How to use an ATM in the Netherlands

Globalization has led to the fact that almost the entire territory of the planet can receive approximately the same set of services, including banking. However, each country has its own nuances that make it difficult for foreigners to get the right services. Cash withdrawal is an important service, as it is not possible to pay by cards everywhere. Learn how to find an ATM and use it in the Netherlands.

General information about ATMs in the Netherlands

ATM services are extremely important for foreigners coming to the Netherlands with Visa and MasterCard cards. The fact is that almost all cards of these payment systems in the Netherlands are considered credit, which means that the one who accepts your payment pays the bank commission. As a result, most small businesses - shops, cafes, etc. — do not accept payment by these cards.

At the same time, the circulation of cash in the Netherlands is decreasing. Currently, only 23% of payments are made in cash, and their volumes continue to decrease. This led to the fact that banks began to massively close the ATMs they had, as they became unprofitable. Of course, this state of affairs did not suit the clients.

For this reason, the largest Dutch banks - ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank - created the Geldmaat company, in which they became co-owners. Geldmaat deals specifically with ATMs. The use of a single service operator has reduced the total number of ATMs and increased the profitability of this business. In fact, the network of yellow Geldmaat ATMs is the only one.

How to find an ATM?

The Geldmaat network already has over 4700 ATMs in the Netherlands. It is planned that their total number will be 5200. The company's development strategy assumes that any person can find a yellow ATM no further than 5 km from the place where he needed it.

The Geldmaat website offers a convenient map to search for them.

Withdrawal limits

Geldmaat does not set limits on cash withdrawals. However, such limits - both in terms of the amount and the number of withdrawals per day - are usually set by card issuing banks. Accordingly, the answer to the question of how much money you can withdraw depends on your card and the agreement signed with the bank at the time of its receipt.

ATM opening hours

The vast majority of ATMs in the Netherlands are open from 6.00 am to 23.00 pm. Only in entertainment areas you can find ATMs that work until 2 am. Of course, this is not very convenient, but in the Netherlands there was a long series of ATM robberies with explosions. In those days, a time limit was introduced. At first it was a temporary measure, and then they decided that there was no need to withdraw money at night, and the temporary became permanent.

Can I deposit money into my account through an ATM?

Some Geldmaat ATMs allow you to accept cash in sealed plastic bags. This function is used by entrepreneurs to collect revenue. Only entrepreneurs who have an appropriate agreement with the bank can deposit money. During the time set for accepting cash, the ATM is under physical guard: the entrepreneur must first be identified by the guards and only then load the sealed bag with money into the ATM. This measure is also associated with a series of ATM explosions - bombs were often placed in such packages.

There are ATMs that still accept cash. But there are few of them: they are usually located either directly in the bank branch or next to them. Whether it is possible to make a deposit to your account in them, whether it will be paid or free - all this is determined by your personal agreement with the bank.

Get more information important for life in the Netherlands, in the "Useful" section of our website.