What is the Currency in Amsterdam?

What is the Currency in the Netherlands (Amsterdam)?

If you're visiting Amsterdam or exploring other parts of the Netherlands, it’s essential to understand the local currency and how to handle your money during your stay. This guide is written for UK travellers and explains the currency used, how payments work, and practical advice to avoid unnecessary fees abroad.

What currency does the Netherlands use?

The Netherlands, including its capital Amsterdam, uses the euro as its official currency. It is abbreviated as EUR and symbolised by €. As a member of the Eurozone, the euro is the only legal tender used for all transactions throughout the country.

Whether you’re paying for a canal cruise, museum entry, a meal, or public transport, your payment will be made in euros.

How is the euro structured?

The euro is divided into 100 cents, just like pounds and pence in the UK. Banknotes include:

• €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500

Coins include:

• 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as €1 and €2 coins

At the time of writing, £1 is worth approximately €1.15, though rates can vary—so it’s wise to check a trusted currency exchange service or app before your trip.

Can you use British pounds in Amsterdam?

No. Only euros are accepted for purchases in Amsterdam or anywhere else in the Netherlands. British pounds, US dollars and other foreign currencies are not used and will not be accepted in shops, restaurants or public transport services.

Should you bring cash or use a card in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a highly card-friendly city. Debit and credit cards—especially Visa and Mastercard—are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, attractions, and even public transport ticket machines. Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are commonly used.

That said, some smaller cafés, markets, or local services may only accept cards or may not accept cash at all, particularly post-pandemic. It’s wise to carry a fee-free travel card such as Monzo, Starling or Revolut, which offer good exchange rates and minimal foreign usage fees.

Carrying a small amount of cash (around €50–€100) can still be useful for tipping, local kiosks or rare cash-only spots, but overall, the city is very digital-first.

Exchanging money in the Netherlands

You can bring euros from the UK or withdraw them from ATMs in Amsterdam, which are widely available. Airport exchange rates tend to be poor, so it’s better to wait until you're in the city or withdraw directly from a bank-affiliated ATM.

Avoid standalone cash machines that charge high fees, and decline any offer to be charged in GBP rather than EUR at the terminal—this "dynamic currency conversion" usually results in a worse rate.

Tips for managing money in Amsterdam

• Always pay in euros when offered the option—avoid being charged in GBP abroad

• Use travel-friendly cards to avoid transaction fees

• Keep some small cash notes for flexibility

• Check if your hotel or accommodation accepts card-only payments

• Tipping is not required, but appreciated—rounding up or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common

Common mistakes to avoid

Some travellers assume cash is king, but Amsterdam is largely cashless. Many businesses now operate with card-only systems, especially in cafes and on public transport.

Another mistake is letting the card machine convert your bill into pounds at checkout. Always choose to pay in euros for the best exchange rate.

In summary

The Netherlands uses the euro (EUR), and Amsterdam is one of the most card-friendly destinations in Europe. UK visitors can manage their spending smoothly by using contactless or app-based cards, carrying a small amount of cash for occasional use, and avoiding currency exchange at airports or tourist kiosks.