HANDY TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST - OR TENTH - VISIT TO AMERSTERDAM
GENERAL RULES OF CONDUCT
Although Amsterdam is a liberal and tolerant city, there are reasonable limits nonetheless. As a courtesy to your host residents, behave in such a way that does not cause any annoyance to others and take note of the most important rules of conduct that improve the quality of living and make your visit a pleasant one.
Weapons are illegal
The consumption of alcohol is banned in some places
Do not use the streets as a toilet
Camping is only allowed at campsites
Noise, loud music and screaming are not allowed
No cycling in pedestrian areas
Behave in the Red-Light District. The Dutch police take strict action against people misbehaving in this area. The Red-Light District is under camera surveillance.
Beware of pickpockets. Keep your eye on your possessions and do not leave anything behind in your vehicle.
Ignore hotel runners. The Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board will help you find reliable accommodation.
Ignore beggars and keep your money in your pocket. Begging is banned in the Netherlands.
Cooperate with the police if they want to search you to check for possession of illegal arms. Only uniformed police officers are authorized to perform body searches.
Assistance Services (ATAS) Are you a foreign visitor in Amsterdam and a victim of crime? The Amsterdam Tourist Assistance Service offers you practical help and support. After you have reported the crime at a police station, the volunteers of ATASZ will support you in obtaining substitute travel documents, money, any medical assistance needed and anything else you may require. ATAS office hours are from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week.
In comparison to other large European cities, Amsterdam is considered a relatively safe city. Violent crimes do not occur very often and overall residents and visitors have a safe experience without incident. Do be cautious of petty crimes however, such as pickpocketing. Pickpockets are typically active in crowded places, during the summer season and on the train travelling between Amsterdam Central Station and Schiphol Airport. This also occurs in trams or while you are watching a street artist. Watch your belongings carefully, and leave your valuables in a safety deposit box or safe at the hotel.
TIPS
As in the rest of the Netherlands, you are not obligated to tip in Amsterdam. If you wish to leave waiters, hotel staff or taxi drivers a gratuity, a 5 - 10% tip is acceptable.
TAXIS
Taxis can be found at one of the many taxi ranks in the city. You can also hail a taxi on the street. When choosing for the latter option, please note that taxis are not obliged to stop at your signal.
Stopping
There are many places in the inner city where no stopping is permitted, in particular on the tram and bus lanes. This means that a taxi is not able to stop to let you get in or out. Occasionally this will mean that you will have to get out either just before or just after your destination.
Where to find a taxi
You will find taxis at the official taxi ranks which are to be found at Schiphol Airport, Central Station and the Dam as well as many other places. You do not have to take the first taxi in the queue. You may choose which taxi to take. You may also hail a taxi on the street. When doing so you should take into account that there are many places in the inner city where no stopping is permitted. In addition you may also telephone for a taxi. You will find telephone numbers in the pink section of the telephone directory and in the Yellow Pages under "taxi". You may, of course, ask a member of the hotel or restaurant staff to call a taxi for you. There are no call out charges.
How Much?
Taxi prices are based on the following components: Call out - No charge
Basic price - max. €5.12 (for 4 or more passengers; max € 8.33)
Per Kilometre - max. € 1.94 (for 4 or more passengers; max €2.23)
Wait/stop - max. €32.87 per hour
PRE-SALE NATIONAL BUS AND TRAM CARDS
National ‘strippenkaarten’ (bus and tram cards) are available in every bus or tram in Amsterdam, but not on the subway. It is cheaper however to buy your ‘strippenkaart’ in advance at:
