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Amsterdam Business Tips (Amsterdam, Netherlands)



As the financial capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is a major money centre in Europe, and is home to several large banking groups and the offices of many foreign banks, and many of the working force is employed in the world of finance. However, the Amsterdam area is also an important centre for chemicals, petrochemicals, cars and trucks, engines, beer, paper and not least diamonds.

Greeting Someone in Amsterdam - Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Dutch people are a courteous people and a brief and friendly handshake is usually the customary greeting, and they normally expect you to address them by their titles and last names, unless they invite you to do otherwise. The Amsterdammers are a casual, comfortable nation who are not too particular about strict codes of etiquette.




Hours of Business in Amsterdam - Amsterdam, Netherlands
In general, banks operate from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00. Most offices generally are open during the hours of 08:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday, although business hours do vary from one industry to another.

Shops tend to be open seven days a week, however, many do not open Monday mornings. Hours are - Monday 13:00 to 18:00, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday 10:00 to 21:00 and 12:00 to 18:00 on Sundays, but many shops have their own individual times. The normal opening hours of pharmacies are 08:00 / 09:00 to 17:30 but there are always chemists that open 24 hours and at weekends.

The majority of Amsterdam restaurants open daily and breakfast is served in most hotels and eateries until 10:00 and consists of a continental-style meal. 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. However, visitors wishing to dine after this time can easily find simple meals and snacks in night-time restaurants, pubs and bars. Amsterdammers also greatly enjoy snacks between meals and all over the city there are many reasonably priced snack bars or caféterias opening at around 12:00 until 01:00.

Currency Exchange in Amsterdam - Amsterdam, Netherlands
There are many opportunities to exchange currency and ATMs can be found outside most banks, Post Officers and at the airport, as well as at the Centraal Station. Post Offices are normally open during weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 but some are open till later such as the Post Office at Centraal Station, which opens later and also on Saturdays.

Dress Code in Amsterdam - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Smart casual is recommended for all forms of social engagement in Amsterdam. Even the most upmarket restaurants in the city do not have a formal dress code. For business, however, both men and women will be expected to wear suits.

 
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