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THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL MONEY GUIDE TO EUROPE | Eurozone, Tipping, Holiday Budgets, and more!

23rd August 2023

Everything you need to know about travelling Europe - from which foreign currency you’ll need, cash vs card per country, and budget guides for the most popular European destinations!

Travel Money For Europe. Image features the Santorini skyline at sunset, Lisbon's vibrant cityscape, the iconic Positano coastline, and dramatic scenery of Norway.

 

So, you’ve booked your flights and are about to live everyone’s bucket-list dreams with a trip around Europe.

We’re incredibly jealous.

But also incredibly excited for you!

And we’re here to help you plan it all.

Whether you’re island hopping the azure waters of Greece, visiting the fairytale villages and castles of Germany, winding your way through the rich history of the Baltics, or seeing vivid streaks of light flash across the Nordic sky, we’ve got you covered.

Think of us as your Europe Travel Guides – we can be your inspirational Europe Itinerary Planner (just read our blogs!), as well as your helpful Europe Budget Planner, and more!

We’ll list all the best places to visit in Europe, from most popular European destinations and some hidden gems in Europe too. Because offbeat destinations in Europe often end up being the highlight of your trip!

Most importantly, we’ve got expert advice and travel money tips for your adventures through Europe – whether it’s about what currency you need to take, travel expenses in Europe, or even tips for travelling in Europe on a budget. 

Sound like what you need?
Let’s dive in!

A quick video explainer for European Currencies

 

 

Highway to the Eurozone

Europe has made it pretty easy to bounce from country to country.

Known as the Eurozone, there are 20 countries in Europe (green on the map above) that have adopted the Euro – meaning you won’t have to exchange your money into any other currency when travelling that region!

All you’ll have to do is swap AUD to Euro… for these countries at least:

Andora, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Vatican City, and newly added to the Eurozone – Croatia!

How easy is that!

To make planning your trip even easier for you, we’ve popped a little daily spend info in the drop down tabs below.

Otherwise for a general overview, read our blog about how much money you should take to Europe!

Map of European Currencies

 

Travel Guides for Popular Eurozone Destinations...

Your France Travel Money Guide

Ahhh France.

Whether you’re visiting for the glittering Eiffel Tower, the luxe French Riviera, skiing in the French Alps, or charming fairytale towns, this country has well-earned its romantic reputation.

Here are some tips for planning your France travel budget!

 

 

France Daily Costs

Coffee: €1.85 (about $4.72 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino (or café crème)
Water: €1.50 (about $3.00 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Bottle of Wine: €7.00 (about $11.35 AUD) – to go with Eiffel tower views.
Food: €15 (about $24.30 AUD) –  for a baguette breakfast.
Fine Dining: €60 (about $97ish AUD) – why not treat yourself in the city of love?
Local Transport: Around €2.75 (about $3.20 AUD) – this varies depending on where you go!

France Daily budget

Budget: Around €47-50 Euros ($80-$85 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, and entry to the Louvre.
Moderate: Around €90-100 Euros ($150-$171 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, and entry to the Palace of Versailles.
Luxury: Around €120-200 Euros ($200-$341 AUD) per day
EG: 2x restaurant meals, shopping in Paris, and lunch on the Eiffel tower.

Cash or Card in France?

The French still love using cash, but cards are widely accepted in most stores so make sure to also take a Currency Pass prepaid travel card! This will stop you from getting hit with those nasty credit card fees (quelle horreur!). ATMs are easy to access and found everywhere, but have Euros handy in small towns.

Tipping in France

Not required in cafés and restaurants, but accepted in hotels and taxis.

Safety in France

Keep a medium amount of cash on hand – enough for the day, but not too much for pickpockets.

France Travel Tips

  • Museums are free on the first Sunday each month
  • Have your €1 and €2 coins ready for hotel porters
  • Summer brings harsh rays of raised hotel prices
  • Restaurants must charge a service fee by law
  • Keep 50c coins spare for toilet attendants
  • Notes in France are called billets
  • Buy train passes or get tickets in packs to save
  • Buy cheap ingredients for meals from supermarkets

 

Want more info?

Find out how much money you need to travel Europe in this blog!

Your Germany Travel Money Guide

From the remarkable art and architecture of Berlin, the thriving social scene (hello Oktoberfest!), to the enchanting forests and fairytale castles, Germany is a destination that thrills.

 

Germany Daily Costs

Prices are reasonable for travellers. Just keep cash handy for cheap pretzels and bratwursts.

Coffee: €3.14 (about $2.81 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: €2.30 (about $3.75 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: €4 (about $6.50 AUD) – one pint at a time, at Octoberfest.
Food: €12 (about $19.50 AUD) –  schnitzels and pretzels, of course.
Fine Dining: €55 (about $90ish AUD) – after visiting the castles, to really treat yourself like royalty.
Local Transport: Around €3.00 (about $4.85 AUD) – this varies based on where you are!

Germany Daily Budget

Budget: Around €47-50 Euros ($80-$85 AUD) per day.
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, train ticket, and entry to Heidelberg Castle.
Moderate: Around €90-100 Euros ($150-$171 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, and entry to Insel Mainau.
Luxury: Around €120-200 Euros ($200-$341 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x restaurant meals, beers, and a private walking tour of Frankfurt.

Cash or Card in Germany?

