Amsterdam Airport: Pounds Or Euros?

can you use pounds in amsterdam airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport serving Amsterdam. As the Netherlands uses the Euro as its currency, you will need to convert your pounds to euros at the airport. While it may be tempting to exchange your cash at the airport, you may get a better rate in the city. ATMs at the airport are known to implement a surcharge fee, so it is recommended to use a bank or ATM in the city to avoid this. ABN AMRO is recommended over GWK Travelex for exchanging money at the airport. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Amsterdam, and it is possible to use a debit card to obtain euros at an ATM.

Characteristics Values
Currency used in Amsterdam Euro (€)
Using pounds in Amsterdam Airport Not accepted, exchange to Euro
Exchanging pounds to Euro in Amsterdam Airport Possible at ABN AMRO and GWK Travelex, but not recommended due to high fees
Recommended places to exchange pounds to Euro ATMs in downtown Amsterdam, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, ING, Pott Change
Cards accepted in Amsterdam Visa, Mastercard, Maestro debit cards

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Amsterdam airport currency exchange

Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol Airport, is the main international airport serving Amsterdam. The official currency used in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands is the euro. If you are travelling to Amsterdam, it is a good idea to have some local currency on hand, which means you will need to exchange your pounds for euros.

There are several options for exchanging currency at Amsterdam Airport. GWK Travelex has several currency exchange desks located in front of and behind customs, where you can exchange your pounds for euros and vice versa. You can also order currency online and collect it at the airport. ABN AMRO also offers currency exchange services at the airport, and using their ATM is recommended over exchanging cash at GWK Travelex.

It is important to note that exchanging money at the airport is not always the best option as airports tend to offer poor rates and high transaction fees. It is recommended to shop around for the best rate once you are in the city. However, if you need to exchange currency at the airport, it is advisable to research the current exchange rate beforehand so you can avoid getting a bad deal.

Additionally, using your debit card at ATMs in Amsterdam is another option to obtain euros. When using an ATM, choose to be charged in euros for a fairer rate and fees. It is also worth checking if your local bank has partnerships with Dutch banks to avoid unwanted ATM fees.

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Debit cards and ATMs

Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands use the euro as their currency. Therefore, you will have to convert your pounds to euros at a currency exchange. While it may be tempting to exchange your cash at the airport, you may get a better exchange rate in town.

There are ATMs available at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, but they may charge fees. If you can't find a fee-free option, it might be worth waiting until you travel to Amsterdam's city centre, where you'll have more options. Some UK banks charge fees for spending and withdrawing cash in other countries, so it is worth checking with your bank before you travel.

If you have to change money at the airport, it is recommended to use the ABN AMRO ATM over GWK Travelex. Using your debit card at the ABN AMRO ATM is also an option. One of the widest networks of ATMs in Amsterdam is run by Geldmaat, which are free to use if you have a card issued within the EEA, but there is a €4 fee for other cards.

It is possible to use your debit card to pay in shops, bars, restaurants and transport hubs in Amsterdam, wherever Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Due to the rise of contactless payments, the number of ATMs in the Netherlands is decreasing.

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Credit cards

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol uses the euro as its currency, so you will need to convert your pounds to euros. While it may be tempting to exchange your cash at the airport, you may get a better rate in the city.

Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Amsterdam, including at Schiphol Airport. However, it is important to note that some smaller shops, particularly independents, may have a minimum purchase amount for card transactions. Additionally, some businesses in Amsterdam do not accept cash at all, and some only accept debit card payments. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a debit card in addition to your credit card.

When using a credit card abroad, it is important to be aware of any international transaction fees or foreign exchange fees that may be charged by your card issuer. These fees can add up, so it may be worth considering using a credit card specifically designated for travel, or a card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Additionally, some credit card companies allow cardholders to withdraw cash advances from ATMs, but cash advance fees usually apply.

If you plan to use your credit card for purchases or cash withdrawals in Amsterdam, it is recommended to notify your card issuer in advance. This can help prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity and ensure that you can continue to use your card while travelling.

While credit cards are widely accepted in Amsterdam, it is always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases or in case of emergencies. You can exchange money at currency exchange offices or ATMs at the airport, but be sure to compare exchange rates and fees to get the best value.

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Cash

Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands use the euro as their currency. You will need to convert your pounds to euros when you arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

It is recommended that you do not exchange your cash at the airport as you will get a better exchange rate in the city. However, if you need to exchange your cash at the airport, it is better to use ABN AMRO than GWK Travelex. Using your debit card at the ABN AMRO ATM is an even better option.

ATMs, or geldautomaten in Dutch, are widely available across the Netherlands and at Schiphol Airport. However, not all ATMs accept international cards, so it is good to have a backup option. Currency exchange services are another option, but their rates are usually less favorable than ATMs.

If you plan to use your debit card, it is important to note that an increasing number of businesses in Amsterdam accept no cash whatsoever. Many vendors and grocery stores in the Netherlands do not accept Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX and only accept debit maestro cards.

If you want to avoid using your card altogether, it is recommended to bring some euros with you when you arrive at the airport. However, be aware that the exchange rate and commissions you pay in your home country will likely be less favorable than what you would get at an ATM in Europe.

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Euros

Amsterdam and the Netherlands use the euro as their currency. While it may be tempting to exchange your cash at the airport, you will likely get a better rate in town. Currency exchange services are usually less favourable than ATMs, and some travellers have reported a 20% surcharge fee on ATM transactions at the airport.

ATMs are widely available across the Netherlands, including at Schiphol Airport. However, not all ATMs accept international cards, so it is a good idea to have a backup plan. If you wish to use an ATM, it is recommended to use a debit card, as credit card cash advances can be costly.

If you are exchanging pounds for euros, it is important to find a bank or service with the best rates and the lowest handling fee. Some banks may charge a constant fee per transaction, while others may charge a percentage-based fee.

It is worth noting that an increasing number of businesses in Amsterdam accept card payments only, and you may not need cash at all during your stay. However, if you do require euros, it is generally recommended to withdraw money directly from an ATM or wait to convert your currency at a more favourable rate in town.

Frequently asked questions

No, Amsterdam Airport and the rest of the Netherlands use the euro. You will need to exchange your pounds for euros at a currency exchange.

You can exchange your pounds at a currency exchange office, such as GWK Travelex, or at an ATM. However, it is recommended that you wait until you are in the city to get a better exchange rate.

Yes, you can use a debit card, credit card, or travel card to make purchases directly in euros. Many businesses in Amsterdam accept card payments, and some only accept cards and do not take cash.

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