Amsterdam Currency Guide 2026
Euro (EUR) ยท โฌ
โฌ1 = $1.08 (approx.)
Amsterdam Travel Guides
Cash is Useful in Amsterdam
Cards work well but cash is handy for markets and small vendors
Daily Budget Guide
๐
Budget
โฌ80โ120 (hostel, supermarket meals, OV-chipkaart transit)
๐จ
Mid-Range
โฌ160โ250 (hotel, restaurants, museum entry)
โจ
Luxury
โฌ400+ (canal house hotel, fine dining, private boat hire)
ATM Tips for Amsterdam
ING and Rabobank ATMs are most reliable for international cards
Many Dutch ATMs give you a choice of currency โ always choose to pay in Euros (not your home currency) to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees
ATM withdrawal limits are typically โฌ250โ500 per transaction
Some smaller ATMs in tourist areas charge a โฌ3โ5 fee โ bank ATMs are always free for the withdrawal itself (your bank may charge)
Card Payment Tips
The Netherlands is card-friendly but not universally so โ some Dutch cafes and small shops are cash only (a Dutch quirk)
OV-chipkaart (transit card) requires โฌ7.50 deposit and is available at station ticket machines โ or tap contactless bank cards on GVB trams and buses
Supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo) all accept cards โ use the self-checkout machines for the fastest experience
Contactless payment (NFC) works everywhere that accepts cards โ bring a contactless Visa or Mastercard
Currency Exchange Tips
โ Best method
GWK Travelex at Schiphol and central Amsterdam is the official exchange. ING and ABN AMRO ATMs give competitive rates. Wise and Revolut are excellent for daily spending โ better rates than any cash exchange.
โ Avoid exchanging at
- รTourist-area exchange bureaux near Dam Square (rates 5โ10% worse)
- รPrivate "Change" offices on busy streets โ always check the rate before handing over money
Tipping in Amsterdam
Not obligatory but appreciated. Round up or add 10% at sit-down restaurants for good service. No obligation at cafes or bars. Taxi: round up to nearest euro. Never expected the way it is in the US.
Useful Denominations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Amsterdam?
Bring some โ Amsterdam has a quirky Dutch habit of some independent cafes and restaurants being card-only or cash-only. It's not consistent, so keep โฌ50โ100 on hand at all times.
What is the currency in Amsterdam?
The Euro (โฌ). The Netherlands uses the Euro as its national currency. โฌ1 is approximately $1.08.
Is Amsterdam expensive?
Amsterdam is moderately expensive by European standards โ cheaper than London or Zurich, comparable to Paris. A canal-side lunch: โฌ15โ25. Beer at a brown cafe: โฌ4โ6. Museum entry: โฌ20โ25 (or free with the I Amsterdam City Card).
Can I use my credit card on Amsterdam public transport?
Yes โ GVB trams and metro accept contactless bank cards and OV-chipkaart. Tap in and tap out. The daily cap is lower than a day pass in most cases.
Before you go to Amsterdam
Amsterdam Packing List
Everything else you need for your Amsterdam trip