Is the I Amsterdam City Card worth it for 2024? Or is a trap?
The I Amsterdam City Card is definitely not a tourist trap from my perspective.
But is right for you?
That really depends on what you want to get out of your time in Amsterdam.
After reading this post you know exactly what the card is all about and if it’s right for you.
I updated the full list of what’s included in February 2024.
As a local resident and tour guide I am in Amsterdam year-round. I know how expensive the city can be. But also how you can save on your expenses.
I know immediately when things change. This is different then many blog post you find online of people who only visit once or a few times, and used the card once.
I‘ve tested the card myself. I loved it. You can read how I used the I Amsterdam City Card here, and why I loved it so much.
If you’re planning a full itinerary in Amsterdam (you want to experience many attractions). Than one of the mistakes (first-time) visitors make is NOT using a city card.
Get Your Card
★★★★
From €60
Pros
✔ Free Entry to over 70 museums
✔ Free Public Transportation with GVB
Cons
𝗫 Van Gogh not included (see solution below)
𝗫 Not many attractions, other than museums (canal tour inclusive)
I recommend buying a multi-day card. Per-day prices become much cheaper, and you don’t have to rush that much.
Table of Contents
Who The I Amsterdam City Card Is For
The I Amsterdam city card is most valuable for people interested in museums.
Yes, attractions are included too like a canal tour, This is Holland (must-do), and now even (since 2024) the Amsterdam Lookout tower.
But if you’re less interested in museums and more in attractions and tours, the Amsterdam Go City Pass is definitely the better deal for you.
The Go City pas has fewer things included but it has more high value items that are NOT museums and exclusive to them only.
Like the Heineken Brewery (incl. free beers), a self-guided food tour walk (food at own costs, but well worth it), and free tours like one to Zaanse Schans.
And they also have the canal tour, This is Holland and the Amsterdam Lookout, just like the I Amsterdam card.
A city card (no matter which one) is NOT for you if you plan to do few attractions or you’re in the city for a really short time.
But be aware most attractions and museums costs 20 euro and up, so you quickly earn back your investment for the card.
Usually you need to “do” around 3-5 attractions to make any pass worthwhile.
Every City Pass increases in value the more days you add. The per day price drops significantly for multi-day passes.
You will have no problems finding enough things to do in this amazingly cultural rich city.
PS: if you have the time and you’re looking for a packed itinerary I recommend getting a 2-day I Amsterdam Pass and a 2-day Go City Amsterdam pass to get the best of two worlds.
You might also enjoy my article: 9 ways to save money in Amsterdam.
A Note About Public Transportation
The I Amsterdam Card includes public transportation as long as your pass is valid.
It’s not included in the Go City Pass. But it’s not a dealbreaker or maker.
If it’s not included Public transport is inexpensive anyway. You can always buy an individual Amsterdam transit pass for a few euro if needed.
My Favorite Travel Books
I love how Rick Steves' guidebooks offer a traveler's perspective. This is my favorite Amsterdam guidebook by far! Rating 4.8/5 on Amazon.
Lonely Planet guides have changed but I still enjoy this book, it's pretty and up to date though it's not as hands-on as Rick Steves'.Rating 4.6/5.
Click here for more Netherlands book recommendations.
(travel books, art books, language books, and maps)
Cost I amsterdam City Card 2024
- A 24-hour card costs €60
- 48 hours cards cost €85 (just €42,50 per day)
- 72 hours cards cost €100 (just €33,33 per day)
- 96 hours cards costs € 115 (just €28,75 per day)
- And a 120-hour card costs only €125 (that is €25 per day)
The 24-hour card is relatively expensive. But you will save money if you, for example, visit a top museum like the Rijksmuseum, take a This is Holland Flight, go on a Canal Tour, and use the trams and metro to get around.
Later in this post, I will provide a few more itinerary examples, including another one for 24 hours.
Note cards are valid for 24 hours, (not calendar days) so if you plan smartly you can add a “extra day” by entering an attraction before the card expires in the final hours.
Ready to buy?
The Two Best City Passes in Amsterdam
Your pass to free entry at over 70 museums, attractions, and unlimited public transport.
Best for Museums.
From €60
Grab your Go City Pass and unlock many of Amsterdam's famous sights with a single pass. Enjoy complimentary tours and top attractions during some unforgettable days.
