What is the cheapest way to get euros in Amsterdam?

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



The cheapest way to get Euros in Amsterdam in 2026 is almost always to use a local bank ATM (Geldmaat) using a debit card that offers "no foreign transaction fees" (like Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut). You should strictly avoid the "Travelex" or "Euronet" ATMs found in Schiphol Airport or high-traffic tourist areas like Dam Square, as they often charge hidden service fees or offer poor exchange rates. When using an ATM, never accept the "Dynamic Currency Conversion" (DCC) option; the machine will ask if you want to be charged in your home currency (USD/GBP) or the local currency (EUR). Always choose EUR (Local Currency). This forces your own bank to handle the conversion, which is significantly cheaper than the ATM’s inflated rate. Additionally, Amsterdam is increasingly a "cashless" city; many "Albert Heijn" supermarkets and smaller cafes actually refuse cash entirely, so your "cheapest" move is often to just tap your credit card for everything and avoid the ATM altogether to save on potential withdrawal fees.

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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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Currency exchange shops and kiosks in airports are not the best places to exchange money. For the best rates, try a local bank or a bank ATM to make your currency exchanges. Check to see if your U.S. bank offers foreign ATM fee refunds for using a foreign ATM.

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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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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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As a general guideline, budget travelers may be able to get by with around €50-75 per day for accommodation, food, and transportation, while those looking for more luxury may need to budget around €150-200 per day or more.

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In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments. In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them. We tend to pay with our debit card, but credit cards are still a good option for renting cars, booking rooms in hotels, or reserving airline tickets.

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Travellers to Spain from outside the European Union (EU), have to produce proof that they have enough cash to support themselves for the entirety of the trip., Tourists are required to have at least 100 euros or $110 for each day of vacationing in Spain along with 900 euros or $984 for possible emergencies.

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US dollars: I carry $100–200 as a backup. While you won't use it for day-to-day purchases, American cash in your money belt comes in handy for emergencies, such as when banks go on strike or your ATM card stops working. I've been in Greece and Ireland when every bank went on strike, shutting down without warning.

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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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It all depends on where you're going and what you plan to do during your trip. As you can see from our travel costs table above, some European cities are cheaper or more expensive than others. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation.

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Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe? Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors.

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