You should pretty much always have some cash on hand in Germany – in fact, Germans carry an average of €120 constantly! But it’s good to have a backup too, so load up your Currency Pass prepaid travel card in Euros as well to withdraw when you need.

ATMs are very popular throughout Germany, especially in the cities and the main towns. Just keep international withdrawal fees in mind if you’re withdrawing with a regular credit card.

Tipping in Germany

Best to round up or tip 5-10%.

Safety in Germany

Germany is one of the safest countries in the world. Just be wary of your travel money, as there can be pickpockets in busy places.

Germany Travel Tips

  • €2.50 can score you a currywurst
  • Locals prefer cash to cards
  • Train tickets are cheaper online
  • Tip porters €2 per bag
  • Try to round up your  taxi fare
  • Don’t forget street vendor sweets
  • Coins used to be called pfenigs
  • A 50 pfennig coin (1949) is now worth $16k

 

Want more info?

Find out how much money you need to travel Germany in this blog!

Your Greece Travel Money Guide

Planning on living your best Mamma Mia life island-hopping the Greek Isles? Or maybe you’re a history buff visiting Athens for the ancient ruins. Whatever your dream Greece vacation might be, you’re going to fall in love with the majesty of the ancient temples and sparkling cerulean seas.

So, how much money will you need for Santorini, Mykonos, and beyond?

 

Greece Daily Costs

Lucky for you, while there is plenty of luxury travel in Greece, Greece is also backpacker friendly with budget-friendly travel options as well.

Coffee: €3.12 (about $5.10 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: €0.50 (about $0.85AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Bottle of Wine: €7.00 (about $11.35 AUD) – in honour of Dionysus.
Food: €12 (about $19.50 AUD) –  for some souvlaki or gyros
Fine Dining: €45 (about $73ish AUD) – if you’re wining and dining someone with a three-course meal.
Local Transport: Around €1.20 (about $2 AUD) – this varies based on where you are!

 

Greece Daily Budget

Budget: Around €47-50 Euros ($80-$85 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, supermarket snacks, and entry to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Moderate: Around €90-100 Euros ($150-$171 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, train ticket, and a tour of the Colosseum
Luxury: Around €120-200 Euros ($200-$341 AUD) per day
EG: 3x restaurant meals, taxi rides, shopping in Milan, or private gondola ride in Venice.

 

Cash or Card in Greece?

Greece tends to favour cash, but many tourist areas like Athens and Thessaloniki will accept card. However it’s best to carry some cash with you for street vendors, and small cafes, and if you go anywhere more rural. Plus, you’ll most likely get a better rate with cash too!

Our advice? Take plenty of Euros in cash, and and Euros loaded on your Currency Pass prepaid travel card as a backup.

You'll find ATMs in bigger towns and cities; however, the fees are generally pretty steep. A lot of vendors in smaller areas won't take card, so be sure to have plenty of cash on you. Should you need to withdraw cash, do so in more significant sums to avoid numerous transaction fees.


Tipping in Greece

Tipping isn't expected in Greece.

 

Safety in Greece

Greece is generally a safe place, but always take safety precautions when travelling and keep your money secure.

 

Greece Travel Tips

  • Go to smaller islands for a more cultural holiday, and it often is more affordable and goes back to the locals too!
  • Pay cash for tours for a better price.
  • You have to pay to use sunbeds on beaches in Mykonos and other more tourist-y islands. Some beachside bars and restaurants will let you use theirs for free if you buy a drink though, so look out for cocktail specials and grab a seat. Otherwise, beds can range between 2 and 30 euros to rent.
  • Book ferry tickets in advance to avoid them selling out and get a better price.
  • Many small shops only accept cash
  • Most water-view restaurants and bars will take card, though they are pretty expensive. Load up your Travel Money Oz Currency Pass with plenty of euros to avoid gnarly transaction fees.

 

Want a more in-depth travel budget for Greece?

Find out how much money to take to Greece in this blog! Or, if you want tips on travelling the Greek Islands on a budget, we have a blog for that too.

Your Ireland Travel Money Guide

Lush rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, ancient Celtic history and architecture, and the merriest pubs in the world. The Irish sure are lucky to live here!

But if you’re lucky enough to visit for a while, here are some tips for planning your Ireland travel budget!

The first thing to note about Ireland is that it’s broken up into two parts, and both use different currencies.

The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (EUR) and Northern Ireland uses the Pound Sterling (GBP). So, if you do plan to travel to both parts, make sure your travel money is prepared.

Something to help manage this would be loading both Euros (EUR) and Pounds (GBP) onto a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass!

In this section we'll be focussing on Republic of Ireland, and you can find info on Northern Ireland in the UK tab!

 

Ireland Daily Costs

Coffee: €3.50 (about $5.65 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino.
Water: €1.50 (about $2.50 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle.
Beer: €5.50 (about $8.91 AUD) – when you’re having a pint in a Dublin pub.
Food: €15.75 (about $25.55 AUD) –  for the pub meal to go with it.
Fine Dining: €80 (about $131ish AUD) – a three-course meal for two.
Local Transport: Around €2.00 (about $3.20 AUD) – this varies based on where you are!

Ireland Daily Budget

Budget: Around €47-50 Euros ($80-$85 AUD) per day.
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, train ticket, and entry to Blarney Castle.
Moderate: Around €90-100 Euros ($150-$171 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x cheap meals, train ticket and a tour of the Titanic Museum.
Luxury: Around €120-200 Euros ($200-$341 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x restaurant meals, some beers in Dublin, and a kayak tour of Killarney.

