Exchanging currency while on holiday is a worry for most tourists, especially me. I hate the idea of being ripped off and hate the idea of finding out i could of gotten a better rate just down the road, should i have waited at least 5 minutes before my local currency managed to burn a hole in my pocket.
Many people suffer the same experience from what i can tell, so many signs and no real info on where’s the best out of the glowing neon capital of the Netherlands to get your money exchanged.
First things first, hotels,Ferries and airlines often charge stupid amounts of commision in order to exchange your currency for you. Better rates can be found but if your looking for quick cash then you may be left with no option other than the high rates of the high street exchangers.
If you have the time or are like me and and hate the idea of being ripped off somewhere along the way, then you can always head into any of the banks,post offices or GWK offices scattered throughout the city centre. In fact many of these places offer the best low commission exchanging in the city.
If you have cash cards with you, then popping them into one of the machines in the side of a bank will certainly give you €’s.
Banks within the immediate city centre are as follows:
ABN-Amro
Dam 2
Tel: 0900 0024
ING-Bank
Damrak 80
Tel: 0800 7011
Postbank
Singel 250
Tel: 330 0555
There are several GWK booths and offices around Amsterdam. Offering better rates than the smaller booths on Damrak and other highly traffiked tourist areas. Addresses of some of the GWK booths can be found below:
GWK:
General telephone number: 0900 0566
Central Station
Opening Hours: 7am – 10:45pm daily. (Open 9am on Sundays)
Damrak 66
Opening hours: 10am -10pm Daily
Leidseplein 1- 3
Opening hours: 8:30am – 10pm daily
Schiphol Airport
Opening hours: 7am – 10pm daily
Amstel Station
Opening hours: 8am – 8pm during the week. Times vary on weekends.
