Ruth Haines
Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol, is located in the Netherlands, a country in the Eurozone that uses the Euro as its currency. As such, it is recommended that you exchange your US dollars to Euros before or upon arrival at the airport. While some establishments in Amsterdam may accept US dollars, it is quite rare, and you may encounter confusion or unfavorable exchange rates. ATMs are widely available at the airport and across the Netherlands, and many travelers report getting good to excellent exchange rates by using their debit cards at these machines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency used in Amsterdam | Euro (€) |
| Amsterdam airport currency exchange | Available at Schiphol Airport |
| US dollars acceptance in Amsterdam | Not commonly accepted |
| Exchange rates at Amsterdam airport | Not favourable |
| Suggested places for currency exchange | Local exchange bureaus, ATMs, online services |
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What You'll Learn
US dollars are rarely accepted in Amsterdam
To avoid any hassle, it's recommended to exchange your dollars for euros before you arrive in Amsterdam or as soon as you land. Exchanging a small amount of cash at the airport or a local exchange bureau can be convenient for covering immediate expenses, such as transportation or meals. However, airport exchange rates are often less favourable than those found in the city or through online services.
ATMs, also known as geldautomaten in Dutch, are widely available in the Netherlands, including at Schiphol Airport and in Amsterdam. Using a debit or credit card for transactions or withdrawals can often yield better exchange rates than currency exchange offices. When using a debit card at an ATM in Amsterdam, your bank will withdraw the equivalent amount in your currency from your account, generally at a favourable rate. However, some US banks may charge fees for international withdrawals or transactions outside their network, so it's important to check with your bank beforehand.
If you prefer to exchange cash, it's recommended to wait until you're in the city and shop around for the best rate. While GWK Travelex offices are conveniently located at Schiphol Airport and other places across the country, they have a reputation for unfavourable rates. Pott Change, located near Dam Square and Amsterdam Central Station, consistently offers the best exchange rates in town. By planning ahead and utilising the best currency exchange options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your time in Amsterdam.
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Euros are the local currency in the Netherlands
When planning a trip to Amsterdam, it's advisable to set a travel budget and exchange your currency ahead of time. Although you can exchange money at the airport, rates can be less favourable than those found in the city. It's recommended to exchange a small amount of cash at the airport or a local exchange bureau to cover immediate expenses, such as transportation or food. ATMs, or "geldautomaten" in Dutch, are also widely available at the airport and throughout the Netherlands. Many travellers report getting good to excellent exchange rates by using their debit cards at ATMs, as the cardholder's bank sets the conversion rate. However, some US banks may charge fees for international withdrawals, so it's essential to check with your bank beforehand.
If you prefer to exchange cash, you can find better rates in the city. Several reputable platforms allow you to lock in favourable exchange rates before arriving in Amsterdam, giving you flexibility and peace of mind. In Amsterdam, Pott Change, located near Dam Square and Amsterdam Central Station, consistently offers the best exchange rates. While GWK Travelex has convenient locations, including Schiphol Airport, it is known for unfavourable rates.
To summarise, when visiting Amsterdam, it's best to use euros as the local currency. While you can exchange money at the airport, you may get better rates in the city or by using ATMs with your debit card. Planning and preparing some euros ahead of your trip will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
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Amsterdam Airport exchange rates are unfavourable
ATMs at Amsterdam Airport are run by GWK Travelex, a currency exchange service. They don’t say on their website whether or not they charge fees for withdrawals, so you’ll need to check at the ATM before confirming the transaction. You’ll also need to make sure you withdraw in the local currency to avoid getting a poor exchange rate, which can be seen as a kind of ‘hidden’ fee.
If you can’t find a fee-free option, it could be worth waiting until you travel to Amsterdam city centre where you’ll have more options. Some banks charge fees for spending and withdrawing cash in other countries. If your bank does charge fees and you’re a frequent traveller, it may be worth switching banks so you can benefit from a fee-free card when you go abroad.
