Money in Amsterdam: Currency, Cards, Tipping and Costs (2026)

The currency in Amsterdam is the euro, and the Netherlands is almost entirely card-friendly, but there are still a few places where you need coins, and a couple of card quirks that catch visitors out. Wondering how much cash to bring, or whether your card will work everywhere? Here is everything you need to pay easily on your trip.

Last updated October 2026 · Written and fact-checked by the Tours in Amsterdam editorial team.

What currency does Amsterdam use?

Amsterdam uses the euro (€), like the rest of the Netherlands. The country switched from the Dutch guilder to the euro in 2002. Notes come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100 and up; coins run from 1 cent to €2, though most shops round cash totals to the nearest 5 cents. There is no separate “Amsterdam money”, if you have euros from elsewhere in Europe, they work here. The euro (currency code EUR) is shared across the eurozone, so cash from France, Germany, Spain and other members is all valid in the Netherlands.

Card or cash in Amsterdam?

The Netherlands is one of the most cashless countries in Europe. Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere, shops, restaurants, trams, museums and supermarkets. You can comfortably spend most of a trip without touching cash.

That said, carrying €20–€50 in small notes and coins is sensible for the handful of places that are cash-only or have a card minimum.

The card quirk that catches visitors out

One thing surprises a lot of travellers: American Express is poorly accepted in the Netherlands. High-end hotels and some restaurants take it, but many shops, cafes and supermarkets do not, so do not rely on Amex as your only card. Visa and Mastercard (credit and debit) are widely accepted. A small number of Dutch supermarkets still favour local debit cards, but for visitors a contactless Visa or Mastercard covers nearly everything.

When you still need cash

• Street markets, many stalls at the Albert Cuyp and other Amsterdam street markets prefer cash.
• Public toilets, often charge around €0.50, sometimes coins only.
• Tips, staff usually appreciate a cash tip.
• Small cafes and snack bars, a few independents are still cash-only or set a card minimum.

ATMs and exchanging money

Look for the bright yellow Geldmaat machines, these are the official, bank-neutral ATMs in the Netherlands and charge standard rates. Some machines add a €2–€4 fee for foreign cards, and your home bank may add its own.

Two money-saving rules: avoid the standalone Euronet ATMs in tourist areas, which give poor rates, and when any machine or card terminal offers to charge you “in your home currency,” always decline and choose euros. Letting the machine convert (dynamic currency conversion) costs you several percent every time. There are ATMs at Schiphol Airport and around Centraal station if you want a little cash on arrival.

You rarely need to exchange cash at all, withdrawing euros from a Geldmaat ATM is usually cheaper. If you do want to change money, use a reputable office such as GWK Travelex at Schiphol or Centraal station rather than the small exchange kiosks in tourist areas, which tend to give the worst rates.

Tipping in Amsterdam

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, service is already included in the price by law. For good service, rounding up or leaving about 5–10% in a restaurant is normal and generous. In cafes and bars, people often just round up to the nearest euro. For taxis, round up the fare. There is no need to tip if the service was poor.

What things cost in Amsterdam

A rough guide to typical prices so you can budget:

If museums are high on your list, buying ahead can save money and time, see our Amsterdam museum tickets page. To keep costs down overall, tap water is free and safe to drink, many of the best sights (the canals, markets and parks) cost nothing, and a city pass can pay off if you plan to visit several museums. Plan your spending around our things to do in Amsterdam and pick accommodation with our Amsterdam hotel tips.

Is Amsterdam expensive?

Amsterdam is moderately expensive, broadly in line with other major Western European capitals such as Paris or London. Your biggest costs are accommodation (made steeper by the 12.5% city tax) and eating out. The good news is that it is easy to do Amsterdam on a budget: the canals, markets and parks are free, tap water is free and safe to drink, a city pass can pay for itself over several museums, and hostels and casual eateries keep daily spending down.

How much money do you need per day?

Your biggest variable is the hotel, and remember Amsterdam adds a 12.5% city tax on top of the room rate (see below). As a rough per-person, per-day guide:

So a typical mid-range three-day trip works out around €450–€650 per person for spending money plus a mid-priced hotel, before flights. You can do it for far less by staying in a hostel, eating at markets and sticking to the many free things to do.

Amsterdam’s tourist tax

Amsterdam has one of the highest tourist taxes in Europe. In 2026 the city charges 12.5% of the room rate per night (the toeristenbelasting), added to almost every hotel, B&B and holiday-rental bill. It is usually collected by your accommodation at check-in or check-out and is often not shown in the price you saw when booking, so budget for it. Children are frequently exempt, and cruise passengers on a day visit pay a separate fixed day tax. The rate has risen steadily in recent years, so check the tax line on your booking before you travel. The tax is one of Amsterdam’s wider overtourism measures.

Frequently asked questions