🚲 Things to be aware of when staying in Amsterdam! Local culture and prices notes

🚲 Things to Keep in Mind While in Amsterdam! Local Culture & Price Notes

🚲 Beware of Bicycle Lane!

Amsterdam is a bicycle-first city. What looks like a sidewalk may actually be a dedicated bike lane!
• Much of the road is reddish-brown, and traffic lights and road signs are designated "for bicycles."
• If you accidentally stumble across a bike lane, you'll not only be warned by a bell ringing, but you may also be seriously hit.
• At intersections, it's safer to walk while keeping in mind the three-layer structure of "sidewalk, bike lane, and roadway."

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🍻 Bars and Beer Culture
• Local beers cost between €4 and €6. Popular brands include Heineken, Amstel, and Jopen.
• There are many long-established pubs known as "Bruin Cafés," with historic interiors and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Tipping is generally not required, but it's smart to round up the fare when receiving table service.
• Be aware that drinking alcohol on the street is prohibited in many areas (especially around central squares and parks).

🔴 Red Light District (De Wallen)
• Photography is strictly prohibited: taking a picture of a woman through a window can result in police involvement.
• While public safety has improved, beware of pickpockets, scammers, and drug dealers at night.
• This area is a cultural and historical part of the city, so be cautious when visiting out of curiosity.

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🍽 Breakfast Cafe Prices
• Breakfast in Amsterdam typically costs between €8 and €15.
• Toast, eggs, bacon, yogurt, and a drink cost around €12.
• Popular Cafes: Bakhuys, Pluk, Scandinavian Embassy, Omelegg

Bike Path
Never walk here. Be careful of red-brown pavement.
Bars
Brown cafes are a good choice. Beer is €4-6.
Luxury Drinks
Japanese people are not allowed.
Red Light
Photography is prohibited during business hours, so be careful when sightseeing at night.

Breakfast Cafe
€10-30 toast + egg set, with each cafe's unique character. Hotel breakfasts are around €14-18.
Beer prices:
€1 at supermarkets, around €5 at bars.
Supermarket sushi
€4-9, European-style, mainly salmon.
AH bento lunch boxes
Sandwiches around €3, lasagna and salads €5-6.
💳 Credit cards: Even VISA isn't accepted?!

Unlike Japan, Amsterdam still has a strong culture of prioritizing debit cards (Maestro and V-Pay).
• While credit cards are accepted at tourist attractions and large supermarkets (such as Albert Heijn), VISA/Mastercards may not be accepted at independent shops and cafes.
• AMEX and JCB are even less accepted, and you may need to link your Dutch bank card to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
• Tips: Carry around 20-50 euros in cash (just in case), and a prepaid MasterCard is also recommended.

📌 Note: Ticket machines at stations and some stores may only accept cards with a PIN code.

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🚎 Public Transportation: Use the OV-chipkaart or QR app!

Amsterdam's three main modes of transportation are:
• GVB (trams, subways, and buses): Use the tap-type IC card "OV-chipkaart" or QR tickets purchased through the app.
• NS (National Railways): Use the OV-chipkaart or e-tickets through the app. Ticket gates are tap-type.
• Trams (streetcars): Tickets can be purchased on board, but cash is not accepted. Cards may not support tap-to-pay.

🚫 Cash is often not accepted, so be careful as you'll be completely stuck if you only have cash.

📱 Recommendation: Downloading the GVB app or NS app to your smartphone in advance will make your entire trip easier.

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🚻 Restrooms: Free toilets are the norm

Amsterdam has a limited number of public restrooms, with paid toilets the norm.
• Train stations and department stores charge a fee of around €0.70–€1.00 per use.
• Many Starbucks and cafes require a PIN code on your receipt.
• Men's-only standing urinals are found in parks and around town, but women's are extremely rare.
• As a last resort, use facilities such as hotel lobbies, museums, and libraries (Openbare Bibliotheek).

📌 Tips: A good rule of thumb is to use the restroom during your coffee break. Train station restrooms can be crowded and have time restrictions.

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