I get asked all the time if it is better to take cash or card on a visit to Amsterdam, so I thought I would write a little about my experience as a monthly traveller to Amsterdam. Before we start though, this isn’t a cash is king kind of debate article, we all have our own opinions on that, its just a simple guide.
So the short answer to the question is, a mix of both is good for those who prefer cash over card, but if you’re are card person like me then card is probably all you’re going to need. I always have €20 in my pocket just in case of emergencies but I never ever use it.
A lot of places in Amsterdam are becoming more and more cashless. Over the last few years I’ve noticed a lot of smaller coffee places and shops are now card only as are a lot of hotels. The trams now you can’t use cash on board (you can still use cash in ticket offices), this for me is easier though as you can now just tap on and off public transport with your card. Quite a few hotels now are also card only as well as the vending machine’s in them, even the FEBO Machines take card now haha.
Another reason I like to use my card is the exchnage rate. My Monzo card is pretty much the current exchange rate so you’re getting more euros if your card isnt a bank card from the Eurozone. I noticed last month compared to the cash exchange places it was about 5 cents extra per GPB, does not seem a lot but those 5 cents soon add up to a smoke or a coffee. If you are going to use your card though I would make sure your bank doesn’t charge you a fee for using it abroad and if it does get a card like Monzo, Revoult etc as you won’t be charged for using it abroad and can just transfer money to it as and when you need it. You can also withdraw cash from cash machines without a fee or conversion (some machines charge their own fees).
All that being said there are some places that will only accept cash but I haven’t come across any recently, but this is why I always have a few euros in my pocket in case. In my experience you have more chance of being turned away for not having a card with you than not having cash. I guess it’s down to everyone’s choice but for me a card is the easiest way in Amsterdam, but if you prefer cash you will get by just fine.