From €104 (2 days)
Find more tickets with your favorite provider:
The Complete List: Included in the I Amsterdam Card
Museums That Offer Free Admission
Museums For Free In Amsterdam:
- Allard Pierson Museum 📆 ⭐️
- Amsterdam City Archives – (when there are paid exhibitions)💎
- Amsterdam Museum (Amstel location) 📆 ⭐️
- Amsterdam LookOut Tower ⭐️
- ARTIS-Groote Museum 📆
- ARTIS-Micropia 📆 💎
- ARCAM Architecture Center Amsterdam
- Canal Houses Museum 💎
- Dageraad Museum 📆
- Diamand Museum Amsterdam 📆 ❌
- Embassy of the Free Mind 📆
- Eye Filmmuseum
- Fashion for Good Museum
- Foam Photography Museum Amsterdam
- Geelvinck Pianola Museum
- Hermitage Amsterdam (now called: H’ART Museum) 📆
- Houseboat Museum (Woonbootmuseum) 💎
- Jewish Museum 📆 ⭐️
- Lord In The Attic – Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder Museum 📆 💎
- Luther Museum 📆
- Maritime Museum Amsterdam ⭐️
- Marseille House, Photography Museum
- Moco Museum – Banksy and more 📆 ⭐️
- Multatuli Museum
- Museum het Schip – De Amsterdamse School
- Museum van de Geest – Outsider Art
- Museum van Loon 📆
- NEMO Science Museum 📆 ⭐️
- New Church Amsterdam 📆
- Old Church Amsterdam (Saskia’s grave, Rembrandt’s first wife) 📆 💎
- Pipe Museum ❌
- Portuguese Synagogue 💎
- Rembrandt House (Rembrandthuis) 📆 ⭐️
- Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) Amsterdam 💎
- Rijksmuseum 📆 ⭐️
- Stedelijk Museum (modern art) ⭐️
- Tot Zover Museum
- Tulip Museum ❌
- Willet-Holthuysen Canal House 📆 💎
- World Museum (Tropenmuseum)
Museums For Free Elsewhere:
- Amstelveen – Cobra Museum Art Modern Art ⭐️ (tram included from the city)
- Enkhuizen – Zuiderzeemuseum💎
- Haarlem – Frans Hals Museum ⭐️
- Haarlem – Museum van de Geest (psychiatry)
- Haarlem – Teylers Museum 💎
- Haarlem – Verweij Museum
- Laren – Singer
- Muiden – Muiderslot Castle Rijksmuseum ⭐️
- Naarden-Vesting – The Dutch Fortress Museum 💎
- Volendam – Volendams Museum 💎
- Zaandam – Czaar Peterhuisje
- Zaanse Schans – Kuiperij
- Zaanse Schans – Museum Zaanse Tijd
- Zaanse Schans – Wevershuis
- Zaanse Schans – Windmill Society
- Zaanse Schans – Zaans Museum & Verkade Experience 💎
Attractions That Offer Free Admission
Attraction Included In Amsterdam:
- Amsterdam Introduction Walking Tour (Who is Amsterdam) 💎📆
- Artis Zoo Amsterdam ⭐️
- GASSAN Diamonds ❌
- Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam 💎
- Self-Guided Amsterdam (Walk/Bike/Sail) Tour
- Self-Guided Food Tour De Jordaan ⭐️
- Self-Guided Food Tour De Pijp 💎
- Windmill of Sloten (Molen van Sloten)
- This is Holland 📆 ⭐️
Free Canal Tour in Amsterdam (you can pick one)
- Amsterdam Boat Cruises 📆
- Blue Boat Company 📆
- Circle Line 📆
- Lovers 📆
- Stromma 📆 ⭐️
I would pick Stromma from this list.
Free Bike Rental In Amsterdam
- A-Bike 📆
- Amsterbike 📆
- Discount Bike Rental 📆
- MacBike 📆
- Yellow Bike 📆
Bike quality is all the same – sturdy, not that comfortable – pick whichever is convenient.
But be careful cycling in Amsterdam, it’s not for the faint of heart. I’ve written an article on bike rental in Amsterdam and why it might not be a good idea.
