First trip ever Sept4th-Sept7th

[MagicFloyd]

My general advice would be to relax and go with the flow... as a general rule if you try to order a drink in a coffeeshop and they force weed on you, think twice, any decent coffeeshop wont need to force it on you. I tend to decline and leave.

Betty Boop right near your hotel is a nice place to sit outside if the weathers nice. A little slice of heaven.

I am in town 2nd-7th, but plan to be spending some time out of Dam visiting Wijk ann Zee where I used to live and Beverwijk as well as hopefully Haarlem and Alkmaar but I can try and squeeze a couple of hours in for a quick tour.

If you have the time let me know. i would certainly appreciate it. Ill be logging my adventures on the forum here, so it should be pretty easy to locate me on a given day.

[Balou]

Coffeeshop 420/de kuil is maybe a 5 minute walk down the alley. Great atmosphere and clean Roor bongs if that's your thing. Betty Boop is opposite the hotel. Homegrown Fantasy about 5 minutes from the hotel. Resin is less than 10 minutes away on foot. Great bud, plenty of seating including a swing There is also Ben about a 2 minute walk, it has changed for the not so good on my last two trips. If you stay away from buying at the Grasshoppers and Bulldogs you should be okay.

stay away from Grasshoppers and Bulldogs? Is that due to price, quality, or atmosphere/environment?

They're product is lacking, drink prices are higher than the others, and some of the staff can be rude. They do have some of the best spots to sit and people watch. The Bulldog Palace on the Leidseplein and the Grasshopper 2 across from Centraal Station is some of the best real estate.

Your best bet is to sleep as much as possible on the flight. I usually take a couple of Benadryl unless I remember to get Xanax from my Dr. I would take my time making out the airport and on the train. It's rush hour and will be pretty busy. You should also be able to store your bags at the hotel until you can check in. When you do make it to your first coffeeshop go for the sativas. When you do get your room try NOT to go to sleep. If you do you'll miss the rest of your trip on the wrong sleep schedule.

Thanks I will try to sleep on the plane. I have prescription sleep meds and xanax so it shouldn’t be a problem. Im arriving on Saturday morning though so im assuming there wont be a rush hour?

Correct, no rush hour on the weekend.

Im also into culture so can anyone recommend a good museum or art gallery to check out? Assuming I find time between my coffee shop stops.

The Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Anne Frankhuis, Resistance Museum, Sex Museum, or The Cannabis & Hemp Museum.

Since ill probably only have time for 1 or 2 stops which would you recommend? I was thinking the Van Gogh, but I didn’t want to overlook anything.

The Van Gogh and The Resistance Museum would be my choices. Still haven't been to the Resistance but everyone says it is a must. Besides the Rembrandt is under renovation and has only a portion of the exhibits on display.

Considering my location what places would you recommend for food? Are there any places that I should absolutely try before I leave

You fortunate or maybe cursed to have Burger Bar, one of the best I've had, a few minutes walk toward Coffeeshop 420. There is also Wok to Walk a couple of doors before Burger Bar.

Ive seen a few people mention the Burger Bar so I think I will give it a try. Thanks for your advice!

No problem, we were all newbies at one point. If you make the trip to The Cup, I'll see you then.

Peace,
Balou

[MagicFloyd]

got my passport in the mail today. Now just to wait 5 more days until I hop on the plane. I was also able to get the disabled seating with extended leg room in the first row of coach, right by the door. Will be first off the plane.

btw I did require this seat due to neck problems. I had surgery earlier this year, so im not taking the seat from someone else who needs it because I actually do Still nice to know ill have plenty of room on a near 9 hour flight.

[Colina]

Hi MagicFloyd,

as you arrive at Schiphol you can buy the following chipcard and come in town by train! Taxi is too expensive in Amsterdam and the taxis there have a bad reputation! Having a chipcard is the cheapest way to get around in town by tram, bus or nightbus!

