Stay calm and check obvious alternatives
Before calling anyone, take a breath and check the basics: do you have a spare key with a partner, neighbour or family member? Is a back door, window or balcony open? Is your apartment building's caretaker reachable?
Call a trusted local locksmith
If no alternative works, call a local, established locksmith — not the first ad you see online. In Amsterdam, look for a locksmith with a real address, real reviews and a clear fixed-price commitment.
- Ask for the price up front, including service fee
- Confirm the expected arrival time
- Ask if damage-free opening is included
- Avoid quotes that are 'starting from €19' — they almost always escalate on site
What to expect on site
A reputable locksmith will ask for ID matching your address before opening the door, work damage-free where possible, and provide a written invoice. Standard pricing in Amsterdam: from €85 + €15 service fee, day or night.