The euro is the official currency for 20 member states within the European Union. These countries collectively form what is known as the Eurozone, a significant economic and monetary union. Understanding which countries utilize the euro is crucial for travelers, businesses, and anyone interested in European economics.
The countries that have adopted the euro as their currency are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
These nations have met the necessary economic criteria to join the Eurozone and have replaced their national currencies with the euro. You can use euro banknotes and coins throughout these countries for all transactions.
Beyond the Eurozone member states, the euro is also used in several other territories and countries. These include:
-
Overseas Territories of Eurozone Countries: Many overseas territories associated with Eurozone countries also use the euro. Examples include the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla (Spain), French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France).
-
Microstates with Agreements: Four European microstates have formal agreements with the EU allowing them to use the euro as their official currency. These are Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.
-
De Facto Euro Usage: In addition to official adoption, the euro is used as the de facto currency in some countries, most notably Kosovo and Montenegro. While not formally part of the Eurozone, the euro is widely accepted and used for most transactions in these regions.
It’s important to note that when you make payments within the Eurozone using euro, or even when making euro transactions between euro accounts in countries outside the Eurozone, the fees should be the same as domestic electronic payments. This regulation aims to simplify and reduce costs for cross-border transactions within the EU and related regions.
For further information and to explore more about the euro, including exchange rates, you can visit the official website of the European Union. If you need assistance or advice regarding your EU rights, you can also utilize the EU assistance services.
Last checked: 07/01/2025
