The Netherlands uses the euro. Debit and credit cards work in just about any store, often contactless. More than three quarters of shops still take cash, but a growing number are pin-only. A tip of about 10 percent is quite acceptable.
At a glance
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Tipping
About 10 percent is quite acceptable. Not fixed
Cards
Debit and credit cards work in just about any store, often contactless
Cash
Rounded to the nearest 5 cents. Large notes sometimes refused
Packing checklist
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Documents
Clothes and footwear
Personal and health needs
Electronics
Money
Money and forex (EUR)
Rules checked 22 Oct 2026
The Netherlands uses the euro. Businesses may round the total of a cash payment to 0 or 5 euro cents if they clearly indicate this, for example with a sticker. This is optional and does not apply to debit-card payments. Source: Business.gov.nl, Rules for cash payments.
Cash and cards
Holland.com says you can pay with cash or a debit card, and often with your phone via NFC, Apple Pay or Google Wallet. More than three quarters of all stores, pubs, bars and accommodation offer cash, but modern small hospitality businesses often choose pin-only. Few stores take €500 notes, and smaller businesses or supermarkets sometimes do not accept €200 or €100 notes.
ATMs and fees
Holland.com says a foreign debit or credit card usually works fine in stores and at ATMs, and that the number of ATMs is falling as contactless grows. Check your card issuer's ATM fee policy and any ATM operator charge shown before confirming. If the ATM offers currency conversion, review its exchange rate and markup separately and choose whether to accept it. Sources: Mastercard, Frequently Asked Questions (ATM fees); Visa, Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Backup plan
Carry a second card and a little cash in small euro notes.
Trips to Netherlands
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Holland.com says waitstaff do not live off tips, but a tip of about 10 percent is quite acceptable. It is not set in stone, and you can add it when paying by card.
Can I pay by card everywhere?
Holland.com says you can pay with a debit card in just about any store, and a foreign debit or credit card usually works fine. A growing number of shops are pin-only, so carry a little cash too.
