Schiphol Warnings Or Dangers Tips by pieter_jan_v Top 5 Page for this destination

NO SMOKING

From January 1, 2008 there's a total smoking ban in all public areas of the airport.

Inside the terminal there are a few spots created for smokers at:
- KPN Hotspot cabine
- Networkbar cabine
- Murphy`s bar
- Galaxy bar
- Café Amsterdam
- Het Paleis
- Sportsbar

Possible Crime

The following is a crime warning issued by the US government:

CRIME: While the rate of violent crime in the Netherlands is low, tourists are occasionally targeted, usually in conjunction with robbery attempts. Visitors to larger cities frequently fall prey to pickpockets, bag snatchers, and other petty thieves. While thieves may operate anywhere, the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam receives frequent reports of thefts from several specific areas:

The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station is particularly plagued by thieves, who often work in pairs. In those instances, one thief distracts the victim, often by asking for directions, while an accomplice moves in on the victim's momentarily unguarded handbag, backpack, or briefcase. The thieves typically time their thefts to coincide with train stops so they may quickly exit.

Within Amsterdam, thieves are very active in and around the Central Train Station, the WTC/Zuid Train/Tram Station, the red light district, in restaurants, hotels, and on public transportation, especially trams 1, 2, and 5 between the Central Station and the Museum District.

Throughout the Netherlands, thefts of bicycles and of personal belongings (such as briefcases and computer bags) from automobiles are very common.

Personal Note: Many pickpockets operate in organised small groups and travel from one European city to another. See also my Amsterdam Warning for Pickpocking Tip.

Other Contact: Railwaycrime: +31-30-2353100

Phone: 112 or +31-20-603-8111

SECURITY CHECK

Before you depart there is a strict security check.
Count on half a hour delay for the body and hand luggage check.

BTW Carrying scissors in handluggage is forbidden!

Leaks

Schiphol is very creative in the unlikely cases leaks develope in the roofs.

Plants are put below the leaks, until maintenance has fixed the problem.

Trolleys

There are luggage trolleys available for free throughout the terminal.

The push bars releases the brakes.

Please apply the breakes on the moving escalator and walkways!

Maximum load = 39 kg.

Keep a safe distance of at least 1 meter to other passengers to allow enough reaction time when leaving the escalators or walkways.