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Netherlands Netherlands Currency Guide

The currency of Netherlands and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Aruban Florin

AWG

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Netherlands before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Netherlands

Amsterdam

Amsterdam began as a dam built at the mouth of the Amstel River and has grown into the capital and largest city of the Netherlands. Traces of its 16th-century heyday as a trading port remain throughout the city, making it a pleasure to explore on foot.

The Hague

Although Amsterdam is the official capital, The Hague hosts the government institutions and serves as the country's de facto seat of power. Its calm atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to explore the Netherlands' administrative center.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a Dutch port city home to one of Europe's largest trading harbors. Rebuilt as a modern city after wartime destruction, its striking cityscape leaves a lasting impression.

Maastricht

Maastricht, the capital of its Dutch province, spreads out along both banks of the Meuse River. True to a name derived from a Roman-era bridge, it offers traces of a long history all along the riverside.

Arnhem

Arnhem is a city in the eastern Netherlands and the capital of its province. Together with neighboring Nijmegen, it forms a large metropolitan area of over 720,000 people, making the two cities a great combination to explore together.