Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR) — cards work almost everywhere.
Want the full guide? Get a PDF with cash and card tips for Netherlands — free.
✓ Save it for offline use, and see what else is worth checking before this trip.
Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR).
In Netherlands, cards work almost everywhere. Extremely card and contactless friendly — some shops don't accept cash at all, and locals mostly use debit (Maestro) over credit.
Exchange rates at airport kiosks are usually the worst available — a local ATM after you land almost always gets you a better rate, and a small amount of cash exchanged in advance is only worth it for late-night arrivals.
Always choose the local currency when a card terminal or ATM in Netherlands asks — "dynamic currency conversion" into your home currency almost always carries a worse exchange rate.
Banks and airport kiosks quietly add 3–7% to every exchange through worse rates and fees. A Wise account converts your money at the real mid-market rate, holds 40+ currencies, and comes with a card that works at ATMs and terminals in Netherlands like a local one — usually the cheapest way for travelers to spend abroad.
See how Wise works →Disclosure: if you buy through this link, TravelSmarter may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It keeps our tools free.