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Netherlands
25 scams
The Netherlands boasts a wealth of cultural heritage and you can also find picturesque windmills, colourful tulips, famous painters, canals and more!
Although the country is generally safe, there are some unsavoury characters like junkies, petty crime as well as tourist targeted scams to watch out for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Police, ambulance, fire: 112
- Police (non-emergency): 0900 8844
- Tourist Medical Service (ATAS): 020 592 3355
Travel guide
Junkies in Netherlands
6 0How it works: Junkies: touts who hang around red light districts selling drugs and stolen items (e.g. bikes). Legal problem: you can get caught in the fake police scam or…
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Street pickpockets in Netherlands
6 1How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Public transport pickpockets in Netherlands
6 0How it works: Version 1: one blocks you at the door (ties shoelaces/drops something), another steals from behind and slips to a third who escapes, and one blocks others from…
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Taxi scams in Netherlands
6 0How it works: Version 1: “forgetting” to turn on the meter then charging an inflated fare at the end. A tourist was charged EUR 980 for a trip from Schiphol…
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“Museum” marketing trick in Netherlands
5 0How it works: Situation: not technically a scam, but a borderline one due to the intention to mislead. Opening: you may encounter small shops with the word “museum” in their…
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Tulip stands false claims in Netherlands
5 0How it works: Version 1: tulip bulbs can only be grown in the Autumn, but some vendors falsely claim that these can grow anytime of the year. Version 2: mislabeling…
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Unlicensed taxis in Netherlands
4 0How it works: Situation: In 2018, the Human Environment and Transport inspectorate estimated that in Amsterdam alone, there were over 20 illegal taxi companies with each having 20-100 taxis. Version…
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Used transport tickets in Netherlands
1 0How it works: There are scammers who pick up thrown used tickets (tram/bus/train) or simply ask commuters for them. They then try to sell these off to tourists at a…
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Donation scams in Netherlands
2 0How it works: You won’t find beggars on the streets (due to the law), but you will find donation scammers on public transport and at bars and restaurants. They go…
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Bicycle thefts in Netherlands
2 0How it works: Bicycle theft is widespread here – thousands are stolen each year! Professional thieves are even providing an on-demand service where they can help you steal a bike…
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