American travelers won't notice much difference until 2002, when euro coins and bills appear in circulation. Still, euros are already showing up on restaurant menus and cash register receipts, and you'll soon be able to pay in euros by credit card or travelers check. Existing local currencies in 11 participating European countries are fixed to the euro, which will fluctuate against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies. Businesses will be encouraged to post dual prices. Consumers may be able to pay in euros by credit card or travelers check, but local currencies will remain in use through Jan. 1, 2002.
Euro currency appears in banks and ATMs.
Euro bills will be uniform, but as a nod to cultural sensitivities, each country can place a national motif on one side of the coins it mints. Jan. 1-June 30, 2002. Both euros and local currencies will be accepted as legal tender in participating countries. July 1, 2002. Local currencies are removed from circulation.