Practical Information

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Practical Information

While nothing can beat the joy of going on an impromptu trip and leaving the unfolding of events to destiny, it is always better to do a little groundwork and acquaint yourself with the basics of a foreign land. Knowing how to contact your loved ones, what to do in an emergency or simply the do's and don’ts of the country and some useful info on the practical matters of a place can help make your experience in Amsterdam all the more memorable.

Do's and Don’ts

Amsterdam is known the world over for its liberal attitude; however, there exist a few do's and don’ts in this tolerant city.

Do's

Do keep the city tidy and use trash cans as violators are prosecuted.
Do ignore any beggars and dealers that may approach you and keep your valuables close at all times. (This is not so common but good to be aware)
Bear in mind that the Red Light District and other areas are under camera surveillance, so do not try to photograph any of the prostitutes or full windows in the vicinity, it can get you into trouble.
Do carry a photo identification with you at all times as it is against the law to not be able to show who you are with an identity. You could get taken to the local police station and fined..

Don’ts

Don’t let your parking meter expire, as it can cost you anywhere around 140-500 Euros.
Don’t cycle in pedestrian areas.
Don’t consume alcohol in public places, since this is forbidden.
Don’t buy soft drugs from anywhere except from the coffeeshops.
Don’t use the street as a toilet.
Don’t create or cause a nuisance, such as making loud noises, screaming or playing loud music in public areas.
Don’t camp in public places, as there are special campsites available for the same.

Crime and Safety

Amsterdam happens to be one of the safest cities in the world. Even though it is one of the most bustling cities of Europe, and with tourist season being open all year round, the city has not been witness to many violent crimes. With a local ‘live and let live attitude’, the city is not only one of the safest destinations for lone travelers, but also for females and LGBT tourists, as harassment is not a common phenomenon.

However, it would be incorrect to say that the city is absolutely crime-free. Petty thieves and pickpockets do find their way into crowded places, but this is something that can be dealt with by using a little common sense. Be vigilant of your surroundings and keep an eye on your purse and valuables at all times, this will help you keep safe.

However, in case of any kind of emergency call 112, which happens to be the universal number for ambulance, police and fire brigade services in the city. In case of a theft, go to your nearest police station, make a statement and they will help cancel all your credit cards along with giving you a list of useful telephone numbers. For any other non-emergency queries on theft call 0900-8844.

Communicating with home

Telephone: Want to make a phone call? Venture into any one of the phone shops scattered across the city. You will also find many pay phones that are generally card-operated. While the blue or orange Telfort booths accept cards as well as coins, most of the green KPN telephone booths accept only cards. You can get telephone cards from post offices, tobacco stores, some delis and several tourist offices, with the minimum charge being €5. To be able to call abroad from the Netherlands add 00 before the country code, while calling into Amsterdam requires you to add 0031 (for Holland) and 20 (for Amsterdam) before the phone number.

Internet: As a guest, most hotels will offer you free Wi-Fi services. However, this is something you would have to confirm beforehand, since some hotels have a charge and some budget hotels would not have Wi-Fi altogether. If you bring your laptop along, you could use the wireless internet offered by an increasing number of cafés and fast food chains, but do remember to ask whether it comes with a charge. Dedicated internet cafés are tough to find in the city. However, Amsterdam Public Library, next to the Central Station in the Old Center, offers free internet access.

Sending post from Amsterdam

Postal Services: Amsterdam’s main post office is situated round the corner of Raadhuisstraat, at Singel 250 that can be accessed by tram 1, 2, 5, 13, 14, 17, or 20. Apart from post and parcel services, you will find stamps, post cards, maps, self service fax machines, directories and a PostBank at the post office. There’s also one at the Central Station, which is accessible by most trams.

To send post from Amsterdam, you need to buy the appropriate stamps available at post offices, tourist offices and tobacco stores. In case the package needs to be weighed, you would have to visit the post office, otherwise you can drop it off at any of the mailboxes throughout the city. However, if you are sending post outside the Netherlands, you would have to look for the mailbox that says "overige bestemmingen". The postal code for Amsterdam is 1011-1109 with an area code 020. For further post-related information you could contact the Postal Information Phoneline at 0800-0417.

Amsterdam Business Hours

Generally, the shops in Amsterdam are open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday opening time is 1.00 pm. While the closing time for most shops on Saturdays is 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings feature extended shopping hours till 9:00 p.m. The timings on Sundays are 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. While the banks remain open on weekdays only, with their timings being 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., post offices operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Dutch Electrical Sockets and Adapters

Amsterdam’s power outlets give out 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) that require the same two round pin plugs as are used in the rest of Europe. If you are visiting from the US or Canada, bring an upward converter with you as it is tough to find those that will convert the available 220 or 240 volts to 110 or 120 volts. The electric plugs used in the Netherlands are a Type C. In case you have rented an accommodation and suspect electricity, gas or meter problems, then the 24/7 national number to call is 0800-9009.

Public Restrooms (Toilets)

Most of the public restrooms are placed around the city center and at the channel borders. However, it is preferable for the ladies to visit the restrooms in cafés or large departmental stores as the public toilets are mostly for men. You would generally find a cleaning lady in these restrooms and it would be appreciated if you leave her a 10 to 50 cents donation for her work.

Disabled Travelers

Amsterdam extends its hospitability even to its visitors with disabilities. Most of the buildings feature adjustments for wheelchairs. Specialist wheelchair taxis can be called upon to travel around the city. Airports, train stations, museums, tourist attractions and several boats have special arrangements for wheelchair users as well as the partially sighted.

Lost and Found Services

For all lost and found purposes at the Amsterdam Schiphol AMS Airport, including baggage, you would need to report to the information desks in the Lounges or the Departure and Arrival Halls. Lost and found items are saved at the information desk for one day only, therefore, if your enquiry comes at a later date you should call 0900-0141, charges €0.40 per min. In case you are calling from a foreign country, you would have to dial +31 (0)20 794 08 00. The general inquiry number for Schiphol airport's lost and found office is 020/601 2325.

The collection time for found items is 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and is open seven days a week; however, a prior appointment needs to be fixed. Found items can also be sent over by post, which needs to be discussed with the concerned authorities. While lost luggage and items, at the Central Station, need to be reported at the desk to the left of the luggage lockers, all found items are kept centrally in Utrecht. The number for the Central Lost Property Office at Utrecht is 030/235 3923.