To begin with, the euro (EUR, symbol €) is the official currency of the Eurozone. If you are wondering what the Eurozone is, just know that it is a monetary union of countries that are part of the European Union (EU). These countries have adopted the euro as their common official currency. Introduced in 1999 for electronic transactions and 2002 for notes and coins, the euro is now one of the most powerful and widely used currencies in the world.

Eurozone Countries (Use the Euro Officially)

As of today, a total of 20 countries in Europe use the euro (€) as their official currency. This makes travel easier, as you can move across these nations without exchanging money at every border. The countries in question are listed below:

Map of Europe highlighting the Eurozone countries in blue, showing where the euro is the official currency

Map of the Eurozone: The 20 countries highlighted in blue are those that officially use the euro as their currency.

Austria

Famous for Vienna’s cultural scene and the Alps. Euro introduced in 1999, cash circulation began in 2002.

Belgium

Home of the EU headquarters in Brussels, and known for world-class chocolate and waffles. Joined the euro in 1999, banknotes and coins followed in 2002.

Croatia

The newest member of the Eurozone, with its stunning Adriatic coastline and medieval towns. Became a euro country in 2023.

Cyprus

An island nation blending European and Middle Eastern influences. Switched to the euro in 2008.

Estonia

A Baltic country that is highly digital and known for Tallinn’s medieval old town. Euro became legal tender in 2011.

Finland

Land of a thousand lakes, Lapland, and the Northern Lights. Part of the first wave in 1999, with cash arriving in 2002.

France

One of the world’s most visited countries, with Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera. Euro adopted in 1999, cash available from 2002.

Germany

Tourists gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, a Eurozone country.

Europe’s largest economy, with Berlin as its energetic capital city. Transitioned to the euro in 1999, cash launched in 2002.

Greece

Rich in ancient history, famous islands, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Joined the Eurozone in 2001, cash introduced the following year.

Ireland

The Emerald Isle, known for its landscapes, pubs, and cultural traditions. Became a euro nation in 1999, coins and notes circulated in 2002.

Italy

Home to Rome, Florence, Venice, and some of the best food culture in the world. Entered the euro system in 1999, with cash starting in 2002.

Latvia

A Baltic state with forests, beaches, and Art Nouveau architecture in Riga. Adopted the euro currency in 2014.

Lithuania

Known for Vilnius’s historic old town and picturesque countryside. Euro became official in 2015.

Luxembourg

A small but wealthy country at the heart of Europe. Part of the launch group in 1999, cash introduced in 2002.

Malta

Boats docked along a waterfront with historic buildings in Malta, a Eurozone country.

Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean island nation filled to the brim with ancient history. Shifted to the euro in 2008.

Netherlands

Famous for Amsterdam, tulips, canals, and windmills. Introduced the euro in 1999, coins and banknotes in 2002.

Portugal

A coastal nation known for Lisbon, Porto, and its warm, sunny climate. Joined in 1999, cash came into use in 2002.

Slovakia

A central European country with castles, mountains, and a strong folk culture. Moved to the euro in 2009.

Slovenia

A scenic country in the Balkans, with Ljubljana and Lake Bled. Euro became its currency in 2007.

Spain

A colorful country with Madrid, Barcelona, beaches, and world-renowned cuisine. Part of the founding euro nations in 1999, cash launched in 2002.

Non-EU Countries and Territories That Also Use the Euro

Outside of the official Eurozone, there are several countries and microstates that use the euro despite the fact that they are not part of the European Union. Some have formal agreements with the EU to mint their own euro coins, while others have simply adopted the currency unilaterally. For travelers, this means you can still use the same euro notes and coins without worrying about exchange rates.

Andorra

This small principality in the Pyrenees between France and Spain does not belong to the EU, but it signed a monetary agreement allowing it to use the euro. Andorra also issues its own euro coins with national designs.