Attraction Included Elsewhere:
- Muiden – Fortified Island Pampus 📆 ⭐️
- Amstelveen – Climbing Fun Forest
- Haarlem – Smidtje Canal Cruises ⭐️
- Volendam – Boattour Volendam-Marken Express B.V. ⭐️
- Volendam – Rent & Event bicycle Rental (free rental)
- Zaanse Schans – Kuiperij
- Zaanse Schans – The Zaansche Windmill ⭐️
- Zaanse Schans – Weaver’s House (Wevershuis)
A Note About The Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum
One crucial thing to mention is that the number two and three museums in Amsterdam are not included in the card (or any city card for that matter).
Those are the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
You can buy your Vincent van Gogh Ticket here.
Anne Frank House tickets are ONLY available on the museum’s website, and no discounts are available. Get them early because slots are extremely popular.
A Note About Canal Tours
You have a choice of canal tours from four different companies. But you can use your credit only once.
I used to recommend Blue Boat Company but since taking a tour with them in summer 2023 I was disappointed.
After the takeover by GrayLine the quality went down. No live commentary, and the audio tour was super boring.
In contrast I used to advise against companies near Central Station. But went I on a canal tour with Stromma (as part of this card) and it was entertaining.
I think since new competition arrived in the Central Station area, the traditional companies had to step up their game, while Blue Boat kind of the opposite holds true. There is little competition in their area.
I now recommend Stromma, or Lovers from Central Station for basic tours.
All require reservations, so if your company of choice is unavailable, try another. It’s always better than no canal tour!
What Do These Symbols Mean: 💎 ⭐️ 📆 ❌:
Not all attractions are created equal. To make more sense of this list, I added symbols to the list.
I starred (⭐️) each popular attraction that I also think is worthwhile.
I’ve highlighted gems with a diamond (💎).
A (📆) symbol means you must or it’s advised to make a time slot reservation once you have acquired the pass.
The items that I marked with a red X (❌) I advise you not to do. You can consider those “tourist traps.” This is personal of course, but most likely these are shops masking as a “museum.”
Unmarked options are great if it has your particular interest.
I hope this will help you decide what to do and what to skip easier.
Free Gifts with Your I amsterdam Card to Collect
Besides free museums and attractions you can also collect a few free gifts. These are:
- De Drie Fleschjes – Free shot of genever (18+).
- Holland Casino Amsterdam – Free entrance (18+).
- Holland Casino Sloterdijk – Free entrance (18+).
- VVV Haarlem – Free walking tour guide.
Discounts With The I Amsterdam City Card
As you can you see from the long list above there is plenty to do for free in Amsterdam and surroundings towns and cities.
But on top, they offer even more locations that give a 25% discount when you show your card. These are:
But note that some are 100% free with the Go City Amterdam Pass. So definitely check that card out as weel.
Museums:
- Kattencabinet (Cat Museum)
- Nxt Museum Amsterdam
- Upside Down Museum Amsterdam
- Our House Amsterdam (House Music)
- STRAAT Museum NDSM – Street Art
Attractions:
- Amsterdam Dungeons
- Body Worlds
- BIM Huis (Jazz Concerts)
- Boom Chicago Comedy Club (English)
- Canal Motor Boats (Rent a Boat)
- Canal Pedal Boats
- Cheese and Wine Cruise Stromma (Fridays and Saturdays)
- Dutch National Opera and Ballet
- Fabrique des Lumières – Immersive Art Experience
- Ferry to Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot
- Heineken Experience
- House of Bols Experience
- Johan Cruijff Arena
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
- Muziek Gebouw Aan ‘t IJ (Concerts)
- Mokum Boat (Rent Your Own Boat)
- Open Boat Canal Cruise Stromma
- Rembrandt Experience Amsterdam
- Roller Dream – 80’s Indoor Roller Skating Rink – Amsterdam Noord
- Volendam Custome Photo
Restaurants:
- Taverna De Visscher in Marken
This is How The I Amsterdam City Card Works
- Purchase your card here (thank you for doing that, your support helps me with the operational costs of this website without extra costs to you)
- Reserve your time slots as much in advance as possible (instructions can be found in purchase confirmation). You can do this in the I Amsterdam Card App.
