By Taxi in Amsterdam

Vacant taxis on the move through the streets are often on call to their dispatcher. Occasionally, if you get lucky, they'll stop for you if you hail them, but the regular practice is to wait by a taxi stand or phone them. Taxi stands are at the major squares and in front of the large hotels. You can also call Taxicentrale, the main dispatching office. Fares are EUR 2.90, plus EUR 1.80 per kilometer (half mile). A 5-km (3-mi) ride will cost about EUR 12. A new initiative in the city is the Wieler Taxi (bike taxi), which resembles a larger version of a child's pedal car and isn't very practical in the rain.

A water taxi provides a novel, if pricey, means of getting about. Water taxis can be hailed anytime you see one cruising the canals of the city, or called by telephone. The boats are miniature versions of the large sightseeing canal boats, and each carries up to eight passengers. The cost is EUR 75 for a half hour, including pickup charge, with a charge of EUR 60 each half-hour period thereafter. The rate is per ride, regardless of the number of passengers.

Taxi Companies

Taxicentrale (020/677-7777). Wielertaxi (020/672-1149). Water Taxi (020/535-6363. www.water-taxi.nl).