European currencies and Exchange Rates for Australian Travellers
Whether you're planning a multi-country European trip or need to send money abroad, understanding Europe’s diverse currencies will help you budget confidently and get better value for your AUD.
At Prosegur Change, you can exchange European currencies online with 0% commission and collect your travel money securely at our Australian branches — including major airports and CBD locations.
Europe is unique: while many countries share the Euro, others maintain their own national currencies. Knowing the difference helps you prepare properly for your itinerary.
Top 5 European Currencies
Before travelling or transferring funds, these are the most commonly exchanged European currencies among Australian travelers:
Why exchange European currencies with Prosegur Change?
With over 30 years of international expertise, Prosegur Change offers a safe, convenient and great-value service for travelers heading to European destinations.
Whether you're travelling to Paris, Rome or Madrid, Prosegur Change ensures your travel money is ready before you fly.
Best rates & 0% commission on 50+ currencies, online only.
Trusted by Prosegur with 30+ years of experience.
Europe’s strongest currencies
Europe is home to some of the world’s most stable and valuable currencies.
While rates fluctuate, these currencies are traditionally considered the strongest:
- Swiss Franc (CHF) – known for exceptional stability
- British Pound (GBP) – one of the world’s oldest and most traded currencies
- Euro (EUR) – shared across 20 nations, with high global demand
- Danish Krone (DKK) – pegged closely to the Euro for stability
- Norwegian Krone (NOK) – supported by strong energy exports
- Swedish Krona (SEK) – widely traded across Europe
These currencies tend to hold strong purchasing power due to stable political systems, advanced economies and robust financial institutions.
Eurozone vs Europe: what travelers need to know
Europe is not a single currency area.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Countries that use the Euro (EUR)
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta.
Countries not using the Euro
Denmark (DKK), Sweden (SEK), Norway (NOK), Poland (PLN), Czechia (CZK), Hungary (HUF), Switzerland (CHF), Romania (RON), Bulgaria (BGN), Iceland (ISK), United Kingdom (GBP).
These countries maintain their own currencies for economic, political or trade reasons — meaning you may need multiple currencies if you're visiting different regions of Europe.
Tips for exchanging European money
Travelling through Europe often means crossing multiple currency zones. A few simple steps will help you save money and avoid unnecessary fees:
- Order currencies online before you go to avoid higher airport rates.
- Check live exchange rates on the Prosegur Change website.
- Bring small denominations for markets, cafés and rural areas.
- Use a mix of cash and card — some countries have card-first cultures (Nordics), while others remain cash-friendly (Germany, Austria).
- Keep leftover coins for trams, metro systems and tipping.
FAQs about European currencies
Before exchanging your money, here are some of the most common questions Australian travelers ask about European currencies.
No. Only 20 countries in the European Union use the Euro. Many European nations — including the UK, Switzerland, Sweden and Poland — keep their own national currencies. Always check your itinerary to determine which currencies you’ll need.
Generally, yes. The Euro typically holds a higher value than the AUD due to the size and economic strength of the Eurozone. Checking live EUR→AUD rates before buying helps you decide the best time to exchange.
In most cases, no. Local currencies are required in Switzerland, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Iceland and the Nordics. Some tourist areas may accept Euros informally, but the rate is usually poor. For best value, carry the correct local currency.
For Australians, currencies like the Polish Zloty (PLN), Hungarian Forint (HUF) and Czech Koruna (CZK) often provide very good purchasing power due to lower local prices.
Most travelers find it better to buy their currency in Australia. Airport and tourist-area bureaus in Europe often charge higher margins. Ordering online with Prosegur Change helps you lock in a fair rate in advance.
Travel across Europe with confidence
Whether you’re exploring Spain’s beaches, Switzerland’s mountains or Hungary’s historic cities, Prosegur Change ensures you’re prepared with the right currency for every destination.
Exchange European currencies online today with 0% commission — and collect your travel money at a nearby branch before you fly.