- Redeem your card in the I amsterdam App, DO NOT ACTIVATE THEM, until you’re ready to use them. You can also request a physical card after purchase.
- Show your card at the attractions (or the app) (if needed, together with the timeslot confirmation)
- For public transport, scan the card each time you enter the vehicle and when you depart. Note you’ll see local Dutch people tapping the front of the check-in device. But you have a QR code on your phone (inside the I amsterdam Card app > open your card) you scan this QR code BELOW the device.
It’s important to keep your phone charged during the day, and have plenty of mobile data on your phone. The cheapest way to do this is with a local eSIM card.
Here is the one I love and recommend:
The Lowest Priced And Most Flexible eSIM cards (incl. tethering)
Stop searching for WI-FI; get an affordable eSIM for the Netherlands. From just $4.50 for 1GB, but I recommend at least 10GB. TIP: Get the App for easy top-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use The Card Only In Amsterdam?
The great thing about this offer is that more attractions are included than just Amsterdam. You can also use the I amsterdam City Card in the Amsterdam “region.”
In cities like Haarlem (it’s beautiful and just minutes from Amsterdam; here is my article about Haarlem) or Volendam, or at the Zaanse Schans, the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen (TIP), the Muiderslot Castle, and more.
The card is NOT valid on public transport in Amsterdam
Do I Think The I amsterdam Card Is Worth It?
I honestly think this card can be one of the best deals to be had when you spend some time in Amsterdam. I’d buy it.
BUT… like I said it all depends on what you want to do and see!
The I amsterdam Card Worth it? I think it is.
Who Issues The I amsterdam City Card?
The I amsterdam City Card is created and sold by the non-profit organization Iamsterdam. I amsterdam is the official partner of the city. This card is legit and not a tourist trap in any way.
Where To Buy The I amsterdam City Card?
You can purchase your card here online (thank you for doing that, you support my website by doing so).
Once you have purchased your card you can download the app and store your cards there (do not activate them yet). You can immediately start reserving your time slots thought.
With the digital version you don’t have to go to the I Amsterdam Store anymore. You can use it directly from your phone.
Don’t want to use the digital version? Email the ticket provider and request and physical version instead. You can collect it after your arrival at the I Amsterdam Store.
What Is The I Amsterdam Store Address?
The I Amsterdam Store address at Central station is De Ruijterkade 28b-d, open from 9 am, seven days a week. It closes at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. on the weekends)
Is There Anything Else Included In The I Amsterdam Card Other Than Free Attractions?
Yes, there is! You’ll also get discounts on theater tickets and concerts, restaurants, and some museums, tours, and attractions not part of the free offering. Here is the full list.
Can You Use The I amsterdam Card To Get From The Airport to The City?
No, you can not use the I amsterdam Card from the Airport. Trains are not included in the card, and the Amsterdam City buses don’t run to the airport (since it’s outside of Amsterdam).
You need a separate train ticket. Which just costs a few euros one-way.
The Lowest Priced Debit Card For Travelers
One of my travel hacks is the WISE borderless debit card. This is the most international debit card in the world. Spend abroad with the real exchange rate. I use this card myself for all my overseas trips and saves a lot of money!
My Top 5 Hidden Gems Tips
Of course, this is very personal and depends on what you like. But there are quite a few unique places included in the I amsterdam City Card that most visitors won’t even notice they are.
It’s impossible to list them all. But here are my top five hidden gem picks on the card and why I think they are gems:
1. The Zuiderzee Museum
The Zuiderzee Museum is a one-hour train ride from Amsterdam but worth the trip. You must purchase your train ticket separately, but the museum is included. It’s one of my favorite museums. I visit it yearly.
It’s an open-air museum in a way similar to the Zaanse Schans. However, it’s more authentic, partly because it’s a paid museum.
It tells the story from the angle of a fishing village. It’s much larger than the Zaanse Schans and includes a free boat ride from the railway station.
Try authentic foods like smoked fish (herring and salmon) and other Dutch goodies. The smoked herring is delicious! And by far, not as scary as the raw herring Holland is famous for.
This is a museum not discovered by too many tourists. Meaning you’ll have a much more local experience.
After your visit, make sure to wander around the town of Enkhuizen itself. The city center is beautiful!
If the I amsterdam City Card is not for you, you can also buy a separate ticket for the Zuiderzee Museum.
2. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
The Hortus Botanicus is a stunning botanical garden near the Artis Zoo, the Jewish Historical Museum, and the Tropics Museum (all these are included in the I amsterdam City Card price, by the way).
3. Artis Micropia
While most people go to the famous Artis Zoo right next door (also included in your card), Artis Micropia is a one-of-a-kind attraction that promises to take you on a fascinating journey into the microscopic world but is often missed by visitors.
Micropia showcases the intriguing and often unseen universe of bacteria, fungi, algae, and other microscopic organisms.
When the I amsterdam City Card is not for you, but you’d like to buy a separate ticket for Micropia, you can do so here.
4. The Verzetsmuseum (Resistance Museum) Amsterdam
One of the better museums in the city, but one that is often skipped, is the Resistance Museum in Amsterdam. Please visit the Vertzetsmuseum if you’re also interested in the Anne Frank House Museum.
The Resistance Museum was chosen as the best historical museum in the country for a reason. The Junior section of the museum is incredibly fantastic (for adults).
When the I amsterdam City Card is not for you, but you’d like to buy a separate ticket for the Resistance Museum, you can do so here.
5. Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder Museum – Our Lord In The Attic Museum Amsterdam
My fifth choice is the: “Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder Museum – Our Lord in the Attic Museum.” This is one of those museums that you are like: “Wow, This is stunning!” And it is.
Holland was one of the first countries with freedom of religion in Europe. But being allowed to choose your faith and celebrate it was still very different back then. It all depended on where you lived.
In the 17th century, Holland (above the rivers) was Protestant. Below the rivers, it was Catholic. Amsterdam, part of Holland, was Protestant and Catholic churches were prohibited in Holland.
Since this was the Golden Age, and Amsterdam was the wealthiest city in the world, no expense was spared by people who still wanted to celebrate in secret.
How? People built and hid complete full-sized churches inside their big houses on the top floors, away from the eyes of the general public.
This is a rare opportunity to see a well-preserved hidden church inside a house from the Golden Century. I was blown away by it.
First, you’re walking through the living quarters of a regular house, and then suddenly, you’re in this magnificent church.
PS: If the I amsterdam City Card is not for you, you can buy a separate ticket for the Lord in the Attic Museum.
What Other People Are Saying About The I Amsterdam Card
Most people are raving about the I amsterdam City Card, but some are more critical. Let’s look at a few of those critical reviews published on the product page of Get Your Guide:
“Nancy – United States – I could not find where to get the card at the airport, and no one that worked at the airport knew where to send us. We ended up taking a cab to our hotel. Otherwise, it was great once we got the card. We found the shop outside of the central station.”
My reply: The shop at the airport is now closed, the I amsterdam store is located at Central Station. But the card you buy online is a digital product now. You just download the I amsterdam Card app and your card is available there. You don’t have to go to any store anymore.
Transportation to the city from the airport is never included in the I amsterdam City Card. You have to pay for your transportation from and to the Airport seperartly.
Whether taking a taxi or the train. Read about all the transportation options from the airport in my post: How to get from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Amsterdam.
“Amanda – Canada – I would recommend this for someone that has all the time to see all the attractions in Amsterdam. However, unlike other passes for other European cities, this one does not give you free entry to places, but only a small discount, so not worth it. If I were to go to Amsterdam again, I wouldn’t buy this because I didn’t have time to visit all I wanted, so I didn’t get the best value for my money. It also doesn’t let you skip the line in the attractions, so don’t see the point.”
My reply: This review was interesting to me. I wondered if Amanda read what was and what wasn’t included in the card because over 70 attractions are 100% free with the card, including big-ticket items like the Rijksmuseum and canal tours. On top of that some attractions that are not for free still offer a discount.
But not all museums and attractions are included. So if the primary goal was to visit those, you’re out of luck. You need to check first what is included and what isn’t.
You get your money’s worth after visiting 4-5 attractions. There is no need to have all the time in the world, but I advise you to have at least 48 hours.
You do not need to do everything included in the card to get value out of it. The card provides value after just a few activities and using the trams or a bike rental to get around.
Skipping the line, indeed, is not included for some museums. The two main benefits of this card are to save money compared to individual tickets and to save time by not having to buy each ticket individually.
