On January 1, 2002, the Euro will begin to replace the local currencies of twelve European Union (EU) member nations. The countries adopting the Euro are Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will not be changing from their local currencies to the Euro at this time.
Each EU member nation making the change to the Euro will phase in the new Euro currency separately. The EU Central Bank's Internet web site has complete information in several languages, including English, about each country's conversion schedule (http://www.euro.ecb.int).
The Euro will become legal tender in all twelve countries. Local currencies will still be accepted as legal tender for most financial transactions for a period of time. However, in the twelve listed countries, automatic teller machines (ATM's) will begin to issue Euros, banks will provide Euros for foreign currency exchange and vendors have been encouraged to provide change in Euros as of January 1. Delays in financial transactions may result during the initial stages of the transition.
Effective January 1, U.S. Embassies and Consulates located in the twelve "Euro" countries will accept only dollars and the new currency, Euros, for fee-based services.
December 5, 2001
Go to The European Union On-Line: Euro Essentials Web Page
Go to the Main Consular Affairs Page
Go to the Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets Page