Holiday 2007

1 January 2002: euro notes and coins will be introduced. The notes will be in seven nominations and identical all countries: EUR , 10 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. A national symbol will be carried on one side of each of the eight coins whose denominations will be 1 cent, 2, 5, 10 20, 50 and EUR 1 and EUR 2.

By the end of February 2002 at the latest: most notes and coins in the national currency units will have been withdrawn. Any still in circulation can be changed into euro at central banks.
 

There are twelve countries whose currency is the euro. They are:

Belgium                    France                    The Netherlands
Germany                   Ireland                    Austria
Greece                      Italy                        Portugal
Spain                        Luxembourg           Finland

As from 1 January 2007, the euro will also be the currency of Slovenia.

The rates between the euro and the national currency units of these countries is fixed and does not vary.

Where can I use the euro?

The euro is accepted by:

> most travel agents
> railway and airline operators
> many hotels and restaurants
> a large number of tourist shops and leisure facilities

Some places where you
can be sure to use the euro are 
showing this sign
 
(Payments in euro accepted)

What are the advantages of using the euro?

Gaining a sense of value

> Giving your attention to euro prices and then making your payment in euro when you can, will help you learn what the new currency is worth and what it will buy.

> If you learn euro values quickly, you will not need to bear in mind the rate for converting them, or the local currency, into your national money.

> Prices for goods and services vary in different parts of euro area. If you start paying attention to prices in euros, you will soon spot differences which could play in your favor.

You pay, but not in cash:

> credit cards
> payment cards
> travellers cheques denominated in euro
> bank transfers

Credit cards are still the cheapest way of making payments in a foreign country.

Although you will find that some operators are no equipped, this year a growing number are installing credit and payment card terminal that can handle the euro.

Traveller cheques denominated in euro are now available from all of the main issuers.

But don't try to write a cheque you normally use at home...it could be very difficult to process abroad

In many countries, charges on bank transfers across borders are slightly lower than they used to be. But before you make a transfer, ask your bank how much it will cost you.

Information taken from pamphlet from the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities

 
European 
Commission

Would you like more information on the euro. Check these sites:

Official Website for the Euro

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