Lithuania's Currency: The Euro Since 2015

Lithuania uses the Euro (EUR, €) as its official currency.

Adoption Timeline

• January 1, 2015: Lithuania became the 19th Eurozone member
• Fixed conversion rate: 3.45280 LTL = 1 EUR (Lithuanian Litas → Euro)
• Dual circulation: January 1–16, 2015 (both currencies accepted)
• Litas demonetized: After January 16, 2015 (exchangeable indefinitely at Bank of Lithuania)

Why the Euro?

• Economic stability: Small, open economy; peg eliminated exchange rate risk vs. major trading partners (EU = 60%+ trade)
• Lower borrowing costs: Convergence to Eurozone rates
• Investment confidence: Currency credibility boost
• EU integration: Political commitment to deeper union

Pre-Euro: The Litas (LTL)

• Reintroduced 1993 (replacing Soviet ruble) — symbol of regained independence
• Pegged to USD (1994–2002) then Euro (2002–2015) via currency board
• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 centų; 1, 2, 5 litai. Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 litų

Practical Info for Visitors

• Euro coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cent; €1, €2 (Lithuanian designs: Vytis knight on national side)
• Euro notes: €5–€500 (standard Eurosystem)
• ATMs widespread; cards accepted almost everywhere
• Cash still used for small purchases, markets, rural areas

Note: Lithuania is in the EU and Eurozone but NOT Schengen (joined Schengen 2007 — actually yes, Lithuania IS in Schengen since 2007).