🇳🇱 Amsterdam Money Guide

Currency: Euro (€)
Currency Code: EUR
Exchange Rate: 1 EUR ≈ $1.08 USD (April 2026)

The Netherlands uses the Euro, making Amsterdam easy to combine with other Eurozone destinations. Amsterdam is one of Europe's most cashless cities — many shops, restaurants, and even market stalls have gone entirely card-only. The local debit system (Maestro/V Pay) is dominant, but Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted at tourist-facing businesses, hotels, and restaurants. Some smaller cafes, brown bars, and market vendors may not accept foreign credit cards — the Dutch iDEAL payment system and Maestro debit cards are preferred. Contactless payments work everywhere that accepts cards. ATMs from ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank offer good rates with standard international fees. Avoid the GWK Travelex exchange offices at Schiphol Airport and Centraal Station — their rates include a 3-5% markup. American Express has limited acceptance in Amsterdam. A practical tip: bring a Visa or Mastercard debit card (not just credit) as some Dutch terminals are set up for debit-only transactions. Always choose Euros when paying by card to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion markup.

The Dutch tipping culture is modest. Restaurant bills do not include a mandatory service charge, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary for good service. At casual restaurants and cafes, rounding up to the nearest euro or two is typical. At upscale restaurants, 10% is generous and appreciated. In brown cafes (traditional Dutch pubs), leaving change from your round is standard practice. Hotel porters receive €1-2 per bag, and housekeeping €1-2 per night. Taxi drivers are tipped by rounding up the fare — for example, paying €15 on a €13.50 fare. Tour guides on canal boat tours, walking tours, and bike tours typically receive €3-5 per person. Hairdressers receive 5-10%. The Dutch are direct and pragmatic about tipping — it is a nice gesture, not an obligation. Nobody will be offended if you do not tip, but service staff do appreciate it.

Amsterdam is relatively safe, but a few scams and risks target tourists, particularly in the Red Light District and around Centraal Station. Pickpocketing is the primary concern — it is most common on trams (especially tram lines 1, 2, and 5 to tourist areas), at Centraal Station, on Dam Square, and in the crowds around the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum. Keep valuables in front pockets and be alert when doors open on trams. Fake Drug Dealers in and around the Red Light District approach tourists offering cocaine or ecstasy — these are almost always scam substances (sugar or aspirin) sold at €50+ per bag. Besides the fraud, buying drugs on the street is illegal and can result in arrest. In Coffee Shops (legal cannabis), prices are clearly posted — stick to licensed shops and do not buy from anyone on the street. Bicycle Theft is rampant — if you rent a bike, always double-lock it with the wheel lock and a chain lock provided, and never leave it unlocked, even for one minute. Overpriced Taxis from Schiphol Airport or in tourist areas — use the TCA Amsterdam taxi rank at the airport or book through Uber for transparent pricing. Rental Scam Houseboats and apartments on unofficial sites — always book accommodations through reputable platforms with buyer protection. The Canal Ring area is generally very safe, but be careful walking along canals after dark as there are few barriers and the water is deep.

Quick Price Reference

Daily Budget Guide

Amsterdam is moderately expensive by European standards. Budget travelers can get by on €70-100 per day with hostels (€25-40/night), supermarket Albert Heijn meals and falafel from Maoz (€5-7), and a 24-hour GVB transit pass (€8.50). A coffee costs €2.50-3.50, a biertje (small beer) €3.50-5, and Indonesian takeout (a former colony influence) provides excellent value at €8-12 for a rijsttafel portion. Mid-range travelers spending €130-200 per day can enjoy canal-side hotel rooms (€90-150/night), Indonesian or Dutch restaurant dinners (€18-30), Rijksmuseum entry (€22.50), and canal cruises (€15-18). Luxury travelers should budget €300+ per day for boutique hotel rooms overlooking the canals (€200+/night), Michelin dining (€60-120), and private boat tours (€200+). Money-saving tips: rent a bike (€10-15/day) instead of using transit — the city is small and flat, making cycling the fastest way around. The I amsterdam City Card (€65/24 hours) includes free entry to 70+ museums and unlimited GVB transit. Many canal-side churches have free entry. The Albert Cuyp Market offers cheap eats and stroopwafels. Vondelpark is a lovely free picnic spot.

Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases of €50 or more at participating stores. The Netherlands charges 21% VAT, with an effective refund of approximately 13-16%. Request a tax-free form at checkout and present your passport. At Schiphol Airport, visit the customs desk in Departures Hall 3 for stamp validation, then proceed to the Global Blue refund counter. Schiphol has one of the most efficient tax refund processes in Europe. Popular tax-free purchases include Dutch designer fashion, Delft pottery, diamond jewelry, and electronics. The Bijenkorf department store has a dedicated tax-free shopping desk.