Currency in Europe
Europe is calling and you need to organise some currency.
The official currency in Europe is the Euro (Euro), which is used in 19 of the 28 countries in the European Union. In this article, we've put together everything you need to know about the Euro and share some tips on how to get the best deal on your conversion from AUD to EUR.
Before you head off to Europe, learn about:
- What European notes and coins look like
- Can you use Australian Dollars in Europe?
- How to buy Euros before your trip
- How to buy currency when you get to Europe
What Euro notes and coins look like
Notes
Euro notes are quite different to our currency in Australia. They are made up of:
€5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500
Coins
There are quite a few coins in European currency. The coins in circulation in Europe are:
1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2
Can You Use Australian Dollars in Europe?
No, you can't.
You cannot use Australian dollars in Europe. Just like you can't use Euros here! The rest of this article has some information about how you can convert currency for your holiday.
You can find out the exchange rate between the AUD and EUR with our currency converter, here.
Is it Cheaper to Convert Currency in Australia or Europe?
Because exchange rates change so frequently, and every provider offers different rates it's hard to say the cheapest way and place to exchange currency.
A lot of Australians travel to Europe every year, but you will probably find it is easier to exchange currency in the more popular cities such as Paris, Rome, Berlin or any other tourist hot spots.
Both in Australia and in Europe, steer clear of exchanging currency at the airport. On both ends, the rates will be much worse than in the city centres.
To find the best places to buy EUR, you can read our guide here.
How to buy Euros before your trip
Online
This is a convenient way to buy currency but you need some time. You can choose where to pick the order up from, and in some instances can get home delivery. When you order with Travelex, you can choose to order cash, a prepaid Travelex Money Card or both!
Home or Office Delivery
- You can pay by Bpay or bank transfer
- It takes up to 7 days depending on your location
- Choose your cash denominations like small, medium, large or mixed
Money Changers
This is the best way to get currency quickly. You will find them in major shopping centres and towns. Our tip, is that the exchange rates are better in your CBD than what you'd find further out. So it can be worth going there if you're exchanging more than $2,000.
Find the best currency exchange in your states CBD here.
Bank
Most banks do exchange currency. The issue is that they often have high fees, and don't offer very good rates. It's always better to compare rates elsewhere before deciding, but as a standard rule it's best to avoid your bank. Especially for a popular currency like EUR.
Airport
Yes, you can buy currency at the airport. But that doesn't mean you should. While it's convenient, it's also very expensive. If you have run out of time before your trip, it's definitely better to buy currency when you get to Europe, or use your Aussie debit card instead.
How to Buy EUR in Europe
If you decide to buy your currency when you get to Europe, the first thing you'll need to do is make sure you have Australian dollars in cash. This way you can exchange it when you get there.
Similar to in doing it in Australia, it's best to avoid buying currency at the airport and the bank, and better to do it in one of the major city centres.
You can use this link to find Travelex stores in France.
