I've seen a lot about pickpockets. We will be taking the train from Schipol to Central
Station next week, a taxi to the hotel, and then the usual walking. Any suggestions for what sort of purse/backpack would be most secure for a woman to use? Any other advice on what to watch out for?

Whatever bag you would use at home will do.
I find a messenger style bag, that you wear across your body, easier and more secure than a backpack.
But really, don't worry too much. There are pickpockets in all big cities, particularly around train stations, but I don't think Amsterdam is worse than anywhere else.

The Dutch seem to be very thorough about warning against pickpockets, but I've never been a victim anywhere, and certainly don't feel at any more risk in Amsterdam than anywhere else. The usual precautions would be enough.

Beware of one thing: when you take the train do NOT leave your luggage unattended in any way in the vestibule of the train car. This is a tempting proposition since it is a short trip of 15-20 minutes, there are jump seats available in the vestibules, and the trains into the city in the morning can be crowded.

There have been instances in which when the train stops at one of the intervening stations, someone reaches in from the platform, grabs a bag and runs with it.

remain alert and have a great trip.

Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Europe are no different than if you were vacationing at home. Use your head.

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Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Europe are no different than if you were vacationing at home.
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yes but in north america, most people live a more suburban lifestyle and are not used to urban life (public transportation, crowds, etc). Therefore, they are not used to taking precautions against pickpockets and other petty crimes by clever professional theives/conmen. When they go to Europe, the most popular destinations are huge cities like Paris, Rome and London...totally unlike what they are used to at home.

Not a big difference for someone from less car orientated, more urbanised cities like NYC, Washington, or Montreal but for the others, they just aren't used to this way of life and are easy targets. Not to imply that crime does not occur in the suburbs or suburbanised cities of North America but it is a different variety (and often more violent). Just my opinion.

I was pickpocketed in Amsterdam on a tram. I usually put my coat/jacket on <i>over</i> my purse/daybag, but this time I forgot. I had to use both hands to hang onto the pole as the tram swung around curves (it was standing room only). Someone took my coin purse out of my bag -I discovered this after we got off and went to a cafe. I only lost about 30E b/c my credit card was in an inside zip pocket not the coin purse, and my passport etc. was in my moneybelt.

There are numerous somewhat 'heated' threads on this forum about this topic, if you do a search. Everyone has their own opinion -you have to decide what your comfort level is.

Use common sense and enjoy your vacation.Or you could obsess over nonsense and ruin your vacation. Your choice.

Just got back from Amsterdam and had no problems at all. We took a train to Centraal Station and used trams a few times (although A'dam is very walkable). We did see signs warning people about pickpockets, in locations such as the Anne Frank House and Dam Square.

I wore a large-ish black purse with the strap across my body. My wallet was two zippered compartments deep into the bag, and I usually had my hand resting on top of my purse. Just be alert, and you'll be fine!

I used my normal leather pocketbook from home, it has a thick strap long enough to go cross-wise on my torso, and zippered top.

I would not advise a backpack, since it is normally carried BEHIND you (potentially a problem on crowded public transportation).

You might check if your hotel is a stop on the Connexxion bus service. This goes direct from Shipol to various hotels around town and would save you doing the train &amp; taxi. One-way ticket was $10 euro (2 years ago).