Banks & Money
Spain has used the Euro (€) since 2002 — no currency exchange needed for travelers from the Eurozone.
Cash vs. Card
Spain is increasingly card-friendly. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere — even for small amounts in bars and bakeries. Contactless payment (tarjeta contactless) is standard. However: Small village bars, market vendors, Chiringuitos (beach bars), and parking meters often still require cash.
Withdrawing Money
- ATMs (Cajeros): Available everywhere, even in small villages. Most Spanish banks do not charge an ATM fee — except Euronet (the bright blue machines in tourist areas that charge 3–5 € fees). Avoid them!
- DKB, ING, N26, Revolut: These cards allow free withdrawals in the Eurozone
- When asked "Withdraw in euros or local currency?" always choose "local currency" (i.e., euros) — otherwise, you pay a worse rate (Dynamic Currency Conversion)
Banks & Opening Hours
Spanish banks are generally open Mon–Fri 8:30–14:00, some branches also Thu 17–19:30. In summer often only until 13:00. Branches are rapidly being reduced — in rural areas, there is often only one ATM left.
💡 Tipp
Always carry some cash (50–100 €), especially if you're heading to the countryside. In Andalusia's white villages or on the small Balearic Islands, the nearest ATM can be far away.