The euro (€) is the currency of the Eurozone and a symbol of European integration. Millions of people across Europe use it daily, but which countries actually have the euro as their official currency? Let’s explore the nations that have adopted the euro and where you can use it.
Eurozone Countries: Officially Using the Euro
Currently, 20 out of the 27 European Union (EU) member states have adopted the euro. These countries are known as the Eurozone. Here is a list of the EU countries where the euro is the official currency:
- 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. This makes travel and trade much simpler within these nations.
Beyond the Eurozone: Territories and Microstates Using the Euro
The reach of the euro extends beyond just the Eurozone countries. Several territories and microstates also use the euro, further solidifying its presence in Europe.
European Territories: Many overseas territories associated with Eurozone countries also utilize the euro. These 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)
European Microstates: Four European microstates have formal agreements with the EU to use the euro as their official currency:
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
These agreements allow these microstates to mint their own euro coins, further integrating them into the Euro system.
De Facto Euro Adoption
Interestingly, some countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency without a formal agreement. This means the euro is widely accepted and used in everyday transactions, even though it’s not officially their legal tender. Notable examples include:
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
In these regions, while not legally mandated, the euro functions as the primary currency for practical purposes.
Using Euros for Payments: Cash and Card
Within the Eurozone and these associated territories, using euros for both cash and card payments is straightforward. EU regulations ensure that cross-border euro payments within the EU are treated the same as domestic payments. This means you shouldn’t face extra charges for using your debit or credit card for euro transactions within these regions. This also applies to euro transactions between euro accounts even if one account is outside the Eurozone.
Conclusion: The Euro’s Widespread Use
The euro is not just the currency of the Eurozone; its influence extends across numerous countries, territories, and even regions adopting it informally. Understanding which countries have euros helps travelers and businesses navigate finances within Europe more effectively. Whether you are traveling for tourism or business, knowing where the euro is accepted simplifies transactions and enhances your experience in these countries.
Last checked: 07/01/2025
