Can You Pay with USD in Europe? (2025)
Want to know if you can pay with US Dollars in Europe?
I have lived and travelled in many countries in Europe and while Euro (EUR) is used commonly by most of the countries in the European Union, many countries still have their own currency.
So, to the question “Can you pay with USD in Europe”? The answer is, no, you cannot pay with US Dollars in Europe.
The US Dollar is not an official currency in any of the European countries, so you will have to exchange money or use your bank card for payments while travelling in Europe.
Most of the shops, hotels, bars and restaurants accept card payments in Europe, but it is good to have a small amount of cash for smaller transactions – it is better to use your card and not carry around a lot of cash.
Here is everything you need to know about the currencies and using USD in Europe!
What Currencies are Accepted in Europe?
Europe is made up of many countries and while the Euro (EUR) is used commonly among most of the European Union countries, many countries still have their own currencies.
The official currency in most of the countries of the European Union is Euro. However, there are some countries that are part of the European Union but they have their own currency (e.g. Hungary is part of the European Union but uses the Hungarian Forint)
There are also non-European Union countries that have their own currencies.
Here are some of the most popular destinations in Europe and the currencies accepted:
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland): Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Ireland: Euro (EUR)
- Italy: Euro (EUR)
- France: Euro (EUR)
- Spain: Euro (EUR)
Can You Pay with USD in Europe?
Generally, no, you cannot pay with US Dollars in Europe. Each European country have their own currency that is used as the official payment in their respected countries.
The US Dollar is not an official currency in any of the European countries, so you will have to exchange money or use your bank card for payments while travelling in Europe.
Sometimes, if you are in a very desperate situation, taxi drivers may accept US dollars – but it is mostly in countries where the official currency is weak compared to USD, GBP or Euro.
For example, taxi drivers in Hungary may accept USD/GBP/EUR as a form of payment as their currency is weak.
However, you should keep in mind that if you do end up paying with US Dollars in a European country, most likely you will pay more than the official currency exchange rate – thus, it is much better to pay with the local currency to get the regular price.
Can You Pay with USD in the UK?
No, you cannot pay with US Dollars in the UK.
The official currency in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) is the Pound Sterling (GBP) which is used for all payments.
US Dollars are not accepted in the UK, and you will have to exchange USD to GBP for cash payments.
If you are travelling to the UK, most of the shops accept card payments, so you don’t have to exchange all your money to GBP – it is best if you just exchange a small amount for buying small things or emergencies.
If you plan to exchange money, it is best if you use currency exchange shops in London once you arrive. The exchange rate is best at shops in the city center. The exchange rate at the airports is much worse than once you get into London.
Can You Pay with USD in Ireland?
No, you cannot pay with US Dollars in Ireland.
The best currency to use in Ireland is the Euro in the Republic of Ireland, and the pound in Northern Ireland.
The Republic of Ireland is part of the EU, and the official currency is the Euro. While, Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and the official currency is the pound.
Card payments are widely accepted in big cities in both the Republic of Ireland, and in Northern Ireland.
Once you arrive in the country, it is still a good idea to exchange a small amount of cash into the local currency in case of emergencies.
Can You Pay with USD in France?
No, you cannot pay with US Dollars in France.
France is part of the European Union and its official currency is the Euro. Some shops in tourist areas might accept US Dollars but you would probably lose money on the exchange rate.
Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in France, so the best is to use your bank card.
In addition, you can also exchange a small amount of USD to Euro that you can use for emergencies or for buying smaller items.
Can You Pay with USD in Italy?
No, you cannot pay with US Dollars in Italy.
The official currency of Italy is the Euro. Some shops in tourist areas might accept US Dollars but you would probably lose money on the exchange rate, so it is not worth it.
Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in Italy, so the best thing is to use your bank card. Make sure to let your bank know that you will use your card abroad, as sometimes they flag and block cards when you use them abroad.
In addition, you can also exchange a small amount of USD to Euro that you can use for emergencies or for buying smaller items.
Can You Pay with USD in Spain?
No, you cannot pay with US Dollars in Spain.
The official currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). Some shops in tourist areas might accept US Dollars but you would probably lose money on the exchange rate, so it is not worth it.
Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in Spain, including contactless payments, so the best thing is to make card payments. Before starting your trip, let your bank know that you will use your card abroad, as sometimes they block cards when you use them abroad.
In addition, you can also exchange a small amount of USD to EUR that you can use for emergencies or for buying smaller items.
USD Conversion Rates
As of 2025, the USD conversion rate is as follows:
- 1 USD = 0.80 GBP
- 1 USD = 0.95 EUR
Is it Better to Use Credit Card or Cash in Europe?
