Money isn’t the sexiest aspect of travel, but without it you don’t get very far. Get acquainted with Spain’s notes and coins, plus a few other crucial bits of information, and you’ll minimise the chances of awkwardness, theft or abuse. Here’s what you need to know.
Currency
Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Spain). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the Spanish Peseta was still in circulation until 28 February 2002, when it was completely replaced by the Euro. Euro (Euro) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Euro500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Euro2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Currency exchange
Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports. National Girobank Postcheques may be used to withdraw cash from UK accounts at main Spanish post offices.
Credit & debit cards
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit, or debit, card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.
Credit card emergency numbers
Amex: +44 1273 696933
Diners Club: (43) (1) 5474000
Visa: 900 95 1125
Travellers cheques
International travellers cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Travellers cheques emergency numbers
Thomas Cook: 900 99 4403
Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is subject to declaration if the amount exceeds Euro6010.12 and the amount exported must not exceed the amount declared on arrival. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but should be declared if the quantity exceeds Euro6010.12 per person per journey, to avoid difficulties on leaving Spain.
Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1400; Sat 0900-1300 (except during the summer).
Money wiring services
MoneyGram: 900 96 1218.
Western Union: (95) 205 0219