Cash or Card in Ireland?

Both cash and card are widely accepted – so it’s best to take a blend of both!
Card for bigger purchases, and cash for smaller spends and for more rural areas.
ATMs are a bit hit & miss - you’ll be sure to be sure to find ATMs in the city centres,  but as you move further out into towns, you won’t have so much luck.

Tipping in Ireland

Not very common, unless it’s a small tip for stellar service.

Safety in Ireland

Ireland is quite safe for tourists. Just keep a wary eye on your travel money and walk home with friends from the pub.

Ireland Travel Tips

  • Some department stores exchange money
  • Make sure your luggage is under the limit
  • Find a four-leaf for better bartering skills
  • Rent a small car for your travels
  • Be careful of ATMs with high fees
  • Your regular credit card could draw huge fees
  • Some stores in Northern Ireland will accept euros, just enquire before you try to buy


Want more info?

Find out how much money you need to travel Ireland in this blog!

Your Italy Travel Money Guide

Italy is a dream.

From ancient ruins of Rome, the luxurious glacial region of Lake Como (pop in for a cappuccino with George and Amal Clooney? Their villa is seriously stunning!), to the gorgeous coastal villages of Cinque Terre and Positano, wine tasting in the beautiful Tuscan region, to the artistry of Venice’s cathedrals… the list goes on.

If you’re lucky enough to visit this beautiful country, here is a budget breakdown

 

Italy Daily Costs

Ah, Italy – so beautiful, and also surprisingly affordable to travel!

Coffee: €1.50 (about $2.45 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: €1.08 (about $1.75 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Bottle of Wine: €5.50 (about $8.90 AUD) – Vino, anyone?
Food: €15 (about $19.50 AUD) –  Pasta, Pizza, this will add up!
Fine Dining: €60 (about $97.30 AUD) – if you’re feeling a little boujie.
Local Transport: Around €1.50 (about $2.45 AUD) – this varies based on where you are!

Italy Daily Budget

Budget: Around €47-50 Euros ($80-$85 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, supermarket snacks, and entry to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Moderate: Around €90-100 Euros ($150-$171 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, train ticket, and a tour of the Colosseum
Luxury: Around €120-200 Euros ($200-$341 AUD) per day
EG: 3x restaurant meals, taxi rides, shopping in Milan, or private gondola ride in Venice.

Cash or Card in Italy?

Cash is essential for Italy – while many places accept cards and you’ll need a card to make any payment over 2000EUR, there are still many vendors who prefer cash so if you want that roadside gelato or find yourself wandering the markets, you’ll be wanting some cash!

Our advice? Take a blend of Euros in cash and Euros loaded on your Currency Pass prepaid travel card.
ATMs are almost as common as pizzerias in most Italian cities and towns. Getting cash out can be slightly trickier in rural areas, so it pays to plan ahead when touring the countryside.

Tipping in Italy

Not expected or mandatory, but won’t be snubbed for excellent service.

Safety in Italy

Other than the occasional pickpocket, tourists don’t have much to worry about in Italy (just be sure to keep a tight grip on your wallet at all times).

Italy Travel Tips

Since every region of Italy accepts the euro (including the Vatican City and the Republic of San Marino), you shouldn’t have too much trouble managing your money. ATMs and credit card facilities are readily available throughout the country, so you can use cash, card, or a combination of both.

  • Pay with cash for a better price
  • Stand at bars for lower drink prices
  • Slower trains cost less than fast ones
  • Be wary of thieves at ATMs
  • Some beaches have entry fees
  • Many small shops only accept cash
  • The most magnifico produce can be found at fresh food markets, not grocery stores

 

Want more help figuring out your Italy travel budget?

Read this blog for how much money you need to travel Italy.
 

Your Spain Travel Money Guide

From the beautiful beaches of Mallorca and San Sebastian, to the delicious food, to the vibrant tiled architecture of Barcelona, Spain is so bright and beautiful you’ll never want to leave!

If Spain is on your mind, here’s how much you should budget for it

 

Spain Daily Costs

Some daily spending estimations for Spain.
Coffee: €1.74 (about $2.81 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: €1.28 (about $2.10 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Bottle of Wine: €5.00 (about $8.10 AUD) – to make Sangria.
Food: €12 (about $19.50 AUD) –  seafood paella please.
Fine Dining: €45 (about $73ish AUD) – if you’re feeling a little fancy.
Local Transport: Around €1.50 (about $2.45 AUD) – this varies based on where you are!

Spain Daily Budget

Budget: Around €47-50 Euros ($80-$85 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, supermarket snacks, and bike tour of Madrid.
Moderate: Around €90-100 Euros ($150-$171 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, train ticket, street food snacks, and walking tour of Madrid.
Luxury: Around €120-200 Euros ($200-$341 AUD) per day
EG: 2x restaurant meals, trip to the museum, and a wine tasting tour in Madrid.

Cash or Card in Spain?

You can pretty much pay in cash for everything, though many businesses are happy to accept card too.
The best bet? Take mostly cash but load up your Currency Pass prepaid travel card in Euros as well to withdraw when you need.

ATMs are plentiful in all but the most isolated towns.

Tipping in Spain

Not expected or mandatory, but won’t  be snubbed for excellent service

Safety in Spain

Spain is one of the safest countries to visit in Europe, but keep your wits about you and try not to walk the streets solo at night.

