Amsterdam (Rough Guide) - Martin Dunford [12]
Travel essentials
Travel essentials |
Crime and personal safety
Though Amsterdam is relatively untroubled by crime in comparison with other European cities, there is nevertheless more street crime than there used to be, and it’s advisable to be on your guard against petty theft; secure your belongings in a locker when staying in hostel accommodation, and never leave any valuables on view in a car. On the street, beware of the distraction ploys that petty thieves can try, such as someone asking for directions while an accomplice puts their hand in your bag; if you’re in a crowd be wary of people moving too close to you. Be cautious when using ATMs, especially late at night, and be wary of suspicious devices fitted around the card slot. If you’re on a bike, make sure it is well locked up; bike theft and resale is a major industry here – as is the usual mobile phone theft – keep your network provider’s number handy in case you have to bar your phone.
If you are robbed, you’ll need to go to a police station to report it, not least because your insurance company will require a police report; remember to make a note of the report number – or, better still, ask for a copy of the statement itself. Don’t expect a great deal of concern if your loss is relatively small – and don’t be surprised if the process of completing forms and formalities takes ages. If your credit card is stolen, report the theft immediately to your card company (see "Money" for contact details).
As for personal safety, it’s generally possible to walk around most parts of the city without fear of harassment or assault, but wherever you go at night it’s always better to err on the side of caution. In particular, Amsterdam’s Red Light District can have an unpleasant, threatening undertow (although the crowds of people act as a deterrent), as can the area around Centraal Station and certain quiet parts of De Pijp. In general, try not to wander around looking lost. Using public transport, even late at night, isn’t usually a problem, but if in doubt take a taxi.
If you’re detained by the police, you don’t automatically have the right to a phone call, although in practice they’ll probably phone your consulate for you – not that consular officials have a reputation for excessive helpfulness (particularly in drug cases). If your alleged offence is a minor matter, you can be held for up to six hours without questioning; if it is more serious, you can be detained for up to 24 hours. For details of foreign embassies and consulates, see "Embassies and consulates in the Netherlands".
Travel essentials | Crime and personal safety |
In an emergency – police, fire or ambulance – call 112. 0900/8844 is the number to call if it’s not an emergency; they’ll give you the details of the nearest city-centre police station. There are police stations at the following locations: NZ Voorburgwal 104; Beursstraat 33; Elandsgracht 117; Marnixstraat 148; Lijnbaansgracht 219; Prinsengracht 1109; Ferdinand Bolstraat 190.
Travel essentials |
Electricity
The Dutch electricity supply runs at 220v AC. British equipment needs only a plug adaptor; American apparatus requires a transformer and an adaptor.
Travel essentials |
Entry requirements
Citizens of the EU/EEA, including the UK and Ireland, plus citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands if staying for three months or less, but they do need a current passport. Travellers from South Africa, on the other hand, need a passport and a tourist visa before they leave for the Netherlands for a visit of less than three months; these are available from the Dutch embassy.
EU/EEA residents (with the exception of Bulgaria and Romania) planning on staying longer than three months do not need a residence permit, but they do need to register with IND, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (www.ind.nl).