the Euro is already the official currency in the following member-countries of the European Union (but Euro-coins and EURO banknotes will replace the local currencies only starting jan-1-2002):

Belgium, Germany, Finnland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Spain

(not yet introducing the Euro currencies are: Denmark, Sweden and Great Britain).

in add, the Vatican, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Guadeloupe and Martinique will also have the EURO as their (only) official currency.

starting jan-1-2002 EURO Banknotes will look the same everywhere, coins will be the same on one-side, on the other side they will be 'issuer-country-specific' but accepted in all EURO participating countries.

After jan-1-2002 shops in the specific countries will still have to accept the 'old, local, currencies', but only until feb-28-2002.

Switzerland is not a member of the EU and will maintain have their own currency (the Swiss Franc), but in touristic places, the Euro will also be very welcome (but with daily currency-exchange-fluctuations).

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 10-29-2001).]