Spain Travel Money Tips

Paying with cash also gets you a better price.

  • Tipping isn’t expected but your driver/server will appreciate it
  • Spain is cheap compared to neighbouring countries
  • Even cheaper if you choose to go in low season
  • The metro system connecting major  cities is affordable
  • Buy a fan from the markets to cool down
  • The wine is cheaper  here than almost anywhere else
  • Locals don’t eat dinner until after 9pm

 

Want more info?

Find out how much money you need to travel Spain in this blog!

Ready to put the Euro into EuroSummer?

You can visit us in-store, check out our rates online, and grab a prepaid Currency Pass travel card using the links below!

Of course, there’s more to Europe than just the Eurozone, so chances are you’ll need some local foreign currency for the destination you’re visiting!
We’ve got you covered for that too.

Popular Western European Countries that Don't Use the Euro

While you can get away with just having the Euro on hand for much of Western Europe, if you’re planning to visit the United Kingdom (UK) or Switzerland during your travels (and often many group tours and cruise itineraries will stop off in these locations!), you’ll need to also take with you some Great British Pounds (GBP) – which are also known as Pound Sterling – as well as Swiss Francs (CHF).

Western European Countries that don't use the Euro (EUR) infographic featuring Switzerland (Swiss Francs) and United Kingdom (Great British Pounds)

Your UK Travel Money Guide

The UK has so much to offer – for history buffs, there are medieval castles dotting the Scottish highlands, as well as of course, Stone Henge. For the Royalists, there’s of course a rich history of the monarchy in England, the crown jewels, and Buckingham Palace. More of a nature lover? The UK has that too – from the fairy isles of Scotland, to the Forest of Dean, to Dover Heights. And for the pop culture fanatics, from Beatlemania to Harry Potter, there’s a lot to explore in the UK.

If you’re lucky enough to visit the enchanting United Kingdom, here is a budget breakdown of how much money you’ll need to take…

 

What currency do I need for the UK?

Great British Pound (GBP), also known as Pound Sterling.
You’ll need to exchange AUD to GBP for your trip to the UK!

Where is the GBP used?

The pound sterling is the official United Kingdom currency, used in all four of the countries that form the UK:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Important note: If your holiday includes a detour into the Republic of Ireland, you’ll also need some Euros (they won’t accept pounds here, no matter how charming you are).

You’ll also want to exchange your Australian dollars to pounds if you’re packing bags for:

• The British Antarctic Territory
• Falkland Islands
• Gibraltar
• Guernsey
• The Isle of Man (not as sexy as it sounds)
• Jersey
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (not as edible as they sound)
• Tristan da Cunha

UK Daily Costs

Coffee: £3 (about $5.60 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: £1.10 (about $2.05 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: £4.30 (about $8 AUD) – for a pint in a pub
Food: £15 (about $28 AUD) –  fish ‘n’ chips
Fine Dining: £60 (about $112 AUD) – to dine like the Queen
Local Transport: £2.50 (about $4.70 AUD) – London Tube of course!

UK Daily Budget

Budget: Around £40-50 GBP ($80-$100 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, supermarket snacks, train ticket.
Moderate: Around £75-100 GBP ($150-$200 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, train ticket, entry to the London Eye.
Luxury: Around £100-200 GBP ($200-$396 AUD) per day
EG: 3x restaurant meals, double decker bus, Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Cash or Card in the UK?

The UK is very card friendly, but you’ll still want some cash on hand for parking, taxis, small purchases etc. We recommend loading up a Currency Pass prepaid travel card with pound sterling (GBP) to use for everyday without incurring exorbitant credit card fees. Then, have some cash on hand too for other day-to-day purchases!

ATMs are easy to find as well – from shops to subway stations.

Tipping in the UK

Very rare, unless  you want to tip your top hat.

Safety in the UK

The UK is quite a safe place for you and your travel money. Just be wary of small roads with fast cars. and the cunning Artful Dodger.

UK Travel Money Tips

Some helpful advice for your UK getaway...

• Scoring a train pass early will save you heaps
• Careful, as some restaurants include a service fee
• Pennies melt at 1,085°C (it’s just illegal to try)
• Don’t use too many coins at once
• A Travel Money Oz Currency Pass can swipe you onto London tubes!

Want more help figuring out your UK travel budget?

Read this blog for how much money you need to travel the United Kingdom.

Your Switzerland Travel Money Guide

Did you know Switzerland is home to four languages? The Swiss speak German, French, Italian, and Romansh, thanks to the neighbouring countries of Germany, France, and Italy! Making this picturesque alpine country a perfect addition to your European travels.

If you’re planning on a summer hike through alpine meadows and powder-blue water, or instead go skiing through the alps in winter, here’s the travel money you’ll need for Switzerland

 

What currency do I need for Switzerland?

A frequently asked question we get is “can I use Euros in Switzerland?”
However, despite having Euro-using neighbours, the answer is no.
While yes some establishments may take the Euro, the exchange rate will likely be terrible and you’d be better off using the local currency.

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF).
You’ll need to exchange AUD to Swiss Francs (CHF) for your trip to Switzerland!


