Hotels in Amsterdam

Planning a business in Amsterdam? Some cool tips to help you out

The concept of global village is in and Amsterdam being the financial capital of The Netherlands as well as the major money centre in Europe, you may be willing to expand your business in the city. Here are some tips which might help you in getting into some meaty deals with the Dutch people in the city which is a house for several large banking groups, chemicals, petrochemicals, cars and trucks, engines, beer, paper and not least diamonds.

Though Amsterdammers do not have very strict codes of etiquettes, they expect you to address them by their titles and last names, unless they invite you to do otherwise. A brief and friendly handshake is usually the customary greeting.

Though hours of Business in Amsterdam vary from one industry to another, in general, banks operate from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 and most offices generally are open during the hours of 08:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday. Shops tend to be open seven days a week, but many shops have their own individual times. The pharmacies remain open from 08:00 / 09:00 to 17:30 hours but there are always chemists that open 24 hours and at weekends. The majority of Amsterdam restaurants open daily. The breakfast is served in most hotels until 10:00, lunch is usually between 12:00 and 14:00, with light snacks between 15:00 and 17:00. Dinner is served from around 17:00 to 20:00 and many restaurants close at 22:00.

For currency Exchange in Amsterdam, ATMs can be found outside most banks, Post Officers and at the airport, as well as at the Centraal Station. Smart casual is recommended for all forms of social engagement in Amsterdam. For business, however, both men and women will be expected to wear suits.

Though Dutch are usually cool and comfortable people, following a few etiquettes goes a long run in establishing good business relationships.