Be sure to carry cash

tips for visitors of Amsterdam

Did you know that ...

.. many shops, cafes and restaurants don't accept credit cards?


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. Instead, payments are often made with debit cards.

Please make sure to bring cash and ask personnel in advance whether you can pay by credit card.



Note that:

  • When paying in cash, the amount to be paid (or received) is rounded off to the nearest 5 cents because, unlike neighboring countries, the 1 and 2 cent coins are not in circulation.
  • Most stores in Amsterdam do not accept €100 banknotes, let alone €200 or €500 banknotes.