The official language of Amsterdam is Dutch, but English is widely spoken throughout the whole Netherlands actually. In Amsterdam, many signs, menus, and information boards are also available in English.

For a local, the best way to get around Amsterdam is by bike, as the city is designed for cyclists. There are also trams, buses, and metros available, which are all operated by the GVB public transportation company.

The currency used in Amsterdam is the Euro (€)

The Netherlands consists of 12 provinces but many people use “Holland” when talking about the Netherlands. The two provinces of Noord- and Zuid-Holland together are Holland. The 12 provinces together are the Netherlands.

The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House are among the best museums to visit in Amsterdam. Other popular options include the Moco Museum, Rembrandt House Museum, and the NEMO Science Museum.

Some of the best apps to use for transportation in Amsterdam include the GVB app, 9292 OV (to plan your trip with public transporation) and the NS app (so you can search the train departure times on your phone). These apps allow you to purchase tickets, find transportation options, and plan your trip.

They use the Type F electrical plug. This plug has two round pins, spaced about 2 cm apart, and is the same as those used in many countries in Continental Europe.

Michael’s family name is rare, even in the country of origin, the Netherlands. In 2007, the database of surnames in the Netherlands contained 296 persons with the name Portegies, while the name Zwart was more common, with 5,949 occurrences. Only 18 people were listed as having the combined name Portegies Zwart. So, what is the origin of this name? It all started with Michael’s great-great grandmother Henderika Jacoba Zwart, living on the Dutch island of Ameland. She gave birth to a son, Hendrikus, on July 26, 1882, more than seven years after her husband and his ship had apparently perished at sea. Another five years later, the District Court officially confirmed the death of Henderika’s husband and granted her permission to remarry. On March 12, 1891, she did so with Jan Dirks Portegies, who recognized to be the father of Henderika's son. When Hendrikus moved to Amsterdam, he went by the last name Portegies. According to an announcement in the Dutch Government Gazette of October 27, 1914, he submitted a request to Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands for permission to add the name Zwart to the family name Portegies, in order to bear the family name Portegies Zwart in the future. His request was granted and the decision was published by Royal Decree, dated February 1, 1916, signed by Queen Wilhelmina.