Euro Currency Guide: Where it’s used and how to convert Euros to AUD
The Euro is not only one of the most traded currencies in the world, it’s also one of the newest. Euro banknotes and coins became legal tender on January 1, 2002.
Although Euro banknotes and coins were introduced in 2002, the Euro first came into existence two years earlier on 1 January 1999 as a virtual currency for cashless payments and accounting purposes. Since it's introduction the Euro has become the second-largest reserve currency in the world and the second-most traded currency, surpassed only by the US Dollar.
- Convert Euros to and from AUD using the Westpac currency converter
Euros are now officially accepted in 20 countries
| France | The Netherlands | Cyprus | Luxembourg |
| Germany | Spain | Estonia | Malta |
| Greece | Austria | Finland | Portugal |
| Italy | Belgium | Latvia | Slovakia |
| Ireland | Croatia | Lithuania | Slovenia |
You may also be able to spend Euros in other countries (some major stores in London may accept Euros, for example) but it's not widespread and exchange rates may not be favourable.
Locking in your Euro exchange rate
If you’re travelling to Europe and you think the Euro exchange rate is in your favour, you don’t have to wait until you arrive to exchange your AUD for EUR. A travel money card lets you lock in the exchange rate whenever it suits you. You can also load multiple currencies onto your card – ideal if you’ll be making stop-overs on your way.
Travelling within Europe
Whether you're planning to eat croissants in Paris, sightsee in Rome or ski the Pyrenees, it's worth checking which currencies you'll need on your European adventure.
You might choose to use a preloaded travel money card, a debit card or a credit card on your travels. Some credit cards may come with complimentary travel insurance, may earn you points on your trip, or waive foreign transaction fees, so it’s worth checking the details.
If you prefer to use cash, you won’t pay any ATM withdrawal fees at overseas ATMS that are part of the Westpac Global ATM Alliance network.
Sending Euros overseas
If you're making an International money transfer you can send Euros from your Westpac bank account to more than 130 countries around the world, safely and securely. To get an indicative foreign exchange rate and estimate the fees, use our currency converter.
And if you're regularly making and receiving payments in Euros, you may want to consider a foreign currency account.