Should I take cash or card to Amsterdam?

Be sure to carry cash You can pay with cash or a debit card, and often with your phone via NFC (contactless payments), Apple Pay, or Google Wallet. But not everywhere! In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments. In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them.



In 2026, Amsterdam is a heavily cash-averse city, and you should prioritize carrying a contactless credit or debit card (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted). Many cafes, shops, and even public transport systems (including the GVB "OV-pay" system) are "PIN only," meaning they do not accept cash at all. Even small purchases, like a single stroopwafel at a market, are typically handled via "tap to pay." However, it is still wise to carry a small amount of cash—roughly €50—for emergencies or for the very few small boutiques and "brown cafes" that may still have a minimum spend for card transactions. Be aware that the Netherlands uses a "Maestro" or "V-Pay" system for many local debit cards, and while international Visa/Mastercard acceptance has improved drastically, you might occasionally encounter an older grocery store or local shop that prefers a Dutch debit card. Always choose to pay in the local currency (EUR) if the card terminal asks, to avoid poor exchange rates.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

That's because, in the Netherlands, there is no social or written requirement to tip a restaurant worker. However, if you received good service or thoroughly enjoyed the food, it's customary to give a small tip — around 5-10% of the bill. If your service was just average, round up the bill or leave some change.

MORE DETAILS

Paying with cash Although there is a strong rise of 'pin only' stores in our country, more than three quarters of all stores, pubs, bars, and accommodation offer the option to pay in cash.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS