- On June 30, 2026
- In Tips voor reizigers
Wondering how much cash to bring to Amsterdam, or whether your card will work everywhere? The short answer: the Netherlands runs on the euro and is almost entirely card-friendly, but there are a few places where you still need coins and a couple of card quirks that catch visitors out. Here is everything you need to pay easily on your trip.
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.
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 getting cash
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.
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:
- Coffee: €3–€4
- Beer in a bar: €5–€7
- Casual lunch: €12–€18
- Dinner for one (mid-range, no drinks): €25–€40
- Major museum ticket: €20–€25
- Canal cruise: from around €18–€25
- Single tram/metro journey: a few euro, tapped with a card
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.
Veelgestelde vragen
The euro. The Netherlands switched from the guilder to the euro in 2002.
Mostly card. Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere, but carry 20 to 50 euro in cash for markets, toilets and tips.
No. Only euros are accepted. Exchange money or withdraw euros from a Geldmaat ATM.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is patchy, so do not rely on Amex as your only card.
Around 20 to 50 euro in small notes and coins is enough for most trips, since cards cover nearly everything.
Tipping is appreciated but not required, as service is included. Rounding up or about 5 to 10 percent for good service is normal.
Always choose euros. Letting the machine convert (dynamic currency conversion) costs you several percent extra.
As a rough guide: coffee 3 to 4 euro, beer 5 to 7 euro, lunch 12 to 18 euro, dinner 25 to 40 euro and major museums 20 to 25 euro.