Spain Currency Travel Guide 2023: How to pay & how much to bring (2024)

Hola, amigos! Are you planning a trip to the land of bullfights, tapas and flamenco? One of the things that makes Spain so travel-friendly is the use of euros as the national currency. Credit cards, debit cards and cash are all accepted.

Credit cards that waive international fees are your best bet for dodging some extra expenses to your wallet. Here’s a look at your money options before making the trip to Spain.

Our picks for traveling to Spain

Travel card, debit card or credit card?

The national currency for Spain is the euro. As one of the major global currencies, all travel cards let you load and spend euros. But is a travel card the best travel money product for your trip?

Visa and Mastercard have wide acceptance at shops and ATMs throughout Spain. Use your debit card or credit card like you would in the US, but look for cards that waive the currency conversion fee when you spend.

You’ll need to take a variety of spending options on your trip to the Iberian Peninsula. Use a debit card or a travel card to withdraw cash from ATMs and for over-the-counter purchases, and save your credit card for emergencies and big-ticket purchases.

Credit cards can offer up to 30 days interest-free on purchases if you pay your account by the statement due date. And there are cards that provide travel insurance and travel perks.

Spread your travel money across a couple of accounts so you won’t be caught without cash if a card goes missing. Travelers to Spain may be surprised at how easy it is to get by without spending a fortune. With a few travel money tricks up your sleeve, it’s easy to sample all of the joys of Spain, from the Royal Alcázar to Dali.

These are your options for spending money in Spain

Which credit card issuers are accepted in Spain?

Visa and Mastercard are most popular in Spain, with American Express closely behind. But if you have a Discover card, you may find it hard to pay with it.

Compare travel credit cards

Explore top debit cards with no foreign transaction fees and travel credit cards by using the tabs to narrow down your options. Select Compare for up to four products to see their benefits side by side.

• Checking
• Credit cards

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Spain currency

The main banks in Spain are:

Buying currency in the US

There’s no limit to the amount of cash you can bring with you to Spain. However, you’ll need to make a declaration at customs if you’re traveling with more than €10,000 cash, including traveler’s checks.

Your bank will sell you euros at a competitive rate, though you’ll pay a commission fee. You can use a money transfer company like Western Union or Travelex to order euros and pick them up once you arrive at the Spanish airport. They don’t charge a commission and that can offer a slightly better rate than most banks.

• American Express
• Travelex
• WorldRemit

Exchanging cash

If you wait to exchange your money in Spain you’ll have lots of choices in Barcelona and Madrid. You’ll find better rates if you venture away from tourist attractions. Avoid exchanging your money at the airport if you want the most competitive rates.

Exchange rate history

The euro, though a young currency, has historically stood up to the USD. If you watch forex markets and find a favorable rate, lock it in with a travel money card or traveler’s checks.

ATMS in Spain

You’ll be able to find ATMs in all Spanish towns and cities, gas stations, shopping centers and bus and train stations. Bank affiliated ATMs generally won’t charge you for usage except for Catalunya Caixa Bank, which will charge a couple of euros. However some banks like Betterment Checking offer debit cards that reimburse for foreign transaction fees or international ATM charges. Most ATMs will have an English option.

• Tip: Bank of America cardholders can avoid the international ATM fee by making withdrawals from Deutsche Bank in Spain.

Keep your travel money (physically) safe

Remain alert to street crime, especially where two or more people operate together to distract victims before taking their valuables. Instances of theft at airports are frequent, so stay vigilant while arriving and departing. Numerous reports come up about theft from rental cars so never leave your wallet or purse in a parked car.

In some cases, thieves pose as cops and ask to see wallets for identification purposes. In this case, make sure you’re speaking with genuine police officers. It’s highly unlikely that a real cop will want to sift through your wallet.

What should I budget for my trip to Spain?

Spain is a bit smaller than the size of Texas, and prices throughout the country vary. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid tend to charge more for accommodations and food. On average you can expect to spend between $50 to $350 a day.

^{*Prices are indicative and subject to change}

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