The famous Dutch guilder, is now an historic relic. As of January 28th, 2002, the guilder is no longer legal tender in the Netherlands, having been replaced by the Euro.

Anyone having guilders can still change them into Euros for a fee at banks in Holland (2.50 Euros). After Dec. 31st, 2002, coins will only be accepted at the Dutch National Bank, whereas other banks will still take notes.

Holland was the fastest European country to adopt the Euro and within just a few days 90% of transactions were taking place with the new Euro. I found many shopkeepers relucant or even refusing to take guilders after the first week.

The Euro is now the legal currency throughout Western Europe, including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, Portugal. Notably holding out on joining in the Euro fun are Britain, Denmark and Sweden.

The European Union is hoping the strength of the Euro will put Europe on a par with America economically, and that the Euro will stabilize at parity with the US dollar. Currently it’s going in the US $0.86-$0.91 range.

Tourists appreciate the Euro as they don’t have to convert currencies each time they visit another country. Although many people are finding the coins confusing at first.