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Netherlands,
Money
Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including The Netherlands). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the Dutch Guilder was in circulation until 28 January 2002, when it was completely replaced by the Euro. Euro (&Euro;) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of &Euro;500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of &Euro;2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Currency exchange: Exchange offices are indicated by the letters GWK. GWK is a national organisation with currency exchange offices at major railway stations, at Schiphol Airport and at the border crossings with Germany and Belgium. Hotels tend to charge high commissions. Verkoopt means sell, while Koopt means buy.
Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency.
Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Euro against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | | £1.00= | 1.50 | 1.49 | 1.42 | 1.46 | | $1.00= | 0.84 | 0.80 | 0.75 | 0.77 |
Banking hours: Mon 1300-1600; Tues-Fri 0900-1600. GWK offices are open seven days a week.
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