You should use both card and cash payments in Europe. Most shops, hotels, bars, restaurants in Europe accept card payments, even contactless, so it is easy to pay by card.
In addition to card payments, you should also have a small amount of cash with you in the local currency for emergencies or buying smaller items.
For cash, it is really best to just exchange a small amount and not carry around all your money in cash during your trip.
Tips for Currency Exchange in Europe
- Exchange money once you arrive in your destination: The currency exchange rate is always better in the destination country than in your home country.
- Avoid Airport Exchange Shops: Airport Currency Exchange shops have some of the worst exchange rates, so don’t exchange money here or only just a very small amount until you get to the city center and you can exchange some more.
- Best currency exchange rates are in the city center of any city: There are many currency exchange shops in cities where you can get much better deals than at airports or in your home country. Most European countries accept card payments, so only exchange a small amount of cash.
ATMs in Europe
ATM Withdrawal Fees in Europe
If you use a foreign bank card at ATMs in Europe, they will charge a withdrawal fee. The withdrawal fee can be anywhere between EUR 5-10, so the fees can quickly add up if you plan to use ATMs.
If you are from the USA, you can get a Charles Schwab debit card that lets you reimburse the ATM fees abroad.
Otherwise, using ATMs abroad is not really recommended as you will end up losing money from the withdrawal fees.
Best International Travel Cards
Wise and Revolut
There are two travel cards (Wise and Revolut) that are great for international card payments.
You have to register and order a bank card (which may take 5-7 days to arrive so plan it ahead of travel). Once you have the account, you can use their apps to top up your account with various currencies.
Wise and Revolut both have some of the best exchange rates, so if you top up your card with the currency of your destination, you will get the best rates.
Plus, as card payments are widely accepted in Europe, you will easily get by paying for things using Wise or Revolut.
Charles Schwab Checking Account
The Charles Schwab checking account is the only bank card that will reimburse 100% of international ATM withdrawal fees.
It is only open for US residents, so if you are eligible, you should open an account before your travels to be able to reimburse your ATM fees.
FAQs: Can You Pay with USD in Europe?
What is the best currency to use in Europe?
The best currency to use in Europe is the one that is the official currency of your destination country.
Most of the countries in the European Union use the Euro as official payment but there are many other countries that use their own currency.
Check the official currency of your European destination country before your trip. Once you get to the country, use a combination of card and cash payments. It is best to use cards and only exchange a small amount of cash into the local currency.
Can I use US dollars in Europe?
No, you cannot use US Dollars in Europe.
Each European country have their own currency that is used as the official payment in their respected countries.
The US Dollar is not an official currency in any of the European countries, so you will have to exchange money or use your bank card for payments while travelling in Europe.
Is it better to get Euros in the US or in Europe?
It is better to get Euros once you arrive in Europe. The exchange rates are better once you arrive in your destination than as if you were exchanging money in the USA.
Also, most of the places in Europe accept card payments, so you should not exchange all your money and carry a lot of cash. It is best to mostly use your bank card and carry just a small amount of cash.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Europe?
No, you should exchange money after arriving in Europe.
If you want some peace of mind, you can exchange a small amount of cash into the local currency, but the exchange rates are better once you arrive to your destination.
You will find the best exchange rates at shops in the city center of your destination – airport exchange rates tend to be much worse and you will end up losing money.
Is it better to use credit card or cash in Europe?
You should use mainly bank cards and have a small amount of cash in the local currency for emergencies or small payments.
Most of the shops, hotels, bars and restaurants accept card payments in Europe, while it is good to have some cash for smaller transactions in local markets.
As card payments are widely accepted in Europe, you should not exchange all your money and carry around a huge amount of cash – it is best to pay by card.
What’s the best way to pay for things in Europe?
The best way to pay for things in Europe is by card.
Most of the shops, restaurants, hotels and bars accept card payments in Europe (even contactless), so you don’t have to carry around a lot of cash.
Is it better to pay in Euro or USD in Europe?
USD is not the official currency in any of the European countries, so US Dollars are not accepted as payments in Europe.
You should check the official currency of your European destination country and prepare with that in mind.
Most of the countries in the European Union have the Euro, but there are still many countries that have their own currencies.
Card payments are accepted in almost all places in Europe, so you can plan to pay by card during your trip. You can still exchange a small amount of cash for the local currency for emergency or when buying small items.
Conclusion
So, to the question “Can you pay with USD in Europe”? The conclusion is that, no, you cannot pay with US Dollars in Europe.
The US Dollar is not an official currency in any of the European countries, so you will have to exchange money or use your bank card for payments while travelling in Europe.
Most of the shops, hotels, bars and restaurants accept card payments in Europe, but it is good to have a small amount of cash for smaller transactions – it is better to use your card and not carry around a lot of cash.
