What Countries Use the Euro Currency? Your Complete Guide for Travelling Europe

If you are planning a European getaway in 2026, no doubt money is on your mind. Not only can holidays be expensive and full of unexpected costs, they also bring about the issue of currency conversion. If you are wondering which countries use the Euro currency, you have come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what countries use Euro currency, how many countries use the Euro, and essential tips for travelling smart with money in Europe. After all, knowing where the Euro is accepted can save you from costly exchange fees, confusion, and the occasional scam.

What is the Euro?

Perhaps the best place to start is learning exactly what the Euro actually is. The Euro (€) is the official currency of the Eurozone; a currency union of 21 member states of the European Union (EU) that have adopted the euro (€) as their single official legal tender. This monetary union is governed by the European Central Bank (ECB) and sees around 340 million people using the euro daily for travel, trade, and banking, simplifying transactions across borders.

First introduced in 1999 as an electronic currency before being rolled out as physical coins and banknotes in 2002, the Euro was designed to payment and trade across Europe simpler. With so many countries packed into a tight area, Europe was previously a tricky financial undertaking for travellers, who constantly had to switch between currencies in order to get around.

Nowadays, the Euro is one of the world’s most widely used and stable currencies, recognised internationally for both tourism and commerce. If you have ever travelled across the Schengen Area or moved from one European country to another, there is a good chance you have seen the Euro’s advantage in effect. Using the Euro allows travellers to move seamlessly between multiple countries without constantly exchanging money, making it a convenient and practical choice for exploring Europe.

What Are the Countries That Use the Euro?

The Euro (€) is the official currency of the Eurozone, a group of European Union (EU) countries that have adopted it as their primary currency. As of 2026, 21 countries officially use the Euro with Bulgaria officially adopting the European Union’s single currency on 1 January, 2026.

The Balkan country has been a European Union (EU) member since January 1, 2007, but only recently joined the Schengen Area in March 2024, both of which marked pivotal moments in its integration into Europe. According to Al Jazeera, both of these moves marked pivotal moments in its integration into Europe and its adoption of the Euro currency.

Here’s a clear table to help you see them at a glance:

How Many Countries Use the Euro?

If you’ve wondered “how many countries use the Euro?”, the official answer is 21 Eurozone countries, but it’s always that simple. There are also a few non-EU territories and countries that accept the Euro alongside their local currency, like Montenegro and Kosovo.

According to the European Central Bank, which governs the use of the currency, the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City are not part of the EU, however, they have signed monetary agreements with the EU. This means that people living in these states use the euro as their official currency. The four states are also allowed to issue a limited quantity of coins with their own designs.

Outside the EU, there are currently three French territories and a British territory that have agreements to use the euro as their currency. More information on all the territories using the Euro is below:

• Kosovo: Uses Euro unofficially, not an EU member
• Montenegro: Uses Euro unofficially, not an EU member
• Andorra: Uses Euro by agreement
• Monaco: Uses Euro by agreement
• San Marino: Uses Euro by agreement
• Vatican City: Uses Euro by agreement
• Akrotiri and Dhekelia: Uses Euro as a UK dependent territory
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon: Uses Euro as an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) of France
• French Southern and Antarctic Lands: Uses Euro as an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) of France
• Saint-Barthélemy: Uses Euro as an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) of France

Countries That Don’t Use the Euro

Importantly, while the Euro is widely used across Europe, it is not accepted everywhere. Several European countries have not adopted the currency, meaning that if you plan to travel to these regions, you will need to exchange money for the local tender. The countries in Europe that do not use the Euro as official legal tender are listed below:

Euro Currency Tips and Advice

Whether it is your first time in Europe or you are an experienced traveller, knowing what countries use Euro currency is a huge advantage. From major Eurozone nations like France, Germany, and Italy, to smaller territories like San Marino and Monaco, being prepared with the right money can save you from headaches, scams, and unnecessary fees. Here are some additional Euro currency tips and advice to consider before you go:

• Check the Latest Exchange Rate: if you are visiting to a country that uses the Euro as legal tender, it’s always a good idea to check the latest exchange rate before travelling. This is especially true for countries that recently adopted the Euro, like Croatia. In these countries, many local businesses or money changers may still be adjusting prices or using outdated conversion rates. Knowing the official exchange rate helps you spot unfair pricing or scams.
• Bring Small Denominations Anyway: Even in countries that accept Euros unofficially, having small denominations can be handy, especially in local markets or rural areas.
• Carry Some Cash: Always carry a small amount of local cash for tipping, small purchases, and places that don’t accept cards. Tipping is common across Europe, particularly for tourism operators and guides, however, the actual amount varies from country to country. In Western, Souther and Eastern Europe, aim for around five to 10 per cent tipping on restaurants. In the Northern parts (Scandinavia: Sweden, Denmark, Norway), Service charges are typically included, so tipping is less expected. Rounding up or leaving a euro/dollar is a nice gesture.
• Stick to your Budget: This is just good advice for anyone travelling, but understanding the local pricing and having a good grasp of current exchange rate can help you keep track of your budget. When planning daily expenses, sightseeing, and accommodation costs, use the most up-to-date data to ensure your travel budget is realistic. If you miscalculate by just a few percent, it could add up to a significant amount over several days.
• Get a No International Fee Bank Card: One of the best travel decisions I made was to switch to a bank that offered no international exchange fees. In Australia, a number of banks now provide options that have no international transaction fees, free ATM access globally, and allow you to hold multiple currencies. I would recommend Ubank, however, other providers such as HSBC and ING also offer similar products.

Countries that use Euro Currency FAQ

References

1. European Commission. (n.d.). Euro area economy. European Commission. Retrieved January 8, 2026, from https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/euro_en
2. Al Jazeera. (2025, December 30). Which countries will start using the euro in 2026? Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/30/which-countries-will-start-using-the-euro-in-2026
3. Sovereign Base Areas Administration. (2007, January 1). Ordinance 18/2007: [PDF document]. https://www.sbaadministration.org/home/legislation/01_02_09_05_ORDINANCES/01_02_09_05_48_ORD_2007/20070101_Ord-18_G1470_u.pdf
4. Council of the European Union. (2011). Agreements database: Details of agreement 2011/042. Archived from the original on May 10, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2026, from https://web.archive.org/web/20130510114741/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/agreements/search-the-agreements-database.aspx

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