Tricks & Scams, Amsterdam

*If you come to Amsterdam do NOT come by car. This could be the start of a ruined holiday... It is extremely expensive to park your car especially in the centre IF you can get a parking space to start with...
*If one or two men approach you and introduce themselves as policeofficers and want to check your money and passport: DO NOT BELIEVE THEM and walk away!! These people are after you money and are absolutely no policemen!!!

Amsterdam feels as a very safe place. The system put the traditional criminals out of business as they legalise light drugs and prostitution.
However, try to avoid drug dealer’s offers or someone that offered you to buy bike for 10 f. they are probably stolen and they need the money for drugs.

If you arrive by airplane and when you take the train from the airport (Schiphol) to the Central Station:
watch out for thieves. Most of them do their 'job' with three/four persons. Watch your stuff!!
Anyway, you always have to look after your things!

Some jerk will bump into you. then he and a friend will accuse you of spilling their weed and demand payment. And if you just walk away to avoid conflict they will take something you value alot more than those 25 soon to be 50 guilders. Like the glasses right off your friends face.

This has become a very sad town.

Watch out when you are standing in a crowd watching at a streetartist. Pickpockets often rob people while watching artists.