Amsterdam - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
They're a cash society, mostly via a PIN debit card (not a credit card) with a chip in it, issued by a European bank. American Express is used in some places in Amsterdam proper and the major department stores. Having a chip is your credit cards are highly recommended. - Oct 2014
If you can, ask your American credit card company if you can get a card with a chip--not just the magnetic strip that is typical in the U.S. Many locations in the Netherlands only have machines that accept cards with chips (e.g. parking meters). Also be aware that Albert Heijn, the main grocery chain, does not accept foreign credit cards. So, you either have to pay with cash or use a local bank's PIN card. I heard that they may change that policy, but they hadn't when we left in late 2013. Otherwise, it is very easy to use credit cards and ATMs are ubiquitous--just make sure you remember your PIN! - Jun 2014
