Navigating Currencies in Non-Eurozone European Countries
A frequent question pops up: do you need to exchange currency in European countries that don't use the Euro? The short answer is yes, but the specifics of how much, where to exchange, and more will vary from one nation to another. Let me share my experiences from a few places I've visited.
Switzerland (Swiss Franc - CHF)
If you're paying with cash in Switzerland, Euros simply won't be accepted. However, you can use your card almost everywhere, with a few exceptions like small market stalls, street food vendors, and luggage lockers.
Generally, service charges are already included in bills in Switzerland. Tipping is not mandatory, and there isn't a strong tipping culture unless you're at a high-end restaurant or genuinely impressed by exceptional service.
On my trips to Switzerland, I've primarily relied on my card and haven't exchanged cash. More recently, I needed to use luggage lockers, which prompted me to exchange a small amount of Euros for Swiss Francs.
The Swiss Franc is a strong currency. If you plan to carry cash, it's best to purchase Swiss Francs before you leave home. If you'll be using your card for most expenses and only need a little cash, you could buy Euros and then exchange them upon arrival in Switzerland.
According to some friends residing in Switzerland, many restaurants and bars do accept Euros, but often at a 1:1 exchange rate or an unfavorable one, and they will provide change in Swiss Francs. It's wise to check beforehand as not all establishments offer this convenience.
A quick note: Liechtenstein also uses the Swiss Franc.
United Kingdom (Pound Sterling - GBP)
My travels have taken me to England and Scotland, and the situation is quite similar to Switzerland. Tipping is optional, card payments are widely accepted, and if you prefer to carry cash, it's advisable to get your Pounds Sterling before you travel. For a 7-10 day trip to the UK, I typically carry around 100-200 Pounds Sterling and use my card for the rest.
Croatia (Croatian Kuna - HRK)
When visiting Croatia, it's a good idea to have Kuna on hand. Some places, such as hotels, homestays, and taxi drivers, might accept Euros, but this can be inconsistent and depend on the individual. Furthermore, if they do accept Euros, the exchange rate is usually not in your favor. Notably, Uber drivers do not accept Euros.
The Kuna is not a widely known currency, so you likely won't be able to purchase it in Vietnam. While I could buy Kuna in Australia, the exchange rate was very unfavorable. Your best bet is to bring Euros and exchange them in Croatia, or withdraw cash directly from an ATM.
In Croatia, I found that cards are accepted in many places, but it's still wise to have some cash, perhaps covering 30-50% of your planned expenses.
Many establishments in Croatia clearly display signs indicating they do not accept Euros.
Update: As of January 2023, Croatia joined the Schengen Area and has adopted the Euro.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Convertible Mark - BAM)
My experience was a day trip from Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Mostar in Bosnia. Along the route and in Mostar itself, both Croatian Kuna and Euros were widely accepted. I suspect this is because most tourists arrive from Croatia.
Montenegro and Kosovo, while not part of the EU, currently use the Euro.
Norway
You can use your card everywhere and at all times in Norway. Even when buying bus tickets or paying for public toilets, card payments are the norm (contactless card readers are often fitted right by the toilet doors, and I didn't see any options for cash or coin payments). I didn't inquire about cash payments for bus tickets.
Overall, using your card is the most convenient way to manage expenses in Norway.
Iceland
I didn't use cash in Iceland, nor did I visit any flea markets, so I can't comment on those. However, cards were accepted in all other places I visited.
Sweden
Similar to the aforementioned countries, I found that card payments seemed to be accepted virtually everywhere in Sweden. However, I only visited Stockholm, so I can't speak for other cities.
A point to remember: Iceland and Norway are not members of the EU. For these three countries (Norway, Iceland, and Sweden), if you need to use cash, you'll almost certainly need the local currency, as I doubt they would accept Euros.
Other Non-Eurozone Countries
Beyond the countries I've mentioned, the following European nations do not use the Euro:
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Poland
- Romania
- Bulgaria
- Denmark
I haven't had the chance to visit these countries yet.
General Principles to Keep in Mind
If you plan to use cash, it's always best to exchange your money for the local currency, regardless of whether they accept Euros.
In countries where card payments are prevalent, it's still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for incidental expenses and tipping.
Tipping is not obligatory across Europe but is always appreciated. I typically tip tour guides, restaurant staff if service is not included in the bill, and taxi drivers if they are particularly helpful and fair with their pricing. I also tip Uber drivers through the app. Tipping, for me, is an expression of satisfaction with the service and a small gesture of thanks. I never tip if the service has been poor.
I hope this information helps answer some of your questions if you're planning a trip to these destinations.
