8 Common Tourist Scams to Avoid in the Netherlands

Also known as Holland, the Netherlands is a country located in northwestern Europe. Besides its lip-smacking cuisine, this country is also famous for multiple tourist destinations, vintage windmills, beaches with wide shorelines, forests with colourful flowers, etc. Tourists visit this country to witness its natural beauty and top destinations up close.

However, tourists should be aware of the common travel scams in the Netherlands that can cause them to lose money or their valuables.

If you are planning a vacation to this country, it is important to know of the common scams and stay cautious to avoid them. 

Here are some of the common scams:

1. Taxi Scam

The taxis waiting outside Schiphol Airport, or simply those wondering about the country, are prone to scamming tourists. They mostly refuse to use meters while driving and charge an insanely large amount after dropping the tourists to their destination to rob them. 

Moreover, there have been instances where they take the tourists to a quiet location and rob them if it gets late.

Common around: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague

2. Booking Scam

Rental scams in the Netherlands have been concerning over the years. Fraudsters and scammers often prepare fake websites or post fake accommodation listings on Craigslist, Facebook or Marktplaats. They offer impressive rental properties at an unbelievably low rent. 

Then, after getting the payment, they break contact with the tourists without providing them with any receipts or refunds. 

Common around: Amsterdam and Rotterdam 

3. Fake Police

Another popular tourist scam in Amsterdam takes the form of fake police. Some reports from the police force show that scammers and fraudsters often take the form of fake police. You may come across such people who will flash fake badges and claim to search your bags for counterfeit money. 

In the meantime, they will steal your money and valuables by causing distractions. 

Common around: Amsterdam

4. Street Dealers & Drug Samples

Street dealers often target tourists in popular areas like the Red Light District. Here, they sell drugs at an extremely low price, which is tempting for most people. However, these drugs come with dangerous chemicals, which have caused intentional drug poisoning in this area over the years. 

Moreover, they might offer a sample for testing, which seems like a freebie. However, they will charge for it even if you do not purchase the drug. 

Common around: Amsterdam and Rotterdam

5. Fast Food Joints Scam

There are several fast food joints around this country, especially in Amsterdam, that do not provide menus with printed prices of the items. Even though they may seem genuine and simple places, they are actually filled by scammers. 

You get a serious shock when paying the bill, as these places overcharge even the most basic food items. 

Common around: Amsterdam and Rotterdam

6. Pickpockets

Pickpockets are quite common in popular areas like Central Station or Dam Square. Scammers try to mix within large groups of tourists and approach some of them, asking for directions or simply engaging them in a conversation. 

This creates a distraction, which allows them to pick up the bags and other belongings of the tourists or locals. 

Common around: Amsterdam

7. Tulip Stands Scam

Tulips form a large part of the culture of the Netherlands. You will find multiple vendors selling pretty tulip bulbs. However, it is important to know that these can only be planted in autumn, and even then, their survival chance is meagre. 

Therefore, try conducting research before spending on such bulbs, as they are less likely to grow in the wrong circumstances. 

Common around: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague

8. Fake Currency

A common Dutch financial scam includes counterfeit currency, as the Euro is easily forged and circulated across Europe. Tourists often report cases where they receive fake Euro bills. It is challenging for them to identify counterfeit money, which can land them in various kinds of legal trouble in a foreign country. 

Common around: Amsterdam and Rotterdam

As beautiful as the Netherlands is, it is far from perfection. Tourists, therefore, struggle with the various scams and frauds they deal with during their holidays, which can completely ruin their plans. Hence, it is important to know about these and plan. 

Firstly, getting Travel Insurance in the Netherlands can be a good start to ensure more safety.

Here are some other tips you can follow to ensure a safe and hassle-free holiday in the Netherlands:

• Try to book cabs from Uber and similar apps instead of going with taxis outside the airport. Even if you do, constantly follow Google Maps to check the route and ask the driver to turn on the meter before starting the trip.
• Always check the authenticity of a website or advertisement before making any inquiry. In this case, you can get assistance from travel agents or people in your surroundings who know tourism. Avoid making advance payments unless you are confident about the source. 
• Do not let any stranger touch your bags or belongings, even if they claim to the police. Instead, urge them to drive to the police station and then talk instead of having any conversation on the road.
• It is advisable to avoid purchasing drugs from random street dealers, as they can offer products with harmful chemicals. Do not accept drug samples from them. Go ahead if only you have a close friend or acquaintance who can supply the product.
• Abstain from ordering food from any joint that is not offering a menu card with printed prices beside it. Always ask for the menu and avoid ordering randomly at a whim. 
• When visiting busy areas, keep your wallet in your hand instead of the pocket or in a crossbody zipper. Avoid having long conversations with strangers in such places. 
• Avoid carrying all your money and valuables when going sightseeing in the Netherlands. Get a policy for Travel Insurance that provides financial emergency to ensure assistance if you experience robbery or theft.
• Whenever accepting money from vendors or shopkeepers, always hold the bills against the light. A real bill should have the whole denomination number printed properly on all corners on both sides. Do not accept a bill if this print is not visible. 
• Always keep all your documents safely inside your baggage within the hotel rooms to avoid their loss or theft. However, if you still end up losing the passport, contact the Indian Embassy office in The Hague and seek assistance. 

The best way to deal with an emergency in this country is by contacting the police forces, who are always available to help out the tourists. The Indian Embassy office will also assist you regarding any legal requirements. 

Here are some of the emergency contact details you should be aware of during your vacation in the Netherlands to stay safe: 

• Dutch emergency helpline: 112

• Dutch police: 0900 8844

• Crime reporting: 0800 7000

• Sexual abuse: 0900 899 8411

• SOS helpline: 0900 0767

• Discrimination: 0900 235 4354

• Indian Embassy in the Netherlands: 070-3469771

That concludes a detailed guide to the common travel scams in the Netherlands. This country attracts tourists for its popular destinations and stunning natural beauty. However, scammers and fraudsters are also frequently fooling them to steal their belongings. If you wish to have a hassle-free vacation in this country, follow the tips mentioned here to avoid these scams.