Exchange Money

💶 Currency Tips for Central Europe

Power plugs and weather are helpful— but knowing which currency to use is just as essential when traveling. Here’s your quick, practical guide:

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💱 What Currency Is Used?

Country	Currency	ISO Code
🇦🇹 Austria	Euro	EUR
🇸🇰 Slovakia	Euro	EUR
🇸🇮 Slovenia	Euro	EUR
🇭🇷 Croatia	Euro (since 2023)	EUR
🇩🇪 Germany	Euro	EUR
🇮🇹 Italy	Euro	EUR
🇵🇱 Poland	Polish Złoty	PLN
🇨🇿 Czech Republic	Czech Koruna	CZK
🇭🇺 Hungary	Hungarian Forint	HUF

💡 Only Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary do not use the Euro.

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💳 Card or Cash?

• Credit/debit cards are accepted in most places (especially in Eurozone countries).
• In Poland, Czechia, and Hungary, cash is still preferred in smaller shops, markets, and countryside areas.
• Always carry some local currency, especially outside big cities.

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💸 Exchange & ATM Tips

• ❌ Avoid exchanging cash at airports or tourist traps – the rates are very poor.
• ❌ Never change money on the street — this is illegal and often a scam (fake bills, bait-and-switch tactics).
• ❌ Never change money at popular touristic places.
• ✅ Use bank-owned ATMs (e.g., OTP, Erste, UniCredit).
  Avoid Euronet or standalone machines in souvenir shops or supermarkets.
• ⚠️ When paying or withdrawing, you’ll be asked:
  “Convert to your home currency?”
  ➤ Always say NO.
  ➤ Choose local currency (HUF, CZK, PLN) to avoid hidden fees.

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🪙 Can I Pay in Euros in Non-Euro Countries?

• In Hungary, Poland, and Czechia, some tourist shops may accept Euros, but:
  • ❌ Exchange rates are terrible
  • ❌ Change is usually given in local currency
  • ❌ You may lose money in the conversion
  • ✅ Use Euros only for quick border transits, not shopping

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✅ Quick Takeaways

• ✔️ Bring a travel card with no foreign transaction fees
• ✔️ Use local currency in each country
• ✔️ Decline currency conversion offers at ATMs or terminals
• ✔️ Prefer bank ATMs, not private ones
• ✔️ Euro is accepted in Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Germany