Door: Pieter Sabel
Gepubliceerd: woensdag 15 juli 2009 01:13
Update: woensdag 15 juli 2009 07:34
This is a nice country. But we have a lot of rules. Many of them we don’t even understand ourselves.
Taxi’s
This is not Paris, Rome or London. Taxi drivers in Amsterdam rarely know the quickest way to your hotel, and most of them will charge you more than you can afford. If you haven’t already got into a fight with one, that is.
Public transport
You will need a so-called chip card to travel the subway in Rotterdam. In Amsterdam, you can both try to buy a temporary one (assuming the machine works), or pay a lot for the old-fashioned ‘strippenkaart’. Both will work in trams, buses and the subway, but don’t forget to check-in and check-out when using the chip card.
Bars, restaurants
Outside the Western region, chances are you will be served correctly. But especially in the capital city (you do know that is Amsterdam, right?), owners tend to think that inexperienced students can be waiters. A completely different way of thinking than in most major foreign cities. So do not be surprised when being served only after waiting for half an hour, receiving a beer when ordered coffee. And do not forget to sit down at the sidewalk café, because standing is prohibited.
Smoking
Is allowed everywhere in the streets. But it does pay off to ask the barman if he happens to be the owner of the place. If so, you can safely smoke inside. At least, for this summer. If not, go and look for a bar with a smoking section. Otherwise, just go outside, like you are probably used to. But don’t forget to leave your beer inside.
Marihuana
You are ‘allowed’ to carry a small amount with you. And you are ‘allowed’ to smoke it, too. You can smoke joints inside coffee shops, but do not put any tobacco in them. If you do, the owner of the place will be fined. Do not even think about refunding your trip by selling your saved bits of weed or hash, that is illegal. And as we are on the subject: in several European countries (including The Netherlands) the possession of cannabis seeds is not fineable. For the sake of ‘recreational use’ you are allowed to grow your own five plants.
Cycling
Just ignore red traffic lights, chances are you will not get fined. Do pay attention to groups of young police officers, they might be a little eager to fine you. Fortunately, most surveillances nearby traffic lights are announced on the websites of the local police force. Speaking of bikes: please rent one with a working bell. And beware of the native cyclist, even if you go by foot. Because contrary to what you are used to, we have cycle tracks everywhere.
‘De Wallen’
In spite of the intentions of the city board to de-criminalize the famous Wallen in Amsterdam, there are still enough red-light windows for everyone. Only a few prostitutes had to abandon their business. You can still get drunk and walk a few of our most famous streets. Just don’t pay too much attention to annoyed Dutch people.
