Things to avoid

Here we have only selected a few things we consider good to know, but in any situation please use your sober judgement!

As soon as you park your car, you must pay. Not paying means you run the risk of getting your car wheel-clamped or worse, your car being towed away. In both cases it will cost you a lot of money. Refer to the parking ticket machines for more information.

Parking is difficult and expensive in the city, with parking regulations strictly enforced. The clampers work a day and night, and seem to pay particular attention to foreign cars. If your car is clamped, a yellow sticker on the window tells you where to pay the fine of EUR 67,00 before the clamp is removed. If the fine is not paid within 24 hours, your car will be towed away.

It is not allowed to smoke in public areas in the Netherlands. Since July 2008 smoking is banned from all hospitality venues like bars, restaurants, discotheques and concert halls. Most larger venues do have designated areas, closed off from the rest of the public area, where smoking is allowed. Service is not provided in these areas, order at the bar.

Since the beginning of this year, it is prohibited to smoke in all trains, stations, waiting areas and on platforms. Special smoking areas have been created. There are designated smoking pillars, which is basically a 2-meter high ashtray, where you can smoke and extinguish your cigarettes. The fine for smoking outside this area is 25 Euro, and throwing your cigarette butt on the platform can cost you 40 Euro.

A strip of tickets, or strippenkaart, that you self-stamp on board can be bought in advance from newsagents, train stations, post-offices and other outlets. Single tickets from the driver or conductor at the back seat once you get-on will cost a bit more. Getting caught you will cost you EUR 60.00 at the place.

Both awful crimes, but as in most cities it does happen in Amsterdam. Crowded places, narrow alleys and on public transport are common spots for these crimes to occur. When you are a victim of these crimes, or any other crime, go to one of the police stations. They take your statement, cancel your credit cards and provide you with useful telephone numbers and addresses (Consulates, etc.). It is important to remember the location the crime took place and, if possible, to give a description of the attacker(s). Try to avoid problems by not carrying valuable items with you on the streets. Leave them in the safe or deposit box of your hotel.

It is unsafe and illegal. It is not allowed to smoke in the public (you can get a fine, but usually just a reminder from the policeman), and it is not polite either to roam the streets, shops or restaurants while stoned. You can easily bump into a bike or a tram and die. If you have to, use the cannabis in the privacy of the coffeeshop. Never take anything with you out of Holland!

Hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstasy are strictly forbidden. Buying drugs on the streets is one of the biggest tourist traps in Amsterdam. Form the moment you arrive in the Red Light District, people will offer you drugs. These drugs are always fake, and are typically made from washing powder, sugar, and rat poison or vitamin C tablets. Furthermore you also open yourself up to violence. You may be forced to hand over your wallet as soon as you go to pay for the fake drugs. Simply said, don’t do it.

You may visit a coffee shop to buy a small amount of soft drugs for your own personal use. If you are under 18 years old, you are not allowed to enter a coffee shop or to buy anything. If you feel sick after smoking or eating space cake, drink a lot of water with sugar. Something sweet will make you feel better. Do not use soft drugs in regular bars or other establishments, as not everyone like the smell of a joint. It is not recommended to mix alcohol and soft drugs, or any other drugs.

Drink your beer inside the bars or on the terraces. When you are too drunk on the streets you can get arrested by the police or worse, you will be an easy target for a pickpocket or mugger.

A dirty habit, and always committed by men. If you are caught, the fine is € 50 and must be paid immediately at the police station. Do not ruin our houses or monuments. Go instead into one of the bars and tip the bartender for using his toilet, or use one of the public toilets. You also can go to a police station and use the facilities there.

Never take pictures of the occupied red windows in Amsterdam Red Light District, to respect the privacy of both the visitors and the workers of the district. Better keep your camera safe not to be stolen by the pick-pockets.

If you visit one of the women, we would like to remind you, they are not always women. Do not take pictures of the women. Out on the streets, do not shout or use bad language towards these women. Show some respect. If you have any problems with a girl or a pimp, do not hesitate to ask a police officer.

Recently people have been approached by individuals impersonating Dutch police officers. Their sole objective is to steal valuables they find in your clothing. When approached be sure in read their identifications carefully.

Do not talk to the individuals on the streets who tries to sell you something (most likely drugs or bikes) - this is illegal and you can be robbed. The drugs will not work and the bikes are likely stolen. Please do not support crackers by buying the stolen bikes - note there is a huge penalty when cought by police that patrols all well-known hotspots.

The lanes are usually clearly marked with a bike symbol on the way. These are express-roads through the city in which the bike rules. Avoid walking on, and standing in bike lanes looking at maps, chat around, etc. This drives locals mad. When you hear a bike bell, get quickly out of the way.