Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in The Hague, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

All Topics about The Hague All Cities in Netherlands

1. Central Station Taxi Scam

Avoid taxis offered at the Central Station. Use official taxi stands or book apps.

Avoid information booths outside hotels or attractions. Visit the official City Hall Tourist Office.

Unauthorized Booths: May provide incorrect or biased information.
Official City Hall: Provides accurate and unbiased information.
Website & App Resources: Access to online resources for self-guided tours and tips.

Be cautious when buying items from street vendors. Check for official city permits.

Be aware of people offering help with coffee shop card machines. It might be a scam to steal your card info.

Strangers Offering Help: May try to distract you while stealing card information.
Secure Payment Terminals: Use secure terminals for transactions, not strangers' devices.
Card Security Measures: Monitor your card statements and report any unusual activity.

Only use licensed tour operators. Check for official accreditation before booking tours.

Unlicensed Guides or Operators: May provide poor service, overcharge, or offer misleading information.
Official Accreditation: Ensures quality and reliability of the tour operator.
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews from past customers to gauge service quality.

Avoid giving personal information or valuables to people posing as police. Genuine officers will never ask for money or valuables.

Imitation Police Uniforms: Criminals may wear imitation uniforms to trick you.
Official ID Check: Legitimate police will show identification upon request.
Emergency Service Numbers: Dial the emergency number 112 for assistance if you're unsure.

Be cautious in crowded places such as markets or festivals. Keep belongings secure and use a money belt.

Crowded Locations: Pickpockets take advantage of the crowd to steal.
Secure Belongings: Keep belongings hidden and secure to prevent theft.
Money Belt or Hidden Pouch: Carry essentials in a secure, hard-to-reach location.

Book accommodation from reputable websites or agencies. Avoid street vendors offering hotels.

Street Vendors: May offer overpriced, low-quality accommodations.
Reputable Websites or Agencies: Ensures you get the advertised quality and price.
Customer Reviews: Read reviews from past guests to gauge accommodation quality.

Be cautious when donating money on the street. Support reputable charities instead.

Street Donation Collectors: May use your donations for personal gain rather than charity.
Reputable Charities: Ensure your donation goes to a verified, trustworthy organization.
Online Donations: Donate online through the charity's official website for security and traceability.

Buy ferry tickets directly from the dock or the operator's website. Avoid ticket resellers.

Ticket Resellers: May sell overpriced, invalid or counterfeit tickets.
Official Ferry Operators: Ensures you get a valid and legitimate ticket.
Online Ticket Purchase: Avoid the line, buy tickets in advance online for convenience.

Use ATMs located inside banks or shopping centers. Be cautious of suspicious ATMs in secluded areas.

Suspicious ATMs: May have skimming devices installed to steal your card information.
Inside Banks or Shopping Centers: ATMs are monitored and less likely to be tampered with.
Cover Your PIN: Protect your card information by covering the keypad when entering your PIN.

Check bills for authenticity before making transactions. Be cautious with large denominations.

Counterfeit Bills: May be used in change or to overpay for goods.
Inspect Bill Features: Authentic bills have raised ink, holographic stripes, and watermarks.
Beware of Large Denominations: Large denominations are more likely to be counterfeit.

Research restaurants and bars before visiting. Compare prices with nearby establishments.

Unresearched Establishments: May charge exorbitant prices for average quality.
Local Restaurant Reviews: Read reviews to find affordable, high-quality dining options.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Locals can suggest fair-priced restaurants and bars.

Use a taxi meter or negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

No Meter Usage: Driver may overcharge for the ride.
Meter Usage: Ensures fair pricing based on distance and time.
Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Avoid unexpected charges by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Book shore excursions from cruise ships through reputable providers. Avoid unlicensed tour operators.

Unlicensed Tour Operators: May offer poor service, overcharge, or provide misleading information.
Reputable Providers: Ensures quality and reliability of the tour provider.
Cruise Ship Recommendations: Book through cruise ship recommendations for convenience and peace of mind.