Which countries use euros as currency?
Planning a trip to Europe soon? Looking to get your travel money sorted? Rather than simply assuming you can pay in euros, it helps to understand exactly the countries that use euros as currency and which don’t. Let's take a look.
History of the euro
On 1st January 1999, the EU first introduced the euro as an “invisible” currency for electronic payments and accounting purposes. Cash transactions were still done in national currencies.
It wasn’t until three years later in 2002 that euro banknotes and coins began circulating – on 1st January 2002. The euro replaced the national currency of 12 member states, signalling the biggest cash changeover in history. The old national currencies then ceased to be legal tender shortly after this.
The Eurozone then expanded in the years that followed with more countries becoming member states. The last to do so and adopt the euro was Croatia in 2023.
When was the euro introduced?
The euro officially became currency in 2002, with 12 EU member states becoming the first countries that use euros as currency. Today, that number has grown to a total of 20 countries.
Which EU countries use the euro?
Currently, there are 20 countries that use the euro. They are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
Correct as of December 2024
Which non-EU countries also use the euro?
Despite not being in the EU, there are a range of countries that use the euro. They may have applied to join the EU but are not yet members. Other microstates and city-states in Europe also use the euro due to their proximity to countries that do. These areas include:
- Andorra
- Kosovo
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- San Marino
- Vatican City
Correct as of December 2024
Pound to euro exchange rate
If you’re travelling to one of the countries that use the euro, you’ll likely want to exchange pounds for euros soon. At Asda Money, you can exchange your pounds to euros before you travel.
We’ll beat the exchange rate of any walk-in travel money provider up to a 4% rate difference, within 5 miles of the Asda Travel Money bureau where you make your purchase. Distance is measured with the AA Route Planner and our decision is final.
Euro Currency FAQs
Why does Poland not use the euro?
Despite being in the EU, Poland doesn’t use the euro. Currently it doesn’t meet the two criteria of exchange rate stability and long-term interest rates.
Does Turkey use Euros?
No Turkey doesn’t use the euro, as it isn’t officially part of the EU. If you’re travelling to Turkey, you’ll use the Turkish Lira whilst on holiday.
Does Greece use the Euro?
Yes, Greece uses the euro and has done since 2001. If you’re travelling to Greece on holiday, it makes sense to exchange pounds to euros before you go.
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