The EURO is now the national currency of the European Union (except the UK). EU member states include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The EURO has been in use since 1999 for bank transactions, but was not in circulation until January 1, 2002, when the physical money was introduced. The lira, the former official currency of Italy, is no longer accepted.

There are 8 EURO coin denominations and 7 EURO bill denominations in circulation. Coins are denominated in 2 and 1 EUROS, then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Each member state decorated their own coins, but all coins are interchangeable within the countries. Bills are denominated in 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 and they vary in color and size.

How much is the EURO worth?
With the Euro in constant flux, please see www.oanda.com for up-to-date exchange rates.