For a person visiting the city for the first time it will be useful to keep certain tips in mind to make the journey more comfortable and economical. Though the city is safe and free from much criminal activity, the tourists should be aware of pick pocketing that is rampant in the city. The sale of tobacco and narcotics are illegal here, but possession of a small amount of it is tolerable. It is better not to pay tips to the waiters or drivers, as this custom is not prevalent in the city. The other important options that can save money and time for the tourists are the possession of Amsterdam Pass (I Amsterdam Card) and Strippenkaart (Strip Card). Purchasing these Cards from various offices and shops in the city will be really helpful for the people to travel throughout the city and visit all attractions with cheaper rates. Amsterdam Pass can help to avail discounts at various restaurants and also to use public transportation at nominal cost.

Amsterdam Pass: It will be useful to possess and I Amsterdam card also known as Amsterdam Pass soon after entering the city. This Card , which is an entry ticket to all Amsteram's museums and other attractions and also to buses, trams, metro can be obtained from the tourist offices, the Municipal Transportation Company (GVB) and Amsterdam hotels in the city. This easy to use Card , a product of Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board comprises a transportation ticket, a chip card used for free admission to the museums and a book guide, the voucher booklet available in Dutch, English, French and German. This booklet can be used for availing discounts at restaurants and tourist attractions. There are three different Cards available in these offices that has different validity period. The card valid for 24 hours cost EUR 31, for 48 hours is available for EUR 41 and for 72 hours cost EUR 51. The website address of Amsterdam tourist office is www.iamsterdamcard.com.

Strippenkaart: Like Amsterdam Pass, Strippenkaart or Strip Card is the other cost cutting method available in the city for the tourists. The strip cards available at all rail stations, newspaper shops, post offices and all Albert Hein grocery stores can be used on all buses, trams and metro lines in the city. It is truly economical for the visitors. The ticket validity depends on the number of strips used according to the number of zones. This needs to be stamped inside the vehicle in order to know the usage of it. It is also important to note that multiple passengers can travel on a single strippenkaart. Single strip cards can also be brought on board the bus or tram from GVB drivers and conductors. As this is expensive, purchasing it in advance is recommended.