The 6 European Countries That Don’t Use the Euro

Did you know there are European countries that don’t use the euro? Of the 27 nations that make up the European Union (EU), 21 use the euro as their official currency, in the region known as the Eurozone. While most countries that join the EU are required to adopt the euro as part of their membership, there are six member states that have yet to adopt the currency.

Of course, there are pros and cons for an EU-member country using a currency specific to their own economy. As far as advantages go, these countries are able to more fully dictate their own financial and monetary policies, without being beholden to the larger group. They can adjust exchange rates and interest rates to suit their economic needs, while avoiding the liabilities associated with being part of a bigger currency union. If a financial crisis affects the euro, the six European countries that don’t use the euro will be spared from the brunt of it.

If you’re planning a Europe trip and want your dollar, pound, or peso to stretch even further, consider heading to a destination with a more favorable currency conversion. Below, explore the non-Eurozone EU member countries and all they have to offer—beyond just a different coin.

Constructed in the 1300s, travelers and locals traverse the medieval Charles Bridge in Prague.

Getty

Czech Republic

Located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic has no shortage of castles, some dating back to the 1300s, making it a paradise for architecture and history enthusiasts. The Czech capital of Prague is even home to the world’s largest castle complex: the aptly-named Prague Castle. Plus, this country is famed for its tradition of brewing beer, which began as early as 993 AD.

Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK) (1 CZK = 0.047 USD)

Where to stay:

Boats docked along Copenhagen’s ever-so-colorful Nyhavn district

Getty