Currency, Cards & Spending Tips for Europe
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Currency Basics
Most European countries use the euro (€), including popular destinations like Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal. If your trip includes Switzerland (Swiss franc), the UK (British pound), or Eastern Europe (e.g., Hungarian forint, Czech koruna), you’ll need to plan for those currencies separately. Europe is a patchwork of currencies, so it’s important to know what’s accepted in each country on your itinerary. Below is a detailed list of the currency accepted by country.
💡 All euro countries use the same coins and bills, so you won’t need to exchange currency between them.
Getting Euros Before You Go
The best way to get euros before your trip is by ordering currency through your U.S. bank. Many banks let you do this online or by phone, often with better rates and lower fees than exchanging money once abroad.
✅ Best Option: U.S. bank currency order
❌ Avoid: Airport kiosks, hotel desks, and tourist exchange booths — they typically offer poor exchange rates and high fees.
Once You’re Abroad
- ATMs are widely available at airports, banks, and in city centers.
- Use bank-affiliated ATMs (avoid standalone machines in tourist zones or convenience stores).
- Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce per-transaction international fees.
- Always store cash securely and split it between your bags when possible.
Credit & Debit Card Best Practices
- Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
- ALWAYS choose to pay in local currency (euros) instead of USD when asked — it avoids hidden fees from dynamic currency conversion.
- Consider setting up spending alerts with your bank or card provider for extra peace of mind.
Security & Smart Spending
- Bring only the cards you plan to use; leave backups at home or secured in your hotel.
- Alert your bank and credit card companies to your travel dates and countries to prevent declined charges.
- Use a crossbody bag or money belt in crowded areas (metro stations, markets, etc.) to deter pickpocketing.
- Apps like XE Currency or Revolut can help you track exchange rates or manage spending abroad.
Currency by Country (Quick Reference)
Use this table to confirm the official currency used in each country on your itinerary:
Country | Currency | Code |
Austria | Euro | EUR (€) |
Belgium | Euro | EUR (€) |
Croatia | Euro (since 2023) | EUR (€) |
Czech Republic | Czech Koruna | CZK (Kč) |
Denmark | Danish Krone | DKK (kr) |
France | Euro | EUR (€) |
Germany | Euro | EUR (€) |
Greece | Euro | EUR (€) |
Hungary | Hungarian Forint | HUF (Ft) |
Iceland | Icelandic Krona | ISK (kr) |
Ireland | Euro | EUR (€) |
Italy | Euro | EUR (€) |
Netherlands | Euro | EUR (€) |
Norway | Norwegian Krone | NOK (kr) |
Portugal | Euro | EUR (€) |
Spain | Euro | EUR (€) |
Sweden | Swedish Krona | SEK (kr) |
Switzerland | Swiss Franc | CHF (Fr) |
Turkey | Turkish Lira | TRY (₺) |
United Kingdom | British Pound | GBP (£) |
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