Contactless on Netherlands buses?

[Howardh]

Reading that the OV Chipkaart is to be discontinued (hurrah!!) as contactless takes over.

Thinking of Rotterdam airport to Rotterdam Centraal vis No33 Bus, then train to Haarlem; can you just stroll up to the bus and use contactless for the fare, and if so do you also have to touch out?? Will be using the NS app for the train journey.

 

[johncrossley]

Reading that the OV Chipkaart is to be discontinued (hurrah!!) as contactless takes over.

I haven't seen any such news. I've only seen that OVPay (using a bank card as the ticket) will run in tandem with the OV-Chipkaart. The OV-Chipkaart is still needed for season tickets. Similar to how contactless in London hasn't meant the end of Oyster.

Thinking of Rotterdam airport to Rotterdam Centraal vis No33 Bus, then train to Haarlem; can you just stroll up to the bus and use contactless for the fare, and if so do you also have to touch out?? Will be using the NS app for the train journey.

You can usually buy a ticket from the driver on buses in the Netherlands using a bankcard, even using Chip & PIN. But it usually costs a lot more than with an OV-Chipkaart. RET have a 2 hour ticket for 4.00 euro which can also be bought using the RET app. Rotterdam doesn't appear to be one of the trial areas for OVPay, so you can't use your bank card as the ticket just yet.

 

[DanielB]

Reading that the OV Chipkaart is to be discontinued (hurrah!!) as contactless takes over.

It isn't. It's just gradually replaced by OVpay also known as the OV chipkaart 2.0. Which simply means you'll be able to use anything to pay: both a contactless bank-/creditcard or the next generation OV-chipkaart for season tickets.

Thinking of Rotterdam airport to Rotterdam Centraal vis No33 Bus, then train to Haarlem; can you just stroll up to the bus and use contactless for the fare, and if so do you also have to touch out?? Will be using the NS app for the train journey.

RET hasn't introduced OVpay yet, as johncrossley mentions correctly. But the system still works the same way, so you'll have to touch out as well to allow for calculation of the correct fare.
For your trip it's unfortunate that the route 37 bus doesn't run from Delft to the Airport anymore (due to lack of demand during COVID), as EBS Haaglanden was recently added to the list of operators which introduced OVpay.

 

[dutchflyer]

The companies that as for now also allow direct use of bankcards are TransDEV in Gooi (around Hilversum), a very few other TransDev concessions, running as Connexxion (the follow up of long ago once was the ´railways buses´) and this EBS (by Egged/Israel).
The 4€ single of RET is not quite cheap, but as it is a single flat fare it does mean that in some cases it works for longer distance out to be cheaper as using chipcard (which charges per 100 mrs). F.e. you could use it to go by metro (both former raillines) van Hook of Holland-change Rotterdam-to den Haag (even though very last segment is officially not RET). (with fixed start of 99cts+about 16 ct/ KM after 19 KM-changes possible). As daniel explains: the system of always have to check IN and OUT on same car/system will remain very much in force-due to distance related fare system. And the very annoying and confusing need to do that also when changing train-companies-at least that is something in UK with its bewildering arrangement of railfares has succeeded to avoid. Here and there companies are also trying out other systems-like I yesterday saw in Eindhoven/Hermes (not yet their airportbus) with an app that does it all-automatic with GPS.

 

[tivoli]

We used bus from CenterParcs at De Eemhof to Almere Centrum, Chip & Pin machine was broken, same bus used on route so journeys were free.

 

[DanielB]

We used bus from CenterParcs at De Eemhof to Almere Centrum, Chip & Pin machine was broken, same bus used on route so journeys were free.

They are relatively rare, but exactly that route is one you can be very lucky indeed. Officially part of the OV Regio IJsselmond franchise, but due to it being very isolated from their network operated by a subcontractor having only one bus in that region. (Route 160 is mainly aimed at getting staff to CenterParcs, thus starting/ending it's day in Almere). So when equipment breaks down, they'll need to arrange another bus from quite far away and passengers travel for free.

 

[Howardh]

Thanks, not to bothered about saving money as that's the only bus trip I expect to take; I might still get the Anon OV card which would be handy for the trams if I visited Amsterdam; but I find the whole situation very confusing as a tourist!

 

[johncrossley]

Thanks, not to bothered about saving money as that's the only bus trip I expect to take; I might still get the Anon OV card which would be handy for the trams if I visited Amsterdam; but I find the whole situation very confusing as a tourist!

In most areas there are day tickets which might be cheaper than an OV-Chipkaart anyway. There are lots of day tickets (or for multiple days) covering Amsterdam which many tourists find easier, especially as some of them combine train travel to the airport. Some tickets cover just the city, some cover a wider area (at higher cost).

