Do and don’ts in Amsterdam?

Things Tourists Should Never Do in Amsterdam

• Don’t expect wild parties during weekdays.
• Don’t get on public transport without an OV-Chip card.
• Don’t take cash or credit cards for granted.
• Don’t hire a bike if you can’t ride one.
• Don’t walk in cycle paths.
• Don’t buy a bike from an unofficial source.

What should I avoid in Amsterdam?

Things to avoid in Amsterdam

• Accommodation booking scams.
• Taking a car into the center of Amsterdam.
• Tram, bus or train riding without a valid ticket.
• Avoid walking along the bicycle lanes.
• Do not smoke in trains and train stations.
• Avoid using cannabis in public.
• No pictures of the Red Light District’s windows.

What do I need to know before going to Amsterdam?

9 Things you need to know about Amsterdam before visiting

• Amsterdam is not just about parties and prostitutes.
• Cannabis isn’t officially legal in The Netherlands.
• Bicycles rule the streets of Amsterdam.
• Rent a bicycle.
• Be prepared for all weather conditions.
• Get yourself a OV Chipcard.
• Get out of the city centre and explore.

What should you not do in The Netherlands?

10 things you should NOT do in the Netherlands

• Do not flaunt (period)
• Do not confuse the Dutch with the Danes (or the Germans)
• You are not special (no, it doesn’t matter if your mom told you so)
• Thou shall not steal bikes (…
• Sidewalks are to walk, bike lanes are to bike (duh)

Is Amsterdam safe for tourists?

Yes, Amsterdam is a safe city to visit. In the last Safe City Index (2019), Amsterdam ranked fourth position in the list of safest cities in the world.Also, crime rates in general in Amsterdam are going down every year. Still, most of the crimes such as robbing and pickpocketing in Amsterdam happen to tourists.

Why is Amsterdam bad?

Amsterdam is rife with pickpocketing, petty crime as well as more serious crime. There’s also the drugs in Amsterdam that can be purchased VERY freely, leading (sometimes) to mayhem and stupidity. In particular, the Red Light District is pretty dangerous (not gonna lie), especially at night.

What should I be careful of in Amsterdam?

Things Tourists Should Never Do in Amsterdam

• Don’t expect wild parties during weekdays.
• Don’t get on public transport without an OV-Chip card.
• Don’t take cash or credit cards for granted.
• Don’t hire a bike if you can’t ride one.
• Don’t walk in cycle paths.
• Don’t buy a bike from an unofficial source.

Is English spoken in Amsterdam?

Do they speak English in Amsterdam?Around 90% of the Dutch can speak English (around 70% can speak German and 30% can speak French!) and the language is used in many international businesses, organisations and universities.

Do they speak English in Amsterdam Airport?

Do you speak English? Yes we do!Since Dutch is quite a difficult language to learn and a 12-hour flight may not be enough to master the language, all KLM and Schiphol employees speak English and Dutch fluently.

Is Netherlands expensive?

The Netherlands is now officially one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. CEO World magazine made a top 100 list and took several factors into account. Rent, groceries, restaurants and basically, the cost of living.

What is considered rude in the Netherlands?

It is considered rude to leave the table during dinner (even to go to the bathroom). When finished eating, place your knife and fork side by side at the 5:25 position on your plate.Plan to stay for an hour or so after dinner. Do not ask for a tour of your host’s home; it is considered impolite.

What is taboo in the Netherlands?

Using your hands and fingers to eat rice, vegetables, potatoes or meat without bones isn’t on! The Dutch use forks, knives and spoons. If you are not sure about what utensil to use, just ask people and they will be happy to explain. If you are not managing well, just ask politely if you can do it your way.

Is Amsterdam dirty?

Amsterdam isn’t dirty or dangerous. One of the safest cities in the world. I see no huge numbers of refugees, Amsterdam is a multicultural city and is in the spirit of all visitors welcome. They are a modern western city with great municipal staff to deal with rubbish etc.

How dirty are Amsterdam canals?

For Most of Their Existence the Canals Smelled Terrible
Before the 20^th century Amsterdam’s canals were notoriously polluted and stunk up the whole city.Thanks to the Dutch governement’s ongoing efforts, the canals are now quite clean and actually host an annual swimming event called Amsterdam City Swim.

Is the Red Light District safe STD?

It’s very safe.” Yet another pillar of the safety conversation is, of course, safe sex. There tends to be a misconception is that sex in the Red Light District is unprotected and that the sex workers must be riddled with STDs.

Is Amsterdam clean?

In recent years, Amsterdam has not been as clean as it should be. Litter and incorrectly discarded waste have marred our city’s beauty. The dirtiest areas – litter ‘hotspots’ – are a major source of frustration for many Amsterdammers. We take complaints about these areas very seriously.

How do you say hello in Amsterdam?

Hello and Other Greetings

1. Hallo (“HAH low”)—Hello. Universal greeting for hello (and by far the easiest to say).
2. Hoi (“hoy”)—Hi. Used more often with people you know.
3. Goedemorgen (“KHOO duh MORE khen”)—Good morning.
4. Goedenmiddag (“KHOO duh midakh”)—Good afternoon.
5. Goedenavond (“KHOO dun AH fohnt”)—Good evening.

Is Amsterdam expensive to live?

Amsterdam is one of the 10 most expensive places to live in Europe. So yes, Amsterdam is definitely not cheap to live in. Especially ‘binnen de ring’ (in the most central neighbourhoods) prices could be double or triple compared with places in for example Friesland or Limburg.

What is Amsterdam famous for food?

Dutch foods to try in Amsterdam

• Stroopwafel. If you try one Dutch sweet treat, make it a stroopwafel.
• Dutch pancakes.
• Jenever.
• Raw herring.
• Kibbeling.
• Croquettes from a vending machine.
• Oliebollen.
• Say cheese!

What does the 3 X’s mean in Amsterdam?

The three Xs (XXX) are actually the three Saint Andrew’s crosses. St. Andrew was a fisherman who was martyred on an X-shaped cross in the 1st century AD, which is relevant to Amsterdam as the city’s symbol dates back to 1505 when it was a fishing town and all ships registered in Amsterdam flew this flag.

Is Amsterdam friendly?

Out of 100 points the researchers established as the overall maximum, Amsterdam scored 70 which makes it the most tourist-friendly city in the world. The city also prides itself with some of the happiest locals with a score of 14.4 out of 20 possible.