Amsterdam All-in-1 Ticket - This ticket type is very useful for tourists coming by air as it includes a return ticket (2 singles) between Schiphol airport and Amsterdam as well as an unlimited travel pass for up to 4 days. This saves a little money off the train fare and you won't have to queue further for tickets.

24 hours (1 day) €13.20
48 hours (2 days) €17.25
72 hours (3 days) €20.85
96 hours (4 days) €24.45

This ticket can only be purchased at the Holland Tourist Information desk at Schiphol Airport near Arrivals Hall 2. They are open between 07:00 and 22:00.

Shops that are a must for the first visit maybe imo Greenhouse Centrum, Dampring near Spui, Abraxxas, Barney's
all this shops have a very fine interior! You must have been there at least once imo.

But there many other high class shops like Mellow Yellow, Amnesia, Barney's Lounge, Basjoe's, Green Place,
Russland, Grey Area (for take aways) HomegrowFantasy, Katsu, Hill Street Market, Rookies, Rokerij, 420Cafe and many more!

The most important thing will be the first contact and not to miss .
The rest will be the easy way... what I know from Amsterdam the most is never to make to many plans!

I'll pm a pic of me later, so you know my face, but please keep that save!
We should start your trip anywhere in centrum, what's your must have seen shop? Question

[MagicFloyd]

thanks; my plan was to to buy the 48 hour pass and walk the first day to get a feel for the city. Then im also left with a day where I can rent a bike if im feeling courageous enough.

edit: actually things im worried about travelling solo for the first time anywhere outside the US:

-Finding the ATM
-Hoping the ATM actually works (I already called my bank so they know)
-Finding the train ticket counter
-finding the place to buy tram passes.
-Getting on the right train
-Finding my hotel (Inntel--formerly Golden Tulip) and leaving my suitcase there
-Hitting up my first coffeeshop (probably Barneys). Just nervous about ordering my first smoke and how to borrow/use a house bong... or if I should go to a head shop first and buy a glass pipe to keep with my during my stay.

[Balou]

edit: actually things im worried about travelling solo for the first time anywhere outside the US:

-Finding the ATM

ATM's are available all over town, I would just skip the ones at the train station.

-Hoping the ATM actually works (I already called my bank so they know)

I usually shoot for the ING or ABN Amro machines and have not had any problems.

-Finding the train ticket counter

Schiphol has really good signs, finding the ticket counter will not be a problem. You can also look for the giant red and white checkered cube, the ticket counter is just opposite.

-finding the place to buy tram passes.

The tourist office is right across from Centraal Station in the white building. It might take a few minutes to work through the line, just remember to grab a number.

-Getting on the right train

The train platform are clearly marked with the destination of the train. They usually leave from Platform (Spoor) 1-2.

-Finding my hotel (Inntel--formerly Golden Tulip) and leaving my suitcase there

Your hotel is maybe 10 minutes walk from Centraal Station. Put the address in Google and use streetview to "walk" to your hotel.

-Hitting up my first coffeeshop (probably Barneys). Just nervous about ordering my first smoke and how to borrow/use a house bong... or if I should go to a head shop first and buy a glass pipe to keep with my during my stay.

It's almost liking going to a bar, you are just able to but weed instead of alcohol. I treat the house bong as if it was my own. For such a short trip, I would rather spend the 5E or so on more weed!

Peace,
Balou

[MagicFloyd]

im not coming with any cash so I need to use the ATM at the airport so I can buy a ticket for the train. Im guessing the fees will be a bit higher, but ive called around and cant find any euros here without paying outrageous fees for the bank to order them. I suppose I could use my credit card but id rather pick up some cash and just get it out of the way. And from my reading/research most people say just wait until you get there to get your cash.

[tron]

...
The reason for my post is that I was hoping I could get some pointers to go along with my research on the forums. Being a first timer, and a first timer outside of the US I want to make sure I dont make any false assumptions about behavior or how to greet people, budtenders, patrons, strangers etc. I have common sense so I know whats rude, but id rather be safe and not make any assumptions.
...

