Taking a trip to the Netherlands from the UK? Whether it’s a sightseeing weekend in Amsterdam or a longer visit for work or study, you’ll need to get to grips with Dutch money and currency.
Read on for everything you need to know about Netherlands currency, banks and money. This includes tips on Dutch banks, currency exchange and how to make your travel money go further.
So, let’s get started.
Currency in the Netherlands
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro, as it is part of the eurozone.
The guilder was the primary currency of the Netherlands until 2002, when it was replaced by the euro.
To find out how many euros you can get for your pounds (and vice versa), use our currency converter.
Facts about the currency in the Netherlands
Here are a handful of useful-to-know facts about the euro in the Netherlands:
- Euro symbols are EUR and €.
- 1 EUR = 100 cents.
- Euro coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as €1 and €2.
- Euro banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 euros, although it is also possible to get €100, €200 and even €500 notes.
- The euro was introduced on 1st January 1999.
- 20 EU countries currently use the euro.
- The euro is the second most important currency in the world, after the US dollar.1
- The euro symbol is inspired by the Greek letter epsilon (Є), where European civilisation all began. It’s also symbolic of the first letter of the word ‘Europe’ in the Latin alphabet.1
Exchanging currency in the Netherlands
If you’re heading to the Netherlands from the UK, you’ll need to find the best way to exchange your pounds for euros - and get the best deal.
Tips for exchanging currency in the Netherlands
To get the most EUR for your GBP, and make your holiday budget go further, follow these top tips for exchanging currency in the Netherlands:
1. Get familiar with the mid-market exchange rate
Exchanging currency can sometimes be a confusing and complicated business. There’s always the worry you’ll get ripped off by hidden fees, even with providers who advertise low or no fees. It’s often the case that extra charges are hidden in an unfavourable exchange rate.
To avoid this, make sure you get to know the mid-market exchange rate for your chosen currency pair. Also known as the interbank exchange rate, this is the midpoint between the buy rate and the sell rate in global currency markets.
It is the ‘truest’ rate, not subject to markups by exchange desks. By using an online currency converter before switching out your home currency for euros, you’ll get an idea what your money is actually worth and be better prepared to spot tourist traps.
2. For quick cash, an ATM is usually the fairest deal
When you travel abroad, often the fairest deal is through withdrawing cash from an ATM. As long as you choose to be charged in the local (euro) currency, then the ATM will normally give you the actual mid-market exchange rate - which is to your advantage.
Just watch out for ATM operator fees, or foreign currency transaction fees charged by your bank. This can happen when using a UK-issued debit card not designed for use in other countries.
3. Avoid exchanging your money at airports or hotels
At the airport, train station or at your hotel, you’ll usually find a number of currency exchange desks. These are undoubtedly convenient in terms of location, but they’re almost always the most expensive way to exchange currency.
This is because these services often mark up the exchange rate and charge hidden fees. So it’s best to avoid them unless you really have no choice.
So where can you change currency in the Netherlands? You might find that Dutch banks won’t exchange your money unless you have an account there, so you’ll need to head for a Geldwisselkantoor, which is Dutch for money exchange office.
However, you may be better off simply using an ATM.
Using credit cards and debit cards in the Netherlands
Major credit cards and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted in the Netherlands at restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations.
If you only have a credit card, be advised that some Dutch supermarkets do not accept them at all.2
Even if you’re in a tourist area where your card is normally accepted, it’s always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash. It’s always wise to be wary of pickpockets though, especially in busy tourist destinations such as Amsterdam.
Lastly, make sure to check on your home bank’s fees for overseas debit card use before you leave. And let them know you’re travelling, to prevent your transactions being flagged up as potentially fraudulent.
If your bank’s debit card comes with foreign transaction fees, consider an alternative such as the Wise card for spending in the Netherlands.
Learn more about the Wise card 💳
It works in 150+ countries, has no foreign transaction fees and automatically converts currency at the mid-market rate whenever you spend, for just a small conversion fee*.
And if you’re thinking about opening an account in the Netherlands, the Wise account could be a convenient and money-saving alternative.
ATMs in the Netherlands
ATMs in the Netherlands are plentiful and many will be multilingual, especially in major cities and tourist hotspots.
To help you find the most convenient ATMs close to where you’re staying in the Netherlands, check out these online locators:
Some Dutch ATMs are free to use, although other operators will charge a fee per withdrawal.
Whether withdrawing money from an ATM or paying on card in store, always choose to pay in the local currency. Otherwise, the merchant or operator applies their own exchange rate, and it’s likely to have an expensive mark-up built in.
It could also be worth checking whether your bank in the UK has a partner agreement with any banks operating in the Netherlands. If so, you could benefit from low or reduced ATM fees, or better exchange rates.
Banks in the Netherlands
You will find plenty of banks in the Netherlands. However, banks and people there in general, generally no longer handle banknotes. Some banks will exchange your money, but will charge you fees or commission. Banks prefer you use their ATMs.
Many banks are affiliated with banks internationally. Check with your bank to see if they partner with a bank in the Netherlands.
If you need to use a bank while you’re away, here are some of the biggest and most popular Dutch banks to look out for:
Major banks in the Netherlands
- ING Bank (Netherland’s largest bank)
- ABN AMRO (Has over 1700 ATMs in the Netherlands)
- Rabobank
- Triodos Bank
- NIBC Bank
- DHB Bank
- SNS Bank.
See a full list of banks in the Netherlands here.
International banks in the Netherlands for expats
If you’re looking to open a bank account in the Netherlands, a couple of the most expat-friendly banks to check out include:
- ABN Amro - has a dedicated English-speaking expat service aimed at international clients
- ING - one of the largest banks in the Netherlands with a mobile app available in English
- HSBC Netherlands.
Send and spend money smoothly in the Netherlands with Wise
A bank isn’t the only way to manage your money in a new country. You could find it easier and even cheaper to use an alternative such as Wise.
Open a Wise multi-currency account and you can hold, send, spend, receive and convert money in a whopping 40 currencies at once - and all online.
You can also send money back to the UK and worldwide at the mid-market rate and at a low fee*.
There’s even an international debit card for spending in 150+ countries, including the Netherlands. It automatically converts your money to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate, whenever you spend.
Plus, you can keep track of it all on the move using the handy Wise app.
Additional currency in the Netherlands FAQs
Is cash still widely used in the Netherlands?
Yes, cash is widely accepted across the Netherlands, and it’s a popular payment method too. A survey in February 2023 found that 80% of Dutch people always carry cash with them as well as a debit card.3
Is it best to take cash or card to the Netherlands?
Many travellers heading to Europe find it sensible to take a mix of payment methods, splitting their travel money between cash and cards.
If you’re in a big city, you should be fine to use your card in most places. Plus, you can always withdraw cash from an ATM if you need to. But if heading somewhere smaller or more rural, it’s always best to have some cash on you.
Can you still use traveller’s cheques in the Netherlands?
It is possible to use traveller’s cheques in the Netherlands, but it might be difficult to find somewhere to cash them. You should be able to cash them at a city branch of a major bank - although fees may be involved. You can also try at the airport, but bear in mind that the exchange rate will be unfavourable and you may pay a fee too.
What was the Dutch currency before the Euro?
The guilder (also known as the florin) was the primary currency of the Netherlands until 2002, when it was replaced by the euro.
How much money can I take to Amsterdam from the UK?
You can take up to 10,000 euros into Amsterdam or any other destination in the Netherlands before you need to make a declaration to customs authorities.4
Sources used for this article:
Sources checked on 10-04-2024.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
