Useful info
Money & payments in Amsterdam
The Netherlands is one of the most cashless countries in Europe. The currency is the euro (€), and you tap for almost everything. A few local quirks are worth knowing.
Last updated: June 2026
Debit beats credit
Many shops refuse credit cards. A Visa/Mastercard Debit or Apple/Google Pay is accepted everywhere.
Geldmaat, not Euronet
Yellow Geldmaat ATMs give fair rates; the blue Euronet machines charge heavily.
A little cash
For markets, coffeeshops and the odd paid toilet — you'll rarely need more.
Cards & contactless
Tap-to-pay works almost everywhere. One catch: Dutch shops often take debit cards only, not credit cards.
- Supermarkets (Albert Heijn) and budget chains (HEMA) often refuse Visa/Mastercard credit.
- A debit card (Visa Debit / Mastercard Debit) or Apple/Google Pay works everywhere.
- American Express: limited — fine at hotels, often refused elsewhere.
ATMs
Use the yellow Geldmaat machines — bank-neutral, fair rates, usually no fee for Visa/Mastercard.
- Avoid the blue Euronet ATMs around Centraal, Dam and the Red Light District.
- Always choose euros if a terminal offers your home currency — DCC hides a heavy markup.
Tipping
Service is included. Round up or leave 5–10% for good service. A euro for a taxi or café is plenty. Never feel pressured.
Tourist tax (budget for it!)
Amsterdam has the highest tourist tax in Europe. Per night, you pay:
- 12.5% city tourist tax on the room price (before VAT).
- Hotel VAT rose from 9% to 21% on 1 January 2026.
That's roughly 33.5% in tax. Check your booking total already includes it. Cruise passengers pay a separate per-person day tax.
Tax-free shopping
If you live outside the EU, claim back the 21% VAT. Look for "Tax Free Shopping" signs, ask for the form, then have it validated at Schiphol customs before you leave. Doesn't apply to hotels, meals or transport.
Price feel
Coffee, lunch and a beer in a bar sit above the European average. A day in Amsterdam is great — not cheap.