If you want to travel by bus, tramway or metro, you're advised to buy your ticket in advance. The ticket is called 'strippenkaart'. This ticket is valid throughout the entire country for travel on all buses, trams and subways. It is also valid on trains which travel within the city boundaries of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague/Zoetermeer.

Zones

Holland has been divided into transportation zones with set tariffs. To travel one zone you have to pay two 'strips'. You pay an extra 'strip' for each subsequent zone. Within the same zone you may change within a time limit mentioned on the back of the card. 

Blue or red 'strippenkaart'

If you're between the ages of 12 and 65, buy a blue 'strippenkaart' with 15 strips or with 45 strips. Children aged 4 to 11 and persons over 65 can use a cheaper red 'strippenkaart'. Strippencards can be bought at railway stations, in post offices, department stores and tobacconists. You can also buy tickets on the tram or bus, but the price is quite a bit higher.

Day tickets

In some cities your best bet is a one-day travel card. This is valid on all public transportation. A special 'strippenkaart' with eight strips entitles you to tour these cities by tram, bus or subway for a whole day and night. For two of these 8-strippen cards you can tour the whole country by bus for a day.