What is the local currency?
Euro.

What denominations does it come in?
Notes (euros): 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500
Coins (cents): 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50
Coins (euros): 1, 2

In the Netherlands, they no longer use the 1- and 2-cent coins. You can still pay with them, however, the shops will round off the amounts on 5 cents.

What is the best way to exchange currency?
With a bank, post office or at a GWK money exchange office. You will find GWK offices at railway stations, the airport and other places where there are a lot of tourists.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?
Cash and bank card (debit card).

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.
Restaurants, hotels and department stores generally accept all major credit cards. However, paying by credit card is less common in smaller shops. Instead, you'll need to pay by cash or bank card. 

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?
Pre-authorized debit is an efficient way of paying gas, water and electricity bills. This way, your bills are automatically deducted from your bank account.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?
To open a bank account, you must furnish an address, passport and a sofi number (local tax/social security number). A sofi number puts you into the financial/tax and social system. Both the tax office (which provides one) and your employer will need this number, which is personally bound. For EU citizens, you simply take your passport to your local tax office and ask for a sofi number.

Non-EU citizens will need to present a valid passport, proof of registration with the Aliens Police and proof of registration from the Register of Population to receive a sofi number.

To open a bank account with the Postbank, you also need a residence permit. To open a bank account with the ABN Amro, you also need a Dutch employment contract.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?
Foreign residents will be able to find banking services in their native languages, though there are few brochures and application forms available in foreign languages.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?
No restrictions.

What are typical banking hours?
Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?
Yes.

Is there any other money information that might help me?
To pay for small items (or even for parking), many people use a form of rechargeable electronic purse called a chipknip.  Loaded at the bank, a chipknip can be either a separate card or your regular bank card with this added feature. Usually there is a machine next to the ATM machine that says “chipknip.” The amount of money in your bank account determines what you can load onto your chipknip.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.