Skill: ivangdavila/amsterdam (version 1.0.1)

--- name: Amsterdam slug: amsterdam version: 1.0.1 homepage: https://clawic.com/skills/amsterdam description: Navigate Amsterdam as visitor, resident, tech worker, student, or entrepreneur with neighborhoods, transport, costs, visas, and local insights. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"AMS","requires":{"bins":[]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}} --- ## When to Use User asks about Amsterdam for any purpose: visiting, moving, working, studying, or starting a business. Agent provides practical guidance with current data. ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | **Visitors** | | | Attractions (must-see vs skip) | `visitor-attractions.md` | | Itineraries (1/3/7 days) | `visitor-itineraries.md` | | Where to stay | `visitor-lodging.md` | | Tips & day trips | `visitor-tips.md` | | **Neighborhoods** | | | Quick comparison | `neighborhoods-index.md` | | Centrum, Jordaan, De Wallen | `neighborhoods-centrum.md` | | De Pijp, Oud-Zuid, Rivierenbuurt | `neighborhoods-south.md` | | Oud-West, Westerpark, Bos en Lommer | `neighborhoods-west.md` | | Noord, Oost, IJburg | `neighborhoods-east-north.md` | | Amstelveen, Buitenveldert, Zuidoost | `neighborhoods-suburban.md` | | Choosing guide | `neighborhoods-choosing.md` | | **Food** | | | Overview & dining scene | `food-overview.md` | | Dutch & local cuisine | `food-local.md` | | International & fine dining | `food-international.md` | | Best areas for dining | `food-areas.md` | | Dietary, alcohol, practical | `food-practical.md` | | **Practical** | | | Moving & settling | `resident.md` | | Transport (bikes, trams, trains) | `transport.md` | | Cost of living | `cost.md` | | Safety & laws | `safety.md` | | Weather & survival tips | `climate.md` | | Local services (banking, BSN) | `local.md` | | **Career** | | | Tech industry & salaries | `tech.md` | | Business setup & freelancing | `business.md` | | Visas (HSM, 30% ruling, startup) | `visas.md` | | Startups & funding | `startup.md` | | **Lifestyle** | | | Culture & customs | `culture.md` | | Healthcare & insurance | `healthcare.md` | | Schools & education | `education.md` | | Expat lifestyle & social | `lifestyle.md` | | Cycling & transport ownership | `cycling.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Identify User Context First - **Role**: Tourist, resident, tech worker, student, entrepreneur - **Timeline**: Short visit, planning to move, already there - Load relevant auxiliary file for details ### 2. Housing Crisis Reality Amsterdam has one of Europe's tightest housing markets: - **Social housing waitlist**: 10-15+ years average - **Free sector rental**: Extremely competitive, often 100+ applicants per listing - **Rent regulation**: Properties <142 points = regulated (max ~EUR 880/month in 2026) - **Average rent**: EUR 22-30/sqm in free sector; 1BR EUR 1,700-2,500/month See `cost.md` and `resident.md` for strategies. ### 3. Bike Culture (Essential) Cycling isn't optional in Amsterdam-it's the primary transport: - **880,000+ bikes** for 900,000 residents - **44%** of all trips made by bicycle - **Bike infrastructure**: Separated lanes, bike traffic lights, parking garages - **Bike theft**: Very common-always use two locks - **Right of way**: Bikes have priority over cars in most situations See `cycling.md` and `transport.md` for details. ### 4. Weather Reality - **Rain**: Expect it year-round, 175 days/year with precipitation - **Mild winters**: 2-8C, rarely below -5C, occasional snow - **Cool summers**: 17-22C average, occasional 30C+ heatwaves - **Wind**: Constant factor, especially near water - **Essentials**: Waterproof jacket, rain pants, good shoes-NOT umbrella (wind) See `climate.md` for monthly breakdown and gear advice. ### 5. Current Data (Feb 2026) | Item | Range | |------|-------| | 1BR rent (Centrum) | EUR 1,800-2,800/month | | 1BR rent (Outside ring) | EUR 1,400-2,000/month | | Senior SWE salary | EUR 80,000-130,000/year gross | | GVB monthly pass | EUR 99 (Amsterdam) | | Dinner for two (mid-range) | EUR 70-120 | | International school fees | EUR 15,000-28,000/year | | Highly Skilled Migrant threshold | EUR 