Which countries use Euros?

When was the Euro first introduced?

Many of us probably have some Euros stored away from the last time we went on holiday, but where else can this currency be used and what is its history?

On 1 January 1999, the Euro came into the world. For the first three years, however, it was an ‘invisible’ currency and only used for accounting purposes and electronic payments.

On 1 January 2002, coins and banknotes were then launched in 12 EU countries including France, Italy and Ireland.

How many countries use the Euro?

Around 350 million people use the Euro every day across 20 EU member countries

These 20 countries are:

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

 

The Euro is also used in non-EU member countries, including:

• Andorra
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• San Marino
• Vatican City
• Kosovo

There are non-EU member countries in the process of adopting the Euro, which is the second-largest and second-most-traded currency globally (behind the US Dollar).

These countries are:

• Bulgaria
• Czechia
• Hungary
• Poland
• Romania
• Sweden

Visit Christmas markets in Europe. Use our guide to learn more about the best Christmas markets to visit this winter.

Our Euro exchange rate

If you’re travelling to any of the above countries soon (which currently accept the Euro), one of the jobs on your to-do list will probably include money exchange.

With M&S Travel Money, you can buy Euros online or in store. Once you’ve returned from holiday you can also sell back your Euros to us. We’ll buy them back at the buy back rate available that day.

Planning a holiday abroad?

Travelling to Europe or beyond? Check out our handy guide to help make your trip perfect.

Are you travelling with cash?

Our guide explains how much money you can take abroad.

Need some winter sun?

Planning a winter sunshine break? Use our handy guide to help with your holiday planning.