Arrantea Guest House

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Life in Amsterdam

It's hard to say exactly why life in Amsterdam is so great. Yes, we've got museums, cafe's and culture. Yes the canals are beautiful. Yes, the Pubs, cafe's, restaurants, nightlife, bars, and coffee shops keep the place fun and exiting. But there's something else right about this city, and it's harder to put your finger on it. It's certainly one part "gezellig" (see below), but a recent survey offers additional insights.
Representatives from eight (European) countries were asked questions about pleasure and guilt they felt from eating, shopping, sex, drugs, listening to music, goofing off, and similar things. Guess what: it turns out the Dutch enjoy life most and feel the least guilty about its pleasures !
Compare the Dutch to other nationalities: Germans, living up to their stereotypes, took the least pleasure in life, yet felt the most guilty about it. The English made a respectable showing somewhere in the middle, with both pleasure and guilt.
Combine Holland's psychological mind set with Amsterdam's historical "landmarks", modern attractions and technology infrastructure and it might just explain why this city is so wonderful.
Yes, Amsterdam is a city with sex and drugs and rock'n roll…, but that view is very shallow and incomplete. The availability of sex and (soft)drugs (and also Dutch successes with race relations, urban sprawl and poverty) are actually end-products of careful planning. In Amsterdam (and actually all of Holland) solutions to major issues are researched, debated and implemented. Politicians do not fear difficult issues and progressive projects proceed without worry.
Amsterdam is a success ! This city is a beautiful collection of small shops, cafe's restaurants, museums and culture, best explored on foot or by bike, tram or boat.
Holland's capital is basically safe and has no slums. People here worry more about pick pocketing and bike theft than murder and guns. Even the "bad part of town" in the far south-east, the "Bijlmer" (BILE.mer) is a vibrant, green architecturally interesting place with little street crime.
There is more here then the traditional stereotypes, good and bad...
We celebrate the city's exciting face without shying away from it's darker side. Although we like tulips, we're not stuffy guidebook writers who think a good time is watching them grow...

What on earth is "gezellig" ?...

"Gezellig" (he.ZEL.ick, but really with two Klingon "g" sounds) is big reason why Amsterdam is so great, and it's the key to the Dutch psyche.
A "gezellig" environment is one that allows good times to happen. It's almost like a vibe. And it's contagious. A "gezellig" place is cozy inviting and full of "gezellig" things that make it so "gezellig". A two hour leisurely meal with friends would be quite "gezellig". Eating a Big Mac on your lap in the car would not...
The Dutch love "gezellig" times and places so much that their society is geared towards it. When you find yourself ignored and frustrated in a store, appreciate how "gezellig" it must be to work there...
The Dutch fanaticism on this subject is largely responsible for our incredible quality of life here in Amsterdam, but sometimes "gezellig" is just a euphemism for slow or old...

Money changing do's & don'ts

Don't be fooled by the great price at which a place sells foreign currency. The price at which they buy currency will be much lower. Whatever you do, avoid "Chequepoint". They have among the worst exchange rates in Town.
All tough that little voice inside you tells you not to change your money at the train station, that's actually the best place to do it. The "GWK" Bank at Central Station has the lowest commissions and they're open 24 hours a day.
In Amsterdam (and in the rest of Netherlands) we use the Euro currency. There are 8 coins; 1, 2 and 5 cent, 10, 20 and 50 cent, 1 and 2 Euro coins. Then there are the bills; 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro, 100, 200 and 500 Euro notes... Not many places will accept the 500 Euro note however.
It always cost money to get foreign cash. Since credit cards don't exactly change money, they can be a good way to pay (high interest rates on your unpaid balance notwithstanding).
However, credit cards are extremely unpopular in Amstrerdam and the rest of the Netherlands. Unfortunately for merchants, the cards charge them up to 5% on every purchase, which explains why some places won't accept them or 'up' their rates enormously....
This means that every store displaying a sign "We prefer Visa" is definitely lying...

The Police Amsterdam welcomes you; do's & don'ts (from their own brochure)
Note: This info is not a promotion of any of the things mentioned below, Amsterdam Police Force

Amsterdam is a beautiful and free city. But not everything is allowed, there are rules. The Red Light District is one of the oldest parts of town which offers you a variety of entertainment and culture. It's also a place where many families live with their children, who care a lot for their peace and privacy. So please respect their neighbourhood. This info is meant to make your visit a safe and happy one, it also explains some of the tourist traps, but most of all it's meant to keep the peace in this wonderful city.

1) Normal behaviour

Too much alcohol often causes irresponsible and childish behaviour. Undressing in public, jumping in canals etc. etc. Please don't make a fool of yourself. People who live here do not appreciate any of this. Have fun, but show some respect.

2) Screaming and shouting

Especially in the evenings and at night, it causes great disturbance to the people who live here and who are sleeping and have to get up early. Sing along in Pubs, have fun, but please be quiet on the streets.

3) Urinating in public

Dirty habit, always commited by MEN. If you are caught, the fine will be at least 50 Euro, to be paid immediately at the Police station(s). Don't ruin our houses or monuments. You can either go in one of the Bars and tip the bartender, for using the toilet or use one of the public toilets. You can also go to the Police station(s).

4) Alcohol use on the streets

Drink your beer(s) inside the bars or on the terraces. When you are too drunk on the streets it can get you in trouble in two ways: Either you can get arrested by us or worse; you will be an easy victim for the pickpockets or the robbers.

5) Pickpocketing/robberies with violence

Both lousy crimes, but as in most cities; it happens. Especially in crowded places, narrow alleys etc. etc.. When you are a victim of these crimes or any other crime go to one of the policestations. We can take the statement, cancel your creditcard(s) and offer you other useful telephone numbers (Consulates etc.). It's important to remember the spot of the crime and, if possible give a description of the attacker(s).

