The euro is the official currency in twenty countries of the European Union. In the Eurozone countries, all payments are made exclusively in euros, so for trips to these countries, it is sufficient to have cash in euros or a bank card for cashless transactions.
This is reported by Finway
EU countries where only euros are used
In the following EU countries, the euro is the only official means of payment, and transactions in other currencies are not accepted:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Spain
- Italy
- Cyprus
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Finland
- Estonia
- France
- Croatia
Where euros are partially accepted or it’s better to choose local currency
In countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, their own national currencies are in use. Here, euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, at train stations, or in hotels, but the exchange rate is often unfavorable, and change is given in local currency. A similar situation exists in Switzerland: euros may be accepted in cities, but change will be given in francs.
In these countries, it is advisable to use a bank card with favorable conversion rates or exchange money at banks in advance.
In Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and the United Kingdom, euros are not used at all. In everyday transactions, it is practically impossible to pay in euros, so for trips to these countries, it is best to prepare local currency in advance or have a bank card with favorable conversion rates.
“Outside the Eurozone, the exchange rate when paying in euros can be unfavorable — the difference can reach 10−15%.”
Practical tips for travelers
- Before traveling to a country with a national currency, prepare cash for transportation, small purchases, and tips.
- Use multi-currency or cards with interbank rates to avoid unnecessary conversion costs.
- In Eurozone countries, having euros is sufficient for all types of payments.