The Netherlands is well-known for its beautiful canals, colourful tulip fields, and impressive artistic heritage. It’s a country that seamlessly combines its rich history with modern innovation. Discover the Netherlands’ rich tapestry of attractions, from the picturesque windmills of Kinderdijk and the vibrant streets of Amsterdam to the tranquil Wadden Islands and the storied city of Utrecht. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating country. Getting around this country can be easy,if you familiarise yourself with the local cash, ATMs in Netherlands, and payment options. Discover the financial insights that will help you navigate the Netherlands’ vibrant cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes effortlessly. Embark on a journey filled with unforgettable moments and delightful Dutch experiences.
Can I use my card for payments in the Netherlands, or will I need to have cash on hand?
Many locations accept cards. Many tourists prefer to use cards for their transactions, with electronic payments accounting for 70-80% of the transactions.
It’s best to carry cash for:
Public buses
Little buys
Neighbourhood markets and bazaars
Tips and gratuities
Street food vendors
Feel free to use your card for:
Car rentals
Admission prices for popular tourist attractions and theme parks
Delicious meals from nearby eateries, including a variety of sit-down restaurants
Spas
Convenient pre-paid taxi booking services (such as Uber, Lyft, etc.)
Hostels and budget hotels
Upscale dining establishments
Hotels, flights, and tours online
Shopping in malls and branded stores
Tour operators
Trains in the area
Local taxis
High-end accommodations
Charming coffee shops with a great ambiance
Tour operators with higher prices
Street shopping
What currencies? Will US Dollars or Pounds work?
The Netherlands primarily accepts its local currency only, the Euro (EUR or €). Here are the note denominations available: € 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500.
How can I obtain the local currency in the Netherlands?
“There are two primary methods for obtaining cash in the Netherlands. Here is the list:
ATMs, currency exchange, transfer, and pickup services.”
Looking for ATMs in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has over 6000 ATMs available. These ATMs are operated primarily by Geldmaat, which is a collaborative network owned by four major banks in the Netherlands. There are also ATMs owned by independent ATM operators, which is great to know. In the Netherlands, you’ll find ATMs in both cities and smaller towns, ensuring that you have convenient access to cash in Netherlands. However, if you’re planning to visit remote destinations or islands, don’t anticipate easily locating them.
ATMs are commonly found at various locations such as:
Popular airports
Market and town squares
Popular streets in every major town that attract tourists
Shopping malls
Food lanes
Branches of the bank
A few corporate buildings
Here are some locations where finding ATMs might be a bit challenging:
Small airports
Residential neighbourhoods
Countryside
Bus stops in the region
The interior of the villages
Hidden away in small towns, away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets
Places of worship
Resorts and retreats
Looking for currency exchanges in the Netherlands?
You can easily locate authorised currency exchange centres in popular tourist areas. These centres are often branded as currency exchanges. Popular brands include Pott Exchange and Travelex. If your transaction exceeds 2000 euros, we kindly ask you to provide documentation regarding the origin of the funds.
Hotels and airports: Airports and hotels of all sizes offer convenient currency exchange services. However, the exchange rates are not very favourable at the moment. Many large hotels may have rates that are comparable to banks, whereas smaller hotels near the Old Quarter of Hanoi or beaches tend to have higher fees and lower rates.
Just a heads up, banks usually don’t provide currency exchange services.
Helpful tips:
Avoid exchanging currency at airports – The rates could be better
It’s best to avoid exchanging currency at the black market – Be cautious, as there is a possibility of being scammed.
Please bring some fresh notes – It’s important to keep your notes in good condition to ensure you receive the best rates and avoid any additional fees.
Are ATMs and currency exchanges in the Netherlands open all the time?
No. For security reasons, a lot of ATMs will not work after 11 pm. They do work all days of the week. Inside bank branches have limited hours from 9 am to 3 pm.
Currency exchanges have limited operating hours. Their usual operating hours are from 9 am to 7 pm, with the exception of airports. Just a friendly reminder to keep an eye on the timings when exchanging currency in the Netherlands, especially if you need to get money last minute.
Are foreign debit and cards accepted at ATMs in the Netherlands? Currency exchanges?
Absolutely! ATMs in the Netherlands are quite accommodating to foreign cards.
Authorised money changers also accept credit and debit cards for your convenience. However, there are usually additional costs associated with this. It’s better to avoid it.
What types of cards can I use in the Netherlands?
ATMs in the Netherlands accept a variety of cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro. Please note that the ATMs in the Netherlands do not accept JCB, UnionPay Amex, Diners, Discover, or RuPay cards.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted for swiping.
Most currency exchanges prefer customers to pay with physical cash when exchanging currency. Many places accept Visa, followed by Mastercard, of course, with extra fees.
Check out: How to troubleshoot issues with using your card at ATMs abroad.
Are ATMs in the Netherlands and other countries same?
Absolutely, without a doubt. ATMs in the Netherlands are modern and have a similar appearance and functionality to those found in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. Remember to retrieve your card after withdrawing cash from ATMs that keep it inside during the transaction.
Here are some of the most popular ATMs in the Netherlands:
Geldmaat is a shared ATM network owned by four banks.
ABN Amro
Rabo Bank
ING Bank
SNS Bank
What are the names for ATMs in Netherlands?
ATM or geldmaat or geldautomaten are commonly used terms.
