More than 2000 Dutch stores forced to accept cash only after major outage

Over 2000 Dutch stores have been affected by a major debit card outage this morning. Many have closed as a result. 

Since 6 AM, paying using a card machine at Albert Heijn, the drug store Etos, and liquor store Gall & Gall has been impossible.

While you can still shop for groceries, toiletries, and (most importantly) wine, payment is only possible by cash. As a result, a number of shops have decided to close their doors, reports RTL Nieuws.

The issue is due to a major network outage at provider KPN. While the provider doesn’t know how long the outage will last, a KPN spokesperson says they “are working hard to solve it.”

READ MORE | 7 reasons the Dutch don’t do debt

The outage is compounded by coronavirus. Since March, Dutch people have been instructed to pay with card as much as possible to reduce transmission and contact via cash.

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

Have you been affected by the outage? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Pixabay/Pexels

Accuracy, clarity, and a touch of humour — that’s DutchReview. Read our editorial mission.

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺https://gallivantations.com
Sam has over six years experience writing about life in the Netherlands and leads the content team at DutchReview. She originally came to the Netherlands to study in 2016 and now holds a BA (Hons.) in Arts, a BA (Hons) in Journalism, and a Masters in Teaching. She loves to write about settling into life in the Netherlands, her city of Utrecht, learning Dutch, and jobs in the Netherlands — and she still can’t jump on the back of a moving bike (she's learning!).

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