Getting Euros for Your Trip to Spain

Spain is one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations, with millions visiting Barcelona, Madrid, the Costa del Sol, and the Balearic Islands each year. The good news? Managing money in Spain is straightforward — it's a modern, card-friendly country using the Euro.

The key to saving money is avoiding the fees and poor exchange rates that traditional banks and airport bureaux charge. With the right travel card, you can pay for almost everything in Spain without worrying about currency conversion at all.

Key insight for 2026: Spain has embraced contactless payments wholeheartedly. Even small tapas bars and beach chiringuitos now accept cards. You can travel with minimal cash if you have a fee-free card like Wise or Revolut.

Best Ways to Get Euros for Spain

1. Fee-free travel cards (Wise, Revolut) — Our top recommendation. Pay by card everywhere and get the real exchange rate with no fees. Also great for ATM withdrawals.
2. Online currency order — If you want cash, order Euros online from Wise or a comparison site for delivery or collection. Much better rates than the high street.
3. Spanish bank ATMs — Use Santander, BBVA, or CaixaBank ATMs with a fee-free card. Avoid Euronet (bright blue) ATMs which charge high fees.
4. Post Office / high street bureaux — Order online for click & collect. Rates are middling but convenient. Walk-in rates are poor.
5. Airport exchanges — Both UK and Spanish airports have poor rates. Avoid unless emergency.
6. Your regular UK bank card — Will work but you'll pay 2.75-3% foreign transaction fee plus poor exchange rate. Expensive!

Using Cards in Spain

Spain is one of the most card-friendly countries in Europe. Here's what to expect:

Where Cards Work

• Restaurants and bars — Even small tapas bars accept cards
• Supermarkets — Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl all accept cards
• Hotels and accommodation — All accept cards
• Shops — From Zara to small boutiques
• Taxis — Most now accept cards (especially in cities)
• Trains and transport — Renfe, metro systems all card-friendly
• Toll roads — Accept cards at booths

Where You Might Need Cash

• Small markets and street vendors — Some prefer cash
• Beach vendors — Drinks and snacks often cash-only
• Very small rural establishments — Remote villages may prefer cash
• Tips — If you want to tip (not obligatory)

Important: When paying by card in Spain, always choose to pay in Euros, not Pounds. If they offer to convert to GBP, decline — this is DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) and will cost you 3-5% extra.

ATMs in Spain

ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are easy to find throughout Spain. Here's how to use them wisely:

Best ATMs to Use

• Santander — Large Spanish bank, ATMs everywhere
• BBVA — Blue logo, reliable ATMs
• CaixaBank — Yellow/blue logo, widespread
• Sabadell — Good coverage in Catalonia

ATMs to Avoid

Euronet (bright blue standalone machines) — These charge hefty fees and offer poor exchange rates. They're designed to catch tourists. Walk past them to find a proper bank ATM.

ATM Tips

• Always decline conversion — Choose "without conversion" or "in Euros"
• Use bank-attached ATMs — Safer than standalone machines
• Check for skimmers — Give the card slot a gentle tug
• Cover your PIN — Basic security practice

Money Tips by Spanish Region

Barcelona & Catalonia

Very card-friendly. La Boqueria market now accepts cards at most stalls. Some small Gothic Quarter bars may prefer cash for drinks under €5.

Madrid

Equally card-friendly as Barcelona. El Rastro flea market and some traditional tabernas may prefer cash.

Costa del Sol (Malaga, Marbella)

Tourist infrastructure means cards work everywhere. Beach chiringuitos increasingly accept cards. Keep some cash for tips and small purchases.

Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca)

Very card-friendly, especially in tourist areas. Club entry fees and market purchases may require cash.

Canary Islands

Same as mainland Spain — cards work well everywhere. Some excursion operators prefer cash.

Tipping in Spain

Tipping in Spain is appreciated but not obligatory or expected:

• Restaurants — Rounding up or 5-10% for excellent service. Not expected for casual meals.
• Tapas bars — Usually no tip expected, maybe loose change
• Cafes — Loose change if anything
• Hotels — €1-2 for porters if you wish
• Taxis — Round up to nearest Euro
• Tour guides — €5-10 if the tour was good

Spanish service workers earn proper wages, so tipping culture is much more relaxed than in the US or UK.