A quick history of Dutch money
From guilders to euros
If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands and want a fun slice of history, here’s one for you: before the euro arrived, the Dutch used the guilder (in Dutch “gulden”). The guilder officially dates back centuries — some tracking its roots to the 15th century. It was only replaced by the euro in 2002 in everyday cash circulation.
Why the Dutch guilder was so iconic
The Dutch guilder wasn’t just any old coin: in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age, it became one of Europe’s trusted currencies thanks to the Netherlands’ booming trade, shipping and finance. The word “gulden” literally comes from a Middle Dutch adjective meaning “golden”.
What was the Dutch guilder worth?
The look and feel of Dutch banknotes
The banknotes and coins changed over time, but if you ever spot an old Dutch gulden note or coin you’ll see portraits of monarchs like Queen Beatrix and inscriptions like “God zij met ons”.
Coins and notes of the Dutch guilder
Before the euro came along, the Dutch guilder had its own colorful coins and notes that locals loved to nickname. The 1-cent coin was often called a duppie, while the 25-cent coin went by kwartje. Larger denominations, like the 1-guilder coin, were affectionately known as a gulden or sometimes just pieks in casual talk. Dutch banknotes were famous for their bold, artistic designs — the bright purple 10-guilder note featuring Frans Hals was a favorite. Each coin and note told a little story of Dutch life and design, making the guilder more than just money — it was a piece of everyday culture.
When did the Netherlands switch to the euro?
How the change happened
The transition to the euro in the Netherlands was phased: the euro was introduced in non-cash form in 1999, but physical euro banknotes and coins only became the sole legal tender on 1 March 2002, when the guilder left everyday circulation. The fixed exchange rate was exactly 2.20371 Dutch guilders for 1 euro.
What locals thought about saying goodbye to the guilder
Many Dutch people felt a bit of nostalgia for the guilder—after all, it had been part of their identity for decades. For you as a visitor, it’s a cool little piece of culture and history to mention when chatting with locals in cafés or markets.
Can you still use or exchange Dutch guilders today?
Where to exchange old money
You cannot pay with Dutch guilders in shops today. However, old banknotes of the guilder can still be exchanged at the national bank De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) under certain conditions.
How much is a Dutch guilder worth now?
The standard conversion rate at the time of exit was 2.20371 guilders = 1 euro. If you’re exchanging very old notes or coins, the value may differ based on collector interest.
Tips for travellers visiting the Netherlands today
Paying in euros made easy
These days everything in the Netherlands is priced in euros, so you don’t need to worry about guilders. But knowing the back-story makes your trip more interesting when you notice old signs or ask locals about “gulden memories”.
Using cards, cash, and mobile payments in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is super traveller-friendly when it comes to payments: most places accept cards (Visa, MasterCard), and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. So focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about currencies.
A little nostalgia for travellers who love history
Where to see old Dutch money (museums and collections)
If you’re into history, you might check out coin and banknote collections in Dutch museums. It’s a neat way to see how money looked and felt before our digital world took over.
Final thoughts before your trip to the Netherlands
What to remember about Dutch currency history
The key takeaway: before the euro, the Netherlands used the Dutch guilder (gulden). It lasted for centuries and played a big role in European trade and economics. The changeover to the euro in 2002 marked the end of that era.
How to make the most of your visit
When you’re in Dutch cafés, markets or historic spots, drop in a casual line about the “old guilders” and you’ll strike up a fun conversation. It’s an easy way to connect with local history and show you did your homework.
Ready to explore the Netherlands? Pack your curiosity, enjoy the coins of the past (even if just in memory) and savour the present-day euro experience. Safe travels!
