Upon your arrival in the Netherlands, it is important to become familiar with the Dutch banking system and how to make financial transactions.
Before arrival
If you are not coming from an EU country, we recommend changing money before your arrival. Alternatively, you can use ATM machines to withdraw money with your bank card. Note that there may be a fee for this. Do check that your bank card can be used in ATMs abroad.
Opening a bank account
We advise to open a bank account as soon as possible because credit cards are not always accepted in all shops, including supermarkets. Dutch banks provide business and personal banking. You are able to open a bank account by visiting a branch in person or online. In order to open a personal account at a Dutch bank you will need to provide the following information:
- Passport/Valid ID
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- A citizen service number (BSN)
- Proof of address
Making payments
Financial transactions in the Netherlands can be made in several ways.
- PIN (personal identification number) PIN logo: this is a debit card system commonly used for just about everything, even when credit cards are not accepted.
- Internet and phone banking: is available from any bank and it is the easiest way of dealing with money matters. Internet banking and phone banking are widely used in the Netherlands. Ask your bank for details on how to use their own internet banking system.