Understanding the Currency of the Schengen Area

One of the most common questions visitors have when traveling to the Schengen area is about associated costs. When considering costs, whether it's insuring your vacation or searching for the best hotel deal, it's essential to know the currency that your destination uses! This is important to know if you’re planning to travel to one or more of these countries during your time abroad.

It might surprise you that there isn’t a standard Schengen currency – and that, in fact, the currency of Schengen member states varies from country to country.

In this article, we will cover the currency of each country in the Schengen zone and provide you with answers to common questions such as "What currency does Austria use?" or "Does Denmark use the euro?" (psst… it doesn’t!)

Schengen countries and their currencies

You might be glad to hear that the euro (€) is the official currency for most of the countries in the Schengen area, which makes traveling between countries even more simple. This commonality helps eliminate the need to find a currency exchange or order currency through your bank ahead of time – saving you time and money!

However, the euro isn’t the official currency for all of them. Below, we’ll cover the local currency for each country in the area in alphabetical order.

What currency does Austria use?

The euro (€). Austria, located in the heart of Europe, uses the euro as its official currency. If you're wondering, Austria adopted the euro in 1999. When visiting Vienna, Salzburg, or anywhere else in Austria, you'll be using euros for all your transactions. Before switching over to the euro, Austria’s official currency was the Austrian chilling.

Additionally, most establishments in Austria accept major debit and credit cards, allowing you to easily transact, no matter where you’re traveling from.

What is the currency in Belgium?

The euro (€). Belgium, including its capital Brussels, uses the euro. Belgium has been using the euro since 1999, making it easy for travelers across the Eurozone to move without exchanging currencies. Before 1999, the official currency for Belgium was the Belgian franc.

The majority of establishments in Belgium accept debit and credit cards.

What is Bulgaria’s currency?

The Bulgarian lev (BGN). Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev, not the euro. However, it is pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate, making it easier for quick currency conversions.

When making purchases in Bulgaria, debit and credit cards are widely used – however – smaller restaurants and stores, even in major cities, may not take cards, so it’s always a good idea to carry some lev when traveling to Bulgaria.

What is the currency in Croatia?

The euro (€). Croatia has more recently adopted the euro as its official currency, doing so in January of 2023. If you're curious about the currency for Croatia, rest assured that euros are now widely used throughout the country, making it easier for tourists from other Schengen countries to visit and explore all of the beautiful history and landscape that Croatia has to offer.

Before their recent adoption of the euro, Croatia’s official currency was the Croatian kuna.

What is the currency in the Czech Republic?

The Czech koruna (CZK) is the official currency of the Czech Republic, which means it’s also the currency in Czech’s most traveled city: Prague.

Debit and credit cards, including Apply Pay and Google Wallet, are widely accepted in the Czech Republic.

What currency does Denmark use?

Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK). If you’re traveling to Copenhagen or any other location in Denmark, you’ll be using Krones for all of your transactions.

Most establishments in Denmark will accept debit or credit, making travel to Denmark easier. However, just like many other Schengen countries, some small establishments may not accept debit or credit cards, so it’s not a bad idea to carry some krone with you.

What currency does Estonia use?

The euro (€). Estonia adopted the euro in 2011, and it has been the country’s official currency ever since. This change has simplified transactions for both tourists and locals.

Shopping and paying for services in Estonia is easy as debit cards are widely accepted, including more digitized methods, such as Apple Pay.

Before they adopted the euro, Estonia’s currency was the Estonian kroon.

What currency does Finland use?

The euro (€). Finland has used the euro since 1999. So, if you're visiting Helsinki or any other Finnish city, you will be using euros for your transactions. Before 1999, Finland’s currency was the Finnish markka.

What currency does France use?

The euro (€). France, one of the most popular countries in the Schengen area, uses the euro. Whether you're shopping in Paris or exploring the countryside, you'll use euros. Before France adopted the euro, France’s official currency was the franc.

When you’re traveling in France, you’ll find that debit and credit cards are widely used and accepted.

What currency does Germany use?

The euro (€). Germany is one of the most visited countries in the Schengen area, and it also uses the euro! Whether you’re traveling to Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, or somewhere else, you can use euros for all of your transactions.

Before Germany switched to the Euro, their official currency was the Deutsche mark.

What currency does Greece use?

The euro (€). Greece adopted the euro in 2001. Tourists visiting the ancient ruins and islands can easily transact using euros, including debit and credit cards. It never hurts to carry some cash on you, however, just in case.

Before Greece began using the euro, their currency was the Greek drachma.

What is Hungary’s currency?

Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (HUF), not the euro. If you’re traveling to Budapest or anywhere else in Hungary, you’ll be making transactions with the forint.

Most shops, hotels, and restaurants in Hungary (especially in city centers) accept debit and credit cards.

What is the currency of Iceland?

Iceland uses the Icelandic krona (ISK), not the euro. If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik, or anywhere else on the stunning island of Iceland, you’ll be making transactions with the Icelandic krona.

Iceland is very digitally modern and you should have no problem using your debit or credit card when traveling.

What currency do they use in Italy?

The euro (€). Italy is part of the Schengen zone and has used the euro since 1999. Whether you're in Rome, Venice, or Florence, you will be using euros for your purchases.

Before Italy adopted the euro, the Italian lira was used.

Debit and credit are widely used in Italy, though it never hurts to have a few euros on you, especially at markets or in more rural locations.

