How to use Wise in the Netherlands as an expat
Managing money across borders is one of the most common challenges expats face in the Netherlands. From earning a salary in euros to sending money abroad and paying everyday expenses, traditional banks often add complexity, delays, and hidden costs.
Wise provides a practical alternative. With a multi-currency account, a European IBAN, and a debit card that works internationally, Wise allows expats to manage local and global finances from a single platform — transparently and efficiently.
Table of contents
- At a glance: Wise in the Netherlands
- About Wise
- How to use Wise for money transfers
- How to open a Wise multi-currency account
- How to use a Wise account in the Netherlands
- How to receive money with Wise
- How to get a Wise card in the Netherlands
- How to use the Wise card in the Netherlands
- Using Wise digital cards
- Using Wise Business in the Netherlands
- Wise large-amount transfers
- Is Wise safe and regulated?
- How to contact Wise support
- Useful resources
At a glance: Wise in the Netherlands
With a Wise EUR account, expats in the Netherlands receive local EUR account details (IBAN), allowing them to get paid, pay bills, and set up direct debits just like residents — while still managing money internationally.
Key Wise features for expats
| Feature | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Wise transfers | Send money to 140+ countries at the mid-market exchange rate |
| Wise account | Hold and convert 40+ currencies, receive money in 20+ currencies |
| Wise card | Spend in 150+ countries with low conversion costs |
| Wise Business | Multi-currency accounts, payment tools, and business debit cards |
| Large transfers | Discounts, fast delivery, and dedicated support for high-value payments |
About Wise
Wise is a global financial technology company built to make international money management fairer and more transparent. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate and shows fees upfront, without hidden markups.
For expats in the Netherlands, Wise offers flexibility: receive income locally, send money abroad, travel, or manage finances across multiple countries — all from one app.
How to use Wise for money transfers
Wise lets you see the exchange rate, fees, and delivery time before confirming a transfer. Most payments arrive within minutes or one business day.
How to send money with Wise
- Log in or create a Wise account
- Select Send
- Add a recipient (bank details, email, or Wise tag)
- Enter the amount and currency
- Review fees and exchange rate
- Confirm and track the transfer in real time
How to open a Wise multi-currency account
Opening a Wise account in the Netherlands takes only a few minutes.
Steps
- Register via the Wise app or website
- Choose a personal or business account
- Enter personal details and address
- Verify your phone number
- Upload ID and proof of address
- Open a EUR balance and add funds
Verification usually completes within 1–2 working days.
How to use a Wise account in the Netherlands
With a Wise account, expats can:
- Receive salary payments via a Dutch/EU IBAN
- Pay rent, utilities, and subscriptions
- Hold and convert 40+ currencies
- Send international transfers directly from balances
- Use digital cards for safer online shopping
- Separate money using budgeting tools (jars/groups)
How to receive money with Wise
Receiving money is simple and low-cost.
- EUR payments: Free SEPA transfers using your personal IBAN
- Foreign currencies: Receive money like a local using Wise account details (USD, GBP, AUD, etc.)
- SWIFT transfers: Supported with low fixed fees
You can hold funds in foreign currencies or convert them when exchange rates are favourable.
How to get a Wise card in the Netherlands
The Wise debit card is linked directly to your multi-currency account.
- One-time card fee: €7
- Standard delivery: up to 14 days
- Express delivery available
- Digital card available instantly
How to order
- Open and verify a Wise account
- Go to the Cards section
- Pay the card fee
- Choose delivery
- Activate with a chip-and-PIN payment
How to use the Wise card in the Netherlands
The Wise card works anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted.
You can:
- Pay in shops, supermarkets, and online
- Withdraw up to €200/month free from ATMs
- Add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Use OVpay to tap in and out of Dutch public transport
Payments are taken from the relevant currency balance or converted automatically at low cost.
Using Wise digital cards
Wise digital cards add an extra security layer:
- Create up to 3 digital cards
- Use instantly for online or mobile payments
- Freeze, replace, or delete cards anytime
- Get instant transaction notifications
Ideal for subscriptions and online purchases.
Using Wise Business in the Netherlands
Wise Business supports freelancers, entrepreneurs, and international companies.
Key details
- One-time setup fee: €60
- Account details in 22 currencies
- Business debit cards for teams
- Batch payments (up to 1,000 transfers)
- Accounting software integrations
Most transfers arrive within seconds, with volume discounts for high monthly totals.
Wise large-amount transfers
Wise supports high-value international payments with:
- Automatic fee discounts
- No exchange rate markup
- Dedicated support for transfers over £20,000 (or EUR equivalent)
Common use cases include property purchases, investments, and international relocations.
Is Wise safe and regulated?
Yes. Wise is fully regulated and licensed in multiple jurisdictions, including the EU. Client funds are safeguarded and kept separate from company funds.
Security features include:
- Two-factor authentication
- Biometric login
- Instant card freeze/unfreeze
- Real-time transaction alerts
How to contact Wise customer service
Support is available via:
- In-app help centre
- Email support
- Online FAQs and guides
Wise does not operate physical branches, but support is available 24/7 for most services.
Useful resources
- Wise pricing & fees
- Wise Help Centre
- Wise card limits
- Wise Business support
- Wise country availability