Financial Matters

In The Netherlands, Value Added Tax and service charges are included in your check in hotels, shops and taxis. Unlike in the US, this is even the case for your restaurant check. Tips for extra service are always appreciated but not necessary. It is customary to give taxi drivers and waiters a tip of about 10 percent.

Many public restrooms have an attendant who are usually tipped EUR 0.50.

All major credit cards are accepted widely, but not everywhere. If in doubt, ask in advance. Cash-on-card services are available from selected American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VisaCard addresses. These cards are also accepted by all GWK currency exchange outlets and Change Express Offices.

Business hours differ between banks. Most banks are open from Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm. On Mondays businesss hours start mainly at 1 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays banks are closed.

If you have a foreign bank pass with a Cirrus logo you can get money from an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Some ATMs of the ABN AMRO bank also accept passes with the PLUS logo. Also check your pass and the ATM for EDC, EC and Maestro logos. Of course, you can also use most credit cards to obtain money from an ATM. The many ATMs are usually open 24 hours per day.