Switzerland Daily Costs

Coffee: 4.80CHF (about $8 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: 3.85CHF (about $6.20 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: 7CHF(about $11.60 AUD) – for a pint in a pub
Food: 25CHF (about $41.45 AUD) –  raclette or rosti in Zurich
Fine Dining: 100CHF (about $166 AUD) – three-course fondue in the alps
Local Transport: 3.50CHF (about $5.80 AUD) – taking tram trips in Geneva

Switzerland Daily Budget

Budget: Around 60CHF ($100 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, supermarket snacks, tram ticket.
Moderate: Around 120CHF ($200 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, and a cruise in Lucerne.
Luxury: Around 200CHF ($330 AUD) per day.
EG: 1x restaurant meal, and a cable-car ride through Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Cash or Card in Switzerland?

Switzerland is very card-friendly, but it’s also wise to have some cash on hand – from self-serve cheese kiosks on the roadside, to transport, to parking, to cafes, to even some toilets charging 1CHF to use the bathroom, having Swiss Francs in cash is a wise move.

Plus, while many historical and scenic sites are free to enter, sometimes they have around a 10CHF entry fee – so it’s good to have on hand.

ATMs are easy to find as well – however don’t withdraw frequently (or with your credit card) as you’ll be hit with some intense fees

If you do want to use a card while travelling Switzerland, consider getting a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass prepaid travel card, and load in Australian Dollars (AUD). That way, you won't be double paying the exchange rate - just always select "Local Currency" when paying!

Tipping in Switzerland

There’s no obligation to tip in Switzerland as all service charges are included in published prices by law. However, rounding up is accepted – in this case leave it in cash on the table.

Safety in Switzerland

Switzerland is generally a pretty safe country to travel, but as always, exercise caution and be wary of pickpockets and keep your belongings close.

Switzerland Travel Money Tips

Switzerland can be on the pricier side for travellers, but here are some tips if you’re visiting Switzerland on a budget!

• Go veggie – meat is expensive in Switzerland, so opting for veggie meals helps save your wallet. Switzerland makes this easy with all the delicious cheese and chocolate!
• Look into the Swiss Travel Pass and city tourism cards – many cities have a city pass for discounted or free admission for museums and sightseeing, and sometimes even transport!
• The water in Switzerland is safe to drink (just look at the stunning glacial lakes!), so take a reusable water bottle and fill up.

Ready to head to Switzerland?

Exchange AUD to Swiss Franc (CHF) at Travel Money Oz today!

 

 

Chasing The Northern Lights & The Midnight Sun

A Currency Guide to Nordic and Scandinavian Countries.


So you’ve booked a trip to Northern Europe – chasing the Aurora Borealis or going sledding in Finland, maybe visiting Iceland’s Diamond Beach and Blue Lagoon, or perhaps hiking Norway’s famous Trolltunga viewpoint.

It will be the trip of a lifetime.

And lucky for you, we have the currencies you need for your incredible adventure.

For Northern Europe, you’ll most likely need local foreign currency – Norwegian Krone (NOK) for Norway, Icelandic Króna (ISK) for Iceland, and Danish Krone (DKK) for both Denmark and Greenland.

The exception? Finland! Because Finland uses the Euro (EUR).

If you are travelling to Finland, read our Finnish Travel Itinerary and Travel Budget.

One other thing - Sweden is also an anomaly, in that it uses Swedish Krona (SEK) but has gone completely cashless! For Sweden, we recommend loading a Currency Pass in AUD, as this will automatically convert AUD to SEK at the best rate available at the time.

Northern Europe Travel Money Infographic Denmark Norway Iceland Greenland

Your Norway Travel Money Guide

Whether you’re in Norway for the rich Viking history, the mythic Stave churches, adventurous hikes to see the breathtaking fjords, or to watch the Aurora Borealis streak flashes of unimaginable colour across the sky, Norway is a magical place to explore.

If you’re planning on a trip to Norway, here’s a breakdown of the currencies and budget you’ll need for your Norwegian escape…

 

What currency do I need for Norway?

The currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).
You’ll need to exchange AUD to Norwegian Krone (NOK) for your trip to Norway.

Norway Daily Costs

Coffee: 44.75NOK (about $6.10 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: 27.45NOK (about $3.70 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: 98NOK(about $13.30 AUD) – for a pint.
Food: 200NOK (about $28 AUD) –  Vafler and Trollkrem (waffles and lingonberry cream)
Fine Dining: 1000NOK (about $136 AUD) – a three-course meal for two.
Local Transport: 40NOK (about $5.80 AUD) – in one of the prettiest places on earth.

Norway Daily Budget

Budget: Around 740NOK ($100 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, Viking Ship Museum tickets.
Moderate: Around 1300NOK ($177 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals and kayak through glaciers in the Arctic Circle.
Luxury: Around 1500NOK ($203 AUD) per day.
EG: Arora Safari Camp in Tromsø.

Cash or Card in Norway?

Cash will come in handy for more remote areas which might not accept card, as well as for parking, smaller vendors, etc.

Card is also widely accepted in Norway, but if you use a personal card be wary of the fees – especially if you need to withdraw cash! 

We recommend taking a blend of NOK in cash and a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass loaded in AUD – if you run out of cash and need to use card, it will just convert it at the best rate available at the time.

ATMs are easy to find as well – however don’t withdraw frequently (or with your credit card) as you’ll be hit with some intense fees.

Tipping in Norway

Tipping isn’t common in Norway, but for bars and restaurants tips between 5-15% are accepted if you so choose! But tipping is entirely up to you and there is no obligation.

