Credit Cards in the Netherlands

[Gavioliuk]

A poster on another thread states that NS now accept credit cards at all stations. If this is so it is a major change for visitors buying tickets in the Netherlands.

Can anyone else confirm this change has been fully implemented?

 

[MisterT]

As a Dutch train driver I can confirm that credit cards are now accepted at NS ticket machines. Please note that only cards with an EMV chip/PIN code/Chip and PIN are accepted.
http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/arra...g-tickets/ns-self-service-ticket-machine.html

 

[maxiboy]

Yes, all NS TVMs as well as counters now accept MasterCard and Visa in addition to Maestro and V Pay. However, a surcharge of € 0.50 will be applied to the purchase.

=> http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/arra...g-tickets/ns-self-service-ticket-machine.html

I'm afraid those machines most likely won't tell Visa Debit from Visa and Debit MasterCard from (regular) MasterCard though. Similar to DB's surcharge that also applies to international debit cards. :roll:

 

[Gavioliuk]

Thank you for the prompt replies.

 

[anme]

You can buy print-at-home tickets for journeys in the Netherlands from the Belgian Railways international website, using international credit cards and without surcharge. Prices are typically a few 10s of cents higher than buying in the Netherlands.

Also, tickets for some international journeys between NL and BE are much cheaper when bought in BE than NL, and you can take advantage of the Belgian prices by buying from the same website, even if you're in the Netherlands.

See http://www.b-europe.be/

 

[radamfi]

Sometimes the fares from Belgian Railways are cheaper than from a Dutch ticket machine.

 

[Groningen]

And than you wonder why service in the Netherlands is better than in Belgium. Getting much money from the government in subsidy in Belgium, even service during the night hours in the Netherlands. Not having the problem of a dutch and french part in the country. Last train from Brussel to Antwerpen at 0.15 (and back 23.48). Many early and late trains removed; trains becoming slower. Does the NMBS attempt to make a profit. There are voices to raise the fares.