Is Amsterdam Safe in January 2026?

Unlicensed or unofficial taxi drivers solicit passengers outside Schiphol Airport arrivals and in the taxi waiting areas, then charge fares of €200–1,000 for a journey to central Amsterdam that should cost €40–80. Drivers typically refuse to use the meter, agree on a vague flat rate before departure, and become aggressive if passengers refuse to pay the inflated amount on arrival. Dutch courts prosecuted multiple drivers in 2022 and 2024 for exploiting tourists this way.

How to avoid: Use only official taxis from the designated Schiphol taxi rank inside the terminal, identified by blue license plates and a lighted company sign on the roof. Book Uber or an official transfer in advance. Never accept rides from drivers who approach you in arrivals.

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists, particularly near ATMs and currency exchange offices along Damrak and near Centraal Station, flashing fake badges and claiming to be investigating counterfeit money or drug activity. They ask to inspect your wallet and bag, and during the search quietly remove cash, cards, or valuables. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Dutch police have both issued formal warnings about this scam.

How to avoid: Real Dutch police officers do not conduct ad hoc wallet inspections on the street. If approached, do not hand over your wallet — ask to proceed to the nearest police station or call 112 to verify their identity. Never allow anyone claiming to be plainclothes police to reach into your bag or pockets.

Amsterdam has one of the world's highest bike theft rates. Some informal "rental" services rent bikes that are actually stolen; if police spot the serial number, you may be questioned. Rental deposits are also sometimes non-refundable on spurious grounds.

How to avoid: Rent bikes only from established operators like MacBike or Yellow Bike. Receive and keep a proper rental receipt.

Amsterdam Centraal is a major pickpocket hotspot. Gangs target tourists struggling with luggage or consulting maps and phones, operating in large groups to surround and distract targets.

How to avoid: Secure bags before entering the station. Use a money belt for passports and credit cards. Never place your bag on the ground.

Multiple fake websites closely imitating the official Anne Frank House ticketing page have been created, including near-identical designs and deceptive URLs. Tourists who book through these sites lose their money and receive either no ticket or a worthless PDF rejected at the entrance. The Anne Frank House has issued repeated public warnings about this practice, as the museum sells out weeks in advance and last-minute visitors are particularly vulnerable to fake resellers charging two to three times face value.

How to avoid: Purchase tickets exclusively from the official Anne Frank House website at annefrank.org. Never buy from third-party reseller sites, street vendors, or social media listings. If the official site shows sold-out dates, check back daily as unclaimed tickets are released 48 hours before each session.