Safety in Norway

Norway is generally considered a very safe country to travel, and the most common form of crime is bicycle theft – but it’s still wise to exercise caution on every trip.

Norway Travel Money Tips

Norway tends to be more on the premium side of a European holiday, but there are plenty of ways you can save some of your Norwegian travel budget!

• Dine out occasionally, but cook for yourself if budgets are tight – food in Norway can get expensive!
• The water in Norway is safe to drink (just look at the stunning glacial lakes!), so take a reusable water bottle and fill up.
• Look into Norway’s Travel Pass and city tourism cards – many cities have a city pass for discounted or free admission for museums and sightseeing, and sometimes even transport!
• Book your transport in advance – you can save up to 50% if you book in early enough.

Ready to head to Norway?

Exchange AUD to Norwegian Krone (NOK) at Travel Money Oz today!

Your Iceland Travel Money Guide

Iceland is a bucket-list destination for good reason – from surreal colours of Blue Lagoon, to the glistening icebergs washed up on black-sand Diamond Beach, to the dramatic waterfalls, active volcanos, Aurora Borealis, puffins, and even villages that look straight out of Tolkien’s Hobbiton – this little island is packed with adventure!

 

What currency do I need for Iceland?

The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK).
You’ll need to exchange AUD to Icelandic Króna (ISK) for your trip to Iceland.

Iceland Daily Costs

Coffee: 630 ISK (about $6.75 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: 287 ISK (about $3 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: 1300 ISK (about $13.90 AUD) – for a pint.
Food: 2560 ISK (about $28 AUD) –  Vafler and Trollkrem (waffles and lingonberry cream)
Fine Dining: 15,000 ISK (about $160 AUD) – a three-course meal for two.
Local Transport: 500 ISK (about $5.40 AUD) – in one of the prettiest places on earth.

Iceland Daily Budget

Budget: Around 9300 ISK (about $100 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meal, and transport to free hikes.
Moderate: Around 14,000 ISK (about $150 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals and a Kerid Crater full-day tour.
Luxury: Around 20,000ISK (about $215 AUD) per day
EG: Visit to the Blue Lagoon and a delicious meal afterwards.

Cash or Card in Iceland?

Iceland is a very card-centric country – but if you use a personal card be wary of the fees – especially if you need to withdraw cash!  

We recommend taking a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass loaded in AUD to avoid credit card fees and cash advance fees – our Currency Pass will just convert it your AUD to ISK at the best rate available at the time. It’s also a chip-based card, which is handy as swipe cards can sometimes be troublesome in Iceland.

If you prefer cash, you can always take Icelandic Króna (ISK) in cash and most places will accept this as well! Plus it will come in handy if you need to pay entrance to hotsprings, bathrooms, or want to tip your tour guide.

Tipping in Iceland

There’s no need to tip in Iceland, except for pay-as-you-feel tips for free walking tours.

Safety in Iceland

Iceland has a low crime rate, and is generally considered a very safe country to travel, but always be mindful of theft – especially when late at night around bars etc. The usual.

Iceland Travel Money Tips

Like the rest of the Nordic countries, Iceland can be a bit on the pricey side when it comes to travel. However, there are a few ways to travel Iceland on a budget!

• Take a free walking tour – you’ll learn so much!
• Cut down on accommodation costs by camping instead of staying in hotels! If you’re here for the rugged natural scenery, there’s no better way to immerse yourself.
• Ask the locals – there are free and cheaper hot springs than the Blue Lagoon (like Reykjadalur), so ask the locals for recommendations!
• BYO Towels. Seriously. There are premiums for towels in many hotels and hot springs, so taking your own will save you money..

Ready to head to Iceland?

Exchange AUD to Icelandic Króna (ISK) at Travel Money Oz today!

Your Denmark & Greenland Travel Money Guide

Fun Fact! Both Denmark and Greenland use the Danish Krone (DKK).

So, whether you’re going to Copenhagen in Denmark or Nuuk in Greenland, make sure to take Danish Krone (DKK) for your trip!

 

Denmark & Greenland Daily Costs

Coffee: 42.58 DKK (about $9.30 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino.
Water: 9.96 DKK (about $2.17 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle.
Beer: 48.91 DKK (about $10.68 AUD) – for a pint.
Food: 33 DKK (about $7.20 AUD) –  Pølse I Svob (Danish Hot Dog).
Fine Dining: 800 DKK (about $174.65 AUD) – a three-course meal for two.
Local Transport: 24 DKK (about $5.24 AUD) – One-way ticket in local transport.

Denmark & Greenland Daily Budget

Budget: Around 228 DKK (about $50 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x cheap meal, and transport to free hikes.
Moderate: Around 380 DKK (about $83 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x cheap meals and a 1-hour canal tour from Ved Standen or Nyhavn.
Luxury: Around 1,511 DKK (about $329.86 AUD) per day.
EG: Meal for 2 people (three course) and a tour Across the Øresund Bridge to Lund and Malmö.

Cash or Card in Denmark &Greenland?

Denmark and Greenland are very card-centric countries – but if you use a personal card be wary of the fees – especially if you need to withdraw cash! 

We recommend taking a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass loaded in AUD to avoid credit card fees and cash advance fees – our Currency Pass will just convert it your AUD to DKK at the best rate available at the time. It’s also a chip-based card, which is handy as swipe cards can sometimes be troublesome in Denmark or Greenland.

