Yep, have checked all that, local currency is guilders and exchange rate varies by the day(or week). The local merchants all use the same exchange, which is 1-2 cents less than actual rate. That is the ONLY "hosing" that goes on. As far as the CC goes it comes thru without any additional charges levied. example last year rate was 1.77 guilders = 1.00 US-merchants exchanged at 1.75 = 1.00 US. By the way the change always comes back in Guilders, so no exchange rate on next purchase. You can go to bank, but the same rate prevails...they all like Americans so dont seem to take advantage of them via the money...probably do in other ways though!