Spain uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency5. This guide helps you understand how to use money in Spain, including cash and card payments. It covers ATM fees, exchange rates as of 2026-10-264, and where to find local money.
Updated 2026-10-26. Numbers carry a small link to their source. Fees and rules change, check the screen or the form before you pay.
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Updated 2026-10-26
Download on theApp StoreComing soonThe currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR)5. Euro banknotes come in seven values: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros6.
There are eight euro coin values: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros7. Each coin has a common European side. It also has a national side specific to Spain8.
Cash is accepted almost everywhere in Spain9. Cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, are also widely accepted9. Some merchants may ask for a minimum card purchase of around €1010.
There is a legal limit for cash payments in Spain. You cannot pay more than €1,000 in cash if one party is a business14. This limit changed from €2,500 to €1,000 on 11 July 202116. If you pay more than €1,000 in cash, the penalty is 25% of the amount over €1,00015.
Tipping is not required in Spain because the service charge is included18. However, it is common to leave a tip of 5 to 10 percent in places like bars and restaurants18.
Download on theApp StoreComing soonNo, usually only euros are accepted for payments in Spain11. You cannot use US dollars or other foreign currencies directly. You will need to exchange your money to euros.
You can get euros from ATMs, banks, and exchange offices12. ATMs are easy to find in many places. These include bank branches, shopping centers, and city centers13.
When using an ATM, you might pay a fee. As of 2023, ATM fees can range from 0.75 to 3.0 EUR per withdrawal1. Some ATMs, like Euronet and Cardtronics, often charge fees1. It is best to decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) if the ATM offers it1. This is because the ATM's exchange rate markup can be more than 10%17.
You can exchange money at bureaus de change, banks, and most hotels12. Travel agencies also offer this service12.
Check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees on your cards. Tell your bank you will be traveling to Spain. This helps prevent your card from being blocked for unusual activity. Consider carrying a small amount of cash for minor purchases. Remember the €1,000 cash payment limit for certain transactions14.
The official currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR)5.
No, US dollars are generally not accepted for payments in Spain11. You will need to exchange them for euros.
Yes, ATM fees in Spain can range from 0.75 to 3.0 EUR per withdrawal as of 20231. Some ATMs may also apply a poor exchange rate17.
Both cash and cards are widely accepted9. Cash is accepted almost everywhere, but there is a €1,000 cash payment limit for certain transactions14.
Euro banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euro denominations6.
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