The euro (€) is the official currency of the Eurozone, a monetary union of 20 member states of the European Union. For travelers and those interested in international finance, understanding which countries use euro money is essential. This guide provides a detailed overview of the countries where the euro is the official currency, as well as regions where it is also widely accepted.
The Eurozone: Countries Officially Using the Euro
Currently, there are 20 EU countries that have adopted the euro as their official currency. These countries form the Eurozone, also known as the euro area. Here is the list of these countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
You can use euro banknotes and coins in all of these countries. This makes traveling and conducting business within the Eurozone significantly easier, as you don’t need to exchange currency when moving between these nations.
Territories and Regions Using the Euro
Beyond the 20 Eurozone countries, the euro is also used in several territories and regions associated with these countries, including:
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Overseas Territories of Eurozone Countries: This includes places like 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).
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Microstates with Agreements: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City are not part of the EU but have formal agreements allowing them to use the euro as their national currency.
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De Facto Euro Usage: In addition, some countries and territories outside the EU, such as Kosovo and Montenegro, have adopted the euro as their de facto currency. This means the euro is used for most transactions, even though these countries are not officially part of the Eurozone.
Using Cash and Card in Euro Countries
When you travel to countries using euro money, you will find that both cash and card payments are widely accepted. Within the Eurozone, if you are making payments in euro using your debit or credit card, you should not be charged more than you would for a similar electronic payment within your home country. These regulations also apply to euro transactions, even if they occur between euro accounts in countries outside the Eurozone.
For more detailed information about the euro, including exchange rates and EU regulations, you can visit the official website of the European Union.
Last updated: 07/01/2025
