Amsterdam Currency & Payments

The Netherlands uses the euro, and Amsterdam is a genuinely card-first city — contactless payment is the default at almost everywhere from major restaurants to small market stalls, and some smaller businesses accept card only, with no cash option at all.

How much cash do you actually need?

Less than you might expect from other European trips — a small amount for genuine backup is sensible, but you can comfortably go days without touching cash at all in central Amsterdam. Contactless bank cards and phone payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted and generally the fastest way to pay everywhere.

Where you might still want a little cash

Some smaller market stalls, particularly at the Albert Cuyp Market or smaller neighborhood markets, may be cash-preferred or cash-only, though this is decreasingly common. A small amount of cash as backup for exactly these situations is sensible, even if you don't end up needing it.

Card types and compatibility

Standard Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards work everywhere card payment is accepted. American Express is accepted less universally than in the US — worth carrying a Visa or Mastercard as a backup if Amex is your primary card.

ATMs and exchanging currency

ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals if needed, generally offering better exchange rates than currency exchange counters, particularly the ones near major tourist areas and Schiphol, which tend to carry worse rates and higher fees than a standard bank ATM withdrawal.

Foreign transaction fees

Worth checking with your home bank before the trip — some cards charge foreign transaction fees on every purchase, which add up meaningfully over a multi-day trip in a card-first city like this one. A no-foreign-fee card, if you have access to one, is genuinely worth using here specifically.

This guide is reviewed and updated as part of our weekly refresh.