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Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol Airport, offers a variety of options for travellers looking to exchange their money for euros. While some sources suggest exchanging money before arriving at the airport, ATMs are available at the airport and in the city for those who prefer the convenience of withdrawing euros upon arrival. It is recommended to use ATMs connected to banks, as these tend to offer better rates and avoid higher fees. Additionally, some travellers suggest using a travel-specific debit card, such as the Wise Debit Card, to make withdrawals and purchases in euros, as this can provide a more favourable exchange rate. Exchanging money at the airport is generally not recommended due to unfavourable rates, but for those who need local currency immediately upon arrival, currency exchange offices like GWK Travelex and Potts are available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency used in Amsterdam | Euros |
| Amsterdam airport money exchange offices | GWK Travelex |
| Alternative to money exchange offices | ATMs |
| ATM operator in Amsterdam airport | Travelex |
| Fee for using Travelex ATMs | High |
| Alternative ATM operators in Amsterdam | ABN banks |
| Best place to exchange dollars for euros in Amsterdam | Potts near Central Station |
| Best practice for exchanging currency | Using a Wise Debit Card |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange at Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol Airport, offers currency exchange services for travellers. The official currency in the Netherlands is the Euro. If you're travelling to the country and need to exchange your money, there are several options available at the airport.
GWK Travelex
GWK Travelex is a popular currency exchange provider at Amsterdam Airport. They have multiple branches located in front of and behind customs, making it convenient for travellers to access. GWK Travelex offers currency exchange services for various currencies and provides competitive exchange rates. They also offer an emergency currency exchange service, allowing travellers to collect their desired currency within 30 minutes. Additionally, GWK Travelex provides a currency converter tool on their website, enabling travellers to calculate the amount of foreign currency they will receive.
Potts
According to some travellers, Potts, located a 5-minute walk from Central Station in Amsterdam, offers better exchange rates than the airport exchanges. It is recommended for exchanging dollars to euros.
ATMs
Using ATMs at the airport or within the city is another option for obtaining euros. It is generally advised to use ATMs attached to banks rather than those in shops. Some travellers suggest using ATMs with a debit card to avoid potential fees associated with credit card transactions.
Wise
Wise is a digital alternative for currency exchange, offering mid-market exchange rates and low fees. By opening a Wise account and ordering a linked debit card, you can spend and withdraw money in numerous countries, including the Netherlands. Wise allows you to hold multiple currencies and spend them without additional fees.
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ATM withdrawals at the airport
When travelling, it is always a good idea to have some local currency on you. In Amsterdam, Euros are the local currency. If you are travelling from a country that does not use the Euro, you will need to exchange your money.
One way to get Euros in Amsterdam Airport is to use an ATM. There are ATMs available at the airport, as well as in the city. It is recommended to use an ATM that is attached to a bank to avoid high fees. These ATMs will dispense a range of Euro notes, including €10, €20 and €50 notes. However, it is important to note that some ATMs at the airport may charge a higher fee for withdrawals, so it might be a better option to use an ATM in the city.
If you are travelling with a lot of cash, it is advisable to let your bank know in advance. This will prevent your card from being refused or flagged for suspicious activity. Additionally, it is worth considering the option of a travel-specific debit card, such as the Wise Debit Card, which offers low-cost ATM withdrawals and the real exchange rate.
It is also important to be mindful of the local customs and practices regarding currency and tipping. In Amsterdam, it is considered offensive to use US Dollars as a form of payment or tipping, as it implies that the city is a "third-world country". Instead, it is recommended to use Euros or a debit/credit card for transactions and tipping.
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Using a credit card at the airport
If you're travelling to Amsterdam and want to get euros at the airport, there are a few options available to you. While you can use your credit card at the airport, it is recommended to let your bank know that you are travelling abroad to avoid any suspicion of card cloning or theft.
- Notify Your Bank: Before your trip, inform your bank about your travel plans. This can help prevent your card from being declined due to security concerns.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Check with your credit card company about foreign transaction fees. Some credit cards may charge additional fees for overseas purchases or cash withdrawals.
- Cash Advance: If you need cash, you can use your credit card at an ATM to obtain a cash advance. However, you will typically need to know your PIN, and you may incur a cash-advance fee.
- Emergency Cash: While it is advisable to use ATMs for cash withdrawals, your credit card can be a backup option in emergencies. Ensure you are aware of any associated fees and charges.
- Meals, Car Rentals, and Hotels: Utilise your credit card for significant expenses such as dining, transportation, and accommodation. This provides the advantage of being able to claim a refund if services are not provided as expected.
- PIN Requirements: Be aware that some countries, such as those in Europe, may require a PIN for credit card transactions. American credit cards may not have a PIN, so check with your credit card company to understand their specific requirements.