5,688/month (30+), EUR 4,171 (<30) | ### 6. Cost Reality Amsterdam has high costs but also high salaries: - **Housing**: 35-50% of budget typical - **Healthcare**: Mandatory insurance ~EUR 140-180/month - **Childcare**: Subsidized but expensive-EUR 1,500-2,700/month gross before subsidies - **Food**: Groceries 20-30% cheaper than UK/US - **Transport**: Cheap if biking (most do); EUR 99/month for unlimited GVB - **Taxes**: 36.97%-49.5% income tax (but 30% ruling can help) ### 7. Transit Excellence Unlike most cities, Amsterdam is NOT car-centric: - **Cycling**: Primary mode, extensive infrastructure - **Trams/Metro/Buses**: GVB runs frequent service citywide - **Trains (NS)**: Excellent connections nationwide - **OV-chipkaart**: Single card for all public transport in NL - **Car**: Actively discouraged-parking EUR 50-80/day in center Most residents don't own cars. See `transport.md` and `cycling.md`. ### 8. Neighborhood Matching | Profile | Best Areas | |---------|------------| | Young professionals | De Pijp, Oud-West, Oost | | Families | Oud-Zuid, Amstelveen, IJburg | | Budget-conscious | Noord, Zuidoost, New West | | Nightlife seekers | De Pijp, Jordaan, Centrum | | Tech workers | Zuidoost (tech hub), Oost, Amstelveen | | Quiet/Upscale | Oud-Zuid, Apollobuurt, Museumkwartier | | Students | Oost, Noord, De Pijp | ## 30% Ruling Changes (Critical for Expats) The 30% ruling (tax benefit for highly skilled migrants) is being phased down: - **2024-2026**: 30% for first 20 months -> 20% for months 21-40 -> 10% for months 41-60 - **Pre-2024 arrivals**: May retain old 30% for full 5 years (grandfathered) - **Requirements**: HSM visa, recruited from abroad, specific expertise - **Impact**: Effective tax reduction of EUR 10,000-30,000/year depending on salary See `visas.md` for detailed eligibility and calculations. ## Amsterdam-Specific Traps - **Housing scams** - Never pay before viewing. Never wire money abroad. Verify landlord ownership. - **Tourist tax** - EUR 3/night + 7% of room price. Budget for it. - **Bike theft** - Use TWO locks (frame + wheel). Budget EUR 500+ for a decent used bike. - **Coffee vs Coffeeshop** - "Coffee shop" (two words) = cafe. "Coffeeshop" (one word) = cannabis. - **Hard drugs** - Illegal. Cocaine, MDMA, etc. carry serious penalties despite reputation. - **Right-hand priority** - Vehicles from right have priority unless marked otherwise. Crucial for cyclists. - **Canal swimming** - Legal but water quality is poor. Stick to designated swim spots. - **Tipping** - Not expected. Round up or add 5-10% for exceptional service only. - **Shop hours** - Many shops close at 6pm. Supermarkets: till 10pm. Sunday closures common. - **Directness** - Dutch people are famously direct. It's cultural, not rude. - **Appointments** - Everything requires scheduling. Don't drop by unannounced. ## Legal Awareness Key laws visitors/residents must know: - **Cannabis**: Legal to buy/consume in licensed coffeeshops only. Max 5g purchase. No smoking in public. - **Magic mushrooms**: Illegal since 2008. Truffles (sclerotia) are legal and sold in smart shops. - **Prostitution**: Legal and regulated in designated areas (De Wallen). Photography prohibited. - **Alcohol**: Legal at 18+. No public drinking in designated zones. DUI limit: 0.5% (0.2% for new drivers). - **Cycling laws**: Lights required at night, no phone use, hand signals for turns. - **Photography**: Legal in public, but respect red-light district rules and ask for portraits. - **Noise**: Quiet hours 10pm-7am. Neighbors will complain. Dutch take this seriously. - **Airbnb**: Max 30 nights/year for entire home. Registration required. Fines up to EUR 20,000. See `safety.md` for comprehensive legal guidance. ## LGBTQ+ Friendliness Amsterdam is one of the world's most LGBTQ+-friendly cities: - First country to legalize same-sex marriage (2001) - Large queer community centered around Reguliersdwarsstraat - Amsterdam Pride (first weekend of August) is major event - No legal or social barriers; full acceptance in daily life - Excellent resources, nightlife, and community organizations


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: suspicious (MEDIUM)