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What is Europe's Currency?

Whether you're sipping coffee in Paris or exploring the streets of Rome, having euros in your wallet means you’re ready for anything, especially in places where card payments aren’t always accepted.

Currency:

euro

Currency code:

EUR

Central Bank:

European Central Bank

Currency symbol:

€ (euro)

Currency sub unit:

c (cent)

Countries using euros:

20

Bank notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2

What is the euro?

The euro (EUR, €) is the official currency of most countries in continental Europe. It's used by 20 nations, making it the most widely accepted currency in the region.



You'll find euro banknotes in €5, €10, €20, €50, and €100 and coins range from 1 cent to €2. While €200 and €500 notes are also in circulation, they’re rarely used due to their high value.



Although a few European countries still use their own currencies, if you're travelling through the Eurozone, you'll need euros for everything from public transport to pastries.





Plan ahead with currency bundles, travel insurance & eSIMs



UKEurope
British poundEuro


Travel insurance
Discover more with Cover-More
travel insurance by your side.


International eSIMs
Choose from a range of eSIMs
to suit your travel needs.



EUR Goes Further with the Travelex Money Card

picture of the Travelex Money Card

Travel smarter with Travelex's award-winning Europe travel money card and enjoy the freedom to spend anywhere, any time.

  • Get even better exchange rates when exchanging $2,000 and over.
  • Withdraw foreign cash with no international ATM fees¹.
  • Load, tap, and go wherever Mastercard is accepted worldwide.
  • Top up easily on the go via the app or online.
  • Save with no foreign exchange fees^ & real-time exchange rates.
  • Free delivery to your home
  • Free NEXT BUSINESS DAY*** collection from most Travelex stores

What to spend your euros on:

  • Eiffel

    Entry to Eiffel Tower

    25 euros *

  • Taxi

    3-mile taxi ride

    15 euros *

  • Cloth Icon

    Tourist t-shirt

    10 euros *

  • Stamp Icon

    Postcard and a stamp

    1.5 euros *

  • Beret

    French beret (but don't)

    20 euros *

How many euros will I need?**

Please select your budget above.

- +
* * * * * *
- +
* * * * * *

Total spending money needed:

  • *A budget
  • *for people for
  • * nights

*Recalculate

Must-sees in Europe

Berlin
  • Berlin
  • Rich in culture and history, Berlin overflows with great architecture, a supercool art scene and acres of history. Boasting all that, it's also still one of the cheapest capitals in Europe!
Paris
  • Paris
  • The city of love, lights and the most scrumptious croissants, Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world. Whether you soar the skies at the top of the Eiffel Tower, or roam the galleries at the Louvre Museum, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Santorini
  • Santorini
  • The sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea welcome everyone to one of the most exquisite Greek islands. Magnificent views of traditional white-washed, blue-domed buildings, jagged cliff edges and vineyards make Santorini a Mediterranean must.

How to buy euros online

Buy euros with Australian dollars and lock in competitive exchange rates before you fly. Order online today.

  • 1. Click the ‘Buy Euros Now’ button below
  • And tell us how much you need for your trip in Cash or Travel Card.

  • 2. Choose where to get it
  • Collect at more than 3,600 pick up locations.

  • 3. Pay online
  • You can pay online using either PayID, BPAY, Visa or MasterCard®

Payment Options in Europe

Payment options in Europe can vary greatly depending on which country you visit. In general, credit cards and travel cards are widely accepted, however having cash on hand may also be required.

  • Perfect for: Tipping, taxis, small shops & local markets.
  • Pros: Universally accepted, handy in rural areas.
  • Cons: Harder to track spending, not as secure.

Why use foreign cash?

  • Cash (both euro and otherwise) is flexible and is accepted in every country in Europe.
  • Cash is more commonly used in rural areas and small shops. Carry some local currency so you don’t miss out on cash-only experiences like taxis or local tours.
  • Tipping is common in Europe, and is not often included as part of the bill.

 

Things to consider:

  • Carrying large amounts of cash may be unsafe in Europe, especially in touristy areas where there is a higher crime rate.
  • It may be harder to keep track of your spending with cash, making budgeting difficult.
  • Perfect for: Safer travel with locked-in exchange rates.
  • Pros: Reloadable, holds multiple currencies, fast replacements if lost.
  • Cons: Top-ups may take a few days, some ATM fees may apply.

