Originally Posted by graraps
Incorrect. Crowns and Zlotych and what have you are still in use for the time being, but all of the newcomers have agreed to join the Euro- indeed I am under the impression that they were forced to join the Euro if they were to be admitted to the EU. Timescales vary, I think with most countries the rates will be locked in 2007 and the Euro will start being used in 2009...
They are not forced into using the EURO. They are members of the European Union just as UK, Denmark and Sweden are even if they havenīt adopted the single currency either. Of course most of the 10 new member countries we got a year ago will want to join the monetary union as well. But they are not forced to do so. In order to become members of the monetary union they will have to have their currencies pegged to the EURO for a few years and meet several other criteria about inflation, public debt and so on.
But, back to the OPīs question. Yes, you will need to exchange money into Czech Konuras. They are most easily had from an ATM. Of course a few retailers especially in tourist areas will accept or US $, but at a bad rate. You donīt want to do that.