OV-chipcard

A national ‘OV-chipcard’ (smartcard) for public transport was introduced in 2012. Since then, we use this OV-chipcard for public transport everywhere in the Netherlands. Regardless of whether you take the bus, tram, metro or train, you can use this card to pay for any trip you make. The OV chip card is gradually being replaced by OVpay, where you can pay contactless with payment cards or your telephone. If you are new to the Netherlands, and you want to travel in second class, without discounts or subscriptions, it is no longer necessary to apply for an OV-chipcard for public transport.

Public transport in the Netherlands uses the OV-chipkaart and OVpay system. You can travel using a personal OV-chipkaart, the new OV-pas, or simply by checking in and out with your debit card, credit card, or mobile phone.

1. A personal OV-chipcard
This OV-chipkaart has your name and photo on it and is intended for regular travellers. You can load credit, travel products, and discount subscriptions onto the card. Registering your card online allows you to manage your account and request refunds in certain situations.

2. OVpay and the new OV-pas
OVpay is the new way to travel on public transport in the Netherlands. You can check in and out using your debit card, credit card, mobile phone, or the new OV-pas. Some subscriptions and travel products may still require an OV-chipkaart.8

3. Single-use card
Single-use tickets are available for occasional travellers and can be purchased from transport operators. In Rotterdam, RET tickets can be bought at metro stations and on trams, while train tickets are available at railway stations. If you travel regularly, a personal OV-chipkaart or OVpay is usually the more convenient option.

Always check in and out

The most important tip while traveling by public transport is to always check in and check out, by holding your card up to the reader until it beeps. For metros and trains, the reader is located at the stops. You can’t check in anymore when you have boarded the metro or train, so please do it before you get in. It is the other way around for trams and busses: you can only check in when you step into the vehicle, since the card readers are located inside next to the doors.

What happens when I check in and out?

This reader will calculate the fare price. When checking out, you will see the price details of your trip and the current amount on your card. Make sure you check in and out every time you enter and leave the vehicle, even when transferring to another vehicle. If you don’t, you will be charged the full amount, which can range from 4 euros up to 20 euros. If you forget to check out and you have a personal chipcard, you can ask for a refund if you have registered your card.

At the Rotterdam International Center you can book an appointment to register with the municipality to receive a BSN, make an appointment with the IND to collect your residence permit, and/or to provide your biometrical information and open a Dutch bank account with ABN AMRO. This service is called the One-Stop-Shop.

OV-chipcard

Always check in and out

What happens when I check in and out?

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