Enjoying your holiday is the top priority for anyone who’s fortunate enough to make it away for a short or long break. Amsterdam is a great place to enjoy and has plenty to offer.
Read a few basic safety tips to help ensure you have a great time away and everything goes just the way you want. If you do have any problems, Head for a police station to report them.
Staying safe in Amsterdam is important to ensure you have the most enjoyable time.
Hard Drugs & Drug Dealers
Hard drugs in Amsterdam are illegal. If approached by street dealers whilst visiting the red light district, carry on walking. The drugs are always fake according to police and it also opens the possibility of getting robbed. Keep walking or if approached, just say no thanks.
Parking
Parking in Amsterdam is difficult to say the best. The streets are a crazy maze of one way streets and are so narrow you often think your car just won’t make it. When you finally find somewhere to park, be prepared to feed the parking meter or buy a ticket. Failing to feed the meter will either lead to your car getting towed, or if your lucky a ticket. Public transport or walking is the best way to travel around Amsterdam.
Fake Police Officers
Fake police officers are becoming a more popular way to steal peoples valuables. If your approached someone who appears to be a police officer. Be sure to check their identification thoroughly. Make sure your valuables are safe at all times.
Pickpockets and street crime
Both of these crimes happen everywhere, especially in busy cities like Amsterdam. Make sure you’ve always got an eye on your possessions. Whether your in the streets or on public transport. Pickpockets operate everywhere and are keeping an eye out for anyone not taking care. Try to leave valuables like passports etc at the hotel while out in the evening.
If you find yourself a victim of either a street robbery or pickpockets. Head towards one of the police stations in Amsterdam and try and remember the attacker or as much information as you can. The police can help with numbers to call such as embassies and credit card companies.
Alcohol on the streets
Drinking alcohol on the streets is against the law in Amsterdam and you may find yourself getting arrested. Drink your beers in the bars or on the terraces provided. If your too drunk on the streets, you may be asked to go back to your hotel if you come across the police. Worse still, muggers may pick you out as an easy target.
Screaming and Shouting
During the evenings and night times, try and keep the noise to a minimum. People live and work in various parts of Amsterdam and often have children or jobs to wake up early for the next morning. Try and keep the noise down and respect their neighbourhoods. Being too loud on the streets may lead to you getting fined from the police.
