Getting directions

You can use google maps. For Dutch trains use Ns.nl. For international trains NS international. 

Train travel

For travelling in train you buy ticket from ticket machine. You will need a bank card or coin. Cash is not accepted. Buying ticket is not recommended as its expensive and they charge 1 euro for printing a ticket. 

Travel card

It can be used in trains, trams and most buses. There is blue travel card and Yellow travel card. Blue travel card can be bought at ticket machine. You can put money into it. You need to have minimum 4 euros in the card to travel in bus and minimum 20 euros to travel in train. You will need a Dutch bank account or Revolut account to order a travel card online.

Yellow card is most recommended for Au pairs. With this card its possible to apply for discount subscription. A Dutch bank account is need for it. They take money from the account at the end of month.

40% Discount subscription: This give 40% discount during non rush hours and on weekends. The Non Rush hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00 and 18:30 to 6:30. You pay 5.60 euros a month for subscription. Click here for details

Weekend Free subscription: Most Au pairs take this. It gives Au pair the opportunity to travel for free during the weekend. Cost 35 Euros a month. Free travel from Friday evening 18:30 to Monday morning 4:00. If you pay 3.4 euros extra you get 40% discount during Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00 and 18:30 to 6:30. Click here to order. When you order Weekend Free they will mail you a new yellow card to your address within a week. 

If you already have a yellow card then you can give the number of that card while ordering Weekend free. Then you need to go to ticket machine and accept the subscription. 

In few cities like Den Haag its possible to buy discount card for bus.

Bikes

In Netherlands Bikes are the most common mode of travel. Sometimes host family provide a bike. Its possible to buy a second bikes for 50-100 euros. You could buy it from facebook groups for bikes or Marktplaats.nl. For Amsterdam location this group can be used to buy bikes   Bike Group

Make sure the height is proper for you. The typical Dutch bikes do not have hand brake; you have to move the pedal backwards to stop it. Bikes are the most stolen things in The Netherlands. Make sure it has a strong chain lock. Chain the bike to a bike stand. 

Under the Amsterdam central station theirs is a big bike storage place that can have 7000 bikes. Its free parking for first day.

Some host families has bak fiets. Its a bigger bike with carriage.

Cars

Few Au pairs drive in the Netherlands. Its possible to drive in the Netherlands for the first 6 months with license from home country. After that a Dutch driving license is required. Its difficult to pass a Dutch driving test as half of the participants fail their first attempt. It can take many weeks to get appointment for second test.

Some host families want Au pair to drive car. It is good to have an agreement in advance regarding insurance and liability in the event of an accident or other damage.