ATM / Money / Tax (VAT) return, Amsterdam

Favorite thing: Money in the Netherlands is called the "Guilder" -- oops! I haven't been to the Netherlands in a few years. Netherlands money is now called the Euro, and it's used by most of western Europe. I guess my Guilder are collectors items now.

Money is never much of a problem in the Netherlands. Credit Cards are accepted everywhere, and ATMs accepting US cards are very common. The only money problem you'll have is trying to afford the luxury items -- the Rijksmuseum, the weed at the local cafes, and fun at the red light district...

Favorite thing: I would recommend you used ATM card directly to get your cash. I found that the exchange rate of using ATM card is more favorable than using the counter to exchange money. I probably wouldn't use credit card to get your cash as the exchange rate normally wasn't that good.

If you have a Credit Union ATM card, a lot of them don't charge you transaction fee when you take money out other than their branch. The only issue with ATM card is their daily limit. Most ATM card has a daily limit of $300 - $500. You may want to check with your bank to check what is your limit. Most of the time you don't really need that much money daily unless your hotel doesn't accept credit card.

Another thing I would check is whether your ATM card has one of those logo - either 'Plus' or 'Star'. Both 'Plus' and 'Star' are pretty common around the world and most ATM machine will accept them.

If you are using your credit card, then definitely inform your credit card company that you will be traveling abroad, otherwise they will put your credit card on hold until you give them a call.

Favorite thing: You can find current rates and all sorts of information at the website of GWK

To find a branch, go to menu Contact and choose Find a Travelex Branch
Once you arrive in the list Amsterdam, choose any of the offered addresses.

CENTRAL STATION
Branch Name : Amsterdam Centraal
Address : Stationsplein
City : Amsterdam
Country : Netherlands
Zip/Postal Code: 1012 AB
Phone No: 0900- 0566
Hours of Operation
Monday : 08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday : 08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday : 08:00 - 22:00
Thursday : 08:00 - 22:00
Friday : 08:00 - 22:00
Saturday : 08:00 - 22:00
Sunday : 09:00 - 22:00

Favorite thing: TAX FREE SHOPPING IN HOLLAND....

As a foreign visitor you are entitled to claim back the tax you pay on your purchases when you take them home.

The easy and safe way to reclaim your tax is with GLOBAL REFUND .
This service is offered in more than 29 countries worldwide.

As a non-EU resident, you can reclaim your VAT in Holland when your purchases exceed 137 Euro in one store in one day.
For more INFO contact: GLOBAL REFUND HOLLAND bv
Phone 023 524 19 09
email: taxfree@nl.globalrefund.com
www.globalrefund.com

Favorite thing: Look for this sign when searching for an ATM or Geldautomaat in Dutch.

All machines have English options are very easy and convenient to use.

Fondest memory: There are ATMs all over town, but one of my favorite places is located on the Rembrandtplien. It is a large room with about 5 or 6 machines, very private and safe.
This photo was taken at that ATM.

Favorite thing: There are ATMs all over the city and in the Central Station, also the airport, and most accept all major credit cards. I used them exclusively to get cash and had no problems at all, except maybe long lines at some of them - especailly in the Central Station!

Just make sure you know your pin number and how much you can withdraw:))

Fondest memory: This is THE best way to get the most out of your money conversion rate when getting cash out of your account. Also using a credit card to pay for things will give you the best conversion rate too.

Favorite thing: In my experience, I can use the ATM machines (not that many around compared with the US). You get cash in local currency but the bank does the conversion and debits your account with the correct amount. Easier than getting the exchange at the airport. Also, remember to keep enough local currency to buy food at the airport or pay the taxi \ train

Favorite thing: Citizens from outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Amsterdam. The shops that offer tax-free shopping will advertise with a sign in the window, and they will provide you with the form you need to recover the value-added tax (VAT) when you leave the country.

**See under Shopping Tips for more information on the VAT refund.

Fondest memory: When Colm and I came back from Ireland we went home from the airport and it was rather late already (around 10 pm). We were starving because the last food we had had been the breakfast in Dublin in the morning. We decided to call our favourite Pizza Delivery Service (see my Restaurant section).

As the people who deliver the pizza for safety reasons only carry a small amount of change they asked you to pay with almost perfect change. We counted our Dutch money and found out that we either had a 100 Guilders note (way too much) or 42 Guiders in small coins (2 Guilders less than the bill would be).

Suddenly Colm remembered that we have had a 2 Guilders coin in the toilet for months - I accidentely dropped it there ages ago and we never could get rid of it :) He went to the toilet and it was gone! I realised that I flushed it down the morning we went to Ireland and that I forgot to tell Colm that we finally got rid of it HEHE.

Luckily the guy who brought our pizza had enough change so that we could pay!!! :-)

Favorite thing: Bank to look for while in Holland, there will always be an ATM conveniently at these banks also.

Fondest memory: This bank is located at DAM Square