EURO - it's the way to GO! (The Euro)

Name: Blurbubble

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Product:	The Euro
Date:	13/04/02 (85 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: No need to exchange currency, easy price comparisons

Disadvantages: "Loss of identity?"

I'm not really a political animal these days (though I was more so in my youth) so I won't be going deeply political here but seeing it more from the layman in the streets point of view.

The Euro? Should we stay or should we go now? So far, as I am aware, the UK seems to be the only European nation fiercely resisting converting to the Euro on some sides, though in my own opinion there seems no real reason for it. It's only money innit?! Paper stuff representing a value? Back before printed paper/metal money came into use we used gold, silver, goods, pigs, food or whatever - a universal currency right?

So why not now? I haven't yet travelled as widely as I'd like and I do admit getting to grips with strange currencies is an off-putting idea so to know you have money in your pocket which can see you through many different countries is very appealing and makes evaluting price differences from country to country easier too. I have only experienced the Euro through my International dealings on the Ebay Auction site and I am quite happy to take Euros in payment. It is better than being lumbered with lots of smaller amounts in different currencies as may also be the case if you travel widely. It is easy to get it changed to Sterling if needs be too.

From an aesthetic point of view the notes (I have seen no coins so far) look nice, modern and it is easy to differentiate between the denominations as the amount is printed clearly on them - they are a nice size too, not great big flappy things.

Now I know one of the UK's "arguments" against it is loss of identity - how exactly? Because they won't show the Queens head?? How trivial and pathetic - does anyone really notice that much? The royal family are rather outdated and less of an identity to us than they were many years ago anyway (yes, I'm not a royalist for anyone who hadn't guessed). For those worried about this aspect we STILL have t
he Monarchy, our tourist attractions, our reputation (i.e. bad sports players and one of the most expensive countries in Eurpoe) - Isn't that enough?? The English language is also prominent thoughout Europe, if not the world, being many countries' second and often first language - surely that maintains identity?

Approximately 15 Eurpoean countries have welcomed the Euro so far with no qualms about losing their identity - and more are to come.

I would happily welcome using the Euro - it would take no more getting used to than when Britain turned to decimalisation from Imperial currency back in 1971/72 and yet, unlike having multiple different currencies, it would be more useful for both businesses and personal travellers.

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