Spain uses the euro and is a very card-oriented country. This guide will help you understand how to manage your money during your trip, from currency to the best payment methods.
Currency: Euro (€)
Spain has been part of the eurozone since 2002. The euro is the only official currency and is accepted throughout the country.
Bills and coins:
- Bills: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500
- Coins: €1, €2, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c
- Exchange: You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices and airports
- Commissions: Vary by location, compare before exchanging
Credit and debit cards
Spain is one of the European countries with the highest card acceptance. Practically all establishments accept cards.
- Visa (very common)
- Mastercard (very common)
- American Express (less common)
- Debit cards
- Contactless cards
- Hotels and accommodations
- Restaurants and bars
- Shops and supermarkets
- Public transport (in some cities)
- Museums and attractions
Card tips:
- Notify your bank: Inform them you'll be traveling to Spain to avoid blocks
- Commissions: Check your bank's commissions for use abroad
- PIN: Some establishments require PIN, not just signature
- Minimum limit: Some establishments have minimum purchase (€5-10)
- Contactless: Very common, generally €50 limit without PIN
Cash
Although cards are very accepted, cash is still useful and necessary in some cases.
- Small businesses: Some bars, small shops and markets
- Tips: Although not mandatory, leaving a tip in cash is appreciated
- Local markets: Many stalls only accept cash
- Transport: Some buses and taxis prefer cash
- Emergencies: It's always good to carry some cash
- Recommendation: €50-100 in cash for emergencies
- Rest with card: Use card for most payments
- Security: Don't carry large amounts of cash
ATMs
ATMs are everywhere in Spain. You can withdraw cash with your international credit or debit card.
Important information:
- Location: Banks, stations, airports, shopping centers
- Commissions: Your bank may charge commission for withdrawal abroad
- Limits: Generally €300-600 per withdrawal, check with your bank
- Security: Use ATMs from recognized banks, avoid isolated ATMs
- Hours: Available 24/7 in most places
Tipping in Spain
Tips in Spain are not mandatory as in some countries, but they are appreciated for good service.
Tipping guide:
- Restaurants: 5-10% of total (not mandatory, only if service was good)
- Bars: Not necessary, but you can leave the change
- Taxi: Round up to nearest euro or €1-2
- Hotels: €1-2 per night for cleaning service (optional)
- Tour guides: €5-10 if service was excellent
Important: In Spain, service is included in the price. Tips are a voluntary extra to show appreciation for good service.
Mobile and digital payments
Mobile payments are gaining popularity in Spain, especially in large cities.
Available options:
- Apple Pay: Accepted in many establishments
- Google Pay: Becoming more common
- Bizum: Instant payment system very popular in Spain (requires Spanish bank account)
- Bank apps: Many Spanish banks have apps for payments
Tips for managing your money
- Diversify: Carry card and some cash
- Notify your bank: Inform them of your trip to avoid blocks
- Check commissions: Check your bank's commissions before traveling
- Backup card: Carry a second card just in case
- Keep receipts: Keep receipts of your important purchases
- Avoid exchanging at airports: Commissions are usually higher
- Use no-commission cards: If possible, use cards without exchange commission
Currency exchange
If you need to exchange currency, compare available options to get the best exchange rate.
Where to exchange:
- Banks: Generally better exchange rate, but may have commissions
- Exchange offices: More convenient but less favorable exchange rates
- Airports: More expensive, avoid if possible
- Hotels: Convenient but poor exchange rates
Recommendation: The best option is usually to withdraw cash from an ATM with your card, as you get the interbank exchange rate.
Need more information?
Spain is a very modern country in terms of payments. With a card and some cash you'll be prepared for any situation.