Beware

Like any busy international city, Amsterdam has a small amount of petty crime, mostly pickpockets.

Here are some tips to help make sure your stay in Amsterdam is a safe and happy one.

Pickpockets

Pickpockets frequent busy tourist areas, especially packed public transport (trams, buses and metro) as well as stations.

Don't keep your wallet in your back pocket as you will only invite them to steal. If you wear a backpack, be aware of your surroundings. Some people wear a money belt, but in my opinion, there is little need for this.

Mugging and Armed Robbery

Do not listen to any scare stories - this is incredibly rare. Just use your common sense and do not walk down any dark alleyways on your own at 4 in the morning.

Drug Dealers

You will see these mainly in the red light district and surrounding areas. They are usually black or of North African descent. If you are not interested in hard drugs then ignore them - they are only interested in a sale. If you find that they are getting annoying just don't make eye contact with them, they will cease to pester you.

Junkies with bikes

Junkies will shout "fiets" in order to try and sell you a stolen bike. In fact, many bikes are recycled this way with many Dutch citizens buying stolen bikes. As you are tourist, it is easier for you to just hire a bike.

Beggars

Amsterdam has a few beggars who will ask for change. If you often donate to beggars at home, feel free to. Personally, I suggest not to feed their drug habit from donations and to ignore them. Just look ahead and don't make eye contact.

Red Light District

This is actually a very safe area of town because it is frequented by so many people and covered in large parts by CCTV (closed circuit television). Also, the Police frequently make patrols around the area. Many women and even families frequent this area.

Tips

Although tourists are supposed to carry their passports with them at all time, I recommend leaving this in the hotel (preferable in a safe if one is available) and carrying a photocopy.

When using ATM machines (Geldautomaat), I recommend covering the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN number. Across the world, criminals are now using pinhole cameras to record you as you enter your PIN number. By covering your hand and the keypad, you can prevent becoming a victim of this crime.

Remember, incidence of crime, both petty and violet,  in Amsterdam is very low and certainly less than other major European cities. If you didn't follow any of the above advice you would almost certainly still have a great time in Amsterdam!