Travelling to Europe?

Get the best rates for euros online

Prepare for your European adventure and secure your travel euros with Manor FX – the best place to get euros.

Take advantage of the best rates for euros on the high street (and online!) to get more spending money.

Buy euros online for delivery and get euros delivered securely to your home or office. Alternatively, you can buy online and choose to click and collect euros from the Manor FX bureau de change near Heathrow.

You can be sure of speedy euro delivery times and a hassle-free online experience when you order your euro holiday money from Manor FX.

Euro travel money

Travel to Europe in the know. Check out these useful tips on using cash and cards in the Eurozone.

What countries use the euro?

19 of the 27 European Union (EU) countries use the euro as their official currency. Here’s the list: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

Other non-EU countries like Andorra, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, and Vatican City also use the Euro but aren’t officially part of the Eurozone.

In some non-European countries, it’s beneficial to carry euros to exchange for local currency upon arrival. This is often true for nations where:

• ATMs are scarce or unreliable.
• The local currency is not freely convertible.
• Euros offer a better exchange rate compared to other currencies.

Here is a list of countries where carrying euros might give you an advantage when exchanging for local currency: Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cuba, Georgia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Myanmar, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Always do your own research to see if this approach fits your travel plans, as currency exchange policies can change.

Where’s the best place to buy euros?

You’ve got a few options when it comes to buying euros:

• High street banks: Convenient, but often you don’t get the most bang for your buck.
• Airport kiosks: Handy, but watch out for the high fees.
• Local currency exchange bureaus: Better rates, but check for service charges. You won’t find any pesky service charges if you visit our bureau de change in Datchet near Heathrow.
• Online currency exchanges: Competitive rates, but watch out for delivery fees and times. You get free delivery with orders over £750 and next working day delivery with Manor FX.

Make Manor FX your top choice for buying euros for travel. We ensure you get the best deal on euros and fast and safe delivery options. 

You can also conveniently collect your currency from our bureau near Heathrow. So, look no further than Manor FX for both value and convenience.

Can you order euros online?

Yes, you can order euros online. ManorFX offers an easy and secure online ordering process. It’s a convenient way to get your travel money sorted before your trip. 

Should you exchange money before you travel to Europe?

Yes. It’s a good idea to exchange some money before heading to Europe. Having euros on hand helps you avoid high airport fees and gives you peace of mind. 

Can I use my bank card in Europe?

Absolutely. You can use your credit or debit card in Europe, but there are some things to keep in mind.

• Contactless payments. The limit for contactless payments in the Eurozone is usually €50. It can vary by country, though.
• Minimum payments. Some small shops or cafes may have minimum payment amounts for card transactions. Make sure to ask beforehand.

Remember to notify your bank about your travel dates to avoid any issues. Having cash on hand for places that don’t accept cards is also a good idea.

Do I need cash in Europe?

Yes. While many places in Europe accept cards, having some cash is advisable and puts you in charge of the exchange rate. Smaller shops, markets, festivals or rural areas might not accept cards.

Cash can also be handy for tipping or small purchases. So yes, it’s a good idea to carry some cash when travelling in Europe.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in Europe?

Both cash and credit cards have pros and cons in Europe.

• Cash: Handy for small businesses and markets. No need to worry about card acceptance or fees.
• Credit cards: More secure and convenient for big expenses. Watch out for foreign transaction fees, though.

A balanced approach works well. Use a credit card for hotels and larger purchases, but keep cash for smaller transactions and places that don’t accept cards. 

Manor FX offers a great way to get your euros before you go, giving you the best of both worlds.

Get euros delivered to home, or pop into our store in Datchet for same day euros.

How much cash should I take to Europe?

The amount of cash you should take to Europe varies based on your plans. Here are some guidelines:

Short trip (1-3 days)

£100-£300 should cover small expenses and emergencies.

One week

Around £300-£700 gives you flexibility for meals, transport, and activities.

Longer stays

Consider £700-£1,500, but also use cards for more significant expenses.

Remember, having a mix of cash and card payments is a good idea. Order euros online for home delivery or choose convenient pick-up with Manor FX for competitive exchange rates.

How can I avoid ATM fees in Europe?

Avoiding ATM fees in Europe can save you money. Here are some tips:

• Use partner banks: Check if your UK bank has partner banks in Europe that offer fee-free withdrawals.
• Withdraw larger amounts: Take out more cash at once to minimise the number of transactions and fees.
• Check account options: Some UK bank accounts offer free international withdrawals. Consider switching if you travel frequently.
• Get your euros before travelling: Enjoy a fee-free experience with Manor FX; it’s convenient and cost-effective.

How does tipping work in Europe?

Tipping in Europe is generally the same as tipping in the UK. If you’re eating out or drinking and enjoy the service, leaving a tip of around 10% is customary.

Is Europe a cheap place to visit?

Europe’s cost can vary greatly depending on where you go.

More expensive places include cities like London, Paris, and Zurich. Countries like Norway and Switzerland also tend to be pricier.

Less expensive destinations are often in Eastern Europe, such as Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. Cities like Lisbon and Budapest offer good value for money.

So, whether Europe is cheap or expensive can depend on your destination and how you manage your expenses. 

The price of a coffee

In more expensive cities like London or Paris, a coffee can cost between £3 and £5.

You might pay around £1 to £2 in budget-friendly destinations like Lisbon or Budapest.

The price of a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant

You might spend around £40 to £60 per person in pricier cities like London or Zurich.

In more affordable places like Lisbon or Krakow, expect to pay around £15 to £25 per person.

Planning ahead and knowing where to exchange your travel money euros can help you make the most of your budget.

European Currency

Banknotes in Europe

Banknotes in Europe mainly refer to the euro, used by 19 of the 27 European Union countries. Here are some key details:

• Euro banknotes come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500.
• €500 banknotes are no longer issued, but they remain valid. However, most shopkeepers won’t accept the €200 or €500 banknotes for payments. 
• The “Europa” series is the latest set of euro banknotes. The most recent updates were the €100 and €200 notes, released in 2019.
• Banknotes remain the same across all countries. They feature architectural designs but no portraits of real people.

Coins in Europe

Euro coins are used in the same 19 EU countries that use euro banknotes. Here’s what you need to know:

• Euro coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as €1 and €2 coins.
• While the value side of the coin is standard, each country has its own design on the other side.
• The designs have largely stayed the same since the Euro’s introduction in 2002. However, some countries issue commemorative coins.
• The common side of all euro coins features a map of the European Union.

Did you get back from Europe with some leftover coins? Our sister company, Leftover Currency, can help you to exchange euro coins back to cash.

Europe’s currency import and export regulations

Europe’s currency import and export regulations can differ from country to country. However, there are common rules within the Eurozone:

• Cash declarations. If you’re entering or leaving the EU with €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it to customs.
• Non-EU travellers. Rules may differ for travellers from non-EU countries. Always check the specific regulations of your destination.
• Penalties. Failing to declare large amounts of money can result in confiscation or fines.
• Currency types. The rules apply to all forms of currency. That means not just cash but also cheques and money orders.

Ordering euros online

Get the best high street euro rate – the same as our impressive online rate!

Order your euros online for quick and safe delivery to your home or office through Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®. 

Alternatively, collect your travel money from our shop close to Heathrow. Click here to purchase your euros online and benefit from the best rate for euros online.

Selling back euros

Have you got leftover euros to sell? We offer the best euro buy back rates.

Click this link to exchange euros to pounds and choose ‘sell currency.’ Then select ‘EUR euro’ for the best euro buy back rate. We offer competitive euro buy back rates for your remaining euros.

FAQs