Heard that it can be quite dangerous. Would you recommend travelling alone (female)? How difficult is it to communicate in Amsterdam in English?
2007-02-25 23:32:47 · 7 answers · asked by Jo Jo 2 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Netherlands
I am American and had the opportunity to travel to the Netherlands for work for a period of 8 months. As I was by myself, I was concerned about the language issue, since I didn't speak Dutch. It truly was not an issue at all as mostly everyone speaks English. As for the train, I traveled to and from Amsterdam alone on several occasions (as well as other destinations in the Netherlands) and experienced no problems and felt quite comfortable. With that said, Amsterdam is a lovely city, but it is a large bustling city. As in any large bustling city, one should be cautious wandering about alone at night. Although I was normally in Amsterdam with others, I did not feel fearful walking about. FYI - I totally enjoyed my time in the Netherlands (and have made a couple of personal trips since then)...the people are great...the history fascinating...and the cities are charming and unique. I'm sure that you will enjoy your visit.
2007-02-26 17:10:52 · answer #1 · answered by swooz99 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Amsterdam is probably one of the safest cities for a lone female to travel in.
The train...all of them actually... is safe. The metro may get a bit dodgy w/ pickpockets but that's about it.
I'm a 28yr old female living in Amsterdam and go about alone a lot. I've ridden my bike through the city late at night and have not felt uneasy.
There are some areas I avoid just cause I don't want to deal w/ the crowds and usually that's where the pickpockets are (pick pocketing is the most prevalent "crime")....those areas are the Red Light, the Kalverstraat, and the Dam.
As far as language goes...I always say this is one of the most "user-friendly" cities in Europe. Most signs are in English and dutch and most anyone under 40yrs speaks some level of English. Don't be afraid to ask for directions or help...most of the time people will be happy to help.
have fun!
2007-02-27 06:09:47 · answer #2 · answered by silv2078 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have done that many times when I was there and I also am a woman alone and never had any problems, even late at night! Also everybody speaks english there, so you should not have any problem at all!
Just one advise: Pay attention to pick pockets (as in any other place in the world) and protect your belongings specially if travelling alone, don't leave bags abandoned and all that. But to what concerns your physical integrety I would say you have nothing to fear neither on the train nor in any other place in the Netherlands!
relax and enjoy your trip! :-)
2007-03-01 16:35:25 · answer #3 · answered by Lisistrata 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry, it's safe. I went by train in the middle of the night to pick up my mum from the airport. I'm a woman, really, nothing to worry about.
I'm Dutch, from Amsterdam and as you can see I can write in English. Most Dutch people speak English quite well.
Enjoy your stay here.
2007-02-26 12:27:06 · answer #4 · answered by Duvel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Reasonable safe, like in every country never leave your belongings unattended.
It's not difficult at all to communicate about 90 % will speak English.
2007-02-28 02:53:16 · answer #5 · answered by Chantal D. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Holland you will be okay..It is wonderful .safe friendly.90% of people there speak English..they like English people..you will make more friends there than you can in England..they will almost do anything for English people..have a good time..
2007-02-26 07:44:20 · answer #6 · answered by silver44fox 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Very safe. Just keep an eye on your bags. Violent crime is rare.
But there are pickpockets. Stay alert and you'll be fine.
2007-03-01 17:04:29 · answer #7 · answered by damstrat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