Kosovo

Although not a member of the EU or even universally recognized as an independent state, Kosovo adopted the euro in 2002. The decision was unilateral, replacing the German mark that was widely used at the time. Kosovo cannot issue its own euro coins, but euros circulate as the de facto currency.

Monaco

A glamorous microstate on the French Riviera, Monaco has a formal agreement with the EU to use the euro. It even issues its own uniquely designed euro coins that feature Monaco’s royal family and national symbols.

Montenegro

Like Kosovo, Montenegro adopted the euro unilaterally in 2002, following years of using the German mark. The euro remains its official currency even though Montenegro is not yet an EU member state.

San Marino

One of the world’s smallest and oldest republics, San Marino has a formal agreement with the EU that allows it to use the euro and issue its own euro coins. Collectors often prize San Marino’s limited coin issues.

Vatican City

The world’s smallest independent state, Vatican City also uses the euro under a special arrangement with the EU. It issues its own coins, which often feature the Pope and religious imagery, making them popular with collectors.

EU Countries That Do Not Use the Euro (Yet)

While most EU member states have adopted the euro, there are still a handful of countries that continue to use their own national currencies. With the exception of Denmark, all of them are technically expected to adopt the euro in the future once they meet certain economic and political criteria. For now, however, travelers should be prepared to handle different currencies when visiting these destinations.

Bulgaria

Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Bulgaria is preparing to adopt the euro but has faced repeated delays. For now, the lev remains in use, though it is pegged closely to the euro, which makes exchange rates relatively stable.

Czech Republic

Tourists in Prague’s Old Town Square with historic architecture in the background.

Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
Although an EU member since 2004, the Czech Republic has shown little enthusiasm for replacing the koruna with the euro. Prague’s cafes and tourist spots still run on koruna, and the government has no immediate timeline for joining the Eurozone.

Denmark

Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
Denmark is unique in the sense that it negotiated a permanent opt-out from the euro. The krone is here to stay, although it is pegged tightly to the euro to ensure stability. This makes Denmark one of the few EU states not expected ever to join the Eurozone.

Hungary

Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Hungary continues to use the forint, which often fluctuates more than the euro. Although EU membership technically requires eventual adoption of the euro, Hungary’s government has resisted the switch for political and economic reasons.

Poland

Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN)
Poland’s economy is one of the strongest in Eastern Europe, but the country has not yet set a date for euro adoption. The zloty remains in use, and most Poles prefer keeping it that way for now.

Romania

Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
Romania plans to join the euro in the future but has postponed the target date several times. Until then, travelers will still need to exchange euros for lei when visiting Bucharest or the Carpathian countryside.

Sweden

Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
Sweden technically has an obligation to adopt the euro, but the country has chosen to delay the process indefinitely. A public referendum in 2003 rejected euro adoption, and since then, the krona remains firmly in place.

Quick Facts for Travelers

Crowds of tourists gathered in Prague’s Old Town Square near the Astronomical Clock, symbolizing travel experiences in Europe.

If you’re planning to travel through Europe, here are some handy facts about the euro that will make your journey smoother and a little more interesting.

Widespread Use: The euro is the daily currency for more than 340 million people across 20 countries in Europe, making it one of the most widely used currencies in the world.

Global Standing: It’s the second most traded currency after the US dollar, and also the second most held reserve currency, meaning central banks around the globe keep euros as part of their financial security.

Banknotes: Euro banknotes look the same in every Eurozone country. They come in seven denominations (€5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500). That said, it should be noted that the €500 is rarely seen.

Coins: Euro coins have two sides: a common side that is the same everywhere, and a national side that features designs unique to each country (like famous leaders or cultural icons). The fun part is you can spend a coin in Spain that has a German eagle or an Italian sculpture on it – all are valid everywhere.

Convenience for Tourists: With one currency covering such a large area, travelers save money and time by avoiding exchange fees when crossing borders. It’s one of the biggest practical advantages of exploring Europe.
Kojo Enoch

Traveler. Storyteller. Curious about how people live around the world. I created Explore With Kojo to share real stories from the places I visit and to inspire smart, honest travel.

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