The euro is the official currency of 20 member states of the European Union. These countries are collectively known as the Eurozone or euro area. If you’re planning a trip to Europe or are simply curious about European finance, understanding Which Countries Use Euros is essential.
You can officially use the euro in these 20 EU countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
Beyond these mainland countries, the euro is also accepted in numerous overseas territories associated with Eurozone members. These include regions like the Azores, the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, and French overseas departments such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon. This widespread acceptance makes travel and transactions within these regions seamless for euro users.
Furthermore, the euro is officially used by agreement in several European microstates that are not part of the EU: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. These countries have formal agreements with the EU allowing them to use the euro as their national currency.
Interestingly, some countries and territories utilize the euro as their de facto currency without a formal agreement. Notable examples of this include Kosovo and Montenegro. In these locations, while not officially adopted, the euro is widely accepted for most transactions, simplifying economic activity and integration with the Eurozone.
When traveling within the Eurozone or making payments involving euro-denominated accounts within the EU, it’s important to note regulations regarding transaction fees. For payments made in euros within the EU, you should not incur higher charges than you would for an equivalent electronic payment processed domestically. This rule promotes fair and transparent financial transactions across euro-using nations. These regulations extend even to euro transactions occurring between euro accounts in countries situated outside the Eurozone, ensuring consistent consumer protection and cost-effectiveness.
For more detailed information about the euro, its history, and the European Central Bank, you can discover more about the euro on the official European Union website. For the latest exchange rates, you can consult the exchange rates provided by the European Central Bank.
If you require assistance or have questions about 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.
