Should you bring cash to Amsterdam?

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.



While Amsterdam is one of the most "cashless" cities in Europe in 2026, it is still a "good-to-have" rather than a "must-have." Virtually all major retailers, museums, and supermarkets (like Albert Heijn) accept contactless credit and debit cards, and the city’s public transport (OVpay) allows you to tap in and out with your phone or card. However, you might still encounter small "PIN-only" shops that do not accept certain foreign credit cards, or very traditional brown cafes and street stalls at markets like Albert Cuyp that may have a minimum purchase amount for card use. For these instances, carrying €20 to €50 in small bills is a smart safety net. It is important to note that some establishments in Amsterdam have gone completely "No Cash," and will not accept coins or bills at all. For travelers, the best strategy is to rely primarily on a card with no foreign transaction fees but to keep a few Euros tucked away for emergencies or for small tips for street performers and canal boat crews. Also, remember that Amsterdam uses the Euro (€), and using local ATMs (avoiding "Euronet" machines which have high fees) is the cheapest way to get cash if you truly need it.

People Also Ask

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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Money. There is no limit on the amount of money you can take into the Netherlands. However, you may need to submit a customs declaration. This depends on how much money you are taking with you and the country you are travelling from.

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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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The easiest and simplest (and cheapest) way is probably ATM withdrawal but ask your bank about fees (Dutch banks don't charge).

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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.

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This is so entirely dependent on your own travel preferences that it's tough to estimate but we recommend putting aside roughly €700 to €1700 for spending money for one week in Europe.

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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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FAQs about Amsterdam Trip Cost The average daily budget for a trip to Amsterdam can vary depending on your travel style and preferences. However, a rough estimate for a budget traveler would be around €60-80 per day, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around €100-150 per day.

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100 euros for a 3-day Amsterdam City card that includes all your public transport, some museums and attractions, and a canal cruise. Check website for more details. Keep a safety cushion of at least 200 euros.

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Buy currency before you travel.
Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate. Plus, when you arrive, you won't have to immediately find a bank or currency exchange. Do some research ahead of time to see if US dollars are widely accepted at places you plan to go to.

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