People visit Amsterdam for a variety of reasons. One of the main attractions of Amsterdam, and indeed the Netherlands in general, is the coffeeshops. These are licensed establishments that allow the sale and consumption of personal amounts of Cannabis in a safe and controlled environment. Currently Amsterdam hosts over 200 coffeeshops, and the following information is designed to make your stay more enjoyable and a little bit safer:

* Don’t feel obliged to consume the entire amount of Cannabis purchased in that same coffeeshop, as you may carry up to five grams and enjoy it at the next shop you visit.

* Not all coffeeshops are the same. Trust your instincts and remember that the shop is selling you drugs. If you can’t get enough information about the menu from which you are choosing feel free to go somewhere else.

* Cannabis falls under a “tolerant” policy in the Netherlands, meaning that there is no product regulation in the coffeeshops and that weed is not actually legal. You are not permitted to purchase or carry more than five grams of Cannabis and hash at any time.

* The toleration of Cannabis is restricted to certain areas, primarily in coffeeshops, and therefore smoking Cannabis in the streets is not permitted.

* Hard drugs fall under a zero-tolerance policy in the Netherlands. They are prohibited from coffeeshops and tourists should never purchase drugs on the street.

* Do not walk in the cycle path, clearly designated along the roads with line markers and bicycle icons. Pedestrians usually have right-of-way, unless of course you’re walking in the cycle path!

* Please be aware of pickpockets on public transportation and while walking along our picturesque canals and streets. Violent crime is rare but photo ID, bags and wallets are frequently stolen without the victim even realising.

Useful contacts:

Emergency: 112

Taxi: 020 6777777

Trains: www.ns.nl

Tourist info: www.iamsterdam.nl, www.freeamsterdam.nl