The euro (€) is the official currency of the Eurozone, a monetary union of European Union (EU) member states. But what countries use euro money? As a financial expert from money-central.com, let’s explore the countries where you can use the euro, making your travel and financial transactions within Europe smoother.
Currently, 20 out of the 27 EU member countries have adopted the euro as their official currency. These countries are:
- 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 and also in special territories associated with these countries, including: the Azores, the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
Interestingly, the euro is also officially used by some non-EU countries thanks to agreements with the EU. These are: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. Furthermore, some countries like Kosovo and Montenegro utilize the euro as their de facto currency, even without a formal agreement.
When traveling in the Eurozone, you can generally use cash and card payments seamlessly. Within the EU, payments in euro, including cross-border transactions, are typically charged the same as domestic electronic payments. This rule applies even to euro transactions involving countries outside the Eurozone.
For more detailed information about the euro, including exchange rates, you can visit the official website of the European Central Bank.
Understanding what countries use euro money is essential for anyone traveling to or doing business within Europe. The Eurozone simplifies transactions across many borders, making it a significant currency in the global economy.
