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Decoding Dutch Currency: Insider Insights from a Local

The national Holland currency is EURO since 2002.

Actually, the EURO was used since 1999 by traveller’s checks and electronic means, but just 3 years later it was introduced as the national money.

Prior to EURO, the national currency of the Dutch nation was the Dutch guilder commonly known as guilder.

The exchange rate available at the beginning of 2002, the moment when the guilder was exchanged with the EURO, was 2.203 guilder = 1 EURO.

The guilder was used for more than 320 years, from 1680 to 2002, when the EURO was introduced.

 

Holland currency Netherlands Money

Holland Money Netherlands Currency

 

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An interesting fact to mention is that during the time when the Netherlands was annexed to France, from 1810 to 1814, the money used in the Netherlands was the French Franc.

And after that period, the guilder banknotes and coins became again the official currency.

What is the actual Holland currency?

Even if the EURO was introduced, the guilder coins still could be exchanged at the Netherland Central Bank until 1st of January 2007 and the banknotes until 2032.

Holland currency Netherlands Money

Holland money Netherlands Currency

Exchanging money in the Netherlands

The Netherlands are part of the European Union since 1958 and of the so-called Eurozone since 1999, January 1st.

All over Europe, including Holland money is available under the following forms:

  • coins: 1,2 and 5 cents as well as 10,20 and 50 cent coins and 1 and 2 Euro coins
  • bills: 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro bills as well as 100, 200 and 500 Euro notes.

There are very few places all over the country where 500 euro banknotes are accepted and most small shops, including supermarkets, do not accept 100 and 200 bills, too.

These are the new essentials you have to pack for your trip

The most commonly used bill remains the 50 Euro bill which you can easily get from an ATM or exchange office.

Converting your money into euro always cost money and the question is how you can get the euro without spending a lot.

The most frequently used place to get the local currency is the exchange office, but here you have to watch carefully at the exchange rate used.

Check on the internet a currency converter before you exchange money so that you can compare what you get with the official rate.

Most exchange offices sell Holland currency at a really low price and make you lose money.

The best exchange offices from Amsterdam are the ones from the train station the ones opened by “GWK” Bank from Central Station in Amsterdam which has the lowest commission and are open 24 hours a day.

Then, the second option is to withdraw money from local ATMs which are widely spread all across the country.

Most ATMs do not practice any commission and the exchange rate used is the one practiced by the bank where you have your account open.

And the third option you have is to pay as much as you can with your credit card as there are no additional charges than the open applied by your bank.

Because of the EURO, now it is easier to travel in Europe and explore this magnificent continent!

Most of the countries have the same currency as Holland currency, so you don’t have to be worried about the currency issue.

Holland money is the same as from most European countries, so you don’t have to worry about these aspects when visit Netherlands.

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation

We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance

We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money, plus COVID coverage.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected events and cost like illness, COVID, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.