European Currencies

European currencies is a topic that has changed a lot in the last decade or so thanks to the European integration and the introduction of the Euro. The Euro is a European currency introduced by the EU in a bid to facilitate the free trade of goods and tourism between European countries. Sixteen of the twenty seven EU member states currently use the Euro while the others have chosen to continue using their own European currencies.

For travelling to those countries that do use the Euro, and particularly for travelling between them, this makes like much easier when visiting Europe as it means that you are able to move between countries without having to get your currencies changed multiple times or without having to take and organise various different European currencies with you on your travels. This is also more cost effective as it can be quite expensive to change currencies depending on where you get them changed. The Euro then aimed to provide a single European currency for multiple countries and this has been a point of controversy with many successes and set backs. There is strength in numbers but at the same time a struggling economy in one country can now have repercussions elsewhere.

The Euro symbol interestingly was chosen to resemble the Greek epsilon as an homage to a country that is often considered the ‘cradle’ of Western civilisation. The countries currently using the Euro are Austria, Belgium, Finland, French, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemberg, Portugal, Spain, the Vatican, Greece, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta, the Netherlands, San Marino, and Slovakia.

As this does not cover all European countries then, or even all EU member states, it is important still to check the European currency before you travel to a European country. In Poland the currency is still the Zlot for instance, while in England it is still the pound. As when travelling abroad anywhere it is important to check the exchange rate and there are many websites where you can do this. At the same time you should also decide on what you think will make the best way to keep your European currencies – in cash, as travellers’ cheques, or another form. If you want to keep your European currencies as cash then you should look at getting your currencies as soon as possible to ensure you’re not left travelling to another country with no way of spending money. With travellers’ cheques you don’t need to worry about your money getting lost as no one else can use it, but on the other hand you also will need to find a place to get your cheques changed from time to time which can sometimes be inconvenient. Possibly the best solution, particularly when you will need multiple European currencies, is to take out an account with an international bank – this way you will be able to use your account in any European country and withdraw money with no charge and with no need to carry lots of cash around with you. Regardless, European currencies are something you always need to take into account (very bad pun unintended) when travelling to Europe and particularly when travelling across Europe.

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