Money in Amsterdam is mostly straightforward (it’s the euro), but the city has a few quirks that catch out almost every first-time visitor — the Maestro-only-card problem, the predatory Euronet ATMs, the dynamic currency conversion trap, and the "you tipped how much?" cultural confusion. This complete Amsterdam currency and money guide covers everything: which cards work where, the best and worst ATMs, exchange-rate tactics, tipping etiquette, public-transport payment (OVpay), VAT refunds, and exactly how much cash to carry in 2026.

Amsterdam Currency: The Euro

• Official currency: the euro (€). Adopted 2002, replacing the Dutch guilder.
• Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 (rare).
• Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2.
• 1 and 2 cent coins: legal but most Dutch shops round to the nearest 5 cents at checkout.
• USD, GBP, CHF not accepted: shops will refuse non-euro cash.

Cards: The Maestro Problem

Here’s the quirk that catches everyone: many Dutch shops, especially small ones, accept Maestro/Dutch debit only — not Visa or Mastercard credit cards. This includes:

• Albert Heijn supermarkets (most accept Visa/MC; some Maestro-only)
• Small brown cafes in the Jordaan, De Pijp, Centrum
• Bakeries and small food shops
• Some independent restaurants
• Albert Cuyp Market stalls (mixed; many cash-only or Maestro-only)
• Some HEMA and smaller chain branches
• Most public toilets (€1 in cash)

What does work?

• Visa: widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, big supermarkets, museums, transport.
• Mastercard: accepted same as Visa.
• American Express: accepted at hotels, fine dining, museums; declined at many small shops.
• Maestro (Dutch debit): universal.
• Apple Pay / Google Pay / Samsung Pay: widely accepted; same as the underlying card.
• UnionPay, JCB, Discover: accepted at hotels and major chains only.

Best card to bring

• Wise (Borderless), Revolut, Monzo, Chime, Charles Schwab: no foreign transaction fees, great exchange rates.
• Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire, AmEx Platinum: no FX fees + travel rewards.
• Carry two different brands (one Visa, one Mastercard) in case one is declined.
• Notify your bank before you travel to avoid fraud blocks.

ATMs: The Euronet Scam

The single biggest money mistake tourists make: using the bright-blue Euronet ATMs that cluster near Centraal Station, Dam Square and the Red Light District. They charge:

• €1.95-€4.99 per withdrawal fee.
• Up to 13% exchange-rate markup if you accept their "dynamic currency conversion" (DCC).
• Always available, always aggressive about DCC.

Use these ATMs instead

• ING: orange machines; ubiquitous in branches and at Centraal Station.
• ABN AMRO: green/black machines.
• De Volksbank / SNS: blue machines.
• Rabobank: red machines.
• All four free for foreign cards (your bank may still charge a small fee).
• Always decline DCC: choose to be charged in euros, not your home currency.

The Dynamic Currency Conversion Trap

At every ATM and every card payment terminal in Amsterdam, you’ll be asked: "Do you want to be charged in EUR or in [your home currency]?" Always choose EUR. Choosing your home currency triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which applies an inflated exchange rate — typically 3-7% worse than your bank’s rate, sometimes up to 13%. The convenience saves nothing; the inflated rate is pure profit for the terminal operator.

Currency Exchange

• Damrak exchange offices offer rates 8-15% worse than ATMs. Avoid.
• Schiphol Travelex: reasonable for emergencies; 4-5% markup.
• ING and ABN AMRO branches: best exchange rates; require accounts.
• Best approach: arrive with €100 cash from your home country (often best rate at your local bank), then use ATMs.
• Wise, Revolut, Monzo: top up an app card before flying; use as a debit card.

Tipping Rules

Service is included by Dutch law on every restaurant bill. Tipping is welcomed but not expected. Dutch culture is direct — over-tipping marks you as a tourist, not a generous customer.

• Restaurants: round up to the nearest €5 for good service; 5-10% for exceptional. Cash tip preferred (waiters see it).
• Brown cafes: round up to next euro.
• Taxis: round up to the next €5.
• Hotels: €1-2 per bag for porters; €2-3/day for housekeeping if you choose.
• Tour guides: free walking tour guides survive on tips; €10-15 per person is standard for a 3-hour tour.
• Hairdressers: round up.
• Spas and massages: 10% is generous.
• Don’t tip: museum staff, public transport drivers, takeaway shops, supermarket cashiers.

Public Transport Payment

• OVpay: tap your contactless bank card or phone on every tram, bus, metro and train. Pay-as-you-go.
• Daily cap: €10/day on GVB (Amsterdam tram + bus + metro + ferry).
• OV-chipkaart: €7.50 reloadable card, slowly being phased out.
• GVB Day Ticket: €9.50/24h, €15.50/48h, €21/72h — unlimited.
• Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: €23/1-day; includes airport, Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans buses.

