Eusko, a local currency that has proven itself in the Basque Country

Everyone knows the Euro, but what about the eusko, this local currency used in the Basque Country ? Launched in 2013, it is a real bet won with thousands of members today and a development which allows it to currently be the leading local currency in Europe. Does this intrigue you ? Us too, so head to the South-West to discover the Eusko. Bring your wallet !

Report photos: Euskal Moneta

l'Eusko, do you know what it is?

It's not complicated, the Eusko is a local currency which is only used in the Basque Country region, between suppliers, merchants and individuals with notes of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 eusko. Created in 2013, it aims to promote the local economy and promote short circuits, with a reduction in financial speculation . Simple to use, it offers Basques the opportunity to consume locally, by buying local. Eusko is a true virtuous circle between individuals who pay in Eusko to companies that accept them, and themselves buy their products from suppliers, in Eusko ! The absence of interest rates for the eusko encourages the circulation of this currency which does not sit in an account, and does not cross the borders of the Basque Country.

l'Eusko, advantages of consuming in local currency

Egun on, adio, milesker, do you speak Basque ? It's a shame, because Euskara is the typically Basque language, which is important to preserve. This is one of the advantages of Eusko which allows bilingual signage in businesses between French and Euskara, with for some the “ Euskaraz ” logo which means that you can speak Euskara in commerce without being disfigured ! This advantage is not the only one since eusko also allows :

• To opt for an ecological transition by promoting short circuits,
• To promote and develop peasant agriculture in the Basque Country since farms must be approved by the Euskal Moneta Approval Committee,
• To support the local economy with the circulation of currency between Basques,
• To defend small local traders by abandoning supermarkets.

Consuming locally is good, paying in eusko is even better !

l'Eusko, how does it work?

This is the big question with an answer as simple as its use. Even though it is a local currency, the eusko can be used (almost) like the euro with a euskopay application and a euskocart payment card. To obtain it, go to the Euskal Moneta website, click on open an account and let yourself be guided. You will then have 27 exchange offices at your disposal to collect 1, 2, 5, 10 or 20 eusko notes. Before you start, rest assured, 1 euro corresponds to 1 eusko. However, you will be asked for the name of an association to support since a commission is levied on euros changed into eusko and placed in guarantee funds to finance environmental projects. We told you that Eusko was an opportunity for ecological transition ! Are you Basque ? Join Eusko with complete peace of mind. Are you on vacation in the Basque Country ? Find out, the Eusko holiday option exists.

You are now an expert on the local currency of the Basque Country ! It's up to you, switch to eusko if you are Basque !

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