The euro is the official currency for 20 member states within the European Union. These countries together are known as the Eurozone or euro area. Using the euro simplifies travel and trade within these nations, eliminating the need for currency exchange and making price comparison straightforward. Let’s explore which countries officially use the euro and where else you might find it in use.
Eurozone Countries: The Official Adopters
Currently, twenty EU countries have adopted the euro as their official currency. These are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
You can use euro banknotes and coins throughout these countries for all transactions. For more detailed information about the euro, you can discover more on the official EU website. You can also check the latest exchange rates from the European Central Bank.
Territories and Special Cases Using the Euro
The reach of the euro extends beyond the 20 Eurozone countries. Many overseas territories associated with these member states also utilize the euro. These include regions like:
- The Azores and Madeira (autonomous regions of Portugal)
- The Canary Islands (autonomous community of Spain)
- Ceuta and Melilla (Spanish autonomous cities in North Africa)
- French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (French overseas territories)
Furthermore, there are several non-EU countries that have officially adopted the euro through agreements with the EU:
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
In addition to official adoption, the euro is also used as a de facto currency in some territories, meaning it is used in practice even without a formal agreement. Examples of this include:
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
Euro for Cash Transfers and Card Payments
When traveling within the Eurozone or to countries and territories that use the euro, you can benefit from seamless transactions. Within the EU, regulations ensure that cross-border euro payments are treated the same as domestic payments. This means that using your debit or credit card for payments within the euro area should not incur extra charges compared to national electronic payments of the same value in euros. These rules apply even for euro transactions between euro accounts in countries outside the Eurozone. This facilitates easy and cost-effective financial transactions across a wide range of European countries and territories.
For more information regarding your rights when making payments within the EU, you can refer to EU regulations on payments and transfers.
If you need assistance or further clarification on your EU rights, you can get advice and solve problems with EU public bodies. You can also use the assistance service finder to locate the appropriate support services.
