Security advice for going solo

Jesscass · Post by **Jesscass** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 12:42 pm

After a very(!) long time I'm going to Amsterdam again. Coming May for almost two weeks.

On my last trip I didn't go solo so I'm a little bit worried regarding handling money there. See I'm used to dutch coffeeshops as to strong gear etc. - I can handle this. Meeting new people etc. is also no problem for me as I'm quite communicative.

But I don`t feel very comfortable carrying all my money for the trip arround in town. Same with leaving it in the safe at my low-budget hotel.
So I decided to withdraw money every now and then. Problem again: where should I put my bank card?
I guess I will be stoned all the time

so although I'm mostly able to keep track of all things while being stoned or not the fact of being stoned sometimes leads to lose all kind of things as you probably already experiencied

. And this could be the end of my holiday.

So any suggestions how to handle this problem(looked up the forum for it but didn't find much)? What are your experiencies?Any security advice in general? Let me know. Looking forward to your hints. Thank you.

P.S.: does anybody know a coffeeshop with free internet access?Would be fine if this one's also selling good gear.

echc1 · Post by **echc1** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 02:11 pm

just carry what you need for a few hours,you can always nip back and get some more....however that still no foolproof way of not losing money......i found a missing 20 euro in a jacket pocket 5 months after going and i'd worn that jacket many times since and not noticed......just be a little streetwise and you'll be fine...don't let worry spoil the trip

Cisco · Post by **Cisco** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 04:34 pm

How about one of they travel wallet things ? they go round your waist under your clothes ! think you can pick them up in any travel shop , tiso , army-navy etc ! hope this helps

Pauli Wallnuts · Post by **Pauli Wallnuts** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 05:30 pm

why would u think leaving your money in a safe is not safe?, of all the times ive been to amsterdam i always leave my money&passport in the hotel or appartment, carrying it around while stoned is definatly more risky than leaving it in a safe, the only time i have my passport&money on me is when im waiting to check in, & im constantly paranoid im gonna lose them

SoulRider · Post by **SoulRider** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 05:32 pm

I used to leave most of my money in my locker, I would take out my wallet in my manbag. Just like at home really. I kept my bank card in my wallet, and if ever needed to draw any cash, i did. Do you normally carry a bag? if so, keep it in that, and be aware of it. If you always have a bag, you'll be very unlikely to forget it

chilly1952 · Post by **chilly1952** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 07:11 pm

I travel extensively as a solo. I find Amsterdam no different than any other big city. I’m from Detroit so I find Amsterdam to be very safe in comparison.

If you stay in a room without a safe you can often put personals in an envelope and leave it with the receptionist. They often have safes for this purpose.

Another trick is splitting your money up and keeping it in different pockets. This way if you are robbed chances are good they will not get all your money. Money belts are another option. Try to keep your belongings in a buttoned or zipped pocket, harder for pickpockets to get at. Trust your instinct. When you get that uncomfortable feeling that something isn’t quite right it probably isn’t, so take extra precautions. I always keep my hand on my wallet when walking through Centraal Station.

Even though you are stoned be aware of your surroundings. Be discreet when removing and returning your wallet. Thieves look for an easy mark. Don’t be that guy. Another words, don’t be stupid and you’ll be fine.

Pauli Wallnuts · Post by **Pauli Wallnuts** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 07:25 pm

chilly1952 wrote:I travel extensively as a solo. I find Amsterdam no different than any other big city. I’m from Detroit so I find Amsterdam to be very safe in comparison.

If you stay in a room without a safe you can often put personals in an envelope and leave it with the receptionist. They often have safes for this purpose.

Another trick is splitting your money up and keeping it in different pockets. This way if you are robbed chances are good they will not get all your money. Money belts are another option. Try to keep your belongings in a buttoned or zipped pocket, harder for pickpockets to get at. Trust your instinct. When you get that uncomfortable feeling that something isn’t quite right it probably isn’t, so take extra precautions. I always keep my hand on my wallet when walking through Centraal Station.

Even though you are stoned be aware of your surroundings. Be discreet when removing and returning your wallet. Thieves look for an easy mark. Don’t be that guy. Another words, don’t be stupid and you’ll be fine.

compared to detroit, amsterdams wrong-uns must seem like the kind of people u could invite over for sunday lunch

, compared 2 where im from (south london) amsterdams red light district is really safe, saying that though ive never travelled out to the estates in the north of dam, heard theyr'e quite dodgy, id take any part of holland over the backstreets of brixton&camberwell

Rasa · Post by **Rasa** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 07:31 pm

I backpacked Europe this past summer for over a month and went to 6 different countries, mainly there major cities. I never got any thing stolen from me once, how do you ask? Cause I was aware, I always kept my hands in my pockets when in close crowded areas, I had a satchel that slung over my shoulder and it held my passport and money and bank cards for the whole trip, I kept this tucked right under my armpit so it wasnt accessible to thieves, and I also carried my hunting knife in my pocket just because I never took chances, being a tourist especially an American in a foreign country can easily make you a target. I always kept my eye on the people around me and my surroundings, even when stoned. You just need to be smart and not drift off into outer "high space.

