The euro is the official currency for 20 member states within the European Union. These countries collectively form what is known as the Eurozone or euro area. Understanding which countries use the euro can be essential for travelers, businesses, and anyone interested in European economics.
Currently, these are the 20 EU countries that have adopted the euro:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
Discover more about the euro and explore current exchange rates.
Beyond the mainland European countries, the euro is also accepted and used in several overseas territories associated with Eurozone members. These territories operate under the Euro system, making it convenient for transactions if you are visiting from a euro-using nation. These include regions such as:
- The Azores (Portugal)
- The Canary Islands (Spain)
- Ceuta and Melilla (Spain)
- French Guiana (France)
- Guadeloupe (France)
- Madeira (Portugal)
- Martinique (France)
- Mayotte (France)
- Réunion (France)
- Saint Barthélemy (France)
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Interestingly, the euro’s reach extends even further. There are non-EU countries that have formal agreements to use the euro as their official currency. These independent microstates have adopted the euro through agreements with the EU:
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
Furthermore, in a unique situation, some countries utilize the euro as their de facto currency without a formal agreement. This means the euro is widely accepted and used for most transactions, effectively functioning as the national currency in practice. Notable examples of this include:
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
Using Cash and Card in Euro Countries
When traveling within the Eurozone or to countries that use the euro, you can use euro banknotes and coins across all participating nations. This eliminates the need to exchange currency when moving between these countries, simplifying travel and financial transactions.
For payments, especially for day-to-day expenses, debit and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the Eurozone. A significant benefit for consumers is that regulations ensure that cross-border payments within the EU in euro are charged the same as domestic electronic payments. This rule applies even to euro transactions occurring between euro accounts located outside the Eurozone, promoting fair and transparent transaction costs.
EU Regulations and Further Assistance
The widespread use and regulation of the euro are underpinned by EU legislation designed to ensure smooth economic operation within the Eurozone and for those interacting with it. For further information or assistance regarding your rights as a consumer or traveler within the EU and Eurozone, you can access specialized support services.
Get advice on your EU rights or solve problems with a public body or utilize the assistance service finder.
Last checked: 07/01/2025