What is Latvia’s currency?

The euro (€). Latvia switched to the euro in 2014. If you're visiting Riga or any other part of the country, you'll use euros just like in many other Schengen countries. Before switching to the euro, the currency in Latvia was the Latvian lats.

When traveling to Latvia, major debit cards are widely accepted – especially at touristic locations such as hotels or downtowns. However, many smaller shops and restaurants, especially outside of tourist areas, may not accept debit cards, so it’s best to have some cash on you when traveling through Latvia.

What is the currency in Liechtenstein?

Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc (CHF), sharing its currency with neighboring Switzerland.

Generally speaking, debit and credit cards are accepted in Liechtenstein. However, if you’re traveling to the countryside or small towns, it’s best to have some francs with you in case you pop in somewhere that doesn’t have a card reader.

What is the currency in Lithuania?

The euro (€). Lithuania adopted the euro in 2015. Whether you're visiting Vilnius or smaller cities, euros are widely accepted. Before the euro was adopted as Lithuania’s official currency, the Lithuanian litas was used.

Major debit cards are widely used in Lithuania, but cash is also still widely used – especially at smaller shops, restaurants, and street markets. It’s best to make sure you have a few euros on hand when traveling to beautiful Lithuania.

What currency does Luxembourg use?

The euro (€). Luxembourg, despite being small, is a key financial hub in Europe. The country uses the euro, and travelers can use the currency seamlessly across its borders. Before adopting the euro, Luxembourg’s official currency was the Luxembourgish franc, which they shared with neighboring Belgium at a 1:1 exchange rate.

Debit and credit cards are widely used in Luxembourg.

What currency does Malta use?

The euro (€). The small island nation of Malta uses the euro. Before switching to the euro, Malta’s official currency was the Maltese lira.

Debit and credit are very common for transactions in Europe, though for some small purchases, cash is still common as well.

What is the Netherlands’ currency?

The euro (€). The euro is the official currency of the Netherlands, including the popular city of Amsterdam. Before the euro, the Netherlands used the Dutch guilder as their national currency.
Digital payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are very common in the Netherlands, as well as credit and debit cards. You should have no problem getting around.

What currency is used in Norway?

Norway uses the Norwegian krone (NOK), not the euro. If you’re traveling to Oslo, Bergen, or anywhere else in Norway, you’ll be making transactions with the krone.

You should have no problem using debit and credit cards for your travels in Norway, but, like other Schengen countries, it never hurts to carry some cash on you just in case.

What is Poland’s currency?

Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN), not the euro. If you’re traveling in Poland, whether it’s Warsaw or somewhere else, you’ll be using the zloty for your purchases and transactions.

In general, you should be fine using your debit or credit card in Poland, but it never hurts to carry a small amount of cash on you just in case.

What currency does Portugal use?

The euro (€). Portugal adopted the euro as their official currency in 1999. Whether you're in Lisbon or Porto, you can use euros for all transactions. Before they adopted the euro, their official currency was the Portuguese escudo.

Debit card usage is very common (and expected) in Portugal, but it never hurts to have a few euros on hand.

What currency does Romania use?

Romania uses the Romanian leu (RON) as its official currency, not the euro.

When traveling to Romania, you should make your purchases with the leu.

You’ll find that debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Romania.

What currency does Slovakia use?

The euro (€). Slovakia has been using the euro since 2009. Tourists visiting Bratislava, or any other city in Slovakia will find that euros are the accepted form of currency. Before they swapped to the euro, Slovakia’s official currency was the Slovak koruna.

The most popular payment method in Slovakia is by debit or credit card.

What currency does Slovenia use?

The euro (€). Slovenia adopted the euro in 2007. If you're traveling to Ljubljana or other Slovenian cities, euros will be the currency in use. Before switching to the euro, Slovenia’s official currency was the Slovenian tolar.

Debit cards are widely accepted in Slovenia.

What currency does Spain use?

Spain, a popular travel destination, uses the euro (€). Whether you're in Madrid or Barcelona, you will use euros for all transactions. Before the euro was their official currency, the country of Spain’s currency was the Spanish peseta.

Debit cards are widely accepted in Spain, but it’s a good idea to carry cash if you’re going to be traveling to small towns and villages or shopping at street markets.

What is Sweden’s currency?

Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK). When traveling to Stockholm, Gothenburg, or anywhere else in Sweden, you’ll be making transactions with the krona.

You should be fine using your debit or credit card around Sweden, as they are very popular and widely accepted.

What is the currency in Switzerland?

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), the same as its neighboring country of Liechtenstein. When traveling through Switzerland, from cities like Geneva to adventures in the Swiss Alps, you’ll be using the Swiss franc.

You should be absolutely fine using your debit or credit card through Switzerland, as they’re widely accepted around the country.

Key Takeaways about the Schengen area and the euro

• Not all countries in the Schengen area use the euro.
• The euro (€) is used by most Schengen countries, including Austria, Belgium, and France.
• Countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Hungary maintain their own currencies.
• Switzerland and Liechtenstein use the Swiss franc (CHF).
• Bulgaria’s lev is pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate.
• Norway and Iceland use krones, while Poland and Romania use złoty and leu, respectively.
• All of the countries in the Schengen area accept debit and credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash, in the local currency on hand – especially when visiting less urban areas.