Moving Money as a new U.S. Expat in the Netherlands

Banking between countries is complicated - especially for Americans.

Banking between countries is complicated—especially for Americans. If you're preparing to move abroad for the first time, you’ll quickly discover that managing money in multiple currencies has a bit of a learning curve. Most Americans grow up using only the U.S. dollar, and even international travel doesn’t require much adaptation thanks to credit cards and ATMs.

But once you live abroad, you’ll need to spend in your new currency, navigate unfamiliar banking systems, and figure out how to move your money safely and affordably.

You Will Need to Find A Way to Move Your Money

Many Americans in the Netherlands use Wise to convert funds from US Dollars to Euros and pay Dutch companies via bank transfer.

When you first move abroad as an American, chances are your money is in U.S. dollars. That means you’ll need a reliable way to transfer funds into your new country’s currency.

Many Americans in the Netherlands (myself included) use Wise to move money from a U.S. bank, convert it to euros, and deposit it into a Dutch account. Wise is not a bank—it’s a financial technology company—so personally, I don’t keep large balances there. But it’s incredibly useful for transfers and occasional direct payments in euros.

Another popular platform for converting currencies is Revolut, which also offers competitive currency conversion.

These services are typically less expensive than initiating wire transfers from U.S. banks, though you should certainly check the rates at your bank.

How Wise Works

With Wise, you can:

• Transfer money from your U.S. bank

• Convert it to euros

• Pay Dutch companies directly from your Wise euro balance

• Use your Wise euro IBAN for direct bank transfers

One thing to note: transfers can take a few days to appear in your Wise account, especially the first time you send a large amount. It’s nerve‑wracking to see the money leave your U.S. account and not show up in Wise yet—it feels like it’s floating in the ether for a bit.

Payments in the EU are a Little Different

Cash Isn’t King in the Netherlands

Within the EU—especially in the Netherlands—direct bank transfers are the norm for both personal and business transactions.

In the U.S., Americans rely on third‑party apps like Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal to send money to individuals. Payments to businesses usually involve cash, checks, credit cards, or automatic withdrawals.

It's different in the Netherlands:

Cash is not king in the Netherlands.

• Checks are virtually nonexistent. I’ve lived here four and a half years and have never seen one.

• Cash is uncommon. While some European countries like Germany still love cash, the Dutch prefer tap‑to‑pay—even for tiny purchases like a €0.70 public toilet fee or a few euros for fruit at a market stall. Many vendors do not accept cash, as banks may charge extra to receive cash deposits.

• Debit is king. Most people use tap‑to‑pay directly from their checking accounts.

• Person‑to‑person transfers happen through bank transfers, not third‑party services - with the exception of Tikkie.

Tikkie: The Dutch Way to Split Bills

One Dutch bank (ABN Amro) offers an app called Tikkie, and sending someone a Tikkie is a standard way to request payment. Whether you’re splitting lunch, buying something on Facebook Marketplace, or chipping in on a gift at work, a Tikkie link makes it easy. Other banks also offer payment links inside their banking apps, but the popularity of Tikkie means it's an integral part of the Dutch lexicon.

Tip: There is no charge for direct bank transfers, and funds usually arrive instantly in the receiver's account.

While getting set up with a Dutch bank account can be a bit challenging for Americans (thanks to America's strict worldwide banking regulations), once you're in the system, it's pretty great.

Credit Cards: Rare and Often Unwelcome

Credit cards exist in the Netherlands, but they’re not widely accepted outside major cities and tourist areas. The Dutch government discourages taking on debt, so credit card culture never took off the way it did in the U.S.

In the U.S., I charged everything to my credit card to earn points, and paid my balance off monthly. Here in the Netherlands, that simply isn’t practical—most stores in my town don't accept credit cards.

Final Thoughts

Adjusting to operating in multiple currencies and direct bank transfers is just one more new thing to navigate when you move abroad. Whether you’re using Wise/Revolut, paying for an order of dog food via bank transfer, or learning to shop without credit card points, spending in your new currency and with new ways of sending funds will soon be second nature.

Lastly, a note about the use of the word "expat." If you move abroad and intend to stay, you are by definition an immigrant. However, in the context of this post, you are a recent expat of the United States, so that is why I chose to use that language here. U.S. banking laws follow U.S. citizens worldwide as long as they remain U.S. citizens, so while you may be an immigrant in your new country, you are also an expatriate of the United States.

© 2026 ​Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, immigration, financial, tax, or medical advice. Laws, regulations, and personal circumstances vary, and the content here may not apply to your specific situation. Before making any decisions, you should consult with qualified professionals such as an attorney, immigration advisor, financial planner, tax consultant, or healthcare provider. The author makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided and accepts no liability for any actions taken or outcomes resulting from its use.