy it once and take it with you when you move. The most popular sites for finding housing are funda.nl and pararius.com.
In order to sign the lease, you will be asked to provide a work contract indicating your income. If the work contract is concluded for a shorter period than the desired rental agreement, then you may be charged a deposit in the amount of two months' rent.
Transport
0–250 euros per month
Monthly transportation costs greatly depend on the distance of work from home. Most Amsterdam residents travel by bicycle: the trip from home to office rarely takes more than 20–30 minutes. People most often ride a bicycle to run errands, go to a bar, go to training or go on a date.
Those who work far from home and travel by metro, tram or bus often use OV-chipkaart. This is a travel card (the plastic card itself costs 7.5 euros), on which money is deposited and then debited for each stop - it’s much cheaper than hourly or day passes, which only make sense for tourists to use. Another option is a personalized card with unlimited trips on a chosen route for a fixed price (the cost depends on the mileage) - this option is convenient if you need to get to work by train. It is possible to receive a 40% discount on travel for 60 euros per year. My husband spends no more than 30 euros on travel, but the trip costs me 250.
Food
400 euros per month
It costs about 400 euros per month to buy groceries for a family of two. At the same time, the menu is quite varied: it includes fresh fruits, berries and vegetables, seafood, a variety of cheeses, and freshly squeezed juices. The most popular supermarket chain is Albert Heijn, they are always nearby. This chain belongs to the middle class, but it is constantly expensive to shop there. Dirk has quite a good selection and prices, but there are much fewer stores than Albert Heijn. Jumbo also belongs to the middle class; they also have significantly fewer outlets. From the low price segment we can mention Lidl and Aldi, from the premium segment - Marqt and Ekoplaza. You can save on groceries by signing up for a store discount card. It allows you to buy certain goods significantly cheaper if you study the promotion schedule in the newsletter in advance and create a menu for several days in advance.
We buy basic products from the supermarket - pasta, cereals, eggs, milk, and for everything else - for example, fruits, vegetables, fresh seafood and cheeses - we go to the market. There is much more choice there, the taste and quality are better, and often the prices are lower. A piece of cheese costs 2.5 euros, half a kilo of shrimp - 8 euros, half a kilo of cherries - 3-4 euros, mango or small melon - 1-2 euros. There are quite a lot of markets in Amsterdam, some are open from Monday to Saturday, some only on Saturdays. Bread, croissants and other pastries should only be taken from bakeries, they taste much better there.
Medicine
from 100 euros for insurance per month
Having health insurance in Holland is mandatory. The basic one will cost about 100 euros per month. The extended one will cost 20–50 euros per month more, depending on the services that will be included in it. At the same time, visiting a therapist will always be free, but subsequent tests and examinations will be paid. You need to pay about 400 euros yourself, and the insurance company will cover the rest. Many employers offer a group insurance plan where they pay about 10-15% of the premium per employee.
Entertainment
40–50 euros - restaurant bill for two
12 euros - cinema ticket
Amsterdam regularly hosts various festivals and other events, from music to gastronomy. One of our favorite events is the monthly Sunday market in Westerpark with street food - there you can try Chilean empanadas, grilled sausages, Spanish paella, and hot coconut cookies - macarons (not to be confused with French macarons). In addition, you can buy hand-painted dishes.
IN good weather The Dutch all go out into the streets as one: someone sips wine on their balcony, someone rides a boat on the canals, someone sits with friends in summer cafe, and someone is having a barbecue in the park. By the way, this is one of the most popular summer entertainments - many parks already have barbecues in special areas, tables and benches are placed, so you only need to bring food and coals. But most come with their own compact or even disposable barbecues, and even in weekdays after 18:00 it is difficult to find a free lawn.
As for going to bars and restaurants, you don’t need a special occasion for this, so regardless of the day of the week, you should book a table in a good establishment in advance. On average, a trip to a restaurant for two (with two hot dishes and two glasses of wine or beer) will cost 40–50 euros. Breakfast or brunch for two will cost about 25–30 euros. The cost of a movie ticket is about 12 euros. You can buy an unlimited pass for a month for 20 euros.