 

[tasky]

Will you be able to use a foreign Mastercard etc with OV Pay? Out of all the countries in Europe to use a card in as a foreigner the Netherlands is uniquely difficult, I've found – near-universal contactless acceptance, but very frequently only for domestic Maestro bank cards, because the Dutch tend not to use credit cards very much for everyday purposes.

 

[johncrossley]

Will you be able to use a foreign Mastercard etc with OV Pay? Out of all the countries in Europe to use a card in as a foreigner the Netherlands is uniquely difficult, I've found – near-universal contactless acceptance, but very frequently only for domestic Maestro bank cards, because the Dutch tend not to use credit cards very much for everyday purposes.

Buses and trains already accept Mastercard, Visa and even American Express, which some UK transport operators don't accept. The days when NS only accepted Maestro and V-Pay are long gone.

Maestro is in the process of being replaced by Mastercard across Europe, so shops like Albert Heijn will have to start accepting Mastercard, if they don't already.

 

[DanielB]

Buses and trains already accept Mastercard, Visa and even American Express, which some UK transport operators don't accept. The days when NS only accepted Maestro and V-Pay are long gone.

I've indeed seen foreign passengers use a creditcard for paying their ticket on the bus and ticket machines in general accept them as well. But there payment happens via a regular payment terminal you'd also find in a store, so that's why it usually will work.
The real confirmation comes from www.ovpay.nl which, after a bit of a search, mentions that foreign debit cards with Maestro or V-pay and foreign credit cards from Mastercard and Visa are accepted (as long as contactless payment is possible)

Maestro is in the process of being replaced by Mastercard across Europe, so shops like Albert Heijn will have to start accepting Mastercard, if they don't already.

Maestro is just a logo indicating it's a debit card with Mastercard technology, nothing more. Dutch banks already mention that abroad you'll be able to use your debit card anywhere where either Maestro or Mastercard is accepted. (V-pay debit cards are relatively uncommon)
But as the creditcard is not that common in the Netherlands, there are still stores which don't accept credit cards at all despite acceptance of debit cards with Mastercard (Maestro) or Visa (V-Pay) technology is universal.

 

[tivoli]

They are relatively rare, but exactly that route is one you can be very lucky indeed. Officially part of the OV Regio IJsselmond franchise, but due to it being very isolated from their network operated by a subcontractor having only one bus in that region. (Route 160 is mainly aimed at getting staff to CenterParcs, thus starting/ending it's day in Almere). So when equipment breaks down, they'll need to arrange another bus from quite far away and passengers travel for free.

Most passengers including Dutch holidaymakers used a Chipkaart which worked, I don't think think they lost much due to a few passengers not being able to use Chip & Pin.

 

[johncrossley]

Maestro is just a logo indicating it's a debit card with Mastercard technology, nothing more. Dutch banks already mention that abroad you'll be able to use your debit card anywhere where either Maestro or Mastercard is accepted. (V-pay debit cards are relatively uncommon)
But as the creditcard is not that common in the Netherlands, there are still stores which don't accept credit cards at all despite acceptance of debit cards with Mastercard (Maestro) or Visa (V-Pay) technology is universal.

There is some confusion caused by retailers saying that they accept debit cards but not credit cards. In other countries, for example the UK, debit cards are supplied with either the MasterCard and Visa logo, but neither work in some Dutch shops, even though they are debit cards. So they treat a foreign MasterCard debit card differently to a Maestro debit card. Maybe that will change when the Maestro brand is retired. In the UK, credit cards are normally accepted at the same retailers that debit cards are with very few exceptions. Online gambling is the most significant exclusion.

 

[rvdborgt]

There is some confusion caused by retailers saying that they accept debit cards but not credit cards. In other countries, for example the UK, debit cards are supplied with either the MasterCard and Visa logo, but neither work in some Dutch shops, even though they are debit cards. So they treat a foreign MasterCard debit card differently to a Maestro debit card. Maybe that will change when the Maestro brand is retired. In the UK, credit cards are normally accepted at the same retailers that debit cards are with very few exceptions. Online gambling is the most significant exclusion.

Currently, Visa and Mastercard debit card payments work the same way as their credit card equivalents. Many shops in the Netherlands don't accept credit cards because credit card payments are a lot more expensive for them and that also means Visa and Mastercard debit cards aren't accepted.
I also hope that will change but don't hold your breath. If credit card payments remain expensive for the receiver, then they'll find a way not to accept them.

 

[Howardh]

R/e cards, abroad I use the Post office Travelcard where there are no charges, and it works like a debit card with pre-loaded cash. Been able to use it everywhere, and I hope the same in NL!

 

[tasky]

R/e cards, abroad I use the Post office Travelcard where there are no charges, and it works like a debit card with pre-loaded cash. Been able to use it everywhere, and I hope the same in NL!

