update January 2011

The Netherlands belong to the euro zone and the currency is the euro or €. Changing currency is easy at Schiphol Airport because you will find 25 ATMs, 2 GWK Travelex counters and 8 ABN AMRO Bank outlets. ATM or cash points have usually the best euro rates. Changing currency at exchange offices and hotel reception desks doesn’t usually give good rates. When you withdraw money outside your bank’s ATM network, you very often pay a small transaction fee. Many banks have a surcharge of up to 5% on overseas cash withdrawals. If this is the case with your bank you may consider changing banks.

Paying with Euros or US Dollars

Schiphol Airport is one of Europe’s main transport hubs. It is very likely that you will spend a layover or stopover at Schiphol en route to your destination. If you stay in the airport, there is no need to change money. All shops and restaurants accept dollars (at an unfavorable exchange rate) or simply use your debit or credit card. However, change dollars into euros, if you are on a stopover and decide to spend time and money in Amsterdam. You can buy your train ticket from the vending machine by using your credit card, but shops and restaurants in Amsterdam do not usually accept US dollars as payment. If they do, their rate of exchange is only good for their own pockets.