Elk nadeel heeft zijn voordeel – “Every disadvantage has its advantage.” in Dutch.
Bikes all over and the colourful dreams of Amsterdam… The Netherlands is where everyone can find a piece of themselves, no matter who they are. Like the rest of the Northern European countries, the Netherlands is known for its incredible architecture, superb cuisine, and cold weather. However, the Netherlands distinguishes itself with one fact. The fact that it is actually fun! With its chilly winters and cool summers, the Netherlands welcomes people from all around the world with open arms and has something to offer everyone.
For free spirits, it might be the nightlife of Amsterdam; for families, it might be the little village of Marken; for some people, it might be a giant pint of quality wine with a canal view. Let’s not forget the stunning windmills, lovely Christmas markets and many sweet and savoury snack options available on every corner.
To end the typical puzzlement, the country’s name is definitely not Holland anymore. In 2020, Netherlands’ government rebranded itself, and they do not tolerate disrespect here. If you are in Amsterdam, you are in the province of Holland in the Netherlands.
With its high-intensity nightlife options, some might be surprised to know the Netherlands is one of the countries with the lowest average elevation, with its highest point being a hill in Vaalserberg in South Limburg, which sits at 322.5m above sea level. Since there are no steep slopes in the country, the Dutch prefer to cycle everywhere. There are around 22 million bikes in the Netherlands. It is an extremely high number compared to the country’s population, yet we cannot judge the Dutch if they like to have a bicycle for work, a weekend bicycle, and a date bicycle, can we?
The Netherlands has a growing population of over 17 million people, and thanks to the fabulous life standards it provides, the country attracts new residents from all over the world. It has been ranked as one of the most applied countries where foreigners ask for a residential visa to be a part of the charm. This is a country where people earn, live, and eat well. It has a high employment rate and provides exceptional living conditions with its excellent healthcare and education subsidised by the Dutch government, making it affordable for students.
The country has been raising extraordinary artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, influencing the world with its outstanding cuisine and attracting people from all over the world with its natural beauties and strategically created tourist attractions. Fun fact about the Netherlands, Amsterdam was planned by the country’s government to attract more tourists into the country, and the plan has been working quite well, judging by the number of people entering the country solely for the nightlife of Amsterdam alone.
About the Netherlands’ economy, we can say it has been relatively steady throughout the years. According to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the country has created and preserved a highly competitive economy that is the 17th largest in the world in 2021. It is also known that besides its high employment rate, there is a low inflation rate here.
Therefore it has a highly stable social security system. According to the 2020 World Happiness Report, The Nederlanders are the world’s sixth happiest residents. It is not surprising considering the high employment rates and well-planned social security system. Plus, we are talking about a land of hardworking, punctual, and lovely people open to new thoughts and ideas.
Choosing Payment Methods in The Netherlands
Let’s continue with its most preferred payment methods in the Netherlands if we are done with the number of details regarding how locals live. The Netherlands is an innovative country open to what’s new and improved in every area of life, and payment methods are indeed no exception.
With the improvements in technology and banking, Dutch people have started using less and less cash in the last years. Although there are different payment methods and practices in the Netherlands, most transactions happen using popular credit and debit cards. While the most popular payment method in the Netherlands is significantly credit and debit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, the country started a shift towards digital wallets at the speed of light recently.
What are the Different Types of Payment Methods in the Netherlands?
- Credit Cards in the Netherlands
As we have mentioned above, the major credit and debit cards are still the most popular payment methods in the Netherlands. If you are one of those people who cannot seem to convert using mobile payment solutions and stick to the convenience of credit cards, you will be just fine in the Netherlands. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere in the country, from taxis and restaurants to stores.
- Cash in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is not a cash-free country, yet cash usage has decreased with more options coming up thanks to growing technology. As practical as they can be, Dutch people started to prefer cards and mobile payment methods over cash. On the other hand, you do not need to worry if you are a cash user. In the Netherlands, almost all shops accept cash money. Like most European countries, the Netherlands uses the Euro as its fiat currency.
- Digital Wallets in the Netherlands
Digital wallets have become admiringly popular in the Netherlands in recent years. The preferred payment method of the Netherlands is shifting towards involving less cash every year. Instead of turning their faces towards slow and loaded traditional banking systems, the residents of this green country prefer to open digital wallets.
Minor in-store transactions and mobile payments in the Netherlands are mostly made using mobile apps or mobile wallets linked to bank accounts. People can make contact-free payments in stores, complete transactions, pay bills, and send/receive money transfers thanks to QR codes and NFC payments.
- Cryptocurrency in The Netherlands
Not surprisingly, the Netherlands is one of the world’s most cryptocurrency-friendly countries. There is no crypto capital gains tax in the Netherlands. Instead, cryptocurrencies are taxed as an asset. If you own more cryptocurrencies valuing over 50,000 EUR, you are subject to the wealth tax, which is 31%.
Many popular crypto trading platforms are also available in the Netherlands, including CryptoWallet and Coinbase, and everyone can safely trade any type of digital money. While cashless payments are getting popular in the country, some businesses started experimenting with making payments using cryptocurrencies. The Netherlands is an open-minded, science-centred country and certainly has room to try moderately new payment methods.
Jeton Wallet in the Netherlands
Hallo Nederland!
Jeton Wallet is closely familiar with Dutch lifestyle and consumer attitudes as a successful digital wallet serving in the Netherlands for many years. As an exquisite alternative to traditional banking services due to their ease in opening accounts, following transaction history via some clicks in Jeton App, and reasonable transaction fees, our digital wallet steps forward instantly.
Yes! You do not need to apply in person for a Jeton Wallet account! Just visit jeton.com and create your account through the explanatory directives on the website. Since it will not take more than some minutes, you can get a EUR IBAN instantly to manage international payments and money transfers overseas without costly exchange rates and hidden fees.
In addition to a plethora of attractive privileges, we provide our users a Visa-based debit card, Jeton Card, that can be smoothly used in both in-store and online shopping. Every single transaction will appear on the payment history in the state-of-art mobile application. Therefore, there is no room for untrustable extra charges in our operations. This is a great plus for those who are sensitive to online purchases’ safety.
Join the Jeton community today to meet our avant-garde monetary services, which will soothe your entire online experience!