I am certainly no expert, just another visitor, but there are a few things I learned that allowed me to enjoy later visits more.

- first off - research - google maps is great for finding places. i just center it on amsterdam, search for "gallery" for example, find some places, read reviews, look at links, and if want to go there, I click the star and/or add it to a "My Map". Amsterdam is an absolutely beautiful and romantic place. I was shocked when I first arrived....

- i'm not a doctor, so i can only speak for myself here - i like to use melatonin to regulate my sleep when changing time zones. i start taking it each night a couple nights before the flight, when it is 12am in AMS

- i lucked out my first stay, and was outside of the center, and visited some smaller, quaint coffeshops for my first few times (except for rookies, that was a different beast), and they were not so touristy. You can find some real idiots at some coffeeshops that ruin the good vibes

- if the sign says "coffeeshop", then there is cannabis

- if you want cannabis, but don't see a menu, then ask for one. some places keep the menu hidden. they will gladly show you the menu

- don't buy too much to start. cannabis is plentiful, and there will be opportunities to try other kinds at other CS. I was in line behind a guy ordering everything on the menu, raving how you can't do that in the US, and the budtender told him to relax.

- if you already have something to smoke when you go into a coffeeshop, still buy something to eat or drink, to maximize good vibes and good karma

- budtenders are usually friendly and helpful

- depending on what you're used to smoking, and the environment you're used to smoking in, take it easy during your first smoke in a coffeeshop. be well-fed before smoking, order something to drink with your smoke, and relax.

- i like to stick to joints (hash / cannabis), it feels more casual, and didn't feel comfortable smoking a pipe in a CS. Bongs are different, I did see people using them occasionally, but I didn't bother with them.

- ATM's are simple, just call your bank and tell them where you will be so they don't cut off access to your account, also ask them what the transaction fees will be abroad. Some banks are 3%, others are 0%.

- transport - transport in most EU cities is surprisingly simple, even when it's in the native language. There are common formats, signs and maps that help. Amsterdam is pretty easy to get around by foot, bike, tram, and if you have a GPS / pda phone, you're golden.

- customs - just be polite, don't be a stereotype. learn a couple basic dutch phrases out of courtesy (hello, thank you, etc), and then English is fine. it is very safe in amsterdam, so no worries

Enjoy your trip!

[tron]

im not coming with any cash so I need to use the ATM at the airport so I can buy a ticket for the train. Im guessing the fees will be a bit higher, but ive called around and cant find any euros here without paying outrageous fees for the bank to order them. I suppose I could use my credit card but id rather pick up some cash and just get it out of the way. And from my reading/research most people say just wait until you get there to get your cash.

I walked into a Wells Fargo and got some Euros and Danish Kroners for an upcoming trip at a reasonable cost for the convenience. I like hitting the ground with cash, until I can find a reasonable ATM.

[MagicFloyd]

...
The reason for my post is that I was hoping I could get some pointers to go along with my research on the forums. Being a first timer, and a first timer outside of the US I want to make sure I dont make any false assumptions about behavior or how to greet people, budtenders, patrons, strangers etc. I have common sense so I know whats rude, but id rather be safe and not make any assumptions.
...

I am certainly no expert, just another visitor, but there are a few things I learned that allowed me to enjoy later visits more.

- first off - research - google maps is great for finding places. i just center it on amsterdam, search for "gallery" for example, find some places, read reviews, look at links, and if want to go there, I click the star and/or add it to a "My Map". Amsterdam is an absolutely beautiful and romantic place. I was shocked when I first arrived....

