By Car in Amsterdam

By Car

A network of well-maintained superhighways and other roads covers the Netherlands, making car travel convenient. Major European highways leading into Amsterdam from the borders are E19 from western Belgium; E25 from eastern Belgium; and E22, E30, and E35 from Germany. Follow the signs for Centrum to reach the center of the city. At rush hour, traffic is dense but not so dense as to become stationary.

Your driver's license may not be recognized outside your home country. International Driver's Permits (IDPs) are available from the American and Canadian automobile associations and, in the United Kingdom, from the Automobile Association and Royal Automobile Club. These international permits, valid only in conjunction with your regular driver's license, are universally recognized; having one may save you a problem with local authorities.

Parking

Parking space is at a premium in Amsterdam as in most towns, but especially in the Centrum (historic town center), which has narrow, one-way streets with large areas given over to pedestrians. Most neighborhoods are metered from 9 AM to 7 PM, so it is a good idea (if not the only option) to leave your car only in designated parking areas. Parkeren (parking lots) are indicated by a white P in a blue square. Illegally parked cars get clamped by the Dienst Parkheerbeheer (Parking Authority) and, after 24 hours, if you haven't paid for the clamp to be removed, towed. You'll be towed immediately in some areas of the city. If you get clamped, a sticker on the windshield indicates where you should go to pay the fine (from EUR 63 to more than EUR 100).

Car Rental

The major car-rental firms have convenient booths at Schiphol Airport, but the airport charges rental companies a fee that is passed on to customers, so you'll get a better deal at downtown locations.

Rates in Amsterdam vary from company to company; daily rates start at approximately $50 for a one-day rental, $140 for a three-day rental, and $300 for a week's rental. This does not include collision insurance or airport fee. Tax is included and weekly rates often include unlimited mileage. As standard, cars in Europe are stick shift. An automatic transmission will cost a little extra.

Local Agencies

Avis (Nassaukade 380, Oud Zuid. 020/683-6061). Budget (Overtoom 121, Vondelpark. 020/604-1349. www.budget.com). Hertz (Overtoom 333, Vondelpark. 020/612-2441).