Because of a deregulation of the taxi branch there are a lot of bad taxi drivers around. Although the city of Amsterdam is working on making things better there are a few things you can do to avoid getting a taxi that will charge you a high fare price.
Pre-book your transportation from and to the airport through the internet with either TCA (the largest taxi organisation in Amsterdam) or Ambassador Services (a smaller taxi company). Also beware of hotel porters who sell your transportation to the airport for a commission (guess who will be paying this commission in the end?). You can book this yourself in advance at a set rate. The companies mentioned will give you a quote if you ask them.
In the streets of Amsterdam don't just hail a taxi, but ask your restaurant, bar or shop to call one for you. This way you always can trace the taxi that transported you and you're not just taking one of the 'cowboy-taxis'.
TCA: www.tca-amsterdam.nl
Ambassador Services: www.ambassador.demon.nl
It is not true that taxi licenses cost EUR 200,000 in Amsterdam. It is correct that before the deregulation of the taxi branche a license could cost up to DFL 200,000, which equals EUR 91,000. But that's all history now.
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Taxi licenses are issued by TCA themselves and numbers are restricted. Consequently licenses are worth about two hundred thousand euros at the moment and guess who is paying the price? You are.