Scam in NetherlandsTaxis
Unlicensed taxi offers in Netherlands
How it works
An unlicensed driver offers a ride. Outside Schiphol, illegal taxi services frequently charge large sums for short trips. Unlicensed drivers in Zuidoost are known as snorders.
Warning signs
- Someone offers an unsolicited ride outside the airport.
- The vehicle lacks registered blue taxi plates.
- The driver cannot show a taxi driver's licence card.
How to avoid it
- Avoid unlicensed rides.
- Check for blue plates, a visible tariff card and a meter.
- Use the train from Schiphol where practical.
- Check whether your hotel offers an airport shuttle.
If it happens to you
If you feel unsafe, ask to stop in a busy public place. Keep any booking or payment details and report threats or suspected fraud to police.
- 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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2022Straffen tot twee jaar geëist tegen malafide taxichauffeurs Schiphol | Openbaar MinisterieProsecutors describe touts escorting foreign passengers to taxis without Schiphol authorization before demanding hundreds of euros and pressuring them to pay.Read on Government advice
- News2017Taxi touts banned from Schiphol airport, face fines of €350 - DutchNews.nlDutchNews reports penalties for touts steering Schiphol tourists toward expensive unlicensed taxis following complaints about excessive fares.Read on News
Questions
What is the unlicensed taxi offers scam in Netherlands?
An unlicensed driver offers a ride. Outside Schiphol, illegal taxi services frequently charge large sums for short trips. Unlicensed drivers in Zuidoost are known as snorders.
How can I spot it early?
Someone offers an unsolicited ride outside the airport. The vehicle lacks registered blue taxi plates. The driver cannot show a taxi driver's licence card.
How do I avoid unlicensed taxi offers in Netherlands?
Avoid unlicensed rides. Check for blue plates, a visible tariff card and a meter. Use the train from Schiphol where practical. Check whether your hotel offers an airport shuttle.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you feel unsafe, ask to stop in a busy public place. Keep any booking or payment details and report threats or suspected fraud to police.
Where in Netherlands does this happen?
Outside Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam, and mainly in Amsterdam's Zuidoost area, also called the Bijlmer. It has been reported in Amsterdam.
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, refusing short taxi rides, 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