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What is Europe's Currency?

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



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 20 EU member countries who have adopted the Euro as their official currency (out of 27 members).



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.





Easy Currency Bundle Options & SIMs for your Trip





Europe - Euro



UKEurope
British poundEuro



picture of the Travelex Money Card

EUR Goes Further with the Travelex Money Card

  • Our Travelex Money Card gives you better rates than Cash
  • Receive even better rates when exchanging $2,000 and over
  • 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

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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.

Buying euros online is easy

Order euros online, lock in the rate and collect at your local store, at the airport before you fly or have it delivered at home

  • 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.

Cash is accepted as a universal payment in Europe, making it highly flexible and convenient. Ensuring you have some euros on you is recommended, as many small stores set minimum payments for cards. What’s more, things like tipping and public transport costs are mostly cash. When travelling Europe, make sure you avoid pickpockets by using a travel wallet, and taking just the cash you need with you out for the day.

Why foreign cash?

  • Cash (both euro and otherwise) is flexible and is accepted in every country in Europe.
  • Cash is more commonly used in the countryside and smaller stores in some European countries. It is recommended that you have some local currency prepared so you don’t miss out on any cash-only experiences like bus fares taxis, and local guides.
  • Tipping is common in Europe, and is not often included as part of the bill.

 

Things to consider:

  • It may be harder to keep track of your spending with cash, making budgeting difficult. 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.

Prepaid travel cards are great value, as you are able to lock in an exchange rate at the time of purchase. You can also load multiple currencies, which is handy if you plan on country-hopping in Europe.

Why prepaid travel card?

  • Prepaid travel 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 prepaid travel 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!

Debit or credit cards are widely accepted throughout Europe, but transaction fees when paying by card can be quite high. You may also be required to make a minimum spend before paying by card in some stores. As such, it’s always good to have some cash handy, and to keep your bank cards as a backup in addition to local cash when travelling.

Why debit or credit card?

  • 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 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 purchase euro 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.

Discover Where to Buy EUR in your City

You can buy EUR online or in-store at any of our branches around Australia.

Check our full list of branches or click the links below to find stores around major cities and lock in buying EUR at a great 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

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Travelling to Europe in the Future?

Track Rates and get notified when the euro matches your ideal rate so you can decide if it’s a good time to buy!

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Travelex Money App

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ATMs

A convenient, fast and simple way to withdraw up to 12 foreign currencies 24/7 (depending on location).

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* 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.