The currency in the Netherlands is the euro and paper denominations are EUR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 eurocents and EUR 1 and 2. The 1 and 2 eurocent coins have been discontinued here so you will find that when you purchase something and pay with cash the amount owed is rounded up or down. Paying in cash is common and acceptable for any transaction, however bills of 100, 200 or 500 euros are not widely accepted in stores.

ABN-AMRO has the most information in English online and a special expat package but you should generally have no problem conducting business in English at any of the banks. It is best to locate a bank branch near your home, or a location you frequent, and open your account there. Internet banking is common in the Netherlands. 

Pin cards / debit cards (pinpas or bankpas)

A pin card is a debit card which is connected to your bank account. You can use it to withdraw cash, check your balance, etc, at ATMs, pay in many stores and for electronic/internet banking. The pin card is widely used throughout the Netherlands.

Electronic / Internet banking (internet bankieren)

All Dutch banks offer software that allows you to make payments from your home computer. This software is usually available in English and has features to assist you in your personal budgeting. 

Cashmachines / ATM (geldautomaat)

Usually marked with the sign ‘geldautomaat’. These automated teller machines accept almost every kind of bank card and it is possible to withdraw cash from most ATMs from overseas accounts. This may be useful before you open a Dutch bank account. 

Credit cards

Typically supermarkets, grocery stores, smaller shops or shops in smaller towns do not accept credit cards. Visa, Mastercard and some other credit cards are usually accepted in larger stores and restaurants. Pin cards, however, are widely accepted.

Cheques

Personal cheques are not used in the Netherlands as a form of payment. If a bank accepts a personal check (especially an international one) it will be honoured only after the check follows a collection process and probably at a high processing charge.

Automatic payments (automatische incasso) 

Many services (gas, electricity, KPN, Ziggo, but also sport clubs, etc.) ask for your bank account number, in order to have their charges automatically credited.

The Main Dutch Banks

ABN AMRO 
⫘  www.abnamro.com

Rabobank 
⫘  www.rabobank.nl

ING
⫘  www.ing.nl

SNS 
⫘  www.snsbank.nl