Does All of Europe Use the Euro? Cash, Cards and Foreign Fees
The euro area has 21 members in 2026, but Czechia, Hungary, Poland and others still use their own currencies. Payment habits, card fees and exchange tips. About 5 min read · Updated 2026-11-01
A common mistake is assuming Europe means euros. The EU and the euro area are not the same thing.
Euro countries in 2026 (21)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Bulgaria joined on 1 January 2026.
EU members that still use their own currency
Czechia, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden. The UK, Switzerland and Norway are also outside the euro area, so a Prague–Vienna trip uses two currencies.
Do you still need cash?
Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for public toilets, markets, small shops and some car parks.
Card fees
Foreign card payments usually include a network conversion fee and a bank foreign-transaction fee; the total varies and is often around 1.5%. Check your own card terms.
- If the terminal asks to pay in your home currency or the local currency, choose local. Home-currency conversion (DCC) usually has a worse rate.
- Do the same at ATMs.
Exchange tips
- Change a small amount at home for emergencies.
- Airport counters usually have worse rates.
- Consider a foreign-currency account or a card with low overseas fees.
Our take
If your route crosses into non-euro countries, note the day's currency in your phone. Our currency and plug tools can help with quick conversions.
FAQ
How much cash should I bring?
Enough for small daily spending and places that do not take cards; put larger spending on a card.
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