Violent crime is unusual in Amsterdam but theft, especially pickpocketing, is a real problem, especially for tourists. Don't carry more money than you intend to spend - use a secondary wallet or purse and keep your main one safe.

A car with foreign registration is a popular target, and if it's parked along a canal it will probably get broken into. Don't leave things in the car: definitely remove registration and ID papers, and if possible the radio. If something is stolen, by all means get a police report for insurance purposes but don't expect the police to retrieve your property or to apprehend the thief - put the matter down to experience. There's usually very little they can do. What they will do, however, is refer about 10% of cases to a voluntary support group in the police station at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, called Amsterdam Tourist Assistance Service, where traumatised victims receive the help they need to get back on their feet.

If you have trouble on the train to Amsterdam or at Centraal Station itself, contact the spoorwegpolitie (railway police) at the west end of track 2A. You can report violence or missing/stolen property here, and the staff can put you in touch with your consulate or other relevant support agencies. They'll also put through a station announcement if you're looking for someone. This office is more or less always open.

The red-light district is full of shady characters loitering on street corners. They seem harmless enough, but if you're accosted, simply say nee dank (no thanks) and keep walking. Don't take photos of the prostitutes.

Amsterdam constantly jostles with Paris and Vienna for the title of dog-shit capital of the world and you soon learn to look where you're walking.

Nonsmokers have few rights here: tobacco smoke in pubs can be thick enough to deter all but the most committed smokers, and unfortunately the Dutch seem allergic to open windows.