The currency used in the majority of Europe is known as the euro. It is also abbreviated as € or EUR.
The euro was first launched in 1999, and aimed to unify countries in the European Union both monetarily and economically. The second phase of the euro occurred in 2002, where euro coins and banknotes were created and distributed. This meant that currencies such as French francs, Italian lira, Deutsche marks, and Dutch guilders were phased out.
The Low Down on the Euro Currency
- Currency: euro
- Currency code: EUR
- Central Bank: European Central Bank
- Currency symbol: € (euro)
- Currency sub unit: c (cent)
- Countries using euros: 19
- Bank notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500
- Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2
The euro is commonly represented by its currency code (EUR) and in its symbol form (€). You will need to have euros on hand if you are traveling to one of the many countries in Europe which use the euro as legal tender.
In total, there are 19 EU member countries who have adopted the Euro as their official currency.
The most commonly used notes in euros are the €5, €10, €20, €50, and €100 bills. There are also €200 and €500 notes but these are not as often because of their high value.