- Currency Exchange Rates: When using your credit card for purchases, be mindful of currency exchange rates. In some non-eurozone countries, paying in euros may result in unfavourable exchange rates.
- Multi-Currency Accounts: If you frequently travel to Europe, consider opening a multi-currency account. These accounts allow you to hold multiple currencies, including euros, and can help you avoid unpredictable exchange rates.
- ATMs and Banks: When withdrawing cash, use ATMs located within banks rather than those in shops or airports. This can provide better exchange rates and increased security.
- Prepare in Advance: If possible, order your euros online before your trip and pick them up at the airport upon arrival. This can help you secure a better exchange rate and have cash readily available.
By following these suggestions, you can effectively utilise your credit card at the airport and during your trip to Amsterdam. Remember to stay informed about fees, exchange rates, and the specific features of your credit card to make the most of your financial options while travelling.
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Tipping at the airport
You can get euros in Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol Airport, before you pass through security. There is a GWK Travelex Money Exchange Office located before security, which has been in the business of helping travellers exchange foreign currency since 1927. However, some sources claim that Potts, a five-minute walk from Central Station in Amsterdam, offers better rates than the exchanges at the airport. ABN banks at the airport are also recommended.
Tipping culture varies across the world. In some places, like Japan, tipping is not practised at all. In other places, like the United States, tipping is customary in certain situations. Here is a guide to tipping at the airport:
- Curbside baggage handlers: $1 to $2 per bag is considered a good tip.
- Shuttle drivers: Tip between $3 and $5, and more if they help with heavy bags or strollers and wheelchairs.
- Wheelchair captains: A tip of at least $2 is standard. If they take you to the restroom or go out of their way to perform an additional service, increase the tip to $5.
- Flight attendants: It is not customary to tip flight attendants. However, if they perform extraordinary service, it is at the passenger's discretion.
- Check-in and gate agents: These staff should not be tipped. However, if they do something nice like upgrading your seat, consider writing an email or letter expressing your gratitude.
It is important to note that these tipping suggestions are based on US dollars and may not apply to other currencies. When travelling, it is generally a good idea to tip in the local currency.
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Exchanging money in the city
Exchanging money in Amsterdam
If you are travelling from a country that does not use the Euro, such as the US or the UK, you will need to exchange your money. Euros are the only form of currency used in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. Euros come in different coins and notes. The coins are divided into cents, just like dollars, with one Euro being equal to 100 cents. The coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as one and two Euro coins. The main difference between Euro and US coins is that the Euro has a 2-cent coin and a 20-cent coin, while the US has a 25-cent coin. In the Netherlands, the final price is rounded up or down to the nearest 5-cent point. Euro notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 denominations. The 500 Euro note is being phased out as it is rarely used.
It is recommended to avoid exchanging large amounts of money at Amsterdam Airport as the exchange rates are often poor. One source suggests avoiding GWK Travelex, which has a monopoly at the airport, and instead waiting until you get to the city to exchange your money at Potts, which is a 5-minute walk from Central Station. Another source recommends buying a small amount of Euros before you leave home, such as $100, and then withdrawing cash from an ATM once you arrive in Amsterdam. ATMs can be found at the airport and throughout the city, including at the main train station. However, it is worth noting that ATMs in Amsterdam rarely give notes larger than €50 and may charge a higher fee. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a debit card connected to your bank account or a travel-specific credit card to make purchases directly. This is a common practice in Amsterdam, and many shops and restaurants will accept card payments.
One option for getting Euros before your trip is to apply for a Wise borderless debit card. This card can be used internationally and offers a favourable exchange rate. You can put money on the card and convert it to Euros before your trip, or keep your home currency and convert as you go.
When exchanging money, it is important to be aware of the cultural norms around cash and tipping in Amsterdam. While it is not uncommon to tip taxi drivers or round up the fare, this can also be done by card. It is also considered offensive to use US dollars in Europe, as it is seen as treating the country as a "third-world country". Instead, it is best to use Euros or a debit/credit card for purchases and tipping.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get euros at Amsterdam Airport. There are ATMs and currency exchange offices, such as GWK Travelex, where you can exchange your dollars for euros. However, it is recommended to get euros from a bank ATM in the city, as airport ATMs tend to have higher fees and poor exchange rates.
There are a few ways to get euros at the airport. You can use an ATM, which will dispense notes in various denominations, including €10, €20, and €50 notes. You can also exchange currency at a kiosk such as GWK Travelex, although their rates are generally poor. Alternatively, you can get a small amount of euros before you leave your home country, although the exchange rates may not be favourable.
Many people recommend using a debit card for purchases, as it is widely accepted and offers a good exchange rate. Credit cards can also be used, but they may incur costly fees. Some travellers also recommend getting a Wise borderless debit card, which offers low-cost international transactions at the real exchange rate.
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