Currency

Cash in your Pocket

You're sure to want frites or coffee from a place that only accepts cash.  Taking some Euros will help you when you can't or don't wish to use your credit card.  Decide on your budget for souvenirs.  

I use Bank of America for my foreign currency purchases. If you are an account holder, you can order online. Otherwise, stop in your nearby branch and place an order.  The exchange rate is good.  Always be sure to save some Euros for your departure flight.  If your plane is delayed, you'll want to be able to pick up a snack...or even buy one to take aboard.

 

I also take a small stash of dollar bills for tips. Everyone accepts them!

Here's a travel chart with current exchange rates. You'll receive one of these with your travel documents.

 

Euro	U.S. dollar
1 EUR	1.12 USD
5 EUR	5.60 USD
10 EUR	11.21 USD
25 EUR	28.01 USD
50 EUR	56.03 USD
100 EUR	112.05 USD
150 EUR	168.08 USD
200 EUR	224.10 USD
250 EUR	280.13 USD
500 EUR	560.25 USD
1000 EUR	1120.50 USD
U.S. dollar	Euro
1 USD	0.89 EUR
5 USD	4.46 EUR
10 USD	8.92 EUR
25 USD	22.31 EUR
50 USD	44.62 EUR
100 USD	89.25 EUR
150 USD	133.87 EUR
200 USD	178.49 EUR
250 USD	223.11 EUR
500 USD	446.23 EUR
1000 USD	892.46 EUR

Avalon has provided the following helpful info as well:

CURRENCY
The official currency of the Netherlands is the Euro.
Euro coins differ according to country, but they can be used in any EU state.
Bank notes are of uniform EU design.

1 EURO (€) = 100 Cents (c)
● Banknote denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500
● Coin denominations: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2
For the most current exchange rates, please go to our Web site at www.globusfamily.com/currency.

Credit cards are accepted in the Netherlands, and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card.

Many shops do not accept banknotes of €100, €200, and €500 due to concerns about counterfeiting and
burglary.

BUDGETING AND SHOPPING
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel.

The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is €2-3.50.
An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately €10-15.
A steak dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at approximately €30-40.

TIPPING
In restaurants where the service charge is already included, round up the bill by a Euro or two. When the
service charge is not included, 10% is a reasonable amount. Tips are usually left in cash and not added
to the credit card payment.
For taxis, round up the fare (€1 for a city ride; €2 for a ride to the airport).