We will be flying out of Portland with a plane change in Amsterdam just having carryon luggage, will we need to go through passport control and customs before boarding plane to Paris? When arriving in Paris will we need to do the same again? Also is the Amsterdam airport easy to get around in? We have a 2 hour layover, would we be able to find and use an ATM during that time. Thanks
Passport Control in Amsterdam, Customs in Paris, although this simply involves walking out the green "Nothing to Declare" door with your luggage. Schipol is fairly compact and you should have plenty of time visit an ATM with a 2 hour change time.
From what I have read, AMS has been undergoing some renovations, but I suspect they will have excellent signage to help you get around. The Portland flight is usually on time so two hours should be ok. There are ATMs everywhere, you shouldn't have a problem finding one on your way from one terminal to the next.
PS you live in my home town, go Pioneers!
AMS is one of the better airports for arrival and connections. Your airline may have connection/transfer information. Here's KLM's:
https://www.klm.com/travel/us_en/prepare_for_travel/at_the_airport/connections/index.htm
The standard transfer time at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to a flight
within Europe is 40 minutes and 50 minutes for an intercontinental
flight.
You will need to go through passport control and AMS has a security check after passport control (if I recall correctly). Use the non-EU passport line if you have a North American passport. Customs only at your final destination.
The Schiphol airport website may help. This link goes to the terminal maps: http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/Maps.htm