Another crucial tip is never to use a credit card to make ATM withdrawals. This is because fees are charged for cash-based transactions, unlike with debit cards. Plus, interest will likely start accruing right away, so you won’t benefit from your usual interest-free period.
Many visitors report that they get ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ exchange rates by using their debit cards at ATMs in Amsterdam. When you use a debit card to obtain euros at an ATM in Amsterdam, your bank withdraws the equivalent in your own currency from your checking account — generally using a favourable rate of exchange.
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ATMs are a better option for currency exchange
US dollars are not commonly accepted in Amsterdam. The Euro is the official currency of the Netherlands, and while you may find a few places in tourist areas or certain hotels that will accept dollars, it is quite limited. Therefore, it is recommended to exchange some currency before arriving in Amsterdam or using ATMs to withdraw euros upon arrival.
Using a debit or credit card at an ATM in Amsterdam often results in favourable exchange rates. When you use a debit card to obtain euros at an ATM, your bank typically provides a competitive exchange rate by withdrawing the equivalent amount in your home currency from your account. However, it is essential to be cautious about potential ATM fees and dynamic currency conversion (DCC).
Dynamic currency conversion is when a foreign ATM or merchant offers to convert your transaction into your home currency. While this may seem convenient, the exchange rate offered often includes significant hidden fees. Therefore, it is advisable to decline DCC when offered and conduct the transaction in the local currency to obtain a better exchange rate.
To minimise ATM fees, it is recommended to use your bank's ATM network or choose a low-cost ATM card from your bank. Additionally, withdrawing larger amounts can help reduce the impact of per-transaction fees. Before your trip, it is beneficial to research the various fees associated with international ATM usage to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.
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Debit/credit cards are useful for transactions
Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol, is located in the Netherlands, a country in the Eurozone. This means that the local currency is the euro, not the dollar. While you may be able to pay in dollars in some tourist spots or hotels, it is quite rare and can lead to confusion and unfavourable exchange rates. Therefore, it is generally recommended to exchange your dollars for euros before or upon arrival in Amsterdam.
Using debit or credit cards for transactions can be very useful when travelling to Amsterdam. Many travellers report that they get good to excellent exchange rates by using their debit cards at ATMs in Amsterdam. The cardholder's bank sets the conversion rate, which is often favourable, although certain fees may apply. Some US banks do not levy conversion fees for international withdrawals, while others do, so it is important to check with your bank beforehand. Additionally, while most Dutch banks do not levy ATM fees, some US banks may charge several dollars for each transaction outside their network, including international withdrawals. It is worth noting that not all ATMs accept international cards, so it is always good to have a backup plan.
Credit cards can also be used to withdraw cash advances from ATMs, although cash advance fees usually apply. When using a credit card for transactions, it is important to check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees that may apply.
To avoid unfavourable exchange rates, it is generally not recommended to exchange a large amount of money at the airport. Airport exchange rates can be significantly lower than those found in the city. Therefore, it is suggested to only exchange enough cash to cover immediate expenses, such as transportation or food, and then look for better exchange rates in the city or use ATMs to withdraw euros directly.
In summary, while it is possible to exchange dollars at Amsterdam Airport, it is generally more cost-effective to use a debit or credit card for transactions or withdraw euros from ATMs, provided you are mindful of any associated fees.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Amsterdam Airport does not accept US dollars. The currency used in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands is the Euro.
You can exchange your dollars at currency exchange offices at the airport, such as ABN AMRO or GWK Travelex. However, keep in mind that airport exchange rates are often less favourable than those found in the city.
Yes, there are ATMs located at the airport where you can withdraw euros directly from your debit or credit card. Many travellers report getting good to excellent exchange rates by using their cards at ATMs.
Yes, it is recommended to set a travel budget before your arrival and to check with your bank about any foreign transaction or ATM fees that may apply. Additionally, some travellers suggest exchanging a small amount of money at the airport for immediate expenses and then shopping around for better rates in the city.
