🚲 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." ⸻ 🍻 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. ⸻ 🍽 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. ⸻ 🚎 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. ⸻ 🚻 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. #Summer vacation #Tokyo trip #Painting trip #Domestic travel strategy #My travel plan #Summer vacation trip #Seasonal places overseas #Overseas travel strategy #Overseas travel #Comment circle #in #Absolutely free trip