Bike rental Cheapest from main train stations. Also try: Bike City, Bloemgracht 70 (tel 020/626 3721); Damstraat, just off Damstraat (tel 020/625 5029); or MacBike, Mr Visserplein 2 (tel 020/620 0985) and Marnixstraat 220 (tel 020/626 6964). All charge around €4.50 a day plus €100 deposit with ID.

Books Athenaeum, Spui 14-16; Esoro, Oudemanhuispoort 1; Scheltema Holkema Vermeulen, Koningsplein 20; Waterstones, Kalverstraat 152.

Car rental The international companies, which are all close to each other on Overtoom, can be undercut by local operators, such as Diks, van Ostadestraat 278 (tel 020/662 3366), or Ouke Baas, van Ostadestraat 366 (tel 020/679 4842).

Embassies and consulates Australia, Carnegielaan 4, The Hague (tel 070/310 8200); Canada, Sophialaan 7, The Hague (tel 070/311 1600); Ireland, Dr Kuyperstraat 9, The Hague (tel 070/363 0993); New Zealand, Carnegielaan 10, The Hague (tel 070/346 9324); UK, Koningslaan 44, Amsterdam (tel 020/676 4343); USA, Museumplein 19, Amsterdam (tel 020/664 5661, www.usemb.nl ).

Exchange GWK, Centraal Station (open 24hr) and Leidseplein (daily 8am-11pm). Change Express, Leidsestraat 105, Damrak 17 and 86, and Kalverstraat 150 (all daily until midnight).

Internet Easyeverything, Reguliersbreestraat (24hr), is the largest Internet cafe in the world with 650 terminals. Another option is In De Waag, Nieuwmarkt 4.

Laundry The Clean Brothers, Kerkstraat 56 (daily 7am-9pm; €4 to wash and dry). Alternatives at Oudebrugsteeg 22, Warmoesstraat 30 and Oude Doelenstraat 12.

Left luggage Centraal Station (lockers €2 & €3 for 24hr).

Medical service 24hr Tourist Medical Service (tel 020/592 3355).

Pharmacy There are no 24hr pharmacies, but every pharmacy has a sign giving the address of the nearest late-opening place.

Police Headquarters at Elandsgracht 117 (tel 020/559 9111).

Post office Singel 250-256 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Thurs until 8pm, Sat 10am-1.30pm).

Travel agents NBBS, Rokin 38 and Utrechtsestraat 48 (tel 020/620 5071).