Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Europe


Amsterdam RAI conference centre

The conference is organised in the modern Amsterdam RAI conference center, located close to the city center and Amsterdam International Airport (Schiphol). More information on the RAI and travel information

The RAI has a business centre, where you can make phone-calls, fax, print transparencies (in case you prepare them in the plane :) )

If you need to read your e-mail or browse the Intermag 2002 webpages, the RAI business center has internet access but also most hotels have RJ phone-line connections in the rooms. If you don't have an international provider, you can use a free internet provider, but be aware you have to register first and that local calls in the Netherlands are not free (some hotels even add surcharges). There is a web-corner in the RAI conference centre with 6 PCs. In town however there are many internet cafes, such as Easy everything, with 200-400 PCs.


Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands. Allthough it is an old, historical, town, it is multi-cultural, very lively and the home base of many multi-nationals. To prepare your visit to this unique city, visit Simply Amsterdam, or visitamsterdam.

Like in all big cities in the world, also in Amsterdam pickpockets are active, especially at busy places like the airport, trams and trains. Take care of your belongings and never leave your luggage unguarded.

While you are in Amsterdam, you might want to visit the exhibition on Van Gogh and Gaugin in the Van Gogh museum. Note that there are time-slots, so ordering your tickets in advance might be wise.


The Netherlands

The Netherlands (also known as Holland) is a small, but very densily populated country in Europe, located at the border of the North Sea. Most major cities are located within a radius of 50 km, and public transport is excellent. Amsterdam airport (Schiphol), is one of the major European hubs, so you should have no problem finding a suitable flight.

The official language is Dutch, but many Dutch people speak very understandable English. The official currency in 2002 will be the Euro, which is accepted in most European countries. Currency converter

The inhabitants of the The Netherlands (the Dutch people) are independent, but very friendly and helpfull. You will find no problems travelling around the country. but you might want to watch your belongings. Moreover, the Netherlands are a nice basis to visit other parts of Europe, most major European cities (Paris, London, Berlin), can be reached by surface transport within a day.

The climate in the Netherlands is very mild. In April-May the temperature can be quite agreeable (15-20 degrees Celcius), but it can get cold at night. Like always in The Netherlands, there is a good chance it will rain. Check here what the weather is doing now.

If you like flowers, you don't want to miss the Floriade, a unique horticultural exhibition which takes place only once every 10 years! You can join an organised tour, see Program/Social Events section (navigation bar on the left).

Please note that April 30th is an official holyday with a lot of festivities (Queens day). May 1st is Labour day, and many banks and government sites will be closed, but for the rest life will be normal again.


JBL (Just a Bunch of Links)


Leon Last modified: Mon Apr 22 22:01:46 CEST 2002