Which Countries Use the Euro Currency? A Complete Guide

Want to know which countries use the euro? Find the European countries that do, the European countries that don’t and even the non-European countries that do…

Planning a Trip to Europe? Here’s What You Need to Know About Currency

Europe is a diverse continent, not just in culture, but also in currency. Out of 51 independent European countries, just under half use the euro as their official currency. While there are currently 27 European Union (EU) member states, not all of them have adopted the euro.

To help holidaymakers heading to Europe this year, we’ve created a simple guide to highlight which countries use the euro and which still rely on their own local currency, so you can plan ahead and avoid any last-minute surprises at the cash machine.

Countries That Don’t Use the Euro (Yet!)

Although many EU countries have switched to the euro, seven members still use their own national currencies, including popular destinations like Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Sweden. Denmark, which has been an EU member since 1973, also continues to use the Danish Krone (DKK).

Euro in Non-EU Countries

It’s not just EU nations that use the euro. Several non-EU countries and territories, including Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, use the euro as their official currency. British Overseas Territories such as Akrotiri and Dhekelia also use the euro, given their unique status. However, Gibraltar has kept its own currency, the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), despite its ties to the UK.

Travelling Closer to Home? Don’t Forget Sterling

For travellers staying nearer to home, like visiting the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, it’s worth knowing that these British Crown Dependencies have their own local versions of the pound: the Guernsey Pound (GGP), Jersey Pound (JEP), and Manx Pound (IMP). UK pounds are widely accepted there, but be aware: these local notes aren’t legal tender back in the UK, so you’ll need to exchange them before returning home.

APH’s Tip for Stress-Free Spending Abroad

Nick Caunter, Managing Director at APH, shares this advice:

“We created this currency guide to help holidaymakers heading to Europe make sure they’ve got the right money in their wallets. It’s all too easy to leave exchanging currency until the last minute, but by planning ahead, shopping around for the best rates, and knowing what currency you’ll need, you can really make your holiday spending money go further.”

EU Countries Using the Euro (20)

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Croatia (joined in 2023)
4. Cyprus
5. Estonia
6. Finland
7. France
8. Germany
9. Greece
10. Ireland
11. Italy
12. Latvia
13. Lithuania
14. Luxembourg
15. Malta
16. Netherlands
17. Portugal
18. Slovakia
19. Slovenia
20. Spain

These countries have fully adopted the euro as their official currency.

Non-EU Countries and Territories Using the Euro

With Formal Agreements:

• Andorra
• Monaco
• San Marino
• Vatican City

These microstates have formal agreements with the EU to use the euro and mint their own coins.

Unilateral Adopters:

• Kosovo
• Montenegro

These countries have adopted the euro unilaterally, without formal agreements with the EU.

Special Territories:

• Akrotiri and Dhekelia (British Overseas Territory)
• French overseas territories such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Portuguese regions like the Azores and Madeira
• Spanish territories including the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla

These territories use the euro due to their political ties with EU member states.

EU Countries Not Yet Using the Euro

Seven EU member states have not adopted the euro as of July 2025:

• Bulgaria (scheduled to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026)
• Czech Republic
• Denmark (opt-out)
• Hungary
• Poland
• Romania
• Sweden

These countries continue to use their national currencies.

Upcoming Eurozone Member

Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st member of the eurozone. The country has met the necessary convergence criteria and received approval from EU institutions.

• References
• https://european-union.europa.eu/institutions-law-budget/euro/countries-using-euro_en [Accessed 5 April 2022]
• https://www.countries-ofthe-world.com/countries-of-europe.html (April 2022)
• https://www.gov.uk/eu-eea (April 2022)

2017 Currency Data (Click to Expand)

Countries and Currencies (2017)

Country	Use the euro?	Currency
Albania	No	Albanian Lek
Andorra	Yes	Euro
Armenia	No	Armenian dram
Austria	Yes	Euro
Belarus	No	Belarusian ruble
Belgium	Yes	Euro
Vatican City	Yes	Euro

EU Countries Using the Euro (2017)

• Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia

Non-EU Countries Using the Euro (2017)

• Kosovo, Montenegro

Microstates Using the Euro (2017)

• Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City

EU Countries Not Using the Euro (2017)

• Bulgaria – Lev, Croatia – Croatian Kuna, Czech Republic – Koruna, Denmark – Kroner, Hungary – Forint, Poland – Zloty, Romania – Leu, Sweden – Krona, UK – Pound

Non-EU Countries Not Using the Euro (2017)

• Albania – Albanian Lek, Armenia – Armenian dram, Belarus – Belarusian ruble, Bosnia-Herzegovina – Konvertibilna Marka, Georgia – Lari, Iceland – Króna, Kazakhstan – Tenge, Liechtenstein – Swiss Franc, Macedonia – Denar, Moldova – Leu, Norway – Norwegian Krone, Russia – Russian Ruble, Serbia – Serbian Dinar, Switzerland – Franc, Turkey – Lira, Ukraine – Hryvnia

Note on Switzerland

While Switzerland doesn’t officially use the euro, many places accept it. However, any change will usually be given in Swiss francs.

Top 12 Best-Value European Destinations (2017)

Here’s where your euros went furthest in 2017, based on the average cost of holiday essentials like coffee, beer, sun cream, and meals.

Frequently Asked Questions