Dutch Fluency 
Paying by Card and Contactless at the Checkout
In the Netherlands, paying by card is the norm. Most people pay with a debit card or their phone. Cash is used less and less.
Contactless payment is fast and easy. You hold your card or phone near the payment terminal. For small amounts, you don't need to enter your PIN. In this guide, you'll learn how it works and what to say at the checkout.
What is paying by card and contactless?
Paying by card means you pay with your bank card. You insert the card into the terminal or hold it in front. Then you enter your PIN. Contactless payment is even faster: you hold your card or phone close to the terminal. For amounts up to 25 euros (check with your bank), you don't need to enter your PIN.
For amounts above 25 euros, you often still need to enter your PIN. Sometimes the terminal also asks for a PIN for security. You can also pay with your phone or smartwatch if you've linked it to your bank.
Example sentences at the checkout
- I'd like to pay by card, please.
- Can I pay by card?
- Can I pay contactless?
- How much do I need to pay?
- I'll pay with my phone.
- The payment went through, right?
What do you do at the checkout?
When you buy something, you say what you want. The cashier tells you the amount. Then you take out your debit card or phone. Hold the card near the terminal or insert it into the slot. Wait until the light turns green or you hear a sound. If it asks for a PIN, type it in on the keypad. Don't forget to take your card back!
Sometimes the terminal asks if you want a receipt. You can say 'yes' or 'no'. If you want a receipt, the terminal prints one.
Common mistakes and tips
- Tip: Hold your card still near the terminal. Don't move too fast, or it won't work.
- Tip: Check if your debit card supports contactless. Sometimes you need to activate it first through your bank.
- Mistake: Forgetting to take your card out of the terminal. Many people leave their card behind. Always check that you have it back.
- Mistake: Standing too close to the terminal with two cards in your wallet. Take out the right card.
How to practice this in Dutch
Want to practice the sentences you use at the checkout? In the Dutch Fluency NT2 app, you'll find exercises for speaking and listening. You'll learn how to ask to pay by card and how to respond to questions from the cashier. Practice a few minutes every day and you'll get better and better!
Practice now with the civic integration A2 course →Practice now
- Practice speaking skills for at the checkout
- Listening exercises: conversations at the checkout
- More articles about life in the Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to pay by card, or can I also pay with cash?
Most shops accept card payments, but not all accept cash. At supermarkets, you can usually pay with cash, but at small shops sometimes not. Just ask: 'Can I pay with cash?'
What if I forget my PIN?
Try again. After three wrong attempts, your card will be blocked. Then call your bank to request a new PIN.
Is contactless payment safe?
Yes, it's safe. For large amounts, you need to enter your PIN. You can also set a limit with your bank. If you lose your card, call your bank immediately to block it.
Can I pay by card in the Netherlands with my foreign card?
That depends on your bank. Most international cards work in the Netherlands, but there may be fees. Check with your own bank.
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