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Some dos and don'ts for visitors to Amsterdam
Authorities are cracking down on crime and bad behaviour in Amsterdam. It's no longer the city where yobs can do what they like, offend the locals and then jet off home. If you are a brain dead lager lout, or even look like one, you won't get into any of the clubs or hash houses any more. For the rest of us, who love Amsterdam and its laid back attitude to sex and drugs here are a few dos and don't.
DON'T dress down for the occasion. Looking scruffy in Amsterdam is certain to get you the bounces from doormen. No trainers, no stupid shirts or you'll have an early night in.
DON'T shout English slogans in the street. The Brits have a bad reputation abroad - especially the drunken dorks who like to throw their weight about in groups. Yell at a club doorman in English and he'll understand what you've said (almost all speak English - probably better that the bozo Brits who want to get in - and you will get moved on. If you really want to get in learn a few Dutch phrases - you'll be through the door in no time.
DON'T act drunk or stoned. The policy is to turn away narcotocised clubbers and if you are British you only have to look stoned to get the shove off order. Once inside you can smoke and puffing away on a spliff is OK in most clubs. Check it out first though, some venues don't allow it.
DO drink slowly. Binge drinking is for losers in Holland.The beer is stronger (5% at least), and comes in small glasses so it is all too easy to get drunk too quickly. Dutch soft drugs are usually top quality and if you're not used to it ( and you are NOT used to it in Amsterdam) you can expect a whiteout you won't forget.
DO keep the noise down. The Dutch are not really impressed by the pissed up Brits abroad ( I wonder why?). Holland is a boring place for the young - keep it that way.
DO be polite to the police. The natives have a laid back, tolerant, leave it alone attitude. Dutch police don't. f you piss off a policeman expect some bad bruising and a night in the cells. You can always boast about the bruises about it to your mates afterwards - unless you missed the plane of course.
This article was written for TravelSavvy Europe by Andy Matthews. If you know of an interesting European travel related news story, please get in contact.
