Credit cards in NL, particularly for fuel?

[Murv]

Have been advised that credit cards, particularly visa, aren't widely accepted in the NL, particularly for fuel purchases.
Is that the case?

 

[Billy Blue]

Chris, I'd read that as well and so brought loads of Euros but in fact when I filled up at Stellendam on arrival, I could have used a card with no issues. In fact, one marina (Middleharnis) would only accept a card for payment and no cash. I did speak to another boat however that had issues with payments both ways i.e. cash and cards so perhaps best to be prepared.

 

[sailorman]

Supermarkets only use the Dutch Chipnik, so cash only for us
Visa more widespread use than MC
It you have a bank service card cash is easy from a bank
I have an MC Fx card ( pre loaded ) & not always accepted in marinas ( RNSYC Oostende ) but easy to go into a bank ATM & use it to obtain cash with no charges.

So a mixture of cards n cash

 

[Tradewinds]

Wot he says ^^^

Quite a few fuel barges will accept credit cards - VISA or MC
Hoorn, Medemblik to name two. I'm guessing the nearby one in Zaandam will too.
Might be handy to have a list?

Re: Supermarket: Albert Heijn's usually have an ATM in store in the foyer near the tills.

Quite a few marinas don't accept UK Cards.
Amsterdam Marina does - as does Medemblik Regatta.

Supermarkets only use the Dutch Chipnik, so cash only for us
Visa more widespread use than MC
It you have a bank service card cash is easy from a bank
I have an MC Fx card ( pre loaded ) & not always accepted in marinas ( RNSYC Oostende ) but easy to go into a bank ATM & use it to obtain cash with no charges.

So a mixture of cards n cash

 

[Murv]

Much appreciated, thanks all

 

[PeterWright]

Maybe too late for you, but I'd avoid using Sterling credit cards in foreign countries - apart from the ridiculous "service charge" some apply to every transaction, the exchange rates they work at are appalling.

We have a Euro bank account with a Eurozone bank which we top up from the UK at a much better (commercial) exchange rate and pay no service charge for payments or cash withdrawals on the associated Maestro debit card. The account costs a small annual payment. Seems to cover sailing and skiing throughout Eurozone. Within the last 12 months this has worked in Germany, Holland, Austria, Belgium, France, Spain, and Italy without problem, so I guess it will work in the whole Eurozone.

Peter

 

[Tradewinds]

I should have made it clear that I usually use a CaxtonFX Mastercard debit card. Reasonable exchange rates without extra charges and easy to top up as & when via their app.

Maybe too late for you, but I'd avoid using Sterling credit cards in foreign countries - apart from the ridiculous "service charge" some apply to every transaction, the exchange rates they work at are appalling.

We have a Euro bank account with a Eurozone bank which we top up from the UK at a much better (commercial) exchange rate and pay no service charge for payments or cash withdrawals on the associated Maestro debit card. The account costs a small annual payment. Seems to cover sailing and skiing throughout Eurozone. Within the last 12 months this has worked in Germany, Holland, Austria, Belgium, France, Spain, and Italy without problem, so I guess it will work in the whole Eurozone.

Peter

 

[sailorman]

I should have made it clear that I usually use a CaxtonFX Mastercard debit card. Reasonable exchange rates without extra charges and easy to top up as & when via their app.

I have the same card, last topped up @ 1.4 € i should have MTd my current a/c :disgust:

easy to access via a smart phone app to top up

PS
no charges on Santander CC

 

[Murv]

Thanks for that, I've got an overseas credit card as advised by the Marin lewis money experts website

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for that, I've got an overseas credit card as advised by the Marin lewis money experts website

with the fx you but when the price is right for you & not rely on "spot rate "

 

[bluerm166]

In June Visa debit accepted from Vlissingen to Texel in NL except in Friesland and Albert Heijn - worth remembering the latter as it's the largest and best stocked supermarket.Didn't try their cash machine.

 

[Tradewinds]

In June Visa debit accepted from Vlissingen to Texel in NL except in Friesland and Albert Heijn - worth remembering the latter as it's the largest and best stocked supermarket.Didn't try their cash machine.

The ING cash machines in AH accept a standard UK VISA debit card in my experience.

 

[Plum]

The ING cash machines in AH accept a standard UK VISA debit card in my experience.

Spent 10 days there last month and three different places said they could not accept either my Mastercard credit or Visa debit card when they saw the card but every time i asked them to try anyway, it worked!!

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Dan Tribe]

It is very patchy.
Jos Boone in Middelburg didn't want to accept any credit card, only debit cards. Albert Heijn, so far, won't accept Visa or Mastercard.
Chandlery and restaurants in Enkhuizen were fine with either but harbourmaster at Medemblick was very sniffy "No, you need "proper" card". I assume he meant Maestro.
I advise always have some cash handy.

 

[Tradewinds]

Re: Medemblik: I'm guessing it was in one of the town marinas and not the 'modern' Regatta marina which is part of the Jachthavengroep (which includes Amsterdam Marina).
I hauled there last September and paid with a UK VISA card.
As you say, it's all a bit hit and miss but at least there are plenty of ATMs you can use.

It is very patchy.
Jos Boone in Middelburg didn't want to accept any credit card, only debit cards. Albert Heijn, so far, won't accept Visa or Mastercard.
Chandlery and restaurants in Enkhuizen were fine with either but harbourmaster at Medemblick was very sniffy "No, you need "proper" card". I assume he meant Maestro.
I advise always have some cash handy.