The euro is the official currency for 20 countries within the European Union. These countries together are known as the Eurozone or euro area. You can readily use euro banknotes and coins in these nations: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. For detailed information about the euro, including its history and benefits, you can discover more about the euro on the official European Union website. You can also find the latest exchange rates provided by the European Central Bank.
Euro in Overseas Territories
The reach of the euro extends beyond mainland Europe. Many overseas territories associated with Eurozone countries also utilize the euro. These include regions like the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla (Spain), and French overseas departments and regions such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon. In these territories, the euro is accepted and functions in the same way as in the Eurozone countries themselves.
Euro Beyond the EU: Special Agreements and De Facto Adoption
Interestingly, the euro is not limited to just EU member states and their territories. Several European microstates have formal agreements with the EU to use the euro as their official currency. These include Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. These countries, although not part of the EU, have integrated the euro into their economies through monetary agreements.
Furthermore, the euro is used as a de facto currency in some territories, meaning it is used in practice even without a formal agreement. Kosovo and Montenegro are notable examples where the euro is widely accepted and used for most transactions, even though these territories are not officially part of the Eurozone or the EU.
Using Cash and Cards in the Euro Area
When traveling within the Eurozone and these territories, using cash and cards is generally straightforward. While carrying large amounts of cash may not be ideal, euro banknotes and coins are universally accepted across the Eurozone countries. For everyday expenses, debit and credit cards are widely accepted. According to EU regulations, payments made in euro within the EU should not incur higher charges than domestic electronically processed payments of the same value in euros. This rule ensures fair and transparent transaction costs for consumers within the euro area. These regulations also apply to euro transactions, for example between euro accounts, even in countries outside the Eurozone, promoting seamless financial interactions.
For further assistance and information regarding your rights within the EU, you can get advice on your EU rights / solve problems with a public body. You can also utilize the assistance service finder to locate the appropriate support services for your needs.