- i'm not a doctor, so i can only speak for myself here - i like to use melatonin to regulate my sleep when changing time zones. i start taking it each night a couple nights before the flight, when it is 12am in AMS

- i lucked out my first stay, and was outside of the center, and visited some smaller, quaint coffeshops for my first few times (except for rookies, that was a different beast), and they were not so touristy. You can find some real idiots at some coffeeshops that ruin the good vibes

- if the sign says "coffeeshop", then there is cannabis

- if you want cannabis, but don't see a menu, then ask for one. some places keep the menu hidden. they will gladly show you the menu

- don't buy too much to start. cannabis is plentiful, and there will be opportunities to try other kinds at other CS. I was in line behind a guy ordering everything on the menu, raving how you can't do that in the US, and the budtender told him to relax.

- if you already have something to smoke when you go into a coffeeshop, still buy something to eat or drink, to maximize good vibes and good karma

- budtenders are usually friendly and helpful

- depending on what you're used to smoking, and the environment you're used to smoking in, take it easy during your first smoke in a coffeeshop. be well-fed before smoking, order something to drink with your smoke, and relax.

- i like to stick to joints (hash / cannabis), it feels more casual, and didn't feel comfortable smoking a pipe in a CS. Bongs are different, I did see people using them occasionally, but I didn't bother with them.

- ATM's are simple, just call your bank and tell them where you will be so they don't cut off access to your account, also ask them what the transaction fees will be abroad. Some banks are 3%, others are 0%.

- transport - transport in most EU cities is surprisingly simple, even when it's in the native language. There are common formats, signs and maps that help. Amsterdam is pretty easy to get around by foot, bike, tram, and if you have a GPS / pda phone, you're golden.

- customs - just be polite, don't be a stereotype. learn a couple basic dutch phrases out of courtesy (hello, thank you, etc), and then English is fine. it is very safe in amsterdam, so no worries

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the info and tips!

[MagicFloyd]

im not coming with any cash so I need to use the ATM at the airport so I can buy a ticket for the train. Im guessing the fees will be a bit higher, but ive called around and cant find any euros here without paying outrageous fees for the bank to order them. I suppose I could use my credit card but id rather pick up some cash and just get it out of the way. And from my reading/research most people say just wait until you get there to get your cash.

I walked into a Wells Fargo and got some Euros and Danish Kroners for an upcoming trip at a reasonable cost for the convenience. I like hitting the ground with cash, until I can find a reasonable ATM.

I just did the same thing yesterday. Although I had to open a Wells Fargo account to get Euros without a fee. I dont mind though, I got a temporary ATM card and they know ill be in Amsterdam on the 4th so its ready to be used. So now I have primary and backup atm cards set and ready to go!

[StonedSince67]

Basically im coming in for my first trip to Amsterdam in under two weeks (9/4-9/7).

welcome to the forum

i just want to double-check that you have read the document How not to get hit by a bike from the excellent S G Collins website recommended by FlyByNite

if you have already read the document, then thanks, but if not, then please please read before you arrive to ensure your safety in the crazy amsterdam traffic, and thanks

it is only 3 or 4 pages when printed, so then you could read it on the plane on the way over ... but definitely read it before taking to the streets for the first time even before you've had anything to smoke ...

have a great trip ...

[MagicFloyd]

read it even before I booked my trip

[dude65]

Oh, another coffeeshop tip:

Don't forget that a coffeeshop can only legally sell you 5g per day. So don't walk up to the first budtender like "I'll have 10g of the Cheese, 15g of the Diesel, and gimme 10g of your best hash". It won't work and you will get strange looks

AND: Don't overdo it with the smoking in public thing. It is considered rude by many locals and we all want to be pleasant tourists, right?

With that said, yeah, I do smoke outside, but basically only in quiet areas along the canals and such. I also roll straight, cigarette sized joints for outside, i.e. not your typical monster cones

[MagicFloyd]

Oh im only going to buy 1g of this and 1g of that. I want to sample as many varieties as I can. And I dont plan on smoking outside, but obviously if I do I will be discrete. I know its illegal to smoke outside of a CS so I dont want to do anything to draw unwanted attention to myself.