View Full Version : Planning a trip to Amsterdam for 2 months...
Adorkable
2008-06-27, 20:52
I want to leave America in early September. Wanting to stay for two months or a little longer, I am wondering about the availability of living spaces that offer monthly rent arrangements. I don't think I'd mind a short trip into the heart of the city if long-term accommodations get any cheaper towards the outskirts. I haven't been able to find any clear information on the subject by myself, so if any of you have knowledge or experience here, it would be much appreciated!
Aside from a place to live, I'm looking for a cheap way to get there. If anyone has any airline recommendations or tips/strategies to getting there on the cheap, please share!
The dutch don't like americans.
Adorkable
2008-06-30, 00:48
The dutch don't like americans.
They sure like our money...
For now at least.
It's the most expensive city in the Netherlands.
If it's for only 2 months you should check out "Anti-kraak"; anti-squatters. Empty schools and businesses that are temporarely rented out to avoid people squatting in it. Probably the cheapest way to rent, only problem is that who ever owns the building can kick you out easily if he wants to use the building for something else.
Adorkable
2008-06-30, 23:10
Nice lead. Wish I spoke dutch.
Nice lead. Wish I spoke dutch.
It'll be hard as fuck to get something in Amsterdam. Especially from outside of the country and not speaking dutch.
How much are you willing to pay for a room? I might be able to give you some more decent info (since I'm dutch and have friends in Amsterdam).
Adorkable
2008-07-04, 06:24
It'll be hard as fuck to get something in Amsterdam. Especially from outside of the country and not speaking dutch.
How much are you willing to pay for a room? I might be able to give you some more decent info (since I'm dutch and have friends in Amsterdam).
I'm actually clueless to what I should expect to pay, I just thought that one would be able to rent a room on a monthly basis (like anywhere else in the world) somewhere in the city. I live in one of the most expensive counties in the U.S. and studio apartments here go for around $1000 a month. But the only options (besides youth hostels) that available to tourists that I have seen in Amsterdam only list nightly prices, and go up to that amount.
I'm actually clueless to what I should expect to pay, I just thought that one would be able to rent a room on a monthly basis (like anywhere else in the world) somewhere in the city. I live in one of the most expensive counties in the U.S. and studio apartments here go for around $1000 a month. But the only options (besides youth hostels) that available to tourists that I have seen in Amsterdam only list nightly prices, and go up to that amount.
$1000 is about €630.
That's anough to rent something decent, I checked an anti-kraak website and it already listed that you have to have a dutch passport to be eligible. So you'll probably have to search for a normal appartment. You'll probably spend around €500 a month. Depends on how big you want it.
Have you checked about visas and stuff?
Tamerlane
2008-07-04, 10:09
Squat. Really! Live in an existing one or ask around and find out which buildings have been empty for more than a year. Then you can move in - you'll need a bed, a table, and a chair. Be sure to call the police and tell them that you're squatting, they won't kick you out - they'll just take a look around.
Adorkable
2008-07-05, 20:00
$1000 is about €630.
That's anough to rent something decent, I checked an anti-kraak website and it already listed that you have to have a dutch passport to be eligible. So you'll probably have to search for a normal appartment. You'll probably spend around €500 a month. Depends on how big you want it.
Have you checked about visas and stuff?
The apartment could be the smallest available, as far as I'm concerned. I really just need a bed, a small desk or table and a place to keep my clothes/books. Seems that US passport holders can stay without a visa for up to 90 days, which is already more than I'm planning to stay.
Anyone have any recommendations as for where to look for a small, cheap, single-room apartment?
scorpio2121
2008-07-05, 22:45
What are you planning to do while you're there?
The dutch (whom some of my best friends are of that nationality) don't really have a problem with Americans as long as you're not loud, intusive or trying to piss on their culture, that pisses them off a treat. You won't get much holsitility from them, however, don't expect to be getting high every day in random cafes and everywhere you want. The cafes have started to be wary of 'drug tourists' and you may find hostility in the coffee shops if you come in there demanding weed. Heres a tip, buy a coffee first, sit down, read a book, dont disturb the regulars and then go up and enquire about their pre-rolled joints and what they recommend. You should be fine.
I could have wasted my time completely in the last paragraph as you may not be wanting to get high at all, but its worth knowing. 2 months could be a long time in a foreign city and depending on the amount of money you're going to take and what you're planning to do, and with limited dutch (Although most dutch people speak very very good English, its insulting yo expect them to) you may find your stay becomes expensive and/or boring.
Thanks, hopes this helps, scorpio2121
Adorkable
2008-07-06, 08:16
I'm actually going to get some time out of the established education system to read philosophy on my own and teach myself some Latin. I might check out the coffee shops and the clubbing scene but the main goal is going to be time off from working and university and finding an adventure in an interesting foreign city.
I'm actually going to get some time out of the established education system to read philosophy on my own and teach myself some Latin. I might check out the coffee shops and the clubbing scene but the main goal is going to be time off from working and university and finding an adventure in an interesting foreign city.
It might be a good thing to contact the American Embassy here (the Netherlands), they'll may be able to help or give you good tips.
oldschooler
2008-07-10, 07:00
Just fucking watch eurotrip.
money and fire
2008-07-20, 22:23
Just fucking watch eurotrip.
this ^