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 341 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
- Czech Republic
- 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 (that currently accept the euro), one
of the jobs on your to-do list will probably include money exchange.
With M&S bank, 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.
Updated June 2023
