Euro · € · Shared currency of the eurozone (represented here by Germany)
The euro (€) is the shared currency of the eurozone countries within the European Union. It was introduced as an accounting currency in 1999, with physical notes and coins entering circulation in 2002. The European Central Bank (ECB) sets monetary policy, and 20 countries now use it as their official currency.
Six banknotes circulate: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200 (the €500 note was discontinued from new issuance in 2019). Designs are identical across all countries, though coin reverse sides vary by issuing country. Notes feature European architectural styles from different eras — bridges, windows, gateways — rather than any specific country or person.
Even within the eurozone, habits around card payments and tipping vary a fair bit by country, so it's worth checking local norms wherever you're headed. Banknote designs are identical across the eurozone, but coin reverse sides differ by issuing country, so travelers hopping between countries sometimes enjoy collecting a few different coin designs along the way. The €500 note is no longer newly issued, but existing notes remain valid legal tender.
You can view the real banknote designs on the European Central Bank's official page.
See Euro banknotes at today's exchange rate →