Originally Posted by Myer

I just read that the train supplement can be purchased as a separate disposable ticket.

Does that mean I can purchase one of those and only use it if/when I end up using a purchased ticket for a train that requires a supplement?

Originally Posted by Tulips

You are overthinking this; if you want to take a train outside Amsterdam, just go to the dutch rail site www.ns.nl. Put in your departing station and where you are going, and click on 'ticket' to buy one online. That ticket is valid for any train that day. It;s cheaper to buy online than at the machine. And much easier.

There may be an option to take a Thalys or other high-speed train; the site will tell you that there is a supplement for that. No need to take these trains within the Netherlands. Just take a regular train without supplement.

For travel in Amsterdam; just get a card from a machine and put some money on. You can see the balance when you get on/off the tram and can then decide to add more money to it if needed. You will not need much public transport in Amsterdam, it's very walkable.

Originally Posted by Myer

Tulips,
Thank you. You answered part of my question.

Are the train ticket only valid for a specific date or can they be used on any day within some range?

I agree with you that we probably won't use the public transportation system that much. Probably mostly to quickly get from the hotel area to the train station and back.

So why not just but some single use tickets?

Originally Posted by Myer

For tourist, occasional use the 1 hour, disposable OV-chipkaart seems to make sense.

Where can they be purchased? On trolley, In certain stores, etc?

Originally Posted by hetismij2

No machines on trams and buses, and no cash payments. Not sure if GVB allows you to buy from the driver with a card or not, some bus companes do others don't because it delays the schedule.