What Countries Use the Euro? A Clear Guide for UK Travellers
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, one of the first questions that often comes up is simple on the surface but surprisingly easy to get wrong: what countries use the euro? Many UK travellers assume that because a country is in Europe, or even part of the European Union, the euro will be accepted everywhere. In practice, that isn’t the case. Some EU countries still use their own currencies, while a handful of non-EU countries use the euro every day.
Understanding where the euro is used matters. It helps travellers avoid awkward moments at airport ATMs, unexpected card charges, and last-minute currency changes that often come with poorer exchange rates. This guide is designed to give UK travellers clear, accurate information so they can prepare their travel money with confidence, drawing on the practical experience of established UK currency exchange specialists such as Travel Cashier.
What Is the Euro? A Practical Overview
The euro is the official currency of the Eurozone, a group of European countries that have adopted a shared currency. It was introduced to simplify trade, travel, and payments across borders, allowing people to move between participating countries without constantly exchanging money.
For travellers, the euro offers convenience, but only where it is actually legal tender. Outside the Eurozone, acceptance varies widely, which is why understanding euro usage in advance is an important part of travel money planning.
What Countries Use the Euro Officially?
Eurozone Countries Using the Euro
As of now, 20 European countries officially use the euro as their national currency. These countries make up the Eurozone, and euros are accepted everywhere, including shops, hotels, public transport, and everyday transactions.
The Eurozone countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
If you are travelling between several of these countries, carrying euros is usually the most practical option. Many UK travellers visiting multiple Eurozone destinations choose to arrange euros in advance using dedicated euro currency exchange services, rather than exchanging money repeatedly while abroad.
EU Countries That Do Not Use the Euro
One of the most common misconceptions is that all EU member states use the euro. In reality, several EU countries continue to use their own national currencies.
These include:
- Denmark (Danish krone)
- Sweden (Swedish krona)
- Poland (Polish złoty)
- Czech Republic (Czech koruna)
- Hungary (Hungarian forint)
- Romania (Romanian leu)
- Bulgaria (Bulgarian lev)
In these countries, euros may sometimes be accepted in tourist-heavy areas, but this is inconsistent and usually comes with unfavourable rates. Local currency is what you will need for transport, restaurants, and everyday spending.
Many UK travellers arrive assuming euros will work everywhere in Europe, only to discover they need local cash shortly after landing. This is where advance planning and access to reliable foreign exchange services can make a noticeable difference.
Non-EU Countries That Use the Euro
Interestingly, some countries outside the European Union use the euro either officially or by agreement.
Countries Using the Euro as an Official Currency
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
- Andorra
These microstates are not EU members but use the euro legally through formal arrangements. If you are visiting them, euros are fully accepted.
Countries Using the Euro in Practice
- Montenegro
- Kosovo
These countries use the euro as their day-to-day currency, even though they are not part of the EU or the Eurozone. Euros are used for wages, pricing, and everyday transactions.
For UK travellers, euros remain practical in these destinations, although banking services and card infrastructure can differ slightly from those in the Eurozone.
Territories and Special Cases
Some territories linked to Eurozone countries also use the euro due to political or economic ties. In these areas, euro acceptance can vary, particularly for card payments and cash withdrawals.
If you are visiting a less common destination, checking currency arrangements in advance helps ensure you carry the right travel money.
Why Euro Usage Matters for UK Travellers
Understanding which countries use the euro is not just about convenience. It directly affects how you plan your travel money.
Cash vs Card Considerations
While card payments are widely accepted across Europe, cash still plays an important role in many situations:
- Smaller towns and rural areas
- Local markets and cafés
- Certain public transport systems
In non-euro countries, using euros can lead to poor exchange rates, additional conversion fees, and pricing confusion. Carrying the correct currency, whether euros or local money, helps avoid unnecessary costs.
Many UK travellers prefer to organise travel money for euros before departure rather than relying on airport exchanges or unfamiliar ATMs abroad.
Foreign Exchange (FX) Planning
From a foreign exchange perspective, knowing your destinations in advance allows you to budget more accurately and avoid unnecessary conversions. Some travellers prepare euros for Eurozone countries while also arranging local currency for destinations outside the euro area.
Educational guidance from experienced UK currency exchange providers helps travellers understand which currencies they need and why, reducing uncertainty during their trip.
Common Mistakes UK Travellers Make with the Euro
Even experienced travellers can fall into familiar traps.
Assuming all European countries use the euro
Countries such as Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are popular destinations but do not use the euro as their official currency.
Relying on euros in non-euro countries
Some businesses may accept euros, but often at poor exchange rates, with change given in local currency.
Leaving currency exchange until arrival
Airport exchanges and tourist kiosks typically offer less favourable rates compared to arranging travel money in advance.
Overestimating card acceptance
Cards are common, but not universal. Having some cash in the correct currency remains practical.
Do All European Countries Use the Euro?
No. Europe includes both euro and non-euro countries. The euro is used widely in Western and Southern Europe, while many Central and Eastern European countries retain their own currencies.
This distinction is especially important for travellers visiting multiple countries on the same trip.
How This Knowledge Helps You Prepare Travel Money
For UK travellers, understanding euro usage leads to better preparation. Many people visiting France, Spain, or Italy choose to arrange euros in advance through a trusted UK currency exchange provider such as Travel Cashier. Others travelling to destinations like Turkey, Poland, or Hungary prepare local currency instead.
Using an established currency exchange service before travelling reduces stress and helps travellers stay in control of their spending.
Preparing Euros with Confidence
If you are travelling to multiple Eurozone countries, euros offer simplicity and consistency. For trips that include both euro and non-euro destinations, a mixed approach to travel money often works best.
Many travellers use educational resources and guidance from experienced FX providers to decide how much to carry and which currencies they actually need.
Conclusion:
So, what countries use the euro? The answer becomes clear once you break it down, but it is rarely as simple as assuming all of Europe uses the same currency. The euro is used officially across the Eurozone, adopted by a few non-EU countries, and not used at all in several popular European destinations.
For UK travellers, understanding these differences helps avoid confusion, extra costs, and last-minute currency decisions. By planning ahead and preparing the right travel money through a reliable UK currency exchange specialist can focus on their journey with confidence rather than uncertainty.
FAQ'S
Do all European countries use the euro?
No. While many European countries use the euro, several EU members such as Poland, Hungary, and Sweden continue to use their own national currencies.
Can I use euros in countries that do not officially use the euro?
In some non-euro countries, euros may be accepted in tourist areas, but exchange rates are often unfavourable. Local currency is usually required for everyday spending.
How many countries currently use the euro?
At present, 20 European countries officially use the euro as their national currency as part of the Eurozone.
Is the euro used outside the European Union?
Yes. Some non-EU countries and microstates use the euro either officially or in practice, including Monaco, San Marino, Montenegro, and Kosovo.
Should UK travellers exchange euros before travelling?
Many UK travellers choose to prepare euros in advance to avoid higher exchange costs and uncertainty while abroad, especially when visiting multiple Eurozone countries.
