Things to avoid in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a freewheeling city, but contrary to popular opinion not everything goes.

Too, some things — while perfectly legal — are best avoided.

Here, in no particular order, are our tips and suggestions:

Drugs

You can legally buy and use soft drugs, but the best place to do so is in licensed coffeeshops (yup, that’s what we call them…).

Don’t…

• …buy ‘drugs’ on the street
  Tourists have been known to pay premium prices for sheep dung, parsley, aspirin or talcum powder.

  By the way, it’s best to avoid eye contact with street loiterers, beggars and junkies. It is not a good idea to reply to their whispered ‘hash? coke?’ questions.

• …be foolish with drugs
  You wouldn’t be the first tourist whose trip to Amsterdam turns into a bad trip – or even the final trip – after experimenting with (unfamiliar) drugs. In March, 2007, a 17-year old French tourist asked an older friend to buy her some psychedelic mushrooms. After using them, she committed suicide by jumping off a building onto a freeway. [Clarification: only those 18 years and older may buy psychedelic mushrooms at a so-called 'Smart Shop.' Turned away by such a shop, this girl asked an older friend to purchase the shrooms for her. He did, but apparently did not relay the extensive Do's and Don'ts information the seller normally gives. Others simply ignore that information and insist to, for instance, use their shrooms together with alcohol, marijuana, or something stronger. Lesson: some rules are simply there to protect you or your friends from doing something stupid.]

  Update: Nov. 10, 2008: Sale of hallucinogenic ‘magic’ mushrooms banned starting December 1, 2008

• …buy or use drugs if you are younger than 18
  It’s not only against the law, but if shops are caught selling to underage users they risk closure. Don’t have an older person buy drugs for you either. Some popular shops have already voluntarily raised the age limit for customers to 21 as a result.

  Freedom does come with responsibilities. Don’t ruin it for yourself and others.

• …buy drugs to take home
  You will get caught — either here or over there. It’s not worth it. Just visit Amsterdam more often.

Tourist Traps

Your mileage may differ, but in our opinion most tourists won’t ever lay awake from having missed these spots:

• Holland Experience
  Essentially this is a 30-minute multimedia tourist brochure providing an overview of the Netherlands. Some people like it. Some don’t. We think your time is better spent seeing the real thing right outside. You’ll save a bundle of money, too.
• Madame Tussaud
  Put the wax figures on the back burner until you have a chance to visit the vastly superior London location instead. (Then again, you do get a great view of Dam Square and Damrak from the huge, round window at the top floor.)

From a brochure titled, “Welcome to Amsterdam, but…”

Handed out for free at Amsterdam hotels and other tourist venues.

Red Light District

The Red Light District is perfectly safe, but keep the following tips in mind.

Don’t…

• …photograph the prostitutes
  If you have to have a souvenir from the Red Light District, buy a postcard. You can take pictures of, say, the area’s architectural treasures, but if you aim your camera at one of the scantily-clad ladies in the windows you may find yourself getting closely acquainted with the nearest canal – via one or more bouncer types. Some of the ladies (or those pretending to be) will douse you and your camera with a bucket full of ammonia- or bleach-laced water.

  Tip: Visit the Red Light District Shop of the ‘Prostitute Information Center.’ You’ll find interesting postcards, titillating souvenirs, maps with suggested Red Light District tours, and so on. The shop is run by a former prostitute whose organization fights for the wel-being and legal position of prostitutes.

• …interact with the junkies
  They’re after one thing only: your money. Again, if you have to buy drugs buy them in one of the many licensed coffeeshops in the area. Do not give money to the Junkies. They know where to get help, including food, medicines and medical care, shelter, counseling, etcetera.

Pickpockets

Don’t…

• …be an easy target for pickpockets
  While pickpockets go after everyone, try not to look like a tourist. It makes you extra vulnerable.

Stolen Bicycles

Don’t…

• …buy a stolen bike
  For one thing, you’d help perpetuate an age-old problem. For another, should the police catch you at it you’ll be fined €160. That said, a police officer will always have to answer affirmatively to the question, “Are you a police officer?”

Unofficial Taxis

Don’t…

• …use an unofficial taxi
  When you arrive at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, runners for unlicensed taxis will accost you. While their story may sound good, you can not be sure that the price quoted will be the same as the price you’ll eventually be charged at the end of the drive.

Hotel Runners

Don’t…

• …trust hotel runners
  At Central Station – and throughout downtown Amsterdam – people who look like tourists (carrying backpacks or suitcases) will be accosted by hotel runners. Do not trust them. Usually the rates they quote are invented on the spot. Once they have led you to the hotel – in an area you are not familiar with – the room rate turns out to be a lot higher. And some runners don’t easily take ‘no’ for an answer.

  Too, you may end up in one of several illegal, overcrowded hotels.

Trams

Don’t…

• …overlook the trams
  Each year, several tourists die or are badly injured in collisions with trams. Do not try to outrun trams. These urban trains go faster than you can run, and they usually have the right of way. Keep in mind that when you cross the street behind a tram, another tram may be racing toward you (For you British folks: they’re coming from the right). In addition, taxis, buses, emergency vehicles and some bozos also use the tram lanes.
• …ride the trams without a ticket
  A new electronic ticketing system is in the works, but for the time being you can still board many trams without having or self-stamping a ticket. If you get caught you’ll have to pay a hefty fine on the spot. Buy tickets in advance at a train station, tobacconist, newsstand, post office or the Albert Heijn supermarket. Tickets bought in the tram (or bus) are more expensive. Get them from either the driver or the conductor. Not all trams have a conductor.

Currency Exchange

Don’t…

• …exchange your money at independent money changers
  You’ll always pay more and get less. Use Travelex instead.

Food

Don’t…

• …make a beeline for the nearest fast-food ‘restaurant’ that reminds you of home. Try some local eateries instead.

Original content © Copyright 2009 DutchAmsterdam.nl [Read what that actually means]

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More about these tags / keywords: amsterdam • Amsterdam taxis • drugs • hotel runners • Hotels • money exchange • mushrooms • Red Light District • shrooms • Smart Shops • stolen bicycles • Things not to do • Things to avoid • Things To Do • to do • tourist traps • Trams

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