Your first step in planning your trip to Amsterdam should be to contact the closest branch of the Netherlands Board of Tourism (NBT). They’ll send you a large packet of very useful information on everything from hotels to tulip bulbs. On the Internet: go2holland@aol.com; http://www.nbt.nl/holland

While the official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, most natives really do speak English fluently. Just ask "Spreekt U engels? (SPRAYKT oo ENG-ells? Do you speak English?)" and chances are, they do.

Amsterdam is often wet and windy, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s and low 70s in the summer to the 40s and well below in winter. Be sure to pack an umbrella and wet-weather gear and carry a sweater or jacket with you during any time but midsummer, when the humidity makes for sticky going.  For the local weather forecast, dial 068-003. (Unfortunately this service is in Dutch only.)

What to Pack

Amsterdam is a fairly casual city, and if you’re visiting during the summer, you’ll see plenty of tourists in T-shirts and jeans or shorts. While athletic shoes will mark you as an American, you’ll definitely want a good, broken-in pair of walking shoes. Bring along a warm sweater and a windbreaker or other light jacket during the summer, and cold weather clothes in the winter. If you plan to spend time in any of Amsterdam’s bars or nightclubs, do bring along your clubwear; Amsterdam may be relatively casual, but sleek, tight Euro-style still reigns. Again, whatever the season, don’t leave home without an umbrella, as showers are frequent. (Or, if you’re traveling extra-light, buy one in Amsterdam.)

When deciding how much to pack, take into consideration that even setting foot in a Dutch caf or coffeeshop will leave your clothes permeated with smoke. Even Americans with a two-pack-a-day habit comment on the smell, so be prepared to change your clothes more often, air out jackets and coats, or make a trip to the local laundry.

Generally you can buy almost anything you need in Amsterdam, but you may be shocked by the prices of some items. You may find some tourist necessities expensive‹film, for example‹so unless you’re traveling ultra-light, bring along a few extra rolls. It’s also a good idea to photocopy all of your important travel documents (passport and other ID, traveler’s check stubs, credit cards, plane or train tickets). Leave one copy at home with a friend who can fax the copies to you, and pack another copy in your bags, separate from the originals. That way, if your documents are lost or stolen, you have a record of them.