Currency in the Schengen Area

If you're planning a trip to Europe, particularly any country in the Schengen area, you'll need to know what currency the country uses. This way, you can do a bit of research ahead of time about conversion rates and how to exchange money (if needed).

More likely than not, the currency of your destination will be different than the currency you're used to back home.

Apart from the bigger purchases required when traveling, like hotel rooms, Schengen travel insurance, and your flights, there are expenses you can expect to pay during your trip. From museums and excursions, to restaurants and cafés - you may even need to have some cash on you.

It might surprise you to hear that there isn’t a standard European currency. The currency of Schengen member states varies from country to country.

That said, the Euro (€) is the official currency for most of the countries in the Schengen area, which makes traveling between countries even simpler. This commonality helps eliminate the need to find a currency exchange or order it through your bank ahead of time.

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

Latest news! Bulgaria now uses the euro as of January 1st, 2026.

European currencies

Austria

Austria uses the euro (€) as its official currency.

Before switching over to the euro (in 1999), Austria’s official currency was the Austrian schilling. They officially transferred over to the euro in 2002.

Debit and credit cards are accepted in most establishments throughout Austria.

Belgium

Belgium uses the euro (€).

Belgium has been using the euro since 2002 (though it was legally adopted in 1999). Before that, Belgium's official currency was the Belgian franc.

Debit/credit cards are accepted throughout Belgium.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria officially adopted the euro (€) on January 1st, 2026.

Before this, the official currency was the Bulgarian lev (BGN).

When making purchases in Bulgaria, debit and credit cards are widely used. That said, smaller restaurants and stores, even in major cities, may not take cards. Because of that, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash when traveling through Bulgaria.

Croatia

Croatia's official currency is the euro (€).

Before their adoption of the euro on January 1st, 2023, Croatia’s official currency was the Croatian kuna.

Like other Schengen countries, cards are widely accepted throughout the country. Still, some small places (like mom and pop shops) may require cash, so it's not a bad idea to be carrying some euros on you just in case.

Czech Republic

The Czech Koruna (CZK), not the euro, is the official currency of the Czech Republic. This means that the currency in Prague (Czechia's capital city) is also the Koruna.

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

Denmark

Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK), not the Euro. If you’re traveling to Copenhagen or any other city in Denmark, you’ll be using Krones for all of your transactions.

Most establishments in Denmark accept debit or credit.

Estonia

The euro (€). Estonia adopted the euro on January 1st, 2011, and it has been the country’s official currency ever since. Before they adopted the euro, Estonia’s currency was the Estonian kroon.

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

Finland

The euro (€). Finland has been using the euro since 2002 (they officially adopted it in 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.

France

France uses the euro (€). Whether you're shopping in Paris or exploring the countryside, you'll use euros. Before France adopted the euro (which went into full effect in 2002), 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. If you are planning to go to flea markets, street fairs, or some events, cash may be required.

Germany

Germany uses the euro (€).

Before Germany switched to the Euro in 2002 (but adopted in 1999), their official currency was the Deutsche mark.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Germany.

Greece

Greece adopted the euro (€) in 2001, and it went into widespread effect in 2002.

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, just in case.

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

Hungary

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.

Iceland

Iceland uses the Icelandic krona (ISK). 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.

You should have no problem using your debit or credit card when visiting.

Italy

Italy's official currency is the euro (€). If you're in Rome, Venice, Florence, or anywhere else in Italy, you will be using euros for your purchases.

Before Italy adopted the euro in 1999, the Italian lira was used. Their currency change went into full effect in 2002.

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.

Latvia

The euro (€). Latvia switched to the euro in 2014.

Before switching to the euro, the currency in Latvia was the Latvian lats.

Major debit cards are widely accepted, especially at tourist locations such as hotels or downtown neighborhoods. 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.

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 Swiss francs with you in case you pop in somewhere that doesn’t have a card reader.

Lithuania

Lithuania adopted the euro (€) in 2015.

Before the euro was adopted as Lithuania’s official currency, the Lithuanian litas was used.

Major debit cards are widely accepted in Lithuania, but cash is also still widely used, especially at smaller "mom and pop" shops, restaurants, and street markets. It’s best to make sure you have a few euros with you.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg's official currency is the euro (€). Before switching over to the euro, Luxembourg’s official currency was the Luxembourgish franc. Like several other Schengen countries, Luxembourg adopted the euro in 1999 and fully switched over in 2002.

Debit and credit cards are widely used.

Malta

The euro (€). The small island nation of Malta uses the euro. Before switching to the euro in 2008, 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, too. It's not a bad idea to carry a bit on you.

The Netherlands

The euro (€). The euro is the official currency of the Netherlands, which includes popular cities like Amsterdam.

Before the euro, the Netherlands used the Dutch guilder as its national currency. The full transition from guilder to euro was in effect from 2002.

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.

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 with you just in case.

Poland

Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN), not the euro. If you’re traveling in Poland, whether it’s in 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.

Portugal

The euro (€). Portugal adopted the euro as their official currency in 1999, and the full switch took place in 2002.

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.

Romania

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.

Slovakia

The euro (€). Slovakia has been using the euro since 2009.

Tourists visiting Bratislava, or any other city in Slovakia can expect to use Euros. Before they switched to the euro, Slovakia’s official currency was the Slovak koruna.

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

Slovenia

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.

Spain

Spain uses the euro (€). Before the euro became its official currency in 1999, 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.

Sweden

Sweden does not use the euro; it 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.

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 in Switzerland, as they’re widely accepted around the country.

FAQs about currencies in Europe

Is the Euro used everywhere in Europe?

Which countries in Europe use the Euro?

Does the UK use Euros?

Sources

European Union Council Regulations for Euro Adoption:

BULGARIA: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1407/oj/eng

BELGIUM, AUSTRIA, GERMANY, SPAIN, FRANCE, IRELAND, ITALY, LUXEMBOURG, NETHERLANDS, PORTUGAL, and FINLAND: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/1998/974/oj/eng

CROATIA: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2022/1211/oj/eng

LATVIA: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2013/387

LITHUANIA: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2014/509/oj/eng

LUXEMBOURG and MALTA: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A01998R0974-20230101