What is the Euro (EUR)?

Key Takeaways

• The Euro is the official currency used across 21 EU countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, and Greece
• The Euro is shown as EUR internationally and uses the € symbol in everyday transactions
• One Euro is divided into 100 cents, with common notes from €5 to €500 and coins from 1c to €2
• The €500 note is no longer issued in the newer Europa series, though existing notes still retain their value
• GBP to EUR exchange rates change regularly, so checking live rates before exchanging money or travelling is recommended
• You can get Euros by exchanging GBP before travel, ordering online, visiting a bureau, using cards abroad, or withdrawing from ATMs in Eurozone countries
• Cash is still useful for cafés, markets, taxis, public toilets, and small businesses, while cards are widely accepted in larger venues and transport services

Western Union Manager: With the Euro used across so many destinations, understanding how it works can make travel and international payments far easier to manage.

EUR Notes and Coins

The Euro is divided into 100 cents. Euro banknotes have the same design across Eurozone countries, while coins have one shared side and one national side. Valid Euro coins can be used across the Eurozone, even if the design comes from another member country.

Common note values include:

• €5
• €10
• €20
• €50
• €100
• €200
• €500

The €500 note is no longer issued as part of the newer Europa series. Existing €500 notes still retain their value, but many travellers may find smaller notes easier for everyday spending. Smaller denominations are useful for cafés, markets, taxis, and tips.

Common coin values include:

• 1c
• 2c
• 5c
• 10c
• 20c
• 50c
• €1
• €2

Type	Common Denominations
Notes	€5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500
Coins	1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2

 

Carry smaller notes and coins if you plan to use local transport, visit markets, or buy small items. The €1 and €2 coins have a higher value than many British coins, so check your change before leaving a counter. Keeping loose coins ready can also help with vending machines, lockers, and public toilets.

You can check current exchange rates using the GBP to EUR currency converter of Western Union before exchanging money or arranging a transfer.

Current GBP to EUR Exchange Rate

Exchange rates change throughout the day based on market conditions. The value of the pound against the Euro can move due to interest rates, economic news, and global demand. Checking the latest currency rate for Euros before you convert can help with planning.

Live rates may differ depending on provider, timing, and payment method. Reviewing the latest rate can help you understand your estimated EUR amount before you continue.

The Euro is the official currency of the Euro area, also called the Eurozone. In 2026, 21 of the 27 EU countries use the Euro as their official currency. Additionally, 6 non-EU member states use the Euro as their official currency. While Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City have a monetary agreement and even issue their own Euro coins, Kosovo and Montenegro have adopted the Euro unilaterally with no right to issue their own coins. This broad coverage across Europe makes the Euro currency useful when travelling across several European countries on one trip.

Eurozone countries include:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain

Some European countries do not use the Euro. This is important to know if your trip includes several stops across Europe. You should check the local currency for each country before you arrive.

History of the Euro

The Euro was introduced on 1 January 1999 for electronic payments and accounting. Euro banknotes and coins entered circulation on 1 January 2002. This changed how many people travelled, traded, and paid across participating European countries.

The UK did not adopt the Euro and continued using pound sterling. This was linked to the UK’s opt-out from joining the single currency. After Brexit, the UK left the European Union, and GBP remains the official UK currency.

Today, the Euro is one of the most recognised currencies in the world. It is used by hundreds of millions of people across the Eurozone. The Euro currency also plays an important role in travel, trade, and international finance.

Exchanging GBP for Euros from the UK

You have several ways to access Euros before travelling from the UK. Each option depends on your timing, location, and preferred payment method. Planning ahead can help you avoid rushed decisions before departure.

Common ways to get Euros include:

• Exchange GBP before you travel
• Order Euros online
• Visit a high street bureau
• Use debit or travel cards abroad
• Withdraw Euros from ATMs in Eurozone countries
• Send funds digitally before travel with Western Union

Airport exchange counters may be useful when you need currency close to departure. Rates and charges can vary between providers and locations. Always review the exchange rate, fees, and limits before converting money.

Cash is still useful in many Eurozone destinations. You may need it for cafés, markets, public toilets, taxis, or small local businesses. Cards are also common in hotels, restaurants, shops, and transport services.

Converting GBP to EUR with Western Union in the UK

Western Union gives you ways to check rates and plan international money needs. You can review the currency rate for Euro before converting money or arranging a transfer. This can help you estimate how much EUR may be available from your GBP amount.

You can use Western Union online, in the mobile app, or at participating agent locations. Availability may depend on the service, location, and payment method. This gives you options based on how you prefer to manage payments.

Western Union also offers tracking tools for eligible transfers after payment is confirmed. This gives you visibility while your money is being processed. It can be useful when sending funds for family support, travel needs, or cross-border payments.

Travel Tips for UK Visitors

Using Euros during your trip is easier when you prepare in advance. Many Eurozone countries accept cards in hotels, shops, restaurants, and larger transport networks. Cash can still help with smaller purchases and local services.

Helpful travel tips include:

• Carry small Euro notes for cafés and taxis
• Keep €1 and €2 coins for machines and public toilets
• Check card charges with your bank before travel
• Choose to pay in local currency when a card machine gives you a choice
• Monitor the currency rate for Euro during longer trips
• Keep more than one payment option available

Dynamic currency conversion may appear when you pay by card abroad. This is when a card terminal offers to charge you in pounds instead of Euros. Many travellers choose the local currency option so their card provider handles the conversion.

Travellers entering or leaving the EU with €10,000 or more in cash must declare it to customs authorities. This rule also applies to certain other monetary items. You should check official guidance before travelling with large cash amounts.