Local Tip
Off a UK flight, you clear passport control into the south baggage belts, where Global Exchange's non-EU desk faces belt 24 (07:00 to 22:10). Later than that, the Line A bus takes cards on board.
Where to change money in Malaga
The airport desks keep the longest hours. In the old town, Eurochange is the one bureau we could confirm, and Unicaja publishes its charge for changing foreign notes.
- Eurochange, Plaza de la Merced 9 A ground-floor shop on the square, open 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 13:30 on Saturdays; it lists no Sunday hours. Eurochange says it takes no commission, so judge it purely on the euros you get for your pounds.
- Unicaja Banco branchesUnicaja's tariff, in force since 3 March 2023, charges 1.5% to buy or sell foreign banknotes at the counter, with a €10 minimum, so the minimum applies to anything under about €665. Check that the branch will serve someone without an account before you queue.
Changing money at the airport
Global Exchange runs all four exchange desks at Málaga-Costa del Sol, with hours matching those Aena showed in October 2026. Two are on floor 0 in the baggage halls: one by the north belts, facing belt 35 (07:30 to 23:30), and one at the south belts for non-EU arrivals, past passport control and facing belt 24 (07:00 to 22:10). On floor 1, a Pier D desk beyond security opens 05:15 to 22:50, and a landside counter just before passport control for non-Schengen departures opens 05:00 to 21:00. Aena lists no bank branch; every cash machine is Euronet's, in the baggage and arrivals halls, by check-in desks 301 to 362 and at boarding areas C and D.
ATMs and cards in Malaga
Spain's European Consumer Centre notes that a withdrawal can carry two costs: your bank's foreign charges, and a fee from the machine's owner that your bank may pass on and that is not in your card contract. At the airport, that owner is always Euronet. If a Málaga terminal or ATM proposes settling in pounds, choose euros: MoneySavingExpert says letting the card convert usually beats the shop's rate.
Paying for transport in Malaga
Line A, the airport express bus, costs €4; Aena says the driver takes cash or a Visa or Mastercard, and bags ride free. Cercanías trains reach the centre in about 12 minutes; Aena leaves fares to Renfe. EMT city buses have taken bank cards since July 2022, the council says, besides cash, the bus card and app QR tickets. A single costs €1.40; a revised bylaw given initial approval on 28 May 2026 will raise it to €1.50 once it takes effect. Taxis from the airport have a minimum fare of €17.37 on weekday daytimes and €21.72 or €24.93 at night and weekends; trips to the airport add €6.27.
Good to know
- The Foreign Office warns that Spanish thieves often work in teams using distraction, singling out airport luggage collection and car-hire desks.
- Hiring a car or paying for accommodation? The European Consumer Centre in Spain warns that firms may require a credit card, so a debit or prepaid card may be refused at the desk.
Key Areas in Malaga
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Exchange bureaux, banks and cash machines, as mapped by OpenStreetMap. The map loads only when you ask for it.
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Malaga travel money FAQ
Where is the best place to exchange money in Malaga?
In the old town, Eurochange at Plaza de la Merced 9 opens weekdays 10:00 to 18:00 and Saturday mornings, and says it takes no commission. Unicaja charges 1.5%, minimum €10, on foreign notes at its counters. Global Exchange's airport desks keep the longest hours, from 05:00 to as late as 23:30.
Can I change money at Malaga airport after landing from the UK?
Yes. Global Exchange has a non-EU arrivals desk in the baggage hall at the south belts, past passport control and opposite belt 24, open 07:00 to 22:10. The airport's cash machines are all Euronet's, so check the operator's fee shown before you take euros.
Can I pay by card on Malaga buses?
Yes. The €4 Line A airport express takes Visa or Mastercard on board, and the council says EMT city buses have accepted bank cards since July 2022. A city single costs €1.40, due to rise to €1.50 when a revised bylaw takes effect.
Checked October 2026. Fees, fares and opening times change, so check locally before relying on them. Sources: Aena · Global Exchange · Ayuntamiento de Málaga · El Español · Unicaja Banco · Eurochange
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