Netherlands

Good to know

• By bike and on foot — The bicycle is the national vehicle: there are cycle paths everywhere (fietspad), often surfaced in red and separated from the road and pavements. Renting a bike is the best (and most local) way to get around Amsterdam and the other cities. As a pedestrian, the golden rule: NEVER walk on the red cycle lanes, and always look twice before crossing, because bikes (and scooters) come fast and silent.
• Trains and transport — The rail network (NS) is dense, punctual and fast: it's the best way to move between the cities, all close together. On trains, metro and trams you must check in and check out: tap your contactless card (or OV-chipkaart) on the reader both when boarding AND when alighting, otherwise you pay the maximum fare. In the cities a car is inconvenient (restricted zones, very expensive parking): trains and bikes are better.
• Coffee shops and drugs — Cannabis is not 'legal' but 'tolerated' only inside coffee shops, for personal use by adults with ID; consuming it in the street and in public spaces is forbidden and fined (Amsterdam has stepped up controls). Hard drugs are illegal (up to 12 years in prison). A serious warning: deaths and overdoses among tourists are rising due to very potent or adulterated substances. In the red-light district it is forbidden to photograph people.
• Driving and car rental — An EU licence and insurance are valid. Speed cameras are everywhere and fines are very steep, especially for unpaid parking (often payable only by app): always pay. Blood-alcohol limit 0.05% (0.02% for new drivers in the first 5 years). Seat belts compulsory, child seats for children under 135 cm. Motorways are free (except the new A24). But in the cities a car is of little use: keep it for the windmills and villages.
• Safety — The Netherlands is safe, but petty crime is common in the cities (Amsterdam most of all): watch out for pickpocketing on public transport, in stations and on trains to/from Schiphol airport, for bicycle theft and for items left in cars. At night, avoid the port areas and the quieter station surroundings. Keep bags and phone in sight in crowded places.
• Rules and etiquette — Since 2004 there has been an absolute ban on smoking (tobacco) in venues and on public transport. In Amsterdam you risk fines for rowdy behaviour, noise and drinking alcohol in the street: the city has declared war on 'party tourism'. The Dutch are direct, informal and punctual: they appreciate those who respect the rules, queues and timetables. Many attractions work on online booking.