Tipping In Amsterdam: A Guide to Amsterdam Tipping Customs
Jarrod Suda
Guide
A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.
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Read moreOne aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Amsterdam to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get EUR in cash in Amsterdam, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.
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Is Tipping Expected in Amsterdam?
Tipping in Amsterdam is not customary. Leaving a small tip of 5% to 10% to thank the staff for good service will certainly be appreciated, but there's no expectation.
Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes
When dining out in Amsterdam, you won't need to tip your wait staff. If you'd like to add a gratuity, the best chance to do so is a the point-of-sale payment machine. Let your server how much to round up your bill.
When visiting bars and cafes, the same custom applies. It is not common to tip at cafes or bars in the Netherlands.
Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Amsterdam?
For hotel staff in Amsterdam, tipping is not expected. Hotel staff share the same customs as other industries. You may leave some change for the cleaning service, porters, or valet, but it won't be expected.
Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Amsterdam
For taxi drivers in Amsterdam, tipping is also not customary. You can round up the bill or tip a few euros, but it won't be expected.
Tour guides in Amsterdam won't expect tips if its a paid tour. It is not a hard and fast rule, since pricing rules will vary by each provider. However, a tip of 5-10 euros per person is typical (especially for free walking tours).
Practical Tips for Tipping in Amsterdam
By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Amsterdam, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:
- Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Amsterdam.
- Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
- Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Amsterdam, you'll be prompted to pay in EUR or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (EUR) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
- Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.
Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad
Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Amsterdam:
Wise Multi-Currency Account
With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.
The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.
Wise Multi-Currency Account | Switzerland |
N26
Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.
Starling Bank
The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.
Travel Money Guides For Your Trip to Amsterdam
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