The euro is the official currency for 20 member countries of the European Union, collectively known as the Eurozone. For travelers and anyone conducting business in Europe, understanding which countries accept euros is essential. This guide clarifies where you can use euros, extending beyond just the Eurozone countries themselves.
The following countries within the European Union have adopted the euro (€) as their currency:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
Euro banknotes and coins representing countries that accept euros
These Eurozone countries allow you to use euro banknotes and coins for all transactions. This convenience extends to numerous overseas territories associated with these nations, where the euro is also accepted. These territories 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)
Beyond the EU, several countries and territories also utilize the euro, either through formal agreements or as their de facto currency. These include:
- Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City: These microstates have formal agreements with the EU allowing them to use the euro as their official currency.
- Kosovo and Montenegro: While not part of the EU, these countries have adopted the euro as their de facto currency. This means the euro is used for most transactions, although it is not their official legal tender.
Map of Europe highlighting countries that officially use the euro
Using Cash and Cards in Euro Countries
When traveling in Countries That Accept Euros, you have the flexibility to use both cash and card payments. While carrying large amounts of cash might not always be ideal, especially for security reasons, it’s good to know that euro banknotes and coins are universally accepted throughout the Eurozone and the other territories mentioned.
Debit and credit cards are widely accepted for payments in euro countries. For transactions made in euros within the EU, regulations ensure that you are charged no more than you would for an equivalent electronic payment within your own country. This applies to payments at shops, restaurants, and for services. This rule promotes transparent and fair payment processing across the Eurozone.
It’s also worth noting that these regulations on transaction fees apply to euro transactions even when you are in countries outside the Eurozone. For example, if you have a euro account and make a transaction in euros while in a non-Eurozone country, the same fair charging principles apply.
For further information on the euro, exchange rates, and related topics, you can explore the resources provided by the European Union:
- Discover more about the euro
- Exchange rates
- Carrying cash when travelling in the EU
- Electronic payments within the EU
This guide provides a clear overview of countries that accept euros, facilitating smoother travel and financial transactions within Europe and beyond.
Last checked: 07/01/2025
