In Amsterdam, as well as in all the Netherlands and many other countries of European Community the accepted currency is Euro (EUR, €), no other currencies are commonly accepted, so you will have to change your dollars, sterling, yens, etc to Euros.

No, you cannot use British pounds (GBP) for transactions in Amsterdam. The official currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (€). While Amsterdam is a major international tourist hub, shops, restaurants, and public transport services only accept Euros or major credit/debit cards. If you arrive with British pounds, you will need to exchange them at a "GWK Travelex" office, a local bank, or a currency exchange kiosk, though these often charge high fees and offer less favorable rates. In 2026, Amsterdam has become a nearly cashless city; most vendors, including small cafes and market stalls, prefer contactless payments via card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. It is highly recommended to use a travel-friendly debit card that offers mid-market exchange rates to avoid carrying physical cash, but if you do want cash, it is much more efficient to withdraw Euros directly from a local ATM rather than trying to exchange pounds.