I would say the biggest culture shock is when you are in Amsterdam's coffee shops, also known as smoking shops and people are smoking marijuana all around you. This is when you know for sure you are away from home. The lackadaisical attitude in Amsterdam will beyond a doubt be noticed.
Just be ready for any smell that may come your way when you are in one of Amsterdam's coffee shops, because not only do people smoke but there is also a menu where you can order anything from a white widow to a purple haze! Generally, a gram of weed is sold for around 12 euros. The options go from grass to hash so it is really your pick. Although be aware, shops do not normally advertise what is being sold, there are restrictions, hence why most shops are called juice bars.
The fact is that although the selling and consumption of weed in these coffee shops is technically illegal, the practice is tolerated. The city is liberal and open-minded, probably more then most cities in this regard, and this is why attitudes have remained the same/stagnant throughout the past few years.
I think it is the leniency on the issue that most people just do not understand. When some cultures ban something, it is absolutely not tolerated; Amsterdam differs in this regard. In a sense, they give people a chance to do as they please, with the hope that it will not be abused. It is always good to try something new, but you may find that different is not necessary always better.
Last updated: June 2006
