- The euro gained its strongest value in Turkey in 2026
- Asia and the Middle East show significant gains
- Even the US became more affordable for European travelers
- Sweden saw the sharpest drop in euro purchasing power
- Currency timing now matters more than hotel choice
The Euro’s Sweet Spot Is Not Where You Think
A new currency analysis by Wise, the multi-currency account provider, compared exchange rates across the 50 most popular non-Euro travel destinations for German travelers.
The result? In some places, the euro now stretches dramatically further. In others, it quietly shrank.
The headline winner for 2026 is Turkey. Compared to last year, the euro gained 26.8 percent in value there. In practical terms, meals, taxis, excursions, and hotel upgrades suddenly look less intimidating on your banking app.
Asia and the Middle East follow closely behind:
- Vietnam: +16.3 percent
- India: +15.9 percent
- Qatar: +15.1 percent
- South Korea: +12.9 percent
- Japan: +12.4 percent
- Hong Kong: +11 percent
- United Arab Emirates: +10.9 percent
Even North America joined the trend. The euro gained 10.7 percent against the US dollar, making the United States noticeably less punishing for long-haul travelers. Canada completes the top ten with a 7.6 percent gain.
This is not small change. Over a two-week trip, exchange differences like these can cover several nights of accommodation or a domestic flight.
Where the Euro Lost Its Edge
The picture changes in Northern and Central Europe.
Sweden tops the list of countries where the euro lost value. One year ago, one euro bought 11.43 Swedish krona. Today, it buys 10.56. That translates to a 7.49 percent drop in purchasing power.
Hungary follows with a 6.98 percent decline. Mexico records a 5.26 percent decrease. The Czech Republic and Switzerland also show losses, though more moderate.
For travelers, this does not mean Sweden suddenly became unaffordable. It means your margin shrank. And when a destination is already known for high prices, even small currency shifts matter.
Why This Matters for Greek and European Travelers
While the study focused on German departure data, the currency dynamics apply to anyone holding euros. For Greek travelers, the implications are similar.
Exchange rates influence:
- Hotel upgrades
- Dining frequency
- Excursion budgets
- Shopping decisions
- Total trip duration
In destinations like Turkey or Vietnam, favorable exchange rates can offset airfare costs. In Sweden or Hungary, tighter currency conditions can push travelers toward budget categories they did not originally plan for.
Smart Currency Strategy Before You Travel
Thomas Adamski, spokesperson for Wise, advises travelers to monitor exchange rates before departure and convert funds strategically.
The essentials:
- Pay in local currency whenever possible
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card terminals
- Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees before traveling
- Consider multi-currency accounts to lock in favorable rates
Airport exchange counters and hotel ATMs remain the most expensive options. Bank-affiliated ATMs usually offer better rates and greater security.
Larger, less frequent withdrawals help minimize fixed transaction fees.
Currency planning is not glamorous. But in 2026, it may be the simplest way to stretch a travel budget without changing destination.
How the Study Was Conducted
The analysis reviewed exchange rate developments for the 50 most popular non-euro travel destinations based on 2025 travel data. Rates were compared with benchmarks from January 21, 2025, using Google Finance and Wise’s historical conversion tools.
Countries with official travel warnings were excluded.
In a year where airfare volatility and accommodation pricing already test budgets, exchange rates quietly shape the final bill. In 2026, the euro travels unevenly.
Where it goes further, opportunity follows.
Where it weakens, planning becomes essential.
