Money to Holland

givememoney

Haven't been abroad for years, but planning a short trip to Holland.

Do they accept credit cards or debit cards in most places or is it best to take cash?

MSE_James

The Netherlands is the odd one out when it comes to cards, because of the prevalence of their own local systems.

Visa/Mastercard debit card acceptance is more common than it used to be, but be prepared for some places which only take Maestro cards - including many branches of the Albert Heijn supermarket chain.

On our trip last summer we visited a swimming pool (in a non-tourist area) which was Maestro card-only and wouldn't take cash either. Fortunately the lady on the ticket desk put the transaction through on her own card and took the cash from us. 

I took more cash with me to the Netherlands than I might have done if we were elsewhere in the EU, but was able to use my card(s) for more transactions than I feared.

givememoney

Thanks very much

eDicky

It depends a bit on whereabouts you will be, but the situation is broadly as James says. Department stores and tourist area outlets accept Visa and MasterCard but otherwise they are rarely useable. Many city cafes etc also don't accept cash to avoid robberies. Cash can of course be obtained from ATMs using any card, preferably fee-free ones. Always select to pay in euros if a POS offers choice, and decline conversion by ATMs.

givememoney

In the past we always took cash, but then there is the problem of how much to take, so you end up taking too much then you're left with surplus. We aren't frequent travellers abroad so I wanted to avoid that.

martindow

givememoney said:

In the past we always took cash, but then there is the problem of how much to take, so you end up taking too much then you're left with surplus. We aren't frequent travellers abroad so I wanted to avoid that.

You don't need to take all of the cash as you can withdraw cash from ATMs with a debit card.  Some cards are best avoided as they add extra fees - if you let us know which cards you already have people can advise which to use or alternatives to apply for.

I use a Metrobank cards in Europe as I have a local branch and they issue cards immediately as you open the account.  They do not apply extra charges for transactions or cash withdrawals.

givememoney

My debit card is Barclays.

martindow

givememoney said:

My debit card is Barclays.

Doesn't look a good card to use in the EU

https://www.barclays.co.uk/help/cards/using-cards/connect-abroad/

We'll charge you a 2.99% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee for using your debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or when you are being refunded.

As I mentioned, opening a Metrobank account is easy if you have a local branch.  Revolut is often recommended on here as being a good option to use internationally.

eDicky

Accounts with Starling Bank, Chase UK, Metro Bank or Kroo are easy and cost nothing to open, saving you the 3% non-sterling fee levied by Barclays overseas. It's unwise to rely on a single card in any case, especially when traveling.

heatherw_01

I have been to Amsterdam over 30 times.

Many places do not accept visa or mastercard and only accept maestro. Even big chains often only accept maestro.

I mainly take cash there due to this with a card for back up.

givememoney

Just looked up Maestro and says it is being phased out 1st July 2023. Is it worth me applying? We are going to Holland April so won't apply I suppose.