Planning a Europe Trip? Europe Money Guide for Indian Tourists
A trip to Europe is on almost every traveler's bucket list. With a blend of rich history, architectural marvels, culinary diversity, and seamless travel across borders, Europe is a dream destination. But before you get swept away by the Eiffel Tower or the canals of Amsterdam, it’s important to get your planning in place—especially regarding your foreign currency needs.
Pre-Trip Planning: Choosing Your Destinations
Europe has over 40 beautiful countries, each with its charm. Before booking your flight, you should consider the following:
• Interests: Art, history, nightlife, nature, or something else?
• Costing: Some countries are expensive (i.e., Switzerland and Norway), whereas others are reasonable (i.e., Portugal and Hungary).
• Visa Requirements: The Schengen Visa is common for 27 European countries, making it easy to hop from destination to destination under a single visa.
Prepare a list of countries interested in visiting, keeping geography and connectivity in mind. Some of the popular multi-country routes include
• France – Belgium – Netherlands – Germany
• Italy – Switzerland – Austria
• Spain – Portugal
• Central Europe (Czech Republic – Hungary – Poland)
Currency Guide When Traveling to Europe From India
Currency is an important element of travel planning. Since a non-Eurozone jurisdiction, the Indian Rupee (INR) is not accepted anywhere in Europe. Therefore, you must convert from INR to the local currencies of the countries you are going to visit. To make your life easy and stress-free, you may check Orient Exchange for great INR to Euro rates and home delivery or pickup from their branches anywhere in India. Currency can also be booked from the Orient Exchange online portal in a few steps.
Countries in Europe Where Euro (EUR) Is Accepted
The Euro (€) is the official currency for 20 out of the 27 members of the European Union. These are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
If your itinerary affords such, you must carry Euros with you.
Which European Countries Do NOT Use the Euro
Some European nations use local currencies. You will have to get different currencies if you are visiting these countries:
- Switzerland - Swiss Franc (CHF)
- United Kingdom - British Pound (GBP)
- Denmark - Danish Krone (DKK)
- Sweden - Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Norway - Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- Poland - Polish Zloty (PLN)
- Czech Republic - Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Hungary - Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Travel Tip: If your trip includes both Eurozone and non-Eurozone countries, it’s wise to carry a mix of Euros and local currencies. With Orient Exchange, you can easily request multiple currencies in one go—saving you the trouble of last-minute conversions abroad.
Can the Euro Be Used as Currency Outside of Europe?
Although the Euro is most widely recognized in the European Union, it does not serve as legal tender outside the Eurozone. Even some non-EU countries, like Montenegro and Kosovo, unofficially utilize the Euro. Conversely, in other areas such as Eastern Europe, it is recommended one uses the local currency for daily cash purchases.
How to Prepare Currency for Your European Trip
Here are some smart currency tips before you fly:
- Estimate Your Budget: Calculate daily expenses, accommodations, travel, shopping, and emergencies.
- Mix Cash & Forex Card: Carry some Euros in cash and load the rest on a Forex Travel Card for safety and convenience.
- Buy Currency in Advance: Don’t wait until the last minute. Exchange rates fluctuate, and airports charge hefty conversion fees.
- Choose a Trusted Partner: With Orient Exchange, you get live rates, zero margin pricing, and genuine banknotes. You can also reload or encash your forex card easily after your trip.
Why Choose Orient Exchange for INR to Euro Exchange?
Orient Exchange is a leading RBI-authorized forex provider in India, offering:
• Best rates for INR to EUR conversion
• Multi-currency forex travel cards
• Online booking with doorstep delivery
• Branch presence across major Indian cities
• Transparent service – no hidden charges
Whether you need Euros, Pounds, or Francs, Orient Exchange ensures a smooth, secure, and cost-effective currency exchange experience. Their user-friendly app and website make currency booking a breeze!
What to Do with Leftover Euros After Returning to India?
It’s common to return with some leftover Euros. Here’s what you can do:
1. Convert EUR to INR: Visit an Orient Exchange branch or Convert Eur to Inr through online.
2. Use Your Forex Card: If you used an Orient Exchange Forex Card, simply encash the balance or hold it for future use.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Europe is all about planning ahead and most importantly concerning currency. Knowing the countries that accept the Euro and preparing the right mix of cash and forex card actually save you your time and money. With Orient Exchange, you save more than just on INR to Euro conversion rates; you also buy peace of mind, expert guidance, and hassle-free service.