CUSTOMS IN SPAIN: Money and cards, tips, telephone, languages, documentation, business hours...

[alserrod]

52 minutes ago, lakegirl16 said:

Question on tipping for tour guides and bus drivers.  What is customary in Europe?  Thank you

 

 

Hi,

 

No tipping at all!!!!!

 

Spanish workers (European in general but I will write about Spanish only) have their working rights and a salary. It is considered all services are included.

 

Just to clarify.... I barely tip 3-4 restaurants in a whole year. Only in those were food and service were very very good and price was cheap. And never 5 euros. Less quantity.

In the rest of cases I just pay my bill.

 

As I do.... 99,99% of Spanish (and of Europeans)

 

In other words.... let's think on a taxi.

 

You arrive, you pay the bill. That's all. Nothing happens

 

If .... if.... if.... taxi driver speaks your language AND he's very polite AND he gives you some information or intersting advice AND he helps you with your luggage AND....

you can tip 3 euro or so

But if he does so many things and you do not tip.... it happens nothing

 

 

 

 

[alserrod]

Just to understand how prices and tips go in Spain.

 

A taxi from the airport to the pier costs 45 euro in Barcelona and ALL supplements (weekend if apply, baggages, port, airport, etc...) are included

 

Point of view of tipping.

A taxi costs 40 euro. I will tip 5 euro, maybe more to taxi driver. He will receive 45 euro at least

 

Point of view of no tipping

A taxi costs 45 euro. I will pay 45 euro. If he wants 50 euro, they should increase official fares to 50 euro.

 

At the end, the incomings are the same but prices in Spain (in Europe in general) are what people pays for and consider all is included.

 

And as said.... only if an EXCELLENT service, something extra something you didn't expected worths a SMALL tip

[alserrod]

USE OF CREDIT CARDS

 

==> For online purchases

 

It is possible that when making an online payment you will be rejected again and again. You will wonder why.

 

It may be because your card does not meet the European Union's electronic payment requirements. In this case, talk to your bank. If the required security measures increase you will not have problems

 

For security measures, it is considered that they ask you for two of the following three things: "something you know", "something you are" and "something you have"
- Something you know: PIN, password, etc...
- something you are: fingerprint, facial recognition, voice recognition, etc...
- something you have: mobile phone (device), mobile phone (number), passport, etc...

 

Electronic payment must ask for at least TWO of these three things.

 

For example, in my case it is very common that if I buy something from my mobile phone
- the bank knows that I am using the mobile phone that is registered and will also ask me for either my confirmation fingerprint or my PIN

 

If I buy from a laptop
- the bank is going to ask me for my PIN and probably either asks me to unlock an application on my mobile to confirm, or sends me an SMS and asks me to enter it

 

It is very difficult to make an online purchase from a laptop in Spain without having a mobile phone due to security measures.

 

So, if your payment is rejected, check to see if you are meeting these requirements or you have to talk to your bank.

 

THESE MEASURES APPLY EQUALLY IN THE 27 COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

 

 

==> PIN USE

 

It is advisable that your card has the PIN activated.

 

Although the use of the contactless system is widespread, you may have to use the card chip to pay (inserting it into the machine). Either because the contactless system is not yet activated on a machine, or because it fails and you have to try the chip.

 

If you use contactless it will NOT ask you for your PIN
If you use the chip, YES it will ask you for the PIN

 

In Spain, the system of physically signing a card receipt is no longer used.

 

 

==> DO NOT GIVE THE CARD TO PAY

 

In Spain there is a very recent measure (March 2024) through which the customer has the right not to hand over their card to pay anywhere.

 

That is, it doesn't matter if it is a store, a restaurant or a means of transportation. The payment system must be designed so that you never let go of the card from your hand (in a restaurant, for example, you don't have to give it to the waiter to manipulate it in the machine).

 

If it is a contactless system (most of them) it will be very easy. They bring you a terminal and you pass it to pay.

 

If the chip must be used, you must still be the one to manipulate it. In no case who charges.

 

To do this, if it is not a counter where you pay next to where you order, either they provide you with a wireless terminal (the most common) or you go to where the terminal is.

 

 

[alserrod]

***************************

We are a Canadian couple taking a European cruise onboard the Island Princess this August and are wondering what form of currency should we bring. I know the onboard payments are done in US but what about when ashore? Would it be better in cash being the local currency, or a credit card?  

***************************

 

I would recommend you to calculate rates before your cruise.

 

How much (in percentage) you will pay if using your card?. This is.... it is just a percentage or there's an additional fee per operation??

 

How much (in percentage) you will pay if you exchange cash?. Sometimes it is just easier to get money from an ATM. You use your card, you ask for money.... money you pay is in your local currency, money you get is in euro.

