The Euro has been the European currency since 1999 and put in circulation on January 1, 2002. The Euro is now the currency for 16 European countries. which are part of the European Union (EU). There are a total of 27 European countries belonging to the EU, but only 14 are using the Euro. These countries using Euro currency are: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Denmark, the UK and Sweden have chosen to stay out with an option to review there decision.
The currency rate of the Euro change slightly on a daily basis, but until now if you went to Europe with your dollars you were a bit short changed. More or less you would get around 3-3.50 Euros for your $5 dollar bill.
Euro banknotes are very colorful with architectural drawings of fictitious monuments, and are issued from 5€, 10€, 20€, 50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€. The coins have one side showing the value of the coin, and one side unique to each country, and are issue from 1 cent, 2 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, 1 € and €.
To read a full report on the Euro money click HERE.