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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Gent, Belgium: how to avoid them

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Gent is a safe, welcoming city for tourists, with low levels of aggressive street crime and English widely spoken. The main things to watch are the usual European tourist nuisances: unlicensed drivers at transit points, pickpocketing in crowds, and unrequested items or drinks in bars aimed at tourists. Standard fare logic applies; you will rarely feel under serious pressure.

Updated September 2026

Fair taxi from the airport
€80 - €110
Single ticket
€3
Fine without a valid ticket
€107
Emergency number
112

Common scams in Gent, Belgium and how to avoid them

TaxiOutside Ghent Sint Pieters station and the airport arrivals hall

1. Unlicensed drivers at transit points

How it works: Drivers without a licence approach arriving passengers and offer a fixed high price instead of using the meter. They may quote in foreign currency or claim a flat rate far above the official fare.

How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank and use a metered or app based ride. Agree the fare or confirm the meter before starting.

Restaurants & barsCafes and bars around the historic centre and main squares

2. Unrequested items on the bill

How it works: Some bars and tourist cafes add items you did not order, such as snacks or drinks, onto the bill and expect you to pay without checking.

How to avoid it: Review the bill line by line before paying and politely question anything you did not order or try.

Street scamsBusy squares, tram stops and festival crowds

3. Friendly distraction theft

How it works: Someone approaches with a petition, a map or a question while an accomplice reaches into a bag or pocket. The interaction is designed to draw your attention away.

How to avoid it: Keep bags closed and in front, and be wary of anyone crowding you. A polite no and moving on is enough.

Public transportTrams and buses across the city

4. Ticket not validated trap

How it works: Some passengers board a tram or bus without validating their ticket, then pay the full fine when inspectors appear. The fine is much higher than the fare.

How to avoid it: Always tap your ticket in the on board validator or app at the start of each ride, even if you believe it is valid.

Official tickets for the top sights in Gent, Belgium

Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.

KorenmarktGravensteen Castle

From the airport to the city centre

Brussels Airport (BRU)

Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €80 - €110. Use the official metered taxi rank outside the arrivals hall and refuse drivers who approach you inside. Confirm the meter is running before departure.

Best alternative: Train from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Gent-Sint-Pieters station (€30, about 60 min)

Public transport: tickets, validation and fines

Single ticket
€3 (De Lijn single ride valid for 60 minutes on buses and trams)
Validation rules
Validate your ticket before boarding using the device on board or in the mobile app. Tap the validator when you get on, and you can change trams and buses within the 60 minute window.
Fine without a valid ticket
€107. Fine for travelling without a valid validated ticket, issued on the spot by inspectors.
Paying by card
De Lijn accepts contactless bank cards for tap-in on board; the official app also works.

Tipping and service charges

Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up or leaving a small amount in restaurants and for taxi drivers is common; most bills already include service.

Cover and service charges: Service is normally included in the price. Watch for unrequested items some bars or cafes add to the bill, and confirm charges before paying.

Cards, ATMs and currency exchange

Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion at the terminal or ATM. Prefer bank attached ATMs over standalone machines, and avoid independent high fee ATM brands.

Areas where extra care is advised

  • Gent-Sint-Pieters station: Brisk area around the station, especially late at night; keep bags closed and stay aware.
  • Historic centre: The Korenmarkt, Vrijdagmarkt and Graslei are busy with crowds; guard belongings during peak hours.

Emergency number

112

Planning your budget?

See how much a trip to Gent, Belgium costsCompare hotel prices in Gent, Belgium

Frequently Asked Questions about Gent, Belgium

Is Gent, Belgium safe for tourists?
Gent is a safe, welcoming city for tourists, with low levels of aggressive street crime and English widely spoken. The main things to watch are the usual European tourist nuisances: unlicensed drivers at transit points, pickpocketing in crowds, and unrequested items or drinks in bars aimed at tourists. Standard fare logic applies; you will rarely feel under serious pressure.
How much is a taxi from the airport to the centre of Gent, Belgium?
A fair official daytime fare is about €80 - €110. Use the official metered taxi rank outside the arrivals hall and refuse drivers who approach you inside. Confirm the meter is running before departure.
Do I need to validate public transport tickets in Gent, Belgium?
Validate your ticket before boarding using the device on board or in the mobile app. Tap the validator when you get on, and you can change trams and buses within the 60 minute window. Fine without a valid ticket: €107.
Is tipping expected in Gent, Belgium?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up or leaving a small amount in restaurants and for taxi drivers is common; most bills already include service.
What is the emergency number in Gent, Belgium?
Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire services.

Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.

All things to do in Gent, Belgium