What is the Euro and how will it affect my trip to Europe?
The Euro is the new single European currency. This common currency eliminates many of the monetary exchanges travelers experience when touring Europe. The following 12 members of the European Union agreed to participate: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The independent states of Monaco, San Marino, The Vatican City and Andorra, although not members of the union, shall use the Euro as their sole currency as well. Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden and the United Kingdom currently have opted to retain their separate and unique monetary units for use within their borders. If travelling to one or more of these countries, keep in mind that the Euro cannot be used and you must obtain local currency for any purchases within these countries.
