Before you make any decisions, it’s essential to compare euro rates from a range of providers. Use our exchange rates table below to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Once you’ve found the best euro exchange rate, visit the provider’s website and review the details to make sure it suits your needs.

If you are happy with the euro exchange rate you’ve found, fill in a form online to order the money or collect it in person. Always check delivery costs as these can significantly increase the cost of a deal.

Pros and cons

Pros

You can find a competitive exchange rate and guarantee this before your trip

It’s a good way to budget as you know how much you’ve got to spend

You can often keep leftover euros for your next trip, as they can be used in so many different countries

Cons

Cash isn’t usually the cheapest option as a travel debit or credit card can offer better rates

Physical cash can also get lost or stolen

Buy back rates might mean you lose more money if you have leftover euros

How far will your euros go?

The cost of living varies in different European countries, so if you take €500 on holiday then you’ll get more for your money in some countries compared to others. We looked at the figures from 2019 to 2023 and compared the average cost of living to see how far your euros would go.

For example, in France you are likely to pay €60 for a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant but in Croatia the cost of the same meal will probably be closer to €55. In terms of local beer, you can expect to pay around €3 in Spain but €4.50 in Austria. And if you like a coffee in the morning, you can expect to pay around €1.62 for a regular cappuccino in Italy, compared to €3.41 in Germany. Aside from food and drink, taxis also vary in cost as you’ll only pay €0.80 per 1km on a normal tariff in Portugal, but in Greece it’s €1.00 for the same fare.

Find out more by visiting our 'going on holiday' hub page.

Where can I spend my euros?

The countries that currently use the euro are: Finland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Vatican City, San Marino, Italy, Monaco, France, Andorra, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany.

What are the top alternatives to buying travel money?

Travel credit cards

Travel credit cards - i.e. the ones with no foreign transaction fees - offer two key advantages over travel money:

Great exchange rates - when you spend on a travel credit card you get the American Express, Mastercard or Visa exchange rate, which is about the best you can find as a regular consumer
Purchase protection – for purchases costing £100 to £30,000, you're covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, meaning if something goes wrong you can make a claim with your card provider should the vendor fail to pay up

However, not everywhere accepts travel credit cards and using them at a cash machine abroad can come with hefty fees. It can also be easier to overspend on a credit card, leaving you with debts on which interest is charged.

Compare our best travel credit cards

Travel money cards

Currency cards and travel bank accounts let you spend overseas without being charged a foreign transaction fee. Their key strengths are:

Great exchange rates – the best card providers will pass on the Amex, Mastercard or Visa rate to you without adding extra charges
No charges for some ATM withdrawals overseas - if you need extra cash on holiday, some providers let you make a number of withdrawals per month or withdraw up to a certain amount without being charged. Watch out for local ATM fees though, as these might still apply

The downsides include that there can be limits on how much you can withdraw abroad using a travel money card, and that they're not accepted quite as widely as cash. Some travel current accounts also come with fees.

See travel money cards

Prepaid travel cards

Prepaid travel cards can be loaded with currency and used abroad without paying foreign exchange fees. You can load a prepaid card with a specific foreign currency or a variety of different currencies, depending on your travel plans. The key advantages are:

Low or no fees to use abroad – prepaid travel card providers can charge far less than traditional banks for overseas usage
Safer than carrying cash - you can cancel or freeze the card if it's lost or stolen, protecting your balance

However, you’ll need to watch out for general usage fees, which often apply when you load the card with cash and may also be charged monthly.

See our prepaid card deals

What are the top alternatives to buying travel money?

Travel credit cards

Travel credit cards - i.e. the ones with no foreign transaction fees - offer two key advantages over travel money:

Great exchange rates - when you spend on a travel credit card you get the American Express, Mastercard or Visa exchange rate, which is about the best you can find as a regular consumer
Purchase protection – for purchases costing £100 to £30,000, you're covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, meaning if something goes wrong you can make a claim with your card provider should the vendor fail to pay up

However, not everywhere accepts travel credit cards and using them at a cash machine abroad can come with hefty fees. It can also be easier to overspend on a credit card, leaving you with debts on which interest is charged.

Compare our best travel credit cards

Travel money cards

Currency cards and travel bank accounts let you spend overseas without being charged a foreign transaction fee. Their key strengths are:

Great exchange rates – the best card providers will pass on the Amex, Mastercard or Visa rate to you without adding extra charges
No charges for some ATM withdrawals overseas - if you need extra cash on holiday, some providers let you make a number of withdrawals per month or withdraw up to a certain amount without being charged. Watch out for local ATM fees though, as these might still apply

The downsides include that there can be limits on how much you can withdraw abroad using a travel money card, and that they're not accepted quite as widely as cash. Some travel current accounts also come with fees.

See travel money cards

Prepaid travel cards

Prepaid travel cards can be loaded with currency and used abroad without paying foreign exchange fees. You can load a prepaid card with a specific foreign currency or a variety of different currencies, depending on your travel plans. The key advantages are:

Low or no fees to use abroad – prepaid travel card providers can charge far less than traditional banks for overseas usage
Safer than carrying cash - you can cancel or freeze the card if it's lost or stolen, protecting your balance

However, you’ll need to watch out for general usage fees, which often apply when you load the card with cash and may also be charged monthly.

See our prepaid card deals

FAQs

When should I buy my euros?

There is no guarantee that the best euro rate will get better or worse, so if you’ve found a deal that suits you, it’s generally best to go ahead and purchase the euros you need. It’s important not to leave it too late in case the money cannot be delivered in time.

Who is giving the best exchange rate for euros?

If you are looking for the best exchange rate for euros, compare the latest rates by using our table above.

Are the euro rates better online or on the high street?

The exchange rates you can find online are usually better than the best euro rate on the high street.

Is the Post Office good for currency exchange?

The Post Office usually offers one of the most competitive high street euro exchange rates, but you can still find better rates online.

Can I use my credit card to buy euros?

Yes, you can use your credit card to purchase foreign currency. However, bear in mind that it will count as a cash advance and you'll be charged a cash advance fee, as well as daily interest, until it's paid off.

What is the commission on travel money?

Commission is a fee a travel money provider charges you for exchanging the money into a foreign currency.

About our comparison

Who do we include in this comparison?

We include every company that gives you the option of buying euros online. Discover how our website works.

How do we make money from our comparison?

We have commercial agreements with some of the companies in this comparison. We get paid commission if we help you take out one of their products or services. Find out more here.

You do not pay any extra and the deal you get is not affected.

About the author

Lucinda O'Brien

Lucinda O'Brien has spent the past 10 years writing and editing content for regional and national titles. She applies her industry knowledge to ensure readers can make confident financial decisions.