6) Prostitution

If you visit one of the women, we would like to remind you, they are not always women… Don't take pictures of the women, it might get you into trouble. Outside on the streets, don't shout or use bad language towards these women. SHOW SOME RESPECT. In case you have any problem with a girl or pimp, don't hesitate to ask a policeman/woman, we know why you're here and you can hardly surprise us anymore ! 10 out of 10 speak English…

7) Hard drugs

Cocain, Heroin, LSD, Ecstacy etc. are strictly forbidden and ILLEGAL !!!!! Buying drugs on the streets is one of the BIGGEST TOURIST TRAPS in Amsterdam. From the moment you arrive in Amsterdam, people might offer you drugs. These drugs are always FAKE ! (washing powder, sugar, rat poison, vitamine C tablets etc. etc.) On top of that you also may encounter violence. You may be forced to hand over your wallet, as soon as you want to pay for the FAKE drugs. DON'T DO IT !!!!! ( Arrantea Guest House is Smoke- AND Drugs- FREE !)

8) Soft drugs

You can visit a coffeeshop to buy a small amount of softdrugs for your OWN personal use. If you are under 18 years old, you are not allowed to enter a coffeeshop or buy anything. When you feel sick after smoking or eating space cake, drink lots of water with sugar, something sweet will puut you right again. Don't use softdrugs in regular bars and other places, not everybody likes the smell of a joint. Be very careful mixing alcohol and the softdrugs.

9) Balletje balletje game

In some parts of Amsterdam, people play the "balletje balletje game". This game is played on the streets, on a small piece of carpet, with a small paper ball and three matchboxes (or cups etc.). YOU WILL NEVER WIN ! The man who plays the game , has two or three accomplices around him, who win first, then of course it is your turn TO LOSE !

10) Parking is not free

As soon as you (are able to) park your car, you must pay. Not paying means you run the extremely high risk of being wheel clamped or worse, your car being towed away. In both cases it will costs you a LOT of money. Look at the parking ticket machines for more specific information. A clamp costs you around 75 Euro, towing away around 200 Euro. The best thing is to us public transportation which is easy, less expensive then the ticket machines and more then regular.


Hopefully you will have a pleasant and safe stay in Amsterdam, if something happens please don't hesitate to ask us, we're here to serve YOU and we are used to the weirdest things already. Another useful address is "the Lost and Found Station" ; Stephensonstraat 18, near the Amstelstation, phone nr. (020) 5593005. So have fun, and respect….

The VVV Tourist Office

Sure they would rather sell you something than answer your questions, but the VVV Tourist Info is a great information source that dwarfs other countries offerings.
The most beautiful "VVV" is upstairs on track two in "Centraal Station" and open the longest (usually 8am-8pm). The old one is still in front of the station across the tram tracks. The other locations are: Leidseplein (usually 9am-7pm), Stadionplein (in the South) and at the Airport.

Tipping - who and how much ?

Cafe or Bar:

Traditional Dutch service is somewhat inattentive. Many places, however, have begun to hire "friendlier" waiters and bartenders and encourage "better" (and dare we say more American style....) service.
Good service deserves a tip. Bad service deserves nothing. It's best to give the tip directly to the server or bartender, instead of leaving it on the table or bar. When they take your money things will go more smoothly if you tell them the total you wish to pay (as in "make it ten Euro" on your nine euro and 25 cents tab). Asking for a certain amount of change (like "give me ten back") always seems to lead to confusion.

Restaurant:

You don't have to tip 15-20%, but should round up. If service was good, 5-10% paid directly to the waiter (as in "make it 30 euro" on your 28,50 bill) is about right. Remember; IT IS NOT NECESSARY !
By the way, the check will never arrive unless you actually ask for it....

W.C.Lady:

The posted price or 50 cents. Leave something every time you go and feel free to ask for change if there are no 10 or 20 cent coins on her plate. Alltough it seems odd to pay for the toilet, observe (women especially) that Dutch toilets are well stocked, clean and nice smelling.

Taxi:

" TCA " taxi drivers, unlike entrapreneurs in other cities don't like to hustle for fares. They line up at taxi stands and wait for you to come to them. Sure they drive nice cars, but too many think they're doing you a favor by letting you in their cab...
"TCA" sets their fares high and there's no reason to tip more than just rounding up to the next euro unless you get special treatement. Besides, many locals are still angry at "TCA" for using strong-arm tactics to try and drive (much!) cheaper competitor "TAXI DIREKT" out of business...

The shopping situation

Regular stores are usualy open from 9:30am to 6:00pm and until 9:00pm on Thursdays.
Pricey, designer shopping is clustered around the " P.C. Hoofdstraat " and casual clothes and shoes shopping runs down the " Kalverstraat " and the " Leidsestraat ". The " Bijenkorf " on the " Dam " is the nicest department store in Amsterdam and nearby " Magna Plaza " is an upscale urban mall open 7 day's until 7:00pm.
One of Amsterdam's shopping highlights though are markets. Check out the " Noordermarkt " (near the Anne Frank House, mondays from 9am to 1pm) for a quirky selection of furniture, antiques, clothes and old stuff....
The two biggest markets are the " Albert Cuyp (KOPE) Market " and the " Waterlooplein Market ". Albert Cuyp street is a real neighbourhood market with an electric mix of food, clothes and houshold items. Waterlooplein specializes more in clothes, leather and jewelry. Both are open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. And alltough you would think that stall owners would be capitalist entrepreneurs in the classic sense, do not show up after 4:40pm....When these guys decide to pack up, you are just in the way....

Hits since the 5th of July 2000: