What is the currency in the Netherlands? 

There’s something effortlessly cool about the Netherlands. Perhaps it’s the cycling culture, the canals that criss, cross entire cities, or the cafés where time seems to slow to a gentle Dutch pace. But before you jump on a bike in Amsterdam or order bitterballen with a local beer, there’s one practical question every traveller needs answered: what is the currency of the Netherlands? 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the currency in Netherlands, from euro denominations and spending habits to a brief dive into Dutch monetary history. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a multi, country European adventure, this article will help you travel with confidence ,  and the right money in your pocket. 

Currency in the Netherlands 

Let’s start with the basics. The currency in Netherlands is the euro. 

The euro’s currency code is EUR, and its symbol is €. The Netherlands has used the euro for over 20 years, and today it’s the only legal tender accepted throughout the country ,  from bustling city centres to quiet coastal villages. 

If you’ve been asking yourself what is the currency of Netherland, the answer is refreshingly straightforward. There’s no dual system, no leftover national currency, and no need to juggle exchange rates while you’re there. Euros are used for everything, everywhere. 

For travellers, this simplicity is a real advantage. The euro is familiar, widely accepted, and easy to exchange ,  making the Netherlands one of the most stress, free destinations in Europe when it comes to travel money. 

Euro denominations 

The euro is designed to be practical, consistent, and recognisable across borders. In the Netherlands, you’ll encounter the full range of euro notes and coins, although some denominations are far more common than others. 

Euro banknote denominations 

Euro banknotes are uniform across all eurozone countries and feature architectural styles representing Europe’s shared heritage. The available denominations are: 

• €5 

• €10 

• €20 

• €50 

• €100 

• €200 

• €500 

In everyday Dutch life, you’ll most often see €5, €10, €20, and €50 notes. Larger notes like €100 and above are legal tender but may be refused in smaller shops, cafés, and bars ,  not out of rudeness, but practicality. 

Euro coin denominations 

Coins are where the euro adds a national twist. While the value side of euro coins is the same everywhere, the reverse side features country, specific designs. Dutch euro coins typically show King Willem, Alexander or historic national imagery. 

The coin denominations are: 

• 1 cent 

• 2 cent 

• 5 cent 

• 10 cent 

• 20 cent 

• 50 cent 

• €1 

• €2 

In the Netherlands, prices are often rounded to the nearest five cents when paying in cash, as 1c and 2c coins are rarely used in practice ,  though they remain legal tender. 

The history of the Netherlands’ currency 

Before the euro became part of everyday life, the Netherlands had a long and proud monetary history of its own. 

Dutch guilder 

For nearly two centuries, the Dutch guilder (or gulden) was the national currency. Introduced in 1816, it remained the official currency of the Netherlands until 2002. 

The guilder was widely respected for its stability and reflected the Netherlands’ reputation as a strong trading nation with a well, managed economy. Many locals still mentally convert prices back into guilders ,  especially when discussing how “cheap” things used to be. 

Introduction of the euro 

The Netherlands was one of the founding members of the eurozone. The euro was introduced in 1999 for electronic payments and accounting, while physical euro notes and coins entered circulation in 2002, officially replacing the guilder. 

The transition was smooth and well organised. For a country so closely connected to European trade, tourism, and international business, adopting the euro made perfect sense. It reduced exchange costs, simplified cross, border travel, and strengthened economic integration with neighbouring countries. 

Today, the euro feels completely natural in Dutch daily life ,  just like cycling lanes and contactless payments. 

Currency exchange in the Netherlands 

Getting your travel money sorted before you go is one of the simplest ways to avoid unnecessary stress and extra costs. 

Where to buy euros 

If you’re travelling to the Netherlands, buying euros in advance is usually the smartest option. With Travelex, you can: 

• Order euros online with competitive exchange rates 

• Choose home delivery or Click & Collect from a local Travelex store 

• Load euros onto the Travelex Money Card for secure, convenient spending 

The Travelex Money Card is particularly useful in the Netherlands, where card payments are widely accepted. It allows you to lock in your exchange rate before you travel and avoid foreign transaction fees while abroad. 

As a trusted travel money expert, Travelex makes preparing for your trip simple, safe, and flexible. 

Are other currencies accepted in the Netherlands? 

In short: no. 

The euro is the only official currency accepted in the Netherlands. British pounds, US dollars, and other foreign currencies are not accepted for everyday transactions ,  even in tourist areas. 

If you try to pay with a foreign currency, you’ll almost certainly be asked to use euros instead. To avoid confusion and poor exchange rates, it’s best to rely entirely on euros during your stay. 

So if you’re still wondering what is the currency of Netherland, the answer remains clear: euros, and only euros. 

What countries use the euro? 

One of the biggest advantages of travelling with euros is how many destinations they cover. 

The euro is used in multiple European countries, including: 

• France 

• Germany 

• Spain 

• Italy 

• Portugal 

• Ireland 

• Austria 

• Belgium 

• Finland 

• Greece 

• Netherlands 

This makes the euro ideal for multi, country trips. Whether you’re travelling from Amsterdam to Paris or combining the Netherlands with Italy or Spain, you won’t need to change currency along the way. 

Spending tips: using the currency in Netherlands like a local 

Understanding the currency in Netherlands goes beyond recognising notes and coins ,  it’s about knowing how money is actually used day to day. 

• Cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases 

• Contactless payments are the norm in cities 

• Cash is still useful for markets and small vendors 

• ATMs are easy to find, but your bank may charge fees 

• Always choose to pay in EUR, not GBP, when given the option 

Tipping in the Netherlands is modest. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small extra amount is appreciated but not expected. 

Why the euro makes travelling in the Netherlands so easy 

From a traveller’s point of view, the euro removes much of the guesswork around money. There’s no need to learn a new system or worry about fluctuating local currencies. Everything feels familiar ,  which is a real bonus when navigating a new destination. 

The Netherlands also leads the way in digital payments. Many places prefer cards over cash, making prepaid travel cards an excellent option. Still, carrying some euros in cash is wise, especially if you’re exploring smaller towns or local markets. 

Ready to buy some Euros? 

You’ve read the guides, had the daydreams, planned the holiday and now you’re ready to buy some Euros. 

Buy Euros online and get free home delivery on orders over £500 or choose to click & collect from any of the hundreds of convenient locations around the UK, including most major airports. 

Get great rates and pay no commission when you buy online now.  

Travelex Money Card 

The Travelex Money Card, powered by Mastercard, is the secure, easy way to spend abroad. You can load up to 22 currencies, including Euros, and it’s not linked to your bank, so your account stays safe while you spend abroad.   

You lock in your exchange rate before you travel, so you don’t have to worry about fluctuations. And it’s accepted at millions of locations around the world, wherever Mastercard prepaid is accepted. Get yours now.