"What to take" General Tip by isolina_it

Luggage and bags: Take very good care of your luggage all the way from your home to your Hotel in Amsterdam.
Be particularly alert if you arrive in Amsterdam via Centraal (Central) Railway Station. Keep tickets, money etc on you in an inner pocket and /or money belt throughout the whole journey. A flat fabric shoulder bag ( the old "Hippy" type) worn INSIDE your outermost garment, (coat, jacket etc,) is also good for this.

Ensure essential things like Passport, Credit Cards,Travellers Cheques, large amounts of money, tickets, etc are not easy pickings for thieves.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: A good pair of comfortable waterproof shoes/boots/trainers, 2 pairs if possible in case one pair gets wet. Similarly, a change of clothing is recommended, even for a short stay. Waterproof over clothing - forget about umbrellas - these often get destroyed in the wind or lost. Maybe take a plastic raincoat/mac, while not the height of fashion, they are cheap and compact when folded- and they keep you dry. A warm sweater, Amsterdam can get cold even in Summer

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Minor first-aid things like plasters for cuts & blisters, headache pills etc. and prescription drugs. Pharmacies/Drugstores -"Apotheek" - are rare in the centre of Amsterdam. Consider taking some earplugs if you are a light sleeper, Amsterdam is noisy most hours of the day and night, as might your Hotel also be !!

Photo Equipment: Cameras: Pocket sized ones are best for security & convenience, take spare batteries - hard to find in the central shops & stores.

Miscellaneous: Mosquitoes are said to be a problem in Summer due to the canals. Electricity voltage in the Netherlands is 220V, 50 cycle AC, which is compatible with the UK however, Travel Plug adapter required for electric razors etc.

2 (round) pin plug are used for razors etc. - USA Note: Sockets are larger than your plugs, adapter required as well as voltage adjustment.
You may also need to adjust voltages and buy a plug adapter if you live elsewhere in the world. Most en-suite hotel bathrooms have hair dryers.
Maps, Guides etc. : You will need a good map of Amsterdam, this can be purchased at Amsterdam Rail Station`s magazine/bookshop/store , near the main entrance or any Souvenir shop on Damrak.
American & English cigarettes are expensive, hand-rolling cigarettes is the norm in the Netherlands and Tobacco is relatively cheap: €3.70, UK£2.46p/US$3,70 for 50 grams.