Sending money overseas in Amsterdam
With a massive number of expats and migrants living in Amsterdam sending money abroad is easy, convenient and, depending on where you are sending it, relatively inexpensive. It should be noted, though, that when you send money outside of the European Union some banks will charge a percentage of your transfer rather than a fixed fee. In most cases it is wise to transfer large sums infrequently rather than regular smaller amounts.
The only general conditions attached to sending money abroad from the Netherlands is that the sender must be over 18 and must present valid official identification such as a passport. Specific banks may have their own particular conditions, however.
Aside from Western Union (http://www.westernunion.nl) and GWK Travelex (http://www.travelex.com/nl), all of the major banks facilitate international transfers. Most expats are agreed that the easiest way to do this, certainly within the European Union, is via internet banking. It is, of course, also possible to go to the bank and make the transfer in person. GWK Travelex has branches in central station and on Leidseplein.
Most transactions within the EU will take less than five working days. Outside of the EU the wait may be longer but this will depend on the receiving bank also.
