Amsterdam: Where Beer is Cheaper than Water

Yes its true. Beer is cheaper than water. At the local supermarket, Albert Heijn, A crate of local beer (24 bottles) goes for around 12 Euros. Grolsch Beer, which is relatively expensive in the US, is a Dutch Pilsner and quite good. The Dutch have a very high bottle deposit (25 cents) included in the price of beer. So, if you return all 24 bottles to the grocery after you drink them you get 6 Euros back. Meaning that you pay 6 Euros total for 24 beers. Or, about 25 cents a bottle.

So, Beer is cheaper than water. Don't worry Mom and Dad, I won't be spending too much money! Actually, I have noticed that Amsterdam is less expensive than I expected when one takes the time to look for the right places. In fact, Amsterdam is noticeably less expensive than a place like London or Paris.

Actively looking for the cheaper prices and bargains makes me feel like I am living here and not just traveling here. It is nice to start to feel integrated into the society, even after a week. The local Dutch have been very welcoming even though we are new (obnoxious) students. Instead of treating us like idiots, they tell us a bit about local life, or where locals spend time.

I am constantly figuring out a city that seems to be shunning and embracing rules at the same time. The duality of the Dutch personality is what makes the city so livable. Everything is orderly and efficient. The streets are clean, the trams run well, etc. But you are also surrounded by a sense of of individuality, of creativity, of unrestricted hedonism. So perhaps it is this dichotomy that makes Amsterdam so livable and enjoyable.

Or maybe its the 25 cent beer.