If you prefer cash, you can always take Danish Krone (DKK) in cash and most places will accept this as well!

Tipping in Denmark & Greenland

Tipping is not expected in Denmark or Greenland; however, it’s not frowned upon if you do.

Safety in Denmark & Greenland

Denmark and Greenland both have a low crime rate, and is generally considered very safe to travel, but always be mindful of theft – so keep your personal belongings, passports, and travel documents secure.

Denmark & Greenland Travel Tips

Here are some tips for travelling in Denmark on a budget, as we know these Scandinavian countries can get a bit expensive!

• Take a free walking tour – you’ll learn so much!
• Always bring a small amount of cash with you.
• Book train and bus tickets in advance, you can save up to 50%.
• Stay with a local, accommodation can be quite expensive in Denmark and Greenland, why not take up the most authentic experience by living like a local and saving at the same time?

Ready to grab your Travel Money for Greenland & Denmark?

Exchange AUD to Danish Krone (DKK) at Travel Money Oz today!

Ready for your Nordic Adventures?

You can visit us in-store, check out our rates online, grab a prepaid Currency Pass travel card, or check out the specific currency rates below!

 

EASTERN EUROPE

A Currency Guide to Eastern European Countries.

 

COMING SOON.

Eastern Europe Travel Money Infographic Turkey, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic

Your Czech Republic (a.k.a. Czechia or Bohemia) Travel Money Guide

Also known as Czechia or Bohemia. Guide Coming Soon.

Your Hungary Travel Money Guide

Whether you’re looking to party at the festivals and ruin bars of Budapest, go wine-tasting in the UNESCO Heritage Listed Tokaj vineyards, wander through dramatic caves, or just soak up the history and soak in the thermal springs, Hungary has a lot to offer the traveller.

Read on for travel expenses in Hungary!


What currency do I need for Hungary?

If we had a Hungarian Forint every time we were asked the question “Can I use Euros in Budapest?” then we’d probably… not really have that much money – the most commonly used note is 1000, which may seem a big number, but actually equals to around $5AUD!"

The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
You’ll need to exchange Australian Dollars (AUD) to Hungarian Forint (HUF) for your trip to Hungary.


Hungary Daily Costs

Coffee: 682 Hungarian Forint (about $3 AUD) –  – espresso is loved here, or alternatively, order a bécsi kávé (coffee with ice cream, chocolate, foamed milk and whipped cream!) for a few extra forint.
Water: 355 Hungarian Forint (about $1.50 AUD) – for a bottle.
Beer: 700 Hungarian Forint (about $3.50 AUD) – for a beer in Budapest. Or alternative, try some of Hungary’s famous Tokaji Aszú dessert wine!
Food: 3,000 Hungarian Forint (about $13 AUD) –  for a hearty Hungarian meal.
Fine Dining: 15,000 Hungarian Forint (about $65 AUD) – a decadent three-course meal for two.
Local Transport: 370 Hungarian Forint (about $1.60 AUD) – for a one-way ticket on the yellow Budapest metro.

Hungary Daily Budget

Budget: Around 22,820 HUF (about $100 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x cheap meal, a free walking tour around Budapest, and a soak at the famous thermal Széchenyi Baths.
Moderate: Around 34,230 HUF (about $150 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, a day exploring museums, and a night partying in the Ruin Bars.
Luxury: Around 45,635 HUF (about $200 AUD) per day.
EG: Take a winetasting tour of Hungarian vineyards, or a river cruise along the Danube!

Cash or Card in Hungary?

Cards are widely accepted, but you’ll definitely want to have some cash on you during your visit – many smaller businesses only accept cash or have a minimum spend for card. If you are opting to take a card, we recommend loading a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass with AUD – remember to always opt for Local Currency when using your travel card overseas!

ATMs are widely available in Hungary, and we’ve been told the ATMs in front of banks tend to have better rates.

Tipping in Hungary

It's standard to tip around 10-15% of the bill, but many establishments include a 12.5% service charge so check your bill when it arrives so you’re not double-tipping.

Safety in Hungary

Hungary is generally considered a very safe country to – but it’s still wise to exercise caution on every trip.

Hungary Travel Money Tips

• Take free walking tours around the historic capital city of Budapest.
• Look into buying The Budapest Card – a discount travel pass for free public transport and tourist spots including the Lukács Thermal Baths and entry to several museums!
• Tap water is safe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and the environment!

Ready to head to Hungary?

Exchange AUD to Hungarian Forint (HUF) at Travel Money Oz today!

Your Poland Travel Money Guide

Poland Guide Coming Soon.
In the meantime, read this blog on Poland!

Your Türkiye Travel Money Guide

From the dazzling Pamukkale natural hot springs, ancient ruins of Ephesus, fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia, to the vibrant and mysterious streets of Istanbul, Türkiye (formerly known as Turkey) is a dream destination for anyone who loves beauty, history, culture, and spirituality.

This captivating country is a melting pot of Islamic and Mediterranean cultures, with the architecture reflecting its rich history from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Turkish periods! Curious about how much money you should take to Türkiye? Let’s delve in…

 

What currency do I need for Türkiye?

The currency of Türkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY).
You’ll need to exchange AUD to Turkish Lira (TRY) for your trip to Türkiye.

PS: Although Turkish Lira notes are similar in face value (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and also 200 notes), they are over dozen times cheaper then Aussie Dollars - 100TRY is worth a lucky $7AUD!