Why use a prepaid travel card?

  • Travel money cards allow you to load multiple currencies. This may be convenient when travelling Europe, as not every country uses the euro.
  • Prepaid travel cards provide you with some security when travelling, as they are easy to replace if lost or stolen. You can also order two when purchasing, so you have a backup card with you.
  • Lock in your exchange rate at your time of purchase to avoid any hidden costs.*

 

Things to consider:

  • There may be local ATM fees when taking cash out of your travel money card.
  • If you run out of cash on your card, it may take a few days for any additional money you top up with to appear on your card.

Discover how you can explore Europe with ease with our 5* award-winning Travelex Money Card!

  • Perfect for: Hotel deposits, emergency back-up.
  • Pros: Convenient, widely accepted.
  • Cons: Foreign transaction fees, less accepted in small venues.

Why use a debit or credit card?

  • Credit and debit cards are generally widely accepted in Europe, with Visa and Mastercard being the most popular.
  • You can use for hotel and other deposits without affecting your holiday spending allocation.

 

Things to consider:

  • Higher commissions paid by merchants to credit card companies mean that smaller businesses prefer cash payments.
  • There may be minimum amounts required to spend on cards in stores.
  • Transaction fees for paying with bank cards can be high in Europe. These can be anywhere from 2-5% of your purchase.

ATMs are readily found in most countries in Europe. They provide a convenient way of withdrawing local currency as you need it. Foreign card withdrawal fees can be quite high in Europe. Additionally, if you plan on going off-the-beaten-path ATMs may become less common, so taking some cash is essential.

Why withdraw cash in Europe?

  • In most countries in Europe ATMS are easily found, especially in the bigger cities but also in smaller towns.
  • Withdrawing cash as you need it means you may not have to carry large amounts of foreign cash with you.

Things to consider:

  • There may be ATM conversion fees associated with withdrawing cash from a foreign card.
  • Taking out smaller amounts will inflate the cost of fees. So at times, you may be forced to take out a larger amount than planned.

FX ATMs provide an easy-to-use, hassle-free way of exchanging money at Australian airports before you fly. They operate 24 hours a day on a self-serve basis. Keep in mind that not all FX ATMs will offer every currency available.

Why use Travelex ATMs in Australia?

  • FX ATMs are a convenient way to exchange cash at an airport before leaving. There are no forms to fill in, and it’s self-serve. Visit our foreign currency ATM page to find a Travelex FX ATM that dispenses euro.
  • FX ATMs are 24 hours, meaning you have the flexibility to buy euros no matter what time of the day you fly.
  • Foreign currency ATMs are fast and efficient, giving you your foreign currency within a few minutes.

 

Things to consider:

  • Not all FX ATMs will dispense the currency you need.
  • It is not recommended to carry a large amount of cash on you throughout Europe.

Where to buy euros in Australia

Check our full list of branches or click the links below to find stores around major cities and buy euros at the best exchange rate today.



European Countries and the Euro

Non-EU members that use the euro:
Andorra Monaco San Marino
Kosovo Montnegro Vatican City

EU members that do not use the euro:
Bulgaria Denmark Sweden
Hungary Czek Republic Poland


* Rates are subject to change throughout the day. In-store rates vary compared to online.

** The figures provided are indicative only and are there to provide an idea of the amount of travel money you may need during your trip.

*** Business days. Some stores open 7 days. The next available date will be displayed when ordering.

^^Based on mid-market and Travelex Online AUD to FX exchange rates as of the date of the relevant social media post and/or email communication. Rates are subject to change throughout the day. Any rates and savings are quoted as a guide only.

Travelex Limited (ABN 36 004 179 953, AFSL Number 222444) arranges for and sells Online Foreign Currency via its Online Ordering Facility. You should consider the Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any product.

Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Travelex Money Card in conjunction with the issuer, EML Payment Solutions Limited (‘EML’)(ABN 30 131 436 532, AFSL 404131). You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant Travelex Money Card and Target Market Determination available at www.travelex.com.au, before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.