Dutch bank account
In the Netherlands, the currency is the Euro (€). Most payments are made by debit card or smartphone — cash is rarely used but can be withdrawn at any yellow ATM, geldautomaat in Dutch. Contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere: in supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, and on campus (printers and vending machines). Credit cards are generally used only for larger or online purchases.
Opening a Dutch bank account can take a few days or weeks. Make sure you have another way to pay when you first arrive:
- A bank card that works in the Netherlands (check with your home bank)
- A credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- An online bank account (can often be opened before arrival)
During Welcome Week or your first classes, you may share group expenses. Payments are often made via Tikkie, a Dutch payment app. If you can’t use Tikkie yet, simply let others know you’ll repay them in cash or via bank transfer.