Refusing short taxi rides in Netherlands

Taxi ranks, especially those at major stations. Amsterdam's Centraal Station and Leidseplein are specifically mentioned.

How it works

A driver refuses a short journey, sometimes after waiting for the front position at a rank. The refusal may come with pressure to accept a much higher fare or use another taxi.

Warning signs

The driver refuses after hearing your nearby destination.
The driver will only accept the trip for a very high price.

How to avoid it

Choose another taxi if convenient.
Do not accept an inflated fare just to secure a short ride.
Write down the taxi number if the driver refuses.
Say that you will file a complaint.

If it happens to you

Record the taxi number and the time and place. File a complaint with the taxi company. Refusing short rides is not allowed.

Move to a safe public place. Avoid chasing a thief or arguing with someone who threatens you.
If there is immediate danger or an urgent injury, call 112 and say whether you need police, an ambulance or firefighters.
Block missing payment cards through your card issuer. Lock a stolen phone remotely if possible.
Save receipts, messages, payment records and useful details, such as a taxi number. Write down what happened, where and when.
Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference and contact your insurer if relevant.
Contact the taxi company or seller about a dispute. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement help.

Where it happensTaxi ranks, especially those at major stations. Amsterdam's Centraal Station and Leidseplein are specifically mentioned.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in NetherlandsBaggage theft: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the refusing short taxi rides scam in Netherlands?

A driver refuses a short journey, sometimes after waiting for the front position at a rank. The refusal may come with pressure to accept a much higher fare or use another taxi.

How can I spot it early?

The driver refuses after hearing your nearby destination. The driver will only accept the trip for a very high price.

How do I avoid refusing short taxi rides in Netherlands?

Choose another taxi if convenient. Do not accept an inflated fare just to secure a short ride. Write down the taxi number if the driver refuses. Say that you will file a complaint.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Record the taxi number and the time and place. File a complaint with the taxi company. Refusing short rides is not allowed.

Where in Netherlands does this happen?

Taxi ranks, especially those at major stations. Amsterdam's Centraal Station and Leidseplein are specifically mentioned.

How common is this scam in Netherlands?

Common. The Netherlands is generally safe, but taxi scams are common. Visitors should also watch for pickpockets, baggage theft and bicycle theft, especially in large cities and busy tourist areas.

Are there similar scams in Netherlands?

Yes: taxi overcharging, unlicensed taxi offers, long taxi route to raise the fare.

Who can I report it to?

Police (Politie): report theft or suspected fraud and provide evidence. Ask for a report reference. Call 112 only when there is an emergency. Taxi company: complain using the taxi number, journey details, receipt and amount charged. Record the number if a driver refuses a short ride. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to freeze missing cards and report unauthorised charges. Ask whether a disputed payment can be challenged. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen. Most embassies are in The Hague. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep the police reference, receipts and a list of missing items. Bicycle rental company: tell the company promptly if its bicycle is stolen. Follow its reporting instructions and provide police report details.

What number do I call in an emergency in Netherlands?

Police, ambulance and fire emergencies: 112.

Reviewed by @snuck