The OV chip card allows you to travel by train, bus, metro and tram. The personal card is valid for a period of five years, while the anonymous OV chip card can be used for four to five years.
Your OV chip card only acts as a valid ticket if you checked in before starting your journey. Make sure you have sufficient credit on your card (at least €4 on the bus, at least €10 on the train). You can check in at the gate or the card reader. At the end of your trip, check out again at the gate or the card reader.