Amsterdam Coffeeshop Directory Forums

Was wondering do most coffee/smart shops take cash only or will I be able to use my credit cards and bank cards?

From my experience they don't tend to take credit cards.
Bring lots of cash $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Europe seems to take less credit cards than in the states. ATMs are generally the way to go, or get some cash if you think the dollar might drop before your trip. I'll be taking traveler's cheques, which I normally would not do, but I got them in euros thinking that the dollar might drop before my trip.

I kinda figured that. I been following the economy. I dont think it is gonna change that much from what it is now. Might even improve just a little(and I mean way little) if the get that stimulus package out by then. Well if not I will use ATM's. Thanks for the info guys.

I usually find that big stores and restaurants are happy to take cards, and that coffeeshops and bars, and smaller places dont so much.

Cash I find easiest - take out 200E for the day and when its gone you know when to stop!

Be sure to check if you're getting charged on ATMs and Debit/Credit card transactions in advance though, sometimes can be a nasty suprise.

Right! You will get charged for each credit/debit transaction. Pull out €200 in one day and pay the transaction once, or buy some food here (+fee), buy some tunes there (+fee) some gifts there (+ fee) and your fees will add up. Sometimes you'll pay an extra fee to convert your receipt in your native currency. I did that at Harrods once, learned my lesson.

If your british get a Nationwide Bank account and you get commission free cash withdrawals. I tend to take out enough for the day, as I don't want to be ATM hopping all day and its easier to keep track of whats spent if I keep withdrawals to round numbers, eg 200 or 100 Euro. If I keep getting 20 or 30 or 50 etc its harder to remember when I'm checking I havent be defrauded.

Ash333 wrote:If your british get a Nationwide Bank account and you get commission free cash withdrawals.

i've just got a nationwide flex account for this very reason. it also allows fee-free cash withdrawls in non EU countries. ace.

Make sure you also let your bank know you will be in europe the exact dates because they might think your card may have been stolen and your card will not work !! Also my banker told me even with the money currency the way it is now you will get the best rate at the atm in the airport with very moderate rates.
Just thought I would add my two cents if they help.
I found out this information because I am planning a trip to the dam in February 2009.
Tbird07

JayK wrote:Be sure to check if you're getting charged on ATMs and Debit/Credit card transactions in advance though, sometimes can be a nasty suprise.

u know i was in a strip club the other day and the atm charge was 10.00!!!!!! i was like WTF IS THIS

i like to stick strictly with cash, bring enough for the trip and when its done so am I lol, im weary of ATM and bank fees, it just makes everything 10% more expensive, especially with the dollar in the tank these days