The Netherlands is close to cashless and much of it is worse than that: plenty of shops, including Albert Heijn branches, are pin only and will not take your banknotes at all. Withdraw from yellow Geldmaat machines, not Euronet.
- The Netherlands runs on debit cards, not cash. Many places are "pin only" and refuse banknotes outright, including many Albert Heijn branches.
- Some also decline credit cards and want a debit card specifically, so carry both. Carrying only cash will leave you unable to buy things.
- Withdraw from the yellow Geldmaat machines, the shared bank-operated network, and avoid standalone Euronet machines in tourist areas.
- Decline dynamic currency conversion and choose EUR at any machine or terminal - the convenience costs several per cent.
- Tipping is not obligatory since service is included by law; rounding up or 5% to 10% when you were happy is normal.
Money and paying for things
The Netherlands uses the euro (EUR), and it runs on debit cards, not cash.
- Many places are "pin only" and refuse banknotes outright - shops, supermarkets, cafés and public services, including many Albert Heijn branches. Some also decline credit cards and want a debit card specifically, so carry both. Carrying only cash will leave you unable to buy things.
- Withdraw from the yellow Geldmaat machines, the shared network run by ING, Rabobank and ABN AMRO. They are the standard, bank-operated option.
- Avoid standalone Euronet machines in tourist areas, for the usual reasons: a direct fee plus a poor conversion.
- Decline dynamic currency conversion. At any cash machine or card terminal, refuse to be charged in your own currency and choose EUR. The convenience costs several per cent.
- Tipping - not obligatory, since service is included by law. Rounding up, or 5% to 10% in a restaurant when you were happy, is normal.
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