Just got back from another visit to Amsterdam. Here is an update on the ever changing situation regarding forms of payment:
-Even though the locals don't apparently have access to it, Apple/Android pay now have widespread acceptance by most merchants; big & small.
-The number of businesses and tourist sites that have gone cashless has also increased since my last visit two years ago. This includes the Old Church, and Amsterdam Lookout.
-The Albert Heijn supermarkets now accept credit cards; including chip&signature.
-Dutch Rail now accepts chip&signature cards at their tickets counters. You have to show ID (drivers license or passport) that matches the name on your card and the ID number will be entered into the computer so the transaction will take a bit of extra time.
-The new GVB ticket machines installed at some tram stops in the city center will accept chip& signature cards with a pin number. Cash is no longer accepted inside the trams, only chip & pin cards.
-the new north-south Metro Line 52 just opened and turned out to be quite useful. The Rokin station is actually just a few feet off Dam Square/across the street. Not certain why they didn't just name it "Dam Square":) If you want to get from Centraal Station to Dam without dealing with the crowded trams and clogged streets the metro is a good alternative.
One of the exits of the De Pijp station is right smack in the middle of the Albert Cuyp street market!
- While touristy and a bit pricey, the new This is Holland 5D movie experience was amazing and a big hit with everyone in my group. Very similar in design to Disney's Soarin' Around the World attraction. It's very popular and there was a long wait. Best to make a timed reservation in advance via the website.
-The Canadian retailer Hudson's Bay just opened a new outlet in a beautiful purpose built structure just off Dam Square. It's a weird setup: Men's Wear, Womens, and home/gifts are all in separate buildings not physically connected to one another. The locals don't seem to fond of it as all three buildings were near empty midday Saturday, while the De Bijenkorf across the square was packed. But HB's main asset is that they have very clean and free restrooms on the top floor of each building;)