Amsterdam, Money / Currency
Currency: The Dutch currency is the Euro, which is written EUR
Currency exchange: Money can be changed in various locations around Amsterdam.
The best place to change your money is in the office of GWK who have a few (not many) office in Amsterdam. Most central GWK is Central Station. There are many others companies all over Amsterdam but the exchange rates are not as good.
Many places state NO COMMISSION but there exchange rate makes up for this.
Thomas Cook has an office on Dam Square itself so this is also a ok place to exchange money and the rates will not be as good as GWK they will not be as bad as some of the other exchange places.
Words to watch out for are Verkoopt means Sell, while Koopt means Buy.
A charge used to be levied on foreign transactions by all the exchange places, but competition is fierce, so now a day's they incorporate this charge into there rate. As the saying goes "it pays to shop around".
The worst place to change your cash is in the any hotel and going to a bank in Amsterdam requires queuing for a long time. All the banks are so slow. Another place worth trying is the American Express on the Damrak not far from Thomas Cook on the Dam.
Travelers cheques / Personal cheques: Travelers cheques are not widely accepted as in some other cities. Maybe in hotels but try using them in most places in Amsterdam and they will look at you as it you have 2 heads. Netherlands is a cheque-less society. No cheques.
To pay you transfer the funds (if you have them) to the account of the person or company you wish to pay. You fill out a docket, drop it into a box in any branch of your bank and that's it.
If you intend on using travelers cheques to avoid extra commission charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in Euro's and not there own currency. But a credit card is much more convenient.
Banks: Opening hours are 0900-1600 Monday to Friday.
Credit and debit cards: Bank cards using the Cirrus and Maestro systems can be used at any of the ATM machines in Amsterdam - If you need cash on your arrival in Amsterdam there are loads of ATM machines in Schiphol airport and at Central Station.
Credit cards are not accepted in many places, many restaurants and places you would naturally think would accept credit do not. So check before you sit down and order a 5 course banquet or arrive at checkout with that lovely coat or shoes you spotted. Also many shops that do accept credit cards are now insisting on photo ID.
