Planning a trip to Europe and wondering What Countries Take The Euro? The euro (€) is the official currency of the Eurozone, but it’s not used in every country in Europe. Understanding where you can use the euro can simplify your travel and budgeting. Let’s explore the countries that have adopted the euro.
Eurozone Countries: EU Members Using the Euro
Currently, 20 member states of the European Union have adopted the euro as their official currency. These countries are often collectively referred to as the Eurozone or euro area. Here is the list of EU countries where you can use the euro:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
You can use euro notes and coins in all of these countries, making travel between them seamless in terms of currency exchange.
Territories and Non-EU Countries Using the Euro
Beyond the Eurozone countries, the euro is also used in several territories and non-EU countries. This includes:
- Overseas Territories of Eurozone Countries: The euro is accepted in territories like the Azores, Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
- Countries with Agreements with the EU: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City have formal agreements with the EU to use the euro as their national currency.
- De Facto Euro Users: Kosovo and Montenegro, while not officially part of the Eurozone or EU, have also adopted the euro as their de facto currency.
Using Your Card in Eurozone and Beyond
When traveling in countries that take the euro, you can also easily use your debit or credit card for payments. Within the EU, regulations ensure that payments made in euro using your card should not cost you more than a domestic electronic payment. This rule also extends to euro transactions even in countries outside the Eurozone, offering convenient and cost-effective payment options during your travels.
Understanding what countries take the euro simplifies your travel planning and financial transactions within Europe. Whether you’re visiting Eurozone countries, their territories, or other nations that use the euro, you can navigate your trip with greater ease and financial clarity.
