One of the perks of living in Amsterdam is amazing biking infrastructure. So, you should get a bike as soon as you get here. But how do it? Nathalie has some tips if you are lost :)
Amsterdam is the perfect city to get around by bike. Especially as an international student, you can save a lot of money by cycling your daily commute instead of driving or using public transportation. Cycling not only saves you money but also allows you to discover great routes through green spaces, parks and along the canals. However, when you are new to Amsterdam, finding an affordable and functional bike can be challenging. Here I will give you three tips on how you can buy or rent a nice bike that will make your student life easier in Amsterdam.
First, you can have a look at different online marketplaces for cheap but mostly functional second-hand bikes. Prices start at around 50 euros for a very basic bike, with hardly any upper limits. Most online marketplaces are very fast-moving. So it's worth looking at the marketplaces a few times a day and being quick when you spot a bargain! Before you buy a bike, however, you should look at it carefully, check whether the most important things work, such as brakes, gears and lights, and test-ride the bike once!
Here you can find some active online bike markets:
Second, you can go to a bicycle shop to buy a second-hand bike. There are hundreds of bike shops in Amsterdam. You can simply use Google Maps, search for “bike shop”, and check the reviews to make sure you find a good shop. One advantage of buying bikes in local stores is that most of them have been serviced, and you can be sure that everything is intact. However, the prices are usually a little higher. If you are looking for a specific address, I can recommend the Waterlooplein Market Amsterdam. The market is open from Monday to Saturday between 9:30 and 18:00. Bicycle prices start at 60 euros. Besides bicycles, you can also buy various other things, such as clothes, antiques, food and drink. Here you can see for yourself what awaits you there: https://waterlooplein.amsterdam/en/shopping/
Another option is to rent a bike. Many students have a monthly subscription for a bicycle. This means you pay a monthly amount for which you are provided with a bike and do not have to worry about anything else. For example, if you have a flat tire, you can simply return your bike to the lender, and they will fix it for you. The advantage is that you are completely taken care of, and especially if you are not very familiar with bicycles, you always have a contact person. A disadvantage, however, is that it is usually more expensive in the long run. At Swapfiets, the best-known provider, prices start at 20 euros per month. For an e-bike, prices start at 65 euros per month. Here you can see for yourself what awaits you there: https://swapfiets.nl/en-NL/amsterdam
Good luck with your bargain hunt, and have fun discovering Amsterdam by bike!
See you on the bicycle line,
Nathalie