How do tourists pay in Netherlands?

The Netherlands is a very modern country. You can pay with cash or a debit card, and often with your phone via NFC, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet. Not to mention the latest phenomenon, 'Tikkie', which is also being used more and more.



In 2026, the Netherlands has become one of the most "cash-averse" countries in Europe, and tourists primarily pay using contactless debit or credit cards. Most establishments—from large museums to small boutiques and even market stalls—prefer or strictly require card payments ("Pin Alleen"). Major international cards like Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted, though "Maestro" and "V-Pay" remain the local standards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely used. While the Euro is the official currency, many "Pin-only" shops will not accept physical cash at all. It is professionally recommended to carry a small amount of cash (around €20–€50) only for very small bakeries or some remote public restrooms, but your primary financial tool should be a card with no foreign transaction fees.

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Debit Cards Debit cards are the top payment method across the entire retail sector in the Netherlands, despite the high number of iDEAL transactions online.

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Dutch currency Many shops and restaurants in Amsterdam accept credit cards, but not all. It is therefore recommended to either ask before you order or ensure you have a sufficient amount in cash to cover the bill. Most shops and restaurants do not accept €200 or €500 notes.

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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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Apple Pay can only be used in-store at certain merchants in the Netherlands. However, most cafes, shops, grocery chains, and petrol kiosks, from ALDI to McDonald's, should accept Apple Pay as long as the store has a POS terminal that accepts tap-and-go payments.

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Traveling to the Netherlands on mid-range budget costs around $152 per person, per day. A couple would spend $1,926 in one week. A solo traveler would spend $1,063 in one week.

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As people begin to eat, some may say Eet Smakelijk” which means “Eat well and with taste”. It is polite to keep one's hands above the table until all have finished eating. It is recommended to take a small portion as your first helping, so you're able to accept a second helping. The Dutch tend to avoid wasting food.

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If you like to get you're bill you'll have to ask the waiter for it. You can pay by cash or pin (debit or credit card). Waiters are on a salary (like everybody else in Holland) (s)he doesn't depend on a tip for a solid wage, so no tipping neccesary. What we normally do is round the bill upwards.

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Uber in the Netherlands Uber is available in The Netherlands since 2012. Started in Amsterdam and now available in more than 5 cities. Every day we work hard to improve and increase driver availability via the Uber app to meet all trip requests.

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