See our complete OV-Chipkaart Guide for Tourists.

VAT Refunds for Non-EU Tourists

• Standard VAT: 21% on most goods (9% on food and some other items).
• Non-EU residents can claim back the 21% on purchases over €50 per receipt.
• Ask in the shop for a tax-free form (Global Blue or Premier Tax Free).
• Get the form stamped at Schiphol Customs before bag-drop.
• After flying, mail the form or submit at the Global Blue refund counter at Schiphol airside.
• Refunds typically take 4-8 weeks; minus a processing fee (usually €5-10).
• Not available on services (hotels, restaurants, transport).

Tourist Tax (Toeristenbelasting)

• 12.5% of room rate added at hotel checkout (one of Europe’s highest).
• Applied to hotels, B&Bs, hostels and licensed Airbnbs.
• Often not included in advertised rates — confirm at booking.
• Cannot be claimed back; pay in cash or by card at checkout.

How Much Cash to Carry

• €50-100 in small denominations covers most situations.
• Small bills (€5, €10, €20) work better than €100s.
• €500 notes: refused virtually everywhere.
• Always have €5 cash for small fees (toilets, market stalls, the occasional cash-only place).
• Don’t carry your entire trip in cash — split between wallet, hotel safe and a partner.

Typical Daily Costs (2026)

• Coffee: €3-5
• Beer (small): €5-7
• Brunch / cafe lunch: €12-18
• Mid-range dinner: €30-50 per person
• Fine dining: €100-300
• Cocktail at a rooftop bar: €13-17
• Glass of wine: €7-10
• Tram day ticket: €9.50
• Museum entry: €15-25
• Hotel mid-range: €160-280/night
• Canal cruise: €18-40 per person
• Bike rental: €11-15/day

Smart Banking Tips for Amsterdam

• Open a Wise or Revolut account before flying. Top up €200-500 and use the virtual or physical card.
• Set up transaction alerts on your bank app — instant fraud detection.
• Carry two different brands of card: Visa + Mastercard.
• Always decline DCC.
• Skim-protect your wallet: RFID-blocking sleeves for chip-and-contactless cards.
• If your card is skimmed: call your bank’s 24-hour international line immediately; freeze online.
• Travel insurance with theft cover is recommended.
• Photo your cards (front + back) and store in cloud storage in case of loss.

Emergency Money

• Western Union branches at most Amsterdam supermarkets and at Schiphol.
• Wise instant transfers: send from your home account to your phone wallet in minutes.
• Embassy cash advance: most embassies will help with small loans in genuine emergencies.
• Your hotel: many can do small cash advances on credit card.

Quick Rules for Amsterdam Money

• ✅ Use contactless Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Pay 95% of the time.
• ✅ Carry €50-100 cash backup.
• ✅ Use ATMs only at major bank branches.
• ✅ Always choose to be charged in euros, never home currency.
• ❌ Avoid Euronet blue ATMs.
• ❌ Don’t bring traveller’s cheques (refused almost everywhere).
• ❌ Don’t exchange at Damrak kiosks.
• ❌ Don’t auto-tip 20% American-style.

Amsterdam Money: FAQ

What currency is used in Amsterdam?

The euro (€). The Netherlands adopted the euro in 2002.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Amsterdam?

Yes, but with a quirk: Maestro/Dutch debit is universal. Visa/Mastercard credit work at hotels, restaurants and big shops, but smaller cafes, bakeries and market stalls often accept Maestro only. Bring backup cash.

How much should I tip in Amsterdam?

Service is included by law. Round up to the nearest €5 for good service at restaurants; 10% for exceptional. Brown cafes: round up to next euro. Don’t tip 20%.

What’s the best ATM in Amsterdam?

Any bank-branch ATM: ING, ABN AMRO, De Volksbank, Rabobank. Avoid the bright-blue Euronet machines.

How much cash should I bring to Amsterdam?

€50-100 in small denominations. Use cards for the rest.

Can I get a VAT refund as a tourist?

Non-EU residents can claim 21% VAT back on purchases over €50. Get the form stamped at Schiphol Customs before flying.

What’s the tourist tax in Amsterdam?

12.5% of the room rate, added at hotel checkout. Not always included in advertised rates.

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam money is mostly easy — euros, contactless cards, well-supported ATM network — but the Euronet trap and the Maestro-only quirk catch out almost everyone. Bring a Wise or Revolut card, two different brands of credit card, a €100 cash backup, and you’ll never have a payment surprise. Tip modestly. Decline DCC. Enjoy the city.

For more, see our Practical Amsterdam Information hub, our Amsterdam Safety Guide, and our Amsterdam Trip Cost Breakdown.