I was at the Schiphol airport last March trying to buy a train ticket. I already knew how to work the machine from using the online demonstration before I left. However, when I tried to pay by credit card, it wanted a pin number. I ended up using my bank's Debit card because I couldn't see any other way to buy a ticket. I guess I could get the pin number from my credit card company, but then I would also be charged the "cash advance" fee. So, short question, what is the best way to pay for a train ticket using those machines? It's not like I have any Euros in coins to stick in it. Oh, yes, I'm returning in June.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23564 posts
Unfortunately the answer is coins. Or buy from an attended ticket window but there will be a service charge for using a live person.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
The ticket machine only accept chip&pin (smartchip) cards. At Schipol they have rigged a couple machines to accept magnetic strip cards (you will need a pin to finalize the transaction), it won't process as a cash advance, just a regular charge. But at the rest of the Dutch Rail Stations it's chip&pin or coins only. Same deal at the ticket counters: cash or chip&pin only. The Schipol counters will accept magnetic cards; a pin is need to finalize.
Posted by
Michigan USA
369 posts
This question caught my eye as we are going to Amsterdam in May. Are you saying that if I want to buy tickets from a live person at the window using my American magnetic strip card that I need to have a pin?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
Correct, you'll need a pin..they have large signs in English above the counters explaining this:) Only the Schipol Airport rail station accepts magnetic strip cards. All other stations only accept chip&pin only...even at the counters.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
Another reason why I keep 5-10 Euro in change when traveling in Europe. When I come home, I put all the extra change in a jar to be used when we go back. If all you have is bills, then go buy a coffee or a drink, etc. and get some change. Ask the teller for change, not bills. Then you can buy your tickets in peace.
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati
76 posts
Thanks for all the great advice!
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati
76 posts
Is there an attended ticket window at Schiphol? I looked around and didn't see one.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
Yeah the counters are very near the ticket machines at Schipol. They look like this: http://www.ams-dam.com/0712-554-w-schiphol.jpg A couple of years ago they were remodeling the ticket counters and temporarily moved them outside in modular trailers next the the bus stops...easy to miss.
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati
76 posts
Weird that I missed them. There was hardly anybody around and I'm no stranger to train stations. Well, I'll know what to look for this summer. I think I'll get all my tickets on the first day. If anybody is still watching, do they sell the strippenkaarts there, too? I'll be riding some busses to and from a smaller town.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
Strippenkaarts have been officially discontinued and replaced with an electronic smart card called the chipkaart...similar to the London Oyster card, can be used all across the country. You can purchase them at the rail counter, but if you are spending a lot of time in Amsterdam it will be easier to get them at the GVB office across from Centraal Station: http://www.gvb.nl/english/travellers/usefulinfo/Pages/whichcard.aspx
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati
76 posts
Great! Thanks again everybody!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
Just a quick update to this older thread. I'm currently in Amsterdam, and can report that Dutch Rail is not accepting magnetic strip cards. The machines that were rigged to accept strip cards at Schipol and Centraal Station have been removed, and only accept chip&pin cards. Also, the ticket counters will also only accept chip&pin cards. There used to be an exception for Schipol, but that has now been revoked.
But, the hi-tech lockers have now been modified to accept magnetic strip cards with a pin number.