How can one spot an ATM in Netherlands?
ATMs are bright yellow in colour mostly with a smiley sign and says “Geldmaat”. Otherwise, look for the bank name.
ATMs and PINs in the Netherlands
ATMs in the Netherlands are designed to accept 4-digit PINs. Typically, longer PINs are not accepted.
You want to also take cards that have chip-and-pin along with a magnetic stripe. Contactless is also always helpful.
Language at exchanges and ATMs
ATMs in the Netherlands are designed to be user-friendly, accommodating both Dutch and English by default. In addition, they often offer the convenience of other European languages like French, German, and Spanish.
Try out Google Translate’s camera feature to translate the text of ATM screen! Just a quick note: These translations may not always be 100% accurate, so it’s best to take your time and not rush through the transaction.
At currency exchange places, you’ll be able to communicate in multiple languages to exchange your money in the Netherlands.
Information on withdrawal limits and ATM fees in the Netherlands
ATMs usually do not have any restrictions on the amount you can withdraw in a single transaction. The availability of cash and your bank card limit will determine the amount you can withdraw from the ATM.
In the Netherlands, the ATM fees for bank ATMs are determined by the country of your card. Bank ATMs do not charge any fees for cards from the EU. There is a charge of €4 for items that are from outside the EU. Just a friendly reminder that ATMs operated by non- banks can have ATM fees.
Also read: ATM Fees abroad explained
Find free ATMs, currency exchanges, and money transfers in Netherlands with ATM Fee Saver.
Discover the convenience of the ATM Fee Saver app, available on both mobile and web platforms. Easily locate ATMs in the Netherlands that offer fee-free transactions, along with currency exchange and money transfer services. The app conveniently shows the fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at these ATMs. Use the app’s calculator to easily determine the precise fees for your withdrawals in the Netherlands. After selecting an ATM, the app’s navigator will guide you to your chosen location. It offers information for 50 countries, including the Netherlands.
Tips for saving money on fees at currency exchanges and ATMs in the Netherlands..
Find ATMs without any fees within the country.
Choose between Decline Conversion or Without Conversion when making ATM transactions
You might want to consider getting fee-free cards from your home country
Steer clear of no-fee exchange offices when obtaining money in the Netherlands – When they mention no fee, it usually means that they include their fee in the exchange rate. There are usually costs involved in currency exchanges
Consider avoiding the use of credit and debit cards for currency exchanges
Read: Withdrawing cash abroad? Here are 9 great ways to save on foreign ATM fees!
Are currency exchanges and ATMs in the Netherlands reliable and secure?
Yes. There are plenty of ATMs equipped with cameras and security guards for your convenience. Crime rates around ATMs are minimal.
Follow these steps to be safe
Consider using ATMs located within bank branches instead of standalone machines. They tend to offer a more friendly and secure banking experience. These devices are typically more secure and less vulnerable to skimming.
Keep an eye on your card transactions: Make it a habit to regularly monitor your card transactions using your bank’s mobile app or online banking platform. Please make sure to report any transactions that you did not authorise as soon as possible.
Say no to public Wi-Fi for sensitive financial transactions.
Make sure to keep your card in sight: When making transactions, it’s important to keep an eye on your card at all times. It’s a good idea to be cautious when giving your card to merchants who handle it out of your sight.
It’s always a smart idea to have two cards with you when you’re travelling. In this way, if one card encounters a problem, you will have an alternative option available.
When it comes to currency exchanges, it’s always best to stick with authorised and registered exchange places.
Also read:
8 things to avoid while travelling abroad: ATM series
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when travelling abroad: ATM series
It is safe to carry cash while travelling in the Netherlands?
When you’re exploring the Netherlands, feel free to carry cash with you. It’s generally a safe practice. But of course, it’s always a good idea to avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash that you don’t really need. Here are some helpful tips to ensure the safety of your cash while travelling in the Netherlands:
Distribute your cash among multiple pockets or wallets rather than keeping it all in one spot.
Take some cash in a safety belt or a fanny pack.
Be cautious and avoid displaying large amounts of money in public.
Avoid displaying all of your money when making a payment.
Keeping your wallet in your front pockets is a good idea for added safety.
Make sure to keep your purses, wallets, and bags secure and close to your body when you’re in crowded areas like streets, trains, and buses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to withdraw cash in the Netherlands without any fees?
Absolutely! All bank ATMs are happy to provide fee-free withdrawals for foreign card holders.
Do cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries work in the Netherlands?
Definitely, without a doubt! ATMs in the Netherlands generally accept cards from various countries, including the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and others.
Are there any Bitcoin ATMs in the Netherlands?
Absolutely! The Netherlands is home to approximately 30 Bitcoin ATMs.
Are there any Bank of America ATMs in the Netherlands?
Unfortunately, Bank of America ATMs are not available in the Netherlands.
Are there any Citibank ATMs available in the Netherlands?
Unfortunately, Citibank ATMs are not available in the Netherlands.
Are there any Barclays Bank ATMs in the Netherlands?
Unfortunately, there are no Barclays Bank ATMs available in the Netherlands.
Are there any HSBC ATMs in the Netherlands?
Unfortunately, HSBC ATMs are not available in the Netherlands.
Are there any Standard Chartered ATMs available in the Netherlands?
Unfortunately, there are no Standard Chartered ATMs available in the Netherlands.
