Netherlands
Currency in Netherlands: what to use and how to exchange
The Netherlands uses the euro (EUR, €). Pay by contactless card or phone for almost everything, including small amounts; carry €20–50 in cash for the rare card-only failure, market stalls and tips. Exchange before you fly or withdraw from a Dutch ATM rather than using a bureau de change at the airport, which usually costs more.
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GuideNetherlands
Key facts
- Currency
- Euro (EUR, €); 100 cents = €1
- Coins
- 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; €1, €2
- Notes
- €5, €10, €20, €50; €100 and €200 exist but are rarely accepted
- Cards
- Contactless debit and credit widely accepted, including for small amounts
- Cash still useful
- Markets, small cafés, tips, some toilets
- Best value
- Withdraw euros from a bank ATM, or exchange before departure
- Worst value
- Airport and station bureaux de change, hotel desks, dynamic currency conversion
- Card type
- Maestro/V-Pay and Visa/Mastercard both work; some machines take only one
Details
The Netherlands has used the euro since 2002 and is part of the eurozone, so prices, ATMs and card terminals all run in euros. There is no separate Dutch currency and no need to change money on arrival if you already hold euros or a card that works in Europe.
Day-to-day, the country is close to cashless. Supermarkets, trains, museums, bars and most restaurants take contactless cards and phone wallets, and there is no local habit of a minimum spend for card. A few places remain cash-only or card-only: small market stalls, some older cafés, and a handful of machines that accept only Dutch debit cards. Carrying a small amount of cash covers those gaps without leaving you with a pocketful of coins at the end of the trip.
For getting euros, the cheapest route is usually a bank ATM in the Netherlands, or exchanging at home before you leave if your bank gives a good rate. Airport and station exchange desks and hotel receptions are convenient but price in a wide margin. When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline it and pay in euros: that 'dynamic currency conversion' almost always costs more.
- Withdraw in larger amounts less often; fixed ATM fees hurt small withdrawals.
- Use a bank-branded ATM (ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO) rather than a standalone machine in a bar or shop.
- Keep a €20 note and a few coins for markets, tips and public toilets.
- If a terminal asks 'pay in EUR or your currency?', choose EUR.
Summary table
| Item | What to expect | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (EUR, €) | Eurozone member since 2002 |
| Card acceptance | Very high, including small amounts | Contactless is the norm |
| Cash needed | €20–50 for a few days | Markets, tips, some cafés |
| ATM withdrawal | Bank ATMs widely available | Fees vary by your bank |
| Airport exchange | Convenient, poorer rate | Skip unless you need cash now |
| Dynamic currency conversion | Offered at some terminals | Decline; pay in euros |
| Tipping | Optional; round up or 5–10% | See money and tipping page |
Rates and fees change; check your own bank's terms before you travel.
Tips
Tell your bank you are travelling if it still requires it, and check what it charges for foreign ATM withdrawals and card payments. A card with no foreign transaction fee saves more over a week than any exchange desk can.
Do not carry large amounts of cash. The Netherlands is safe for its size, but pickpocketing happens around Amsterdam Centraal, the tram lines and busy markets. Split cash and cards between bags.
Coins add up fast in euros. Spend them at supermarkets and cafés rather than hauling them home, and remember that €1 and €2 coins are worth real money, not small change.
If you are coming from the UK, US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, your own bank's rate is usually better than a bureau de change at home or abroad. Compare once, then stop worrying about it.
FAQ
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Netherlands?
The euro (EUR, €). The Netherlands has used it since 2002, so all prices, ATMs and card terminals are in euros. You do not need any other currency for daily spending.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Netherlands?
A bank ATM in the Netherlands, or exchanging at home before you fly, usually beats airport and station desks. Hotel receptions are convenient but price in a wide margin. Always decline dynamic currency conversion and pay in euros.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Netherlands?
Use a card for almost everything; contactless is accepted nearly everywhere, including small amounts. Bring or withdraw €20–50 in cash for markets, tips and the occasional cash-only café.
Can I pay with a credit card everywhere?
Most places take Visa and Mastercard, and many take contactless phone payments. A few small businesses and older machines may prefer Maestro or Dutch debit cards, so keep some cash as backup.
Should I exchange money before I arrive?
If your bank gives a good rate, yes — a small amount of euros saves you hunting for an ATM on arrival. Otherwise withdraw from a Dutch bank ATM once you are there.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialEuropean Central Bank – Euro
- officialDe Nederlandsche Bank
- officialNetherlands Enterprise Agency – Practical matters
- secondaryWikivoyage – Netherlands