With a reputation for being affluent, educated and ultra-liberal, the Netherlands capital — Amsterdam — is a must-see destination for travelers around the world. Whether you’re biking or walking around the country, you’ll want to take a Mastercard or Visa with you to shop and find the perfect gevulde koek or stroopwafel Dutch treats. The euro is the country currency in the Netherlands, though most people pay with a Maestro Mastercard or V Pay Visa debit card.
Whether you are sticking to the urban metropolis or venturing out to explore the country, take a travel credit card with you since you’ll get reimbursed or waived for normal foreign transaction fees. If you happen upon a street vendor that doesn’t take your card, ATMs are typically close by.
In the Netherlands, nearly everyone pays with a Maestro or V Pay debit card, which are debit cards issued by banks and directly tied to the Dutch’s bank accounts. Locals use these for point-of-sale transactions at retailers as well as public transportation and even vending machines.
Card payments are the norm, so expect to find many shops, restaurants and cafes that will not accept cash. ATMs are everywhere, and most payments are made with chip and PIN technology or contactless touch-and-go cards.
If you are heading off to the Netherlands, find a card that allows you to shop without paying extra for foreign transaction and ATM fees.
Find yourself a credit card like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card that waives foreign transaction fees (Terms apply, see rates & fees). Carrying a travel rewards credit card gives you the added benefit of travel insurance and discounts, depending on your provider. For added savings, take advantage of the interest-free period by paying your balance in full each month.
Cards that offer travel perks and waive fees often charge an annual fee, so make sure the fee is worth it before you bring it along on your travels. If you’re ever in a jam, credit cards also offer cash advances, though we don’t recommend it. You’ll pay high fees, and interest rates apply the moment you get your money.
Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. American Express credit cards come in third, then Discover cards.
If you want to make an ATM cash withdrawal with your Amex card, look for Euronet, ABN Amro Bank and Rabobank ATMs, among others.
| Merchant acceptance | ATM acceptance | |
|---|---|---|
Visa |  High | High |
Mastercard | High | High |
American Express |  Medium | High |
Discover | Medium |  Not accepted |
Depending on your credit card, you could incur the following fees:
Explore top debit cards with no foreign transaction fees and travel credit cards by using the tabs to narrow down your options. Select Compare for up to four products to see their benefits side by side.
A travel-friendly debit card allows you to withdraw cash for all ATMs in the Netherlands without carrying a lot on you at once. For example, a Betterment Checking will reimburse you for all foreign transaction fees, though you’ll want to contact Betterment one week ahead of time to put a travel notice on your account. Because you’re spending your own money, you’ll avoid interest charges. Save money by finding a bank that waives the fee for international ATM withdrawals and doesn’t charge a monthly account-keeping fee.
Travel cards can lock in conversion rates once you load USD. Use it for purchases without worrying about rates each time you spend — debit and credit cards often charge 3% for each transaction.
Where you save in the conversion rates, you may pay in fees. You’ll pay fees each time you load the card, ATM withdrawals and sometimes even an inactivity fee. And loading your card can take longer than you expect if you make the transaction on the weekend or holiday.
Use this card to manage your money — like a debit card. You’re issued two cards, so if you lose one, you’ll have a backup. This type of card will allow you to effectively manage your money and comes with a backup in case you lose your primary card.
You should be able to use your credit or debit cards anywhere in the Netherlands, but having some cash on hand can help just in case.
You won’t have trouble finding money exchange offices or Geldwisselkantoors in Amsterdam. The business is highly competitive, and most places usually offer fair exchange rates. Be sure to check the daily exchange rates and calculate how much money you’re expected to get so you’re not short-changed.
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Geldautomaats or “money machines” are everywhere in the Netherlands — at post offices, supermarkets, train stations, hotels and on the street. They have an option for an English language menu and accept any card with chip and PIN technology. Banks and ATMs are widely available and are compatible with nearly all US cards. Using a Betterment Checking card to withdraw money is an option that will save you some cash, as you can get reimbursed for all foreign transaction fees made.
It’s relatively safe to travel to the Netherlands, with advisories to take increased precautions due to increased terrorist threats.
Otherwise, thieves, bag-snatchers and pickpockets target travelers in typical tourist areas like busy markets, cafés and restaurants, on public transit and Central station and in the De Wallen District, Amsterdam’s red-light district. Keep your wallet in your pocket or use a money belt to keep your money out of arm’s reach, and leave all valuables at home.
The Netherlands is a credit card-friendly country. However, always exercise caution when using your card. For example:
Amsterdam and the Netherlands have a reputation for being expensive, but budget between $50 and $150 based on how you travel and what you decide to do. All prices are in US dollars.
| Amsterdam | Budget | Midrange | Expensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meals | Lunchtime specials $13 | Dinner at a casual restaurant $25 | Dinner at an upscale restaurant $55 |
| Activities | Outdoor exploration Free | Museums and trains $18 | First class trains, guided tours $35 |
| Accommodation | Dorm bed $20–$35 | Double room $90 | Double room at a high-end hotel $160+ |
Prices are for example purposes only.
Do you have any travel money tips for the Netherlands?
Paul says he spent more than he budgeted for in Amsterdam. It was his first time in the city and he indulged in all the “coffee shops” had to offer. He suggests to factor in a bit extra than you think you might spend.
Round up to the nearest euro. It’s not really expected to leave a substantial tip in most places. Generally, Dutch people just round up to the nearest euro or two.
Travel insurance protects more than just your health. Having travel insurance protects from:
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