That looks like a Mastercard badged card (similar to e.g. a Revolut) so there will be shops in the Netherlands in which it won't work (it sounds like it will work on transport that accepts contactless from what others are saying)

 

[johncrossley]

Currently, Visa and Mastercard debit card payments work the same way as their credit card equivalents. Many shops in the Netherlands don't accept credit cards because credit card payments are a lot more expensive for them and that also means Visa and Mastercard debit cards aren't accepted.
I also hope that will change but don't hold your breath. If credit card payments remain expensive for the receiver, then they'll find a way not to accept them.

According to

https://www.mastercard.com/content/dam/public/mastercardcom/eu/europe-lfi/europeaninterchange/pdfs/Website_Netherlands_Intracountry_Interchange_Fees_10_05_22.pdf

the interchange fees charged by Mastercard in the Netherlands for both Mastercard debit and Maestro are 0.02 EUR. Mastercard credit is charged at 0.3%.

 

[riceuten]

Maestro is just a logo indicating it's a debit card with Mastercard technology, nothing more. Dutch banks already mention that abroad you'll be able to use your debit card anywhere where either Maestro or Mastercard is accepted. (V-pay debit cards are relatively uncommon)
But as the creditcard is not that common in the Netherlands, there are still stores which don't accept credit cards at all despite acceptance of debit cards with Mastercard (Maestro) or Visa (V-Pay) technology is universal.

When I last visited the Netherlands, some AHs and other smaller retailers had a no cash, local Maestro only policy - MasterCard Debit was also refused.

Transaction declined: why don’t my bank cards work in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, cash isn’t king – Maestro is. But, while cash is also widely accepted, you may be surprised when arriving at this popular country that

dutchreview.com

 

[johncrossley]

When I last visited the Netherlands, some AHs

I presume you are talking about the 'to go' convenience stores which are card only. They often accept credit cards, which most AH stores don't. Some, as you say, don't (or didn't) accept anything but Maestro or V-Pay, so can't (or couldn't) be used by people without those cards because of the cashless aspect. But I visited one quite recently that accepts credit cards that didn't accept them the previous time I was there.

 

[riceuten]

I presume you are talking about the 'to go' convenience stores which are card only. They often accept credit cards, which most AH stores don't. Some, as you say, don't (or didn't) accept anything but Maestro or V-Pay, so can't (or couldn't) be used by people without those cards because of the cashless aspect. But I visited one quite recently that accepts credit cards that didn't accept them the previous time I was there.

Looks as if they all will by the end of 2022, but was hugely irksome before.

There is a rise in a lot of countries like Sweden and Norway to use apps like Swish (Sweden) and Vipps (Norway) which replace cards with a QR code that allows for instant transfer of funds. There are already shops that only accept these (and don't accept cash), and you need a Swedish/Norwegian ID and bank account to be able to use it.

 

[Howardh]

Surely this is putting off visitors who are used to cards instead of cash? Also I'm surprised an EU citizen can't have a bank account in another EU country (?).

 

[tasky]

When I last visited the Netherlands, some AHs and other smaller retailers had a no cash, local Maestro only policy - MasterCard Debit was also refused.

Transaction declined: why don’t my bank cards work in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, cash isn’t king – Maestro is. But, while cash is also widely accepted, you may be surprised when arriving at this popular country that

dutchreview.com

Yes this is particularly galling because countries that are bad at card acceptance tend to love cash... but NL is very into cards, but only their cards

 

[riceuten]

Surely this is putting off visitors who are used to cards instead of cash? Also I'm surprised an EU citizen can't have a bank account in another EU country (?).

It is. It's possible (but not easy) to have non-UK bank accounts - I have Dutch, Belgian, Italian and German accounts, though the latter looks likely to close. I have five different Euro denominated UK accounts outside of this. But if various countries want to opt out of accepting credit or debit cards and replacing it with their own proprietary systems, they can do this. I don't think the effect on tourist markets are foremost on many trader's minds, particularly if they don't live in a touristy area. An EEA/EU citizen can have an account in another UK country, but the bank in the other country doesn't need to accept them. It is also incredibly difficult for foreigners to open accounts in the UK when they first come here.

 

[DanielB]

I presume you are talking about the 'to go' convenience stores which are card only. They often accept credit cards, which most AH stores don't. Some, as you say, don't (or didn't) accept anything but Maestro or V-Pay, so can't (or couldn't) be used by people without those cards because of the cashless aspect. But I visited one quite recently that accepts credit cards that didn't accept them the previous time I was there.

Most AH to go stores, definetely the ones near touristy areas, do accept creditcards. In regular supermarkets this is more rare.
But really card only stores are rare here. Even in an AH to go with their massive self checkout area there is always one cash register were cash payment is possible. It might be a bit hidden, but it's there.

The only place which is card only is public transport, but in buses and trams creditcards are accepted.
At ticket machines one might have bad luck, but then just try another one. Had the challenge myself recently as well: trying to activate a prepaid creditcard by doing a payment with PIN wouldn't work at an NS ticket machine, but did work at an AH to go.