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MONEY AND BANKS |
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The Netherlands is one of twelve European Union countries which have
changed over to a single currency, the euro (). Euro notes and coins
went into circulation on January 1, 2002, with Dutch guilders ( f )
remaining until January 28, 2002. You can exchange your guilders for
euros in banks for at least a year after this date. Euro notes are
issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, and
coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2
euros. All prices in this guide are given in euros correct at the time
of writing.
Banking hours are Mon-Fri 9am-4/5pm; in larger cities some banks also
open Thurs 7-9pm and occasionally on Saturday mornings. GWK exchange
offices , usually at train stations, open late every day (24hr at
Schiphol airport and Amsterdam Centraal Station); they change money and
travellers' cheques, and give cash advances on all the major credit
cards, for similar rates - though there's normally a minimum charge of
about 3.50. You can also change money at most VVV tourist offices, post
offices and numerous bureaux de change , though the rates will be less
favourable - many, such as Chequepoint, charge exorbitant commissions.
ATM s dispense cash, though Visa card holders may have to search for a
compatible machine. Only the more expensive shops and restaurants accept
credit cards.
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