Money Matters

In most shops and supermarkets it is common practice to pay using the Personal Identification Number on your bank card. The Dutch word is 'pinnen' and the machine is called 'pinautomaat'. But you can also withdraw cash from a cash point. At local markets and, for instance, the Waterlooplein, a second-hand market, you must pay in cash.

Credit cards are usually only accepted in the more expensive shops. You can buy stamps at the 'postkantoor' (post office). (If you need to send a parcel, you must also buy a 'postpak' here, in which to put it in).

Please, be aware of pickpockets! Don't carry lots of money for you might lose it or it may get stolen, which will confront you with a whole range of problems.

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT

There is a choice of banks to open an account. One very popular bank is ABN-AMRO which has a service in English.

Normally to open an account you need a so-called SOFI number first. You can get it at the Tax Office (Belastingdienst), Kingsfordweg 1, which is located near the train station of Sloterdijk. You have to bring your passport and residence permit (verblijfsvergunning). You will need to call first to make an appointment.

For the residence permit you need to be registered at a Dutch address at the municipal register (the Bevolkingsregister). For more information, call them first on 6877999. When you dial this number, you will hear a recording in Dutch. First press 2, then wait, then press 5, and then press 6 to speak to an employee.

Important!

Whatever you buy, please keep your receipts! This applies not only while you are still in the shop, but also afterwards. Particularly in department stores, the sales people can ask you to show the receipt of things you bought. Also, if something is wrong with the article, you can only go back to change it or get your money back if you can show the receipt. Otherwise the sales people are not allowed to help you. On certain articles a guarantee is given, so keep that also in a safe place.