Rotterdam Scams To Look Out For – Rotterdam Tourist Scams
If you’re not looking for them you probably won’t notice the various scams that tourists face when in Rotterdam and trust us when we say, there are quite a few. One in particular that we had to warn an American family about after they were almost scammed and lost their valuables.
If you’re visiting Rotterdam make sure you know what scams to watch out for and make sure that any valuables you have are safe and secured. This counts for when you are out and about and in your hotel room as you don’t always know who’s cleaning your room.
Rotterdam Tourist Scams
Rotterdam is generally a safe and modern city, but like many popular tourist destinations, it has its share of scams to watch out for. Here are some of the more common tourist scams in Rotterdam (and the Netherlands in general), so you can enjoy your trip without any unwelcome surprises:
1. Fake Charity Collectors
- How it works: People (often teens or young adults) may approach you with a clipboard asking you to sign a petition or donate to a “charity.”
- The scam: Once you sign, they pressure you for money—or worse, distract you while someone else picks your pockets.
- Tip: Politely decline and walk away. Legitimate charities don’t operate aggressively in tourist zones.
Most of the time if you know a language that isn’t Dutch or English you can just talk really fast at them and then walk away, it does the trick although if you don’t just say no thanks and keep walking, ignore any advances that they may make.
2. Pickpocketing (especially around stations and trams)
- Hotspots: Rotterdam Central Station, metro stations, crowded trams, and busy markets like the Markthal.
- How it happens: Thieves work in pairs—one distracts you (asks for directions, bumps into you), while the other takes your wallet or phone.
- Tip: Keep valuables in front-facing bags or inside zipped jacket pockets, and be extra alert in crowded places.
This is a huge one and why we had to warn other tourists. Pickpocketing although common, is done by children in Rotterdam. We haven’t seen this in any other country but we saw this first-hand and were amazed! So keep an eye out for both children and adults.
3. “Let me help you” at ticket machines
- How it works: Someone offers to help you use a train or metro ticket machine.
- The scam: They either watch you enter your card PIN to steal your card later, or they may try to use a card skimmer.
- Tip: Politely decline offers of help, and always cover your hand when entering your PIN.
If you don’t feel comfortable using the ticket machines, go to one of the information centres where you can normally buy a ticket there with ease.
4. Overpriced Taxi Scams
- How it works: Unofficial taxi drivers approach tourists at stations or popular spots and charge huge fares without a meter.
- The scam: No meter = no standard pricing. You could be charged 3–4x the normal rate.
- Tip: Always use licensed taxis (with blue license plates), or better yet, use Uber or local apps like Bolt.
Never, ever, ever get a taxi from the airport or station without booking first. We got caught out first-hand years ago and a 15-minute tram journey cost up ¢60! So don’t get caught out.
5. Counterfeit Goods / Street Sellers
- How it works: Vendors try to sell you “designer” items or electronics on the street.
- The scam: The products are fake or non-functional. In some cases, the transaction is a distraction for a pickpocket.
- Tip: Avoid street sellers entirely and buy only from reputable shops.
This is more likely for tourist nick-nacks.
6. ATM Skimming Devices
- How it works: Fraudsters install card skimmers or hidden cameras on ATMs.
- The scam: Your card data is copied and used for fraud.
- Tip: Use ATMs inside banks or large stores, and inspect the machine before inserting your card.
Although mostly found in Amsterdam, a lot of places in the Netherlands will only take card payments so the need for an ATM is low, however make sure you follow the tips if you do need to use one and make sure nobody is around watching you.
7. Bike Rental Damage Scam
- Tip: Take photos of the bike before renting, and always use well-reviewed rental companies.
- How it works: You rent a bike and return it, only to be told you caused damage and must pay a large fine.
- The scam: Sometimes the “damage” is fake or was already there.
Most of the time you’ll be able to book a bike through your hotel or at least ask them where you can rent one and we’d suggest doing that. However, unlike Amsterdam; Rotterdam isn’t full of bikes and most people use public transport or just walk.
