However, to optimize your enjoyment in exploring the city, you need to have enough preparation before going to the city. And when it comes to travel preparation, nothing is more practical than by getting introduced to an Amsterdam survival kit.
There is a big list of don'ts when you are to spend an Amsterdam adventure. Amsterdam is known for its tolerance but one thing you must never do is smoke or use cannabis in public. Do that in your privacy, while chilling out in the coffee shop. Never take pictures of the windows in the city's red light district. If you do not get brawled by taking pictures, chances are a pickpocket might get your precious camera.
Try you best to evade people who are trying to sell you anything while you are walking on the street. If they are not selling souvenirs, they are selling drugs or bikes which are illegal and possibly stolen. When you are going to some club, try to dress up neatly. It you came wearing old and dirty sneakers, the bouncers will make it an early night for you.
Getting to or around Amsterdam is easy and generally safe. However, there are some things to remember. The best way for a tourist to travel around the city is by riding the trams. There are two main ticket offices located within the city; in the small office located at the square opposite the central station just and in a small office just off Liedsplein. You can buy tickets that allow a number of rides. Tram rides stop at 11 P.M. To save you from the fuss and humiliation, never ride the tram without a valid ticket.
Parking space is very expensive. Clampers monitor the streets day and night and are usually more particular when it comes to foreign or tourist cars. Getting your car clamped means you have to pay a whopping EUR 6,700 fine. Also, in this city, bikers rule so never walk on biking lanes. When you hear a bike bell, you need to quickly get off the way or be hit by a speeding biker.
The last tip would be to find a nice place to stay. Although the internet is filled with hotel sites that cater to Amsterdam holiday accommodations, a wise traveler would seek a holiday apartment instead. No matter how local hotels say that they are near the city's hot spots, most of the time they are not. There's no better way of living the life of this great city than by renting an apartment. Apartment rentals not only yield huge holiday savings, when it says it's close to the city, it really is.
Be wary of the things that you usually forget when you are to travel abroad. The currency in Amsterdam is Euro; you can get your money changed at a number of locations but it would be wise to get your money changed before getting there to deal with no fuss. Credit cards can work but small shops and hotels often charge extra 2 to 6% with credit card payments. Generally, Amsterdam is a safe place for tourists. However, accidents and crimes happen in any city. In case something happens, remember that the city's emergency fire, police and accident line is 112.
