You learn a lot about a city after living there a few years. Amsterdam, like any other city in the world, has her intricacies and idiosyncrasies. Here are a few helpful tips and cheats to get you acquainted with how things work so you can have an awesome time in Amsterdam.
Always have your passport on you. If you are stopped by the Politie and you don't have it with you, you will get a 50 euro fine.
Keep your valuables locked up in a safe when staying in a hostel. You usually rent them for a small fee given back to you at checkout. Keep your money, purses and bags close to you. Pick-pocketing is a popular way to ruin someone's day there.
If you plan on visiting during high season (March to August) book your hotel/hostel/bnb months in advance. I can't tell you how many times I had to turn people away from the hostel, especially on weekends, because we had NO beds available. Do NOT come to Amsterdam without a place to stay or you'll be sleeping in the airport...which they actually don't let you do anymore. Yes, they will wake you up. No joke.
Get proper plug ins and converters, and don't use any type of hair appliances from outside the EU as they will short out, catch fire and cause a black out. I found that out the hard way.
Credit cards from outside the EU sometimes don't work, even if they have a chip. I've heard things changed a bit, but just to be safe make sure you have cash. ATM's in my opinion are better than exchanging money. Just take out enough so you don't have to use it multiple times as there is a service charge.
Bathrooms are NOT free. Unlike the US, where you can walk into any place and do your business, you can't in Holland unless you give them business first. But if you're walking down the Kalverstraat and need to go, paying 40 euro cents at a McDonald's is your best bet. There are also outdoor urinals for men called 'pissoirs". They smell like death but they were put in place to keep drunks from peeing all over everthing. Another thing that will get you a fine.
The public transportation in Amsterdam is awesome. (See next tip for available discounts)
You can get a tourist pass called the IAmsterdam card, I highly recommend it. Depending on how many days you're there (the average tourist stays around 3 days) you can get a discount on museums, canal cruises, public transport and a free city map. This website tells you everything you need to know about this nifty little card.
Amsterdam is world famous for its rain. Personally, I LOVE it. It rains an average of 217 days a year there, for some people (dutchies) that's a lot. Its a great idea to pack an umbrella or rain jacket. Cheap umbrellas you'll find in tourist areas are just that, cheap. I cannot tell you how many times I've seen those umbrellas go inside out on people at the most inconvenient times. Not gonna lie, I laughed. Every time. The wind eats those cheapos up. Unfortunately a lot of them end up on the ground instead of the trash-can. Another thing that is vital to bring with you to Amsterdam, GOOD walking shoes. Your welcome.
When in a cafe or restaurant, the customer is not always right. Don't be shocked by rude servers. They are paid better and don't live on tips but please tip them anyway, if you've ever worked in food service you know its deserved. Some say all servers in Amsterdam are rude but that's not true. I've only experienced bad service twice while living there, most dutch waiters are very friendly. Be kind and patient, they deal with a lot of not so nice tourists.
Watch out for dog poop on sidewalks!
DON'T walk on the bike path. Ever. If you hear a bell look behind you and get out of the way fast. Please don't get hurt, there's just too much awesomeness you will miss!
Almost everyone speaks English. But, dutchies love it when you try speaking their language.
When you're at said grocery store, take your own bags or you will have to pay for them.
Coffeeshops sell weed, cafes sell coffee. If all you want is a caffeine buzz, ask for a nice cafe or you might get more of a buzz than you wanted.
Most cafes have cats. Its either them or mice. I find it homey. Also, you can bring your dogs into most places. I even saw a lady with a parrot on a leash in the grocery store.
Thursday night is 'koopavond' or shopping night. During the rest of the week stores on popular tourists streets close at 5pm. Thursday nights they are open til 9pm.
Cheese shops always have a bounty of free cheese samples. It is glorious. Need a mid-afternoon snack? Stop in one of these little shops and taste my favorite, oude kaas. Pesto cheese, komijn kaas, bright blue cheese (yeah, its smurf blue) and "lekker" goat cheeses are all free for tasting. You'll probably end up buying some too cause its soooooooo good, smart dutchies.
Strolling through the Jordaan neighborhood at night is my favorite thing to do. The canals are lit up and the atmosphere is more relaxed and 'gezellig'. Its nice to sit on a bench or even on the edge of the canal and chat with a friend, eat some ice cream or just soak in the beauty of Amsterdam.