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Payments abroad: checklist

Heading abroad? It is a good idea to find out how you should make your payments there. Maybe the country you are travelling to only accepts cash payments, or maybe credit cards are the norm. Use our handy checklist to ensure you're well-prepared for your trip.

  1. Check your payment profile

    Your debit card is set to the Europe payment profile by default. Before you leave to go abroad, check whether you need to set your payment profile to World. You also need to use the World profile for some European countries. Consider temporarily adjusting your payment limit too. You can make both changes through the ABN AMRO app or Internet Banking via 'Self service'.

  2. Check if your Maestro debit card is accepted

    Your Maestro debit card might not be accepted everywhere in the world. This can happen in places like:

    • The United Kingdom
    • Australia
    • The United States
    • Portugal
    • India
    • Qatar
    • Abu Dhabi 

    Unfortunately, ABN AMRO can't influence this. We suggest contacting a local bank, travel agency, or embassy to check if your card will work there. It's always wise to carry an alternative payment method, such as a credit card.

  3. Got a credit card?

    It's useful to take both a credit card and your debit card when travelling abroad. Credit cards are accepted in more shops and restaurants than debit cards. If you want to hire a car abroad, you will need a credit card. If you pay for your trip using your credit card, you will usually get free insurance against delays to your luggage and flights.

  4. Check the currency and exchange rate

    Travelling to a non-EU country? You can't use euros like in the Netherlands; you'll need the local currency. Check the currency and exchange rate before you go to avoid any surprises. Keep in mind that exchange rates change daily. Discover all you need to know about foreign money, currencies, and exchange rates.

  5. Taking cash abroad

    If you're going to be travelling outside of Europe, it may be useful to take a small amount of cash with you. You can change your money in advance at a bureau de change.

Download the ABN AMRO app

Get the ABN AMRO app to manage your banking on the go. You can block your debit card, transfer cash, or change your payment limit with ease.

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Fees for foreign currency withdrawals

Card payments and cash withdrawals abroad cost money. View the rates for foreign money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I withdraw money abroad?

At an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), you'll usually choose between 'withdrawal without conversion' (paying in the local currency) and 'conversion to your home currency' (paying in euros).

For 'withdrawal without conversion', we convert the local amount to euros for you using ABN AMRO's exchange rate. If you choose 'conversion to your home currency', the foreign bank will convert the amount.

Foreign banks often use unfavourable exchange rates. Therefore, it's better to choose 'withdrawal without conversion'. Sometimes, you can withdraw less money abroad than is permitted in the Netherlands.

Is it better to withdraw money using a debit card or using a credit card?

You can withdraw money abroad using your debit card or your credit card. If you withdraw cash using your credit card, we will charge an additional fee of 4% over the total amount. You may also pay extra when you withdraw money using a debit card. The machine will indicate this in advance. It is usually cheaper to withdraw cash using your debit card.

How can I make payments abroad?

While abroad, most restaurants and shops accept debit and credit card payments. By paying this way, you automatically use the exchange rate valid at the time, which changes daily. In most cases, there are no extra fees for card payments in these places.

When you make a PIN transaction, you are sometimes asked to choose between 'withdrawal without conversion' (paying in the local currency) and 'conversion to your home currency' (paying in euros). For 'withdrawal without conversion', we convert the local amount to euros for you using ABN AMRO's exchange rate. If you choose 'conversion to your home currency', the foreign bank will convert the amount. Foreign banks often use unfavourable exchange rates. Therefore, it's better to choose 'withdrawal without conversion'.

A tour operator may charge an additional percentage on top of the amount you have to pay. In such cases, it might be worth calculating if paying in cash is more cost-effective.

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