Many of the countries in Eastern Europe use both the Euro and their local currency. Which currency would you suggest using? Using only the Euro would be easiest but would I lose out on the exchange rate to the point that it really makes a difference. I experienced this in The Republic of Ireland where they use the Euro - will take pounds - but the exchange was terrible. Thanks
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
What is interesting is that Montenegro and Kosovo despite using Euro are not members of European Union.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23624 posts
I know of no country that uses dual currency. The fact that some merchants will accept both does not mean that you are getting equal treatment. Your Ireland experience will be repeated. Use the currency of the country you are in. Otherwise you are paying them a nice fee for the convenience of using another currency.
Posted by
baton rouge, la, US
269 posts
Definitely use the country's "native" currency. Generally speaking, most places won't take both. Some hotels ask for euros when booking online, but in most cases, the indigenous currency is the best bet.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
The only Eastern European countries in which the Euro is official are Slovakia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Kosovo. It is common in the others that large shops or hotels will accept Euros, but the exchange is very poor. Your best bet is to use the local currencies.
Posted by
OP
Derry
175 posts
Thanks, I'll take your cost savings advice and go local. Bummer. My husband used to fly into the mainland and would always carry four or five different currencies in case of a divert. It's fine though. Susan
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8038 posts
ATMs make it easy to get the local currency in small amounts, and I agree, any time I have been confronted with the issue, using local currency is best. There may be instances though where a nonresident currency is demanded. This can be the case for Pensions/Hotels in Eastern European Countries where they might price in and expect payment in Euros. Years ago, pricing in US Dollars was not uncommon.
As for Montenegro and Kosovo, while it seems odd, it is not unusual for small countries to do this. In the break from Bosnia, using their currency did not seem a good idea, so turn to a common stable currency; saves having to develop, print, and control your own. There are several countries I believe that use US Dollars as a currency, either as the official currency, or recognized along side their own.
Posted by
Goldsboro, NC, USA
31 posts
Frank: Not true. My wife is Romanian and they regularly use both the lei and the euro. And you can even pick which currency you want your bank to hold for you. I wish the U.S. would do that!!! Then I could keep my leftover euros in a U.S. bank account instead of an old box till my next trip!!