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Dollars hard to sell in Amsterdam

by Anna Brones (RSS feed) on Mar 19th 2008 at 12:30PM

You may be sick of hearing how low the dollar is, but today we have just another example of how badly the American currency is fairing. In Amsterdam, small currency outlets are refusing to buy dollars for euros, making it difficult for tourists to exchange their money.

"Our dollar is worth maybe zero over here," said Mary Kelly, an American tourist from Indianapolis, Indiana as reported by Reuters. "It's hard to find a place to exchange. We have to go downtown, to the central station or post office."

Small currency exchanges are different than banks and other institutions in that they don't want to be holding a currency that will devalue and be worth less next time they have to sell it. One euro is currently worth $1.58, compared to $1.47 a month ago. If you want to make your travel money last, it's probably time to find a job in Europe.

Filed under: Business, Europe, Netherlands, News

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Moody75 Mar 19th 2008 4:21PM

I was in Amsterdam last week and changed US dollars (cash) at several locations without any issue.
I think this article is bogus. Also, it says "small currency outlets in Amsterdam".....hardly troubling.

mike Mar 19th 2008 7:17PM

ime going this weekend i hope i dont have trouble can i exchange cash at the schiphol airport?

Michael Mar 19th 2008 9:37PM

There are indeed a lot of small currency outlets but you could always exchange your dollars at Schiphol or Amsterdam Central's GWK. It's a bit of an exaggeration to say you have to go "downtown" as Amsterdam just isn't very big and most tourists would be staying downtown anyway. But I really wouldn't worry about it too much. Have a great time in Amsterdam.

Phil Barnes Apr 15th 2008 12:12PM

I agree with Michael, it's much worse for Americans visiting the UK. The dollar is worth even less next to the pound. It will also probably get worse before it gets better! http://www.travelsavvy-amsterdam.com/survival.html - this might help.

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