The Euro is the official currency of the European Union (EU). Fifteen members stateshave adopted it, known collectively as the Eurozone (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain)

The Euro was introduced in the financial markets in 1999, but really appeared as physical coins and banknotes on 1 January 2002. The designs for the front side of the coins and banknotes are common across Europe. The other side has a national design depending on the country where the coin is issued. The euro is devided into 100 cents : Bank notes of 5,10,20,50,100,200, 500 euros and coins of 1,2 euros are available.

National currencies continued in circulation during 3 another years. Step by step, national currencies were withdrawn : Old notes were shredded and coins melted down.

Most of tlhe banks in Britain offer account in Euro! It's useful for UK resident who works all over Europe and so paid partly in Euro. It's the same situation for people who planned travelling in EU, either at a second home or just making regular visits. However, a Euro bank account is not fundamental to make transaction in Euros. Your current sterling account accepts euros payment in compensation of a charge.

FBS Banking PLC © 2008.

fgfgcOf course, if your travelled in more than one country!

fgfgcYou will save commissions charges from the banks and others money changers in addition gjuh to the buying and selling rates dealing spread. For instance : A French who visited each EU jyyjyystates members with 1000 francs as budgetfcame back with less than 500 francs without any hththtt ghtht purchase....because of commissions charges!

fgfgcfFurthermore, tourists can compare easier costs of living (goods, services) in each countries.