-Rasa

Fred Lemonjello · Post by **Fred Lemonjello** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 07:37 pm

I use a front pocket wallet that holds credit/ ATM cards, this also has a magnet money clip and several slots.... also keep my Passport in the front pocket.
Yes I carry a small backpack but mostly for my camera, weed, and paraphernalia or trinkets I pick up along the way. I feel better with my PP and cash on my person not in a bag. And in the front pocket no one can steal it. Always use the same pocket for both things, nothing else goes in that pocket. Don't flash your cash. Keep your large bills tucked in the slots and the smaller bills in the clip.

Withdrawing cash from an ATM is better then exchanging your countries currency at a bank or one of those exchange places, they usually charge a fee and you also get a lower exchange rate. By using an ATM you get close to the current exchange rate, then there's the ATM usage fee but still a good way to go.
I withdraw cash from the ATM during the day time when lots of people are around.
Another word to the wise if you plan on using an ATM or credit card, before heading out on your venture go to your bank and/ or call your card companies to let them know you're going on holiday and where too. I've heard many a horror story about peoples cards being cut off by the card company or bank because the computer system flagged as probable stolen. And once the card is flagged there's little to no chance of getting it reactivated, the company/ bank has to reissue you a new card.

Another thing... at your bank you can have them up the amount of cash you can withdraw per day, so you don't have to make so many trips to the ATM. This will help limit the ATM charges.

I've done 3 trips to Europe, two of those solo, since Nov 2005. I'm planning another trip for this coming Nov/Dec, although not yet sure if my wife is coming along this time or not.... still in the planning stages.

Fred

Fred Lemonjello · Post by **Fred Lemonjello** » Thu 30th Apr 2009 08:16 pm

RasaLibree wrote:I backpacked Europe this past summer for over a month and went to 6 different countries, mainly there major cities. I never got any thing stolen from me once, how do you ask? Cause I was aware, I always kept my hands in my pockets when in close crowded areas, I had a satchel that slung over my shoulder and it held my passport and money and bank cards for the whole trip, I kept this tucked right under my armpit so it wasnt accessible to thieves, and I also carried my hunting knife in my pocket just because I never took chances, being a tourist especially an American in a foreign country can easily make you a target. I always kept my eye on the people around me and my surroundings, even when stoned. You just need to be smart and not drift off into outer "high space.

-Rasa

I agree you Rasa, Chilly and Pauli..... keep your wits, and stay out of the shady areas. I've never felt un-safe in Amsterdam or any other city in Europe I've visited. But here in the States... Chicago, East St. Louis and parts of St. Louis are a bit ROUGH to say the least!! Heck even Peoria has it's dark sides!

But on my ventures to Europe I do carry a AA MagLite Flashlight with a long cord attached (swing that at someones skull... OUCH) and a repelling type carabiner (Brass Knuckles style). One in each coat pocket. But I have never felt the urge to use them.
Although I did have to use the flashlight once to find my room one early morning, just had a tiny bit of light coming from a window, damned if I could find the switch!
Come to find out the switch was right by the front door.... and it was on a timer.... Talk about wasted... LOL! The next two nights went by with-out a hitch. That was in Boblingen Germany by the way.

Yes the PSSST guys in A'Dam can look a bit Shady, but in general they're harmless, just don't go provoking anyone.... No Thanks and keep walking.

Fred

Mooroy · Post by **Mooroy** » Fri 1st May 2009 12:41 am

In the same way I store my weed when in hot (as in police hot, not warm hot) areas, keep your money in a washing-machine bag tied onto your jeans (probably the belt strap hole thing) down your trousers. It'd have to be one sneaky or seductive pickpocket to get it from in there...

SoulRider · Post by **SoulRider** » Fri 1st May 2009 12:46 am

Am I the only one who has made the assumption that Jesscass is a female

FenixNYC · Post by **FenixNYC** » Fri 1st May 2009 01:04 am

I only had one uncomfortable moment during my trip, but all in all I felt extremely safe throughout the city. Helluva lot safer than New York.

Anyway, my friend and I were sitting across from the Baba Souvenir Shop on Warmoestraat puffin' a J at like 2 in the morning when one of the dealers who was standing in front of the shop for like 5 minutes strolls across the street and posts up right on the wall next to us, basically standing above both of us. We just got up and bounced after a minute or so but it was just weird.

We were both just like what the fuck?

beejun · Post by **beejun** » Fri 1st May 2009 01:26 am

I allways travel solo too.
I dont trust hotel safe neither unless it is a five star hotel lol.

Sir Niall of Essex-sire · Fri 1st May 2009 02:53 am

RasaLibree wrote:I backpacked Europe this past summer for over a month and went to 6 different countries, mainly there major cities. I never got any thing stolen from me once, how do you ask? Cause I was aware, I always kept my hands in my pockets when in close crowded areas, I had a satchel that slung over my shoulder and it held my passport and money and bank cards for the whole trip, I kept this tucked right under my armpit so it wasnt accessible to thieves, and I also carried my hunting knife in my pocket just because I never took chances, being a tourist especially an American in a foreign country can easily make you a target. I always kept my eye on the people around me and my surroundings, even when stoned. You just need to be smart and not drift off into outer "high space.

-Rasa

Dont carry knifes. The risk if caught is massive, and violence which drops to that level is never worth it. You dont want to be busted and have someone make an example out of you, personal protection rarely flies. Leave your blades in the kitchen drawer.