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Money & currency

Money in Netherlands

Updated 2026-09-22

Money & Currency
€

Euro (EUR)

Currency code: EUR

Practical Money Tips

Euro (EUR) — the Netherlands is a eurozone member; exchange USD, GBP, or other currencies at GWK Travelex, currency exchange offices in Amsterdam (Leidseplein, Schiphol), or use Wise/Revolut for the best rates; ATMs widely available; Schiphol Airport has 24/7 forex

The Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR). Currency exchange is easy in Amsterdam — GWK Travelex operates at Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal station; independent exchange offices on Leidseplein and Damrak often offer better rates (compare before exchanging). Avoid exchanging at hotels. Use Wise, Revolut, or a low-fee travel card for best EUR rates. The Netherlands has one of Europe's most developed cashless payment infrastructures — many establishments are card-only and do not accept cash at all. Contactless payment is universal. EUR from other eurozone countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain) and from Belgium needs no exchange.

ATMs (geldautomaten) widely available — ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, SNS Bank nationwide; all accept Visa and Mastercard; Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal have 24/7 ATMs; flat-fee ATMs from your bank card are usually better than Travelex; always choose EUR when asked about currency

ATMs (called geldautomaten) are plentiful throughout the Netherlands. ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and SNS Bank ATMs are most widespread. All accept Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal have 24/7 ATMs. Avoid the Travelex and Euronet ATMs (higher fees and unfavourable rates). Always decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) — when asked to pay in your home currency or EUR, always choose EUR. Notify your bank before travel. Wise and Revolut work perfectly at Dutch ATMs with very low fees.

One of Europe's most cashless societies — iDEAL is the dominant online payment; contactless Visa/Mastercard and debit cards everywhere; Apple Pay and Google Pay work at virtually all NFC terminals; many Dutch establishments refuse cash; pin-only for in-person card terminals is common

The Netherlands is one of the most cashless countries in Europe. Contactless Visa and Mastercard are accepted at virtually all shops, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl), public transport, and museums. Apple Pay and Google Pay work seamlessly at NFC-enabled terminals — nearly universal. iDEAL is the dominant online payment system for Dutch bank accounts (not relevant for foreign tourists for in-person payments). Tikkie is a Dutch bill-splitting app widely used between Dutch people. PIN payment (chip-and-PIN) is common for in-person card transactions. Many establishments — including some traditional pubs (bruine kroegen), small market stalls, and churches — are cash-only.

Amsterdam is among Europe's more expensive cities — hotels, restaurant meals, canal boat tours and major museum entry all run well above the Western European average; check current prices when budgeting

Amsterdam is among Europe's more expensive cities. Hotels range from budget to mid-range/design, with prices well above the Western European average. Restaurant main courses run higher in tourist areas. Indonesian rijsttafel (highly recommended) is a worthwhile splurge. Heineken / Grolsch beer at a café, canal boat tours, and entry to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House (must book online in advance) all add up — check current pricing before planning a budget. OV-chipkaart (public transport, including Amsterdam trams, GVB metro, NS trains) is loaded with credit; fares vary by distance. Budget cities like Rotterdam or Eindhoven are noticeably cheaper than Amsterdam.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

Do Apple Pay and Google Pay work in the Netherlands?

Yes — both work at virtually every NFC contactless terminal in the Netherlands. Dutch retail has near-universal contactless payment adoption. Apple Pay and Google Pay are seamless for daily use, from supermarkets to museums to canal boats.

Can I pay by cash in the Netherlands?

Cash is accepted but many Dutch establishments are card-only — including some supermarkets (Albert Heijn self-checkout lanes), public transport ticket machines, and some restaurants. Always have a Visa or Mastercard as your primary payment method. EUR coins are useful for lockers, markets, and some churches.

What is iDEAL and do I need it as a tourist?

iDEAL is a Dutch online banking payment system used for online purchases and some in-person QR payments between Dutch bank accounts. As a foreign tourist, you don't need iDEAL — use your Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay for all payments. iDEAL is relevant when booking Dutch attractions online (you may see it as a payment option).

Is tipping expected in the Netherlands?

Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands — service charges are included in restaurant bills by law. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small extra amount is common and appreciated in restaurants and cafés. For taxi drivers, rounding up is customary. Tip by saying 'that's fine' (dat klopt) when the card terminal shows the bill.

Are Wise or Revolut useful in the Netherlands?

Excellent — Wise and Revolut work perfectly in the Netherlands. Use for ATM withdrawals and card payments. The Netherlands is one of the easiest countries for Wise/Revolut users. Enable contactless on your Wise/Revolut card before travel.

Is Amsterdam expensive compared to other European cities?

Yes — Amsterdam is among Europe's more expensive cities for tourists. Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven, and Groningen are noticeably cheaper. Rotterdam and The Hague offer better value with equally excellent museums, so check current price comparisons if budget is a concern.

Do I need an OV-chipkaart for public transport?

Most Amsterdam public transport (GVB trams, metro, bus) now accepts contactless Visa, Mastercard, and bank cards directly at the gate — no OV-chipkaart needed. NS intercity trains can also be paid by contactless; check the national rail carrier's site for current payment options. For frequent travel, an OV-chipkaart (refundable deposit required) remains convenient.

Should I avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at ATMs?

Yes — always decline DCC. When an ATM or card terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency or EUR, always choose EUR. DCC adds a conversion markup of several percent to the transaction. This applies at Euronet and Travelex ATMs which are known for aggressive DCC offers.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Netherlands overview.

Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.