Türkiye Daily Costs

Coffee: 48 Turkish Liras (about $2.75 AUD) – a traditional Turkish brew… it’s UNESCO heritage-listed after all!
Water: 7.55 Turkish Liras (about 50c AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: 50 Turkish Liras (about $2.90 AUD) – for a pint.
Food: 110 Turkish Liras (about $6.50 AUD) –  Gözleme and Lokum (Turkish Delight), of course.
Fine Dining: 500 Turkish Liras (about $30 AUD) – a three-course meal to dine like a Sultan.
Local Transport: 10 Turkish Liras (about 60c AUD) – for a one-way ticket in Istanbul.

Türkiye Daily Budget

Budget: Around 1800 Turkish Liras (about $100 AUD) per day
EG: 3x cheap meal, a tour of the Blue Mosque, and some light shopping in the Grand Bazaar.
Moderate: Around 2600 Turkish Liras (about $150 AUD) per day
EG: 3x cheap meals and a trip to the Pamukkale Thermal Pools (700 Liras for entry).
Luxury: Around 3500 Turkish Liras (about $200+ AUD) per day.
EG: A decadent breakfast and trip to the Hamam (Turkish Baths), or for a truly decadent Turkish holiday, budget an extra 3000TRY for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.

Cash or Card in Türkiye?

Cash is preferred in Türkiye so be sure to have plenty of notes on hand – especially if you’re planning to do some bartering in the Grand Bazaar. With this in mind, you can still use a card in bigger shops, hotels and restaurants. There aren't many, if any, travel cards that hold the Turkish Lira. If you are opting to take a card, we recommend loading a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass with AUD – remember to always opt for Local Currency when using your travel card overseas!

ATMs are widely available in Türkiye, especially in Istanbul and other major cities. It’s recommended to use the ATMs in front of banks to be on the safe side, and in tourist areas.

Tipping in Türkiye

Tipping is expected though not mandatory. 10% is standard for excellent service.

Safety in Türkiye

Türkiye is listed on the SmartTraveller.gov.au website as “Exercise a High Degree of Caution.” Avoid certain areas, and always obey the local laws (for example, it’s illegal to Insult the Turkish Flag, President, founder, or government). For women, it’s often recommended to wear a wedding ring to avoid unwanted attention. Read up on safety in Turkey at the Smart Traveller website.

Türkiye Travel Money Tips

• Depending on their age, both the 5 and 50 lira notes look the same. Make sure you check before paying.
• Avoid drinking the tap water.
• Dress modestly in sacred places and mosques.
• Bartering is common practice in most market stalls, so figure out what you are willing to pay, smile and stand your ground.
• Learn some basic Turkish phrases. Not only will the locals appreciate the effort, but it will help in areas where there is limited English.

For more Türkiye travel tips and advice, read our Turkey Travel Hacks blog!

Ready to head to Türkiye?

Exchange AUD to Turkish Lira (TRY) at Travel Money Oz today!

 

 

Foreign Exchange Explained

Travel Money Advice and FAQs

Foreign Exchange Explained

 

Okay, say you’ve figured out where in Europe you’re heading.

You’ve booked your flights and accommodation, got your visas and vaccines. All that's left to do is to grab some holiday spending money - after all, those delicious pizzas in Napoli aren’t gonna pay for themselves.

But maybe you're a bit nervous or unsure about how the process works, whether you should use cash or card, and how to use it overseas.

That’s where travel money comes in.

We've answered some of our most frequently asked questions about holiday spending money in this guide to make sure you're feeling comfortable and confident on your European adventure.

Use Our Free Travel Budget Calculator!

To help with the process (and of course, this is just a guide!) we’ve got a pretty nifty Holiday Budget Planner.

This travel budget calculator takes into account your travel type (are you backpacking Eastern Europe on a shoestring or looking for a luxurious escape on the French Riviera?), your specific destinations, and even how many coffees you plan to drink on holiday (and where better to drink coffee than in Europe!), to help make a more tailored guesstimation of how much money you should take to Europe.

How to use it:

Punch in your deets. It’s really that simple!

Our very clever robots combine crowd-sourced Numbeo data* from around the world, and combine it with our exchange rates!

It’s the only one of its kind (that we know of), so we’re pretty proud of it.

So let the magic budget planner do the majority of the thinking for you, to create a base of what you’ll be spending overseas.

After that, you just have to figure out the more personal stuff – tipping, specific tours, etc. And that's what you've read this blog for, right?

 

THERE YOU HAVE IT!

Your Travel Money for Europe sorted.

Your European Holiday Sorted. Featuring Crete, Greece; Sicily, Italy; Montenegro; Cappadocia, Turkey Turkiye.

 

That wraps up all the most important info (that we can think of at least!) that you’ll need to manage your money from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia!

All that’s left to do us come and see us!

Bon Voyage!

Prettiest village in Europe - Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Italy

 

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Chat with our experts in-store for tailored advice, or if you prefer, check out our inspirational blogs and order online.

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Dreamy lunar white cliffs of Scala Dei Turchi, Sicily, Italy

 

DISCLAIMER

This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.  Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (First Published June 2023, updated in August 2023). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.  While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you.  We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation. Terms and conditions apply to Best Price Guarantee, Rate Guard and Cash Commitment. See travelmoneyoz.com for more details.