I am going to Amsterdam for my first time in a few months, and I read on this site about dealers in the RLD causing problems if you dont buy from them, if you ignore them, etc. Is this really something that I should worry about? Sorry for such a downer as my first post, but I have plenty more questions to come, but I just finished reading about the guy who wasa stabbed this past December. Thanks for the help.
It never makes me worry to the point of not wanting to go, not even close............ but it is definately a real situation that demands respect and attention. it is one of only elements in the city that seem dangerous from a tourist perspective (besides being hit by somebody on a bike The problem is that some of strung out hustlers ARE WASTED and DESPERATE for your cash to get there next score so they will pester and or threaten you if they feel in control or like the target is a pushover. But interpret me correctly, I'm not suggesting you act like a tough guy and make THEM nervous either because that is when the real trouble probably rears its head. Just don't show fear OR hostility either! My advice is do not talk to them, do not make direct eye contact (but keep them in your sight) and do not even let them here you speak to any of your friends. It seems to me that once they know what language you speak they keep harrassing you... Also, most of them hang out in "typical areas or corners" so after you know which ones....just avoid those areas. Also if traveling alone or in a small group at night AVOID streets where you see a group of people standing in a circle and nobody else around. Likewise avoid narrow ally ways. Also NEVER use the "checkpoint" cash exchange if you see these guys hanging around the outside of it....they will know you have money. So again, don't worry but be alert and carefull!
Even i dare to walk trough that place on friday nights, and since im only 17 and also a girl, i guess you shouldnt be too worried. Just say no very clearly and keep walking, dont look at em.
Just got back yesterday. Street dealers are a real pain in the ass and will pester you to no end. Just say no and dont even stop to talk to them and they will leave you alone. I was there for a week and walked around numerous times alone at all hours of the day and night. Had no real problems other than being annoyed to death. Have a great trip, if you need any suggestions on things to do while there, just let me know, just pm me. Good luck and nothing to worry about.
This is probably bullshit but a Dutch friend of mine told me that most of the african dealers are scared of Russians as they think they are all mafia. He told me just to tell them to 'fuck off' in Russian. I wouldn't try this myself for fear of being stabbed but if anybody else wants to try it please let me know how you get on.
Hmmm, that would totally depend on the African dealers speaking russian, which I doubt very little, if any, actually do... I certainly wouldnt tell em to fuck off in any language, unless it was totally necessary of course...
Your best bet is to keep walking. If they really hassle you, raise your voice a bit. Ask them what they want - very loudly. They do not like the kind of attention it brings. I got bailed up by a couple once and stood them down that way. There was a little old lady with a broom in her hand who scolded them like children. You use up a minute in that way and they'll be looking for cops out of the corner of their eyes. As Koopa said, some of these guys are pretty screwed up and desparate; so if you reaaly need help, get it. The last couple times I was there, I was not even approached.
It is the safest city in the world. Go, relax, have fun. Don't look like a target and you won't be one. There are plenty of uninformed tourists coming out of Centraal everday to keep the rif-raf busy.
It ain't half as bad as some people make it out to be. No problems. No eye contact, a stern "No!" and move on. Poor uninformed tourists. Riff Raff Unite! Riff Raff: With a bit of a mind flip... Magenta: You're into a time slip... Riff Raff: And nothing can ever be the same. Magenta: You're spaced out on sensation. HAH! Riff Raff: Like you're under sedation! All: Let's do the time warp again! Cheers to the 2006 Krue!
I've found that if I try to sell them something after they approach me they give me a stern NO and then won't make eye contact with me. And then they tell me to get the hell away. LOL Gotta flip the table on those little bastards once in a while. Can't wait to use that again in 6 weeks!!
I find riding a bike while dressed in traditional Dutch ladies costume juggling large 'rounds' of Edam cheese while yodelling often puts off Darkie asking me to purchase his products. "Yodel-hay-hooooo!"
Nice to see Grey Area's website "finally" back up and lookin' fine. Although they're in need of a menu update by the looks of things.