As you can tell, these negative reviews are not negatives about the card. More misunderstandings on the part of the traveler. This won’t be you because you’re reading this post 🤗.
Example Itineraries
24-hours
The below suggestion is easily doable, and the total price at the door would be €88 compared to €60 with the 24-hour card.
If you are up for it, you could do one or more minor things too, like the canal houses museum, the Willet-Holthuysen, or the old church to make it even more valuable.
- Public transportation ticket €9
- Rijksmuseum €22,50
- Canal Tour €16
- This is Holland €23 (online price)
- (Next morning before the card expires) Micropia €17,50
The Rijksmuseum is a must for every culture lover. It’s THE museum of the Netherlands with art covering 8 centuries including the Golden Age.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 9 am – 5 pm (365 days a year, it never closes)
Reservation needed
Here is my article about my favorite Rijksmuseum paintings, and here about other works at the Rijksmuseum. And here are my tip for the best time visiting the Rijksmuseum.
48-hour card
The below itinerary can also be done in 48 hours. And it would cost individually €145 in total ticket prices compared to €85 for the card. If you make an effort, just like above, you can squeeze one or two smaller museums in to save even more.
- Public transportation ticket €15
- Rijksmuseum €22,50
- Canal Tour €16
- This is Holland €23 (online price)
- Haarlem Canal Cruise €18,50
- Haarlem Frans Hals Museum €16
- Lord on the Attic Museum €16,50
- (Next morning before the card expires) Micropia €17,50
This suggestion covers two cities: Amsterdam and beautiful Haarlem.
Prefer to stay in Amsterdam? Then include the Amsterdam LookOut Tower (€16,50).
The Rembrandtshuis (€19,50) – where the famous painting who created the Nightwatch, now at the Rijksmuseum, lived.
And visit a canal house museum. Both Van Loon Museum (€15) or the Willet-Holthuysen (€12,50) are gorgeous.
If you have time left, definitely include the Canal House Museum (€16,50).
More time?
You can save even more for itineraries longer than 48 hours and venture out further.
How about the open-air museum in Enkhuizen? Go for a boat ride between Volendam and Marken, visit the wonderful small Volendam Museum, go to Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot, or visit Artis Zoo in Amsterdam.
Final Thoughts
I hope this extensive post will help you create your perfect and cost-effective itinerary.
The I Amsterdam Card is great if you’re planning to get the most out of your visit. If you’re not a particular museum fan, the Go City Pass might be the better alternative.
Get Your Card
★★★★
From €60
Pros
✔ Free Entry to over 70 museums
✔ Free Public Transportation with GVB
Cons
𝗫 Van Gogh not included (see solution below)
𝗫 Not many attractions, other than museums (canal tour inclusive)
I recommend buying a multi-day card. Per-day prices become much cheaper, and you don’t have to rush that much.
Read More Handy Travel Tips
- First Time to Amsterdam? 30 Mistakes to Avoid!
- Is The Go City Amsterdam Card Valuable? My Honest Review
- Train Tickets Netherlands: Buy Your NS Train Tickets 2024 🎫
- 6 Tips for Using A Mobile Phone in Amsterdam, Not Just a SIM Card
- How To Choose The Best Amsterdam Sim Card 2024 📲 (EU🇪🇺)
- 12 Incredible Pieces of Rijksmuseum Art Beyond Paintings
- 10 Best Van Gogh Museum Tips And Highlights 👨🎨
Thank you for your excellent work!Mum and I will be in Amsterdam between 29th December and 01 st January.
I have downloaded ‘I am ‘ app and decided to buy two 48 hours tickets for me and mum.If I buy the card through you this month and get %5 discount, can I start to use it on 30th December when we arrive Amsterdam ?
Have a lovely time ……
Hi, I’m so excited for you and your mum to visit Amsterdam during New Year. Yes, you can absolutely buy the card now and enjoy the current promotion. The clock will not start running until the first time you activate the card in your app. There is an activation button. You do this at the first museum or when you want to take a tram ride on December 30th. That’s when your hours start running. You load the card immediately in the app, without activating it. It won’t expire before you get here. I appreciate your purchase, it supports this website. Thank you and I hope you’ll have an amazing time here. Gerrit