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The language barrier between Flemish tourists and Amsterdam taxi drivers who speak less Dutch is a growing phenomenon in the capital.

Amsterdam, the capital of our northern neighbours, has been a popular destination for tourists from all over the world for years. The city is known for its rich culture, historic architecture, and of course, the notorious freedoms it has to offer. As a Flemish journalist, I did research to find out what attracts Amsterdam tourists and how the city deals with this massive interest. 

The city has a unique blend of culture, history and freedom that continues to attract visitors time and time again. At the same time, it is important that the municipality continues to invest in measures to ensure the quality of life in the city for both residents and visitors.

expensive catering

Anyone who wanders through Amsterdam's city center in search of a restaurant or hotel will immediately notice that the prices of drinks, food and accommodation are going up further. Guests with a small budget keep coming, although they may pay more attention to their wallets. On the other hand, it seems that only luxury hotels are being added. People who live on profits have the greatest disposable income and these have actually only increased over the years and the gap between the relatively poor and the rich is still growing considerably. That is why more luxury hotels are needed, because these people travel more, stay longer and have more money to spend on luxury things.

Now that there is a rapid growth of tourism in Amsterdam, this can also cause an overnight stay in the capital to become more expensive. Amsterdam has 18 million tourist overnight stays this year. This means that the municipality must increase the tourist tax – which is already the highest in Europe – in order to limit the number of overnight stays and prevent nuisance.

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liberal attitude

The world-famous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House are just a few of the many attractions that receive millions of visitors every year. In addition, the city's liberal stance on soft drugs and the famous Red Light District provide a sense of freedom and tolerance, making it an unforgettable experience for many tourists.

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While these tourists enjoy the many sights, it is often the taxi drivers who navigate them around the city.

In recent years, the municipality of Amsterdam has taken various measures to keep the city liveable for both residents and tourists. For example, there are restrictions on the rental of homes via platforms such as B&B or air B&B, stricter rules for tour boats and more enforcement on nuisance in public.

Amsterdam taxi market

And yet Melanie van der Horst, traffic alderman in Amsterdam, has a hard time convincing Amsterdam taxi drivers that her policy and measures are successful. Whether it concerns fixed taxi ranks or tramway exemptions, Amsterdam taxi drivers always have something they are dissatisfied with and are happy to unite in action groups.

What Amsterdam taxi drivers often forget is how tourists think about them. Taxi drivers in Amsterdam have a unique position in the tourism industry. They are not only responsible for transporting tourists, but often act as unofficial tour guides during the ride, offering tips and recommendations on the best spots in town. This local knowledge can be invaluable to tourists and contribute to an authentic Amsterdam experience.

language barrier

Amsterdam is a multicultural city with inhabitants of different nationalities and backgrounds. This also applies to taxi drivers, who increasingly have a mother tongue other than Dutch. Although most drivers speak English, the lack of Dutch skills can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and frustrations for both drivers and tourists.

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For many tourists it is important to feel welcome and understood during their stay in a foreign city. When confronted with a taxi driver who speaks little or no Dutch, this can lead to discomfort and uncertainty about the quality of the service. Some tourists indicate that they feel less comfortable and are concerned about possible miscommunication.

On the other hand, there are also tourists who do not see it as a problem. As long as the driver speaks English and can get them to their destination safely and efficiently, they don't mind the language barrier. In fact, some appreciate the diversity and international character of Amsterdam, where different languages ​​and cultures come together.

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The Amsterdam taxi driver plays an important role in the city's tourism.
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