 

 

I guess it is an issue just of fees, commisions and percentages.

In Spain, in touristic zones and big cities, you can pay a coffee with a card. And obviously in cash.

 

I'm sure you will cross more countries that use euro. So cash will be used there too.

 

 

I'm sure your bank will say cheaper if paying by card (rather than in cash). If so, go to an ATM, ask for 40-50 euro in cash and pay everything with your card

 

but... ask your bank

 

 

 

 

 

[alserrod]

***************************
We have 60+ euros left over from a trip to the Azores, I think enough for what we need, especially if taxis take cc, and I know they do in Barcelona.  Our credit cards have no foreign transaction fees.  One phone will have an esim and the other I can use an international plan any day I need it (for 10 USD).  I am hoping to get by with hotel and cruise ship wifi for most of what I do.  Our passports are good for another year plus.  I hope that I'm not forgetting anything.  We travel frequently. mostly to Central America, so I know some of the big mistakes.  
***************************

About money (and cards), it is important to have always cash money. There are things you will only pay with coins and ... euro are required.
But, maybe you will not use any coins. You can pay in Spain coffees, ice creams and obviously taxis, restaurants with a credit card (just a hint.... Mastercard or Visa!!!. Amex and Diners aren't welcome)
In my day-to-day in Spain I pay barely nothing in cash.
Just in case, if you would need 50 extra more euro, go to an ATM, not to an exchange currency agent.

For phones, you can buy a Spanish e-SIM. They are cheap and they will let you use internet on your mobile and call anywhere. Remember you can use any Spanish card free of charge in France (and in other EU country)

And about passports, all controls just on arrival on airport. There's no passport control between France and Spain, so no controls when arriving to French ports
Just as an example, this is the border between Spain and France in the shore road. You can guess where custom booths were located some decades ago but... they doesn't exist at all

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4349367,3.159612,3a,75y,136.79h,73.26t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sPSzJHAlJwsU7nxlOmhDsIQ!2e0!3e11!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu

[alserrod]

*********************

We will be using credit cards while in Spain, but wondering where/when we might also use cash ( euros ) just as easily/ appropriately … small purchases etc.

Going to the bank to exchange US $$ to EUROS 😉

*********************

 

Hi, for exchange, I would ask your bank about fares for ATM.

Probably, for just 50 euro it is the cheapest option. You go to an ATM, you ask for 50 euro and your bank will calculate into dollars with exchange fee.

Ask your bank and even ask if it doesn't matter which ATM you use or if it is cheaper in a brand of ATM.

If it doesn't matter, be sure you will have thousands and thousands of ATM available 24/7 for you.

 

For paying, as Spanish, I barely barely use cash in my day-to-day.

This means, restaurants, taxi, almost all shops, public transport, etc... can be payed by card.

 

You could need cash in Street shops and.... few more places (and some street shops are accepting cards)

 

But as an example, you will be able to pay a baguette or a coffee with card and zero problems

 

About cards, be awared that Diners and Amex are NOT accepted in Spain as a rule (use Mastercard or Visa)

 

 

 

[peanut head]

On 1/29/2024 at 11:04 AM, alserrod said:

TIPS

 

 

If you live in North America, let's make it clear, in Spain tips are much more infrequent, and even non-existent, compared to what you are used to.

 

 

In Europe in general there is the impression (and desire) that money is earned honestly through wages, not tips. The worker is already assured of a salary before starting work and will carry out his or her work, with or without tips.

 

Therefore, the general rule is to tip if the service was extraordinary, if you would remember something special about that service. And the tips are always much lower than what you are used to. It is always considered that the service is included in the rate you are going to pay.

 

That means that services like a bus driver (where you are expected to take a very specific route without much option for change), just for example, are never tipped.

 

Where do you usually tip?

 

In restaurants, if you consider that the service has been special (if it has been normal service, you only pay the bill and nothing happens)

In a taxi if they have done something very special for you (for example carry a lot of luggage or give you valuable information)

In a hotel if they have provided you with something (if you have only asked for the room key, this is what was expected of them)
etc...

 

And remember that

In restaurants sometimes you prefer a 5-star review with photos and comments on Google or TripAdvisor instead of a tip

If you don't tip.... nothing just happens. The one who served you will also receive his salary. He has it included and it is very regulated

Oh, and if you tip, always in euros. Tipping in a currency other than the local currency is like going to your city and tipping someone in euros. What do you do with those bills?

 

 

Thank you!  Your information is incredibly helpful.  Everything that I was looking for was answered here in matter-of-fact prose.

[alserrod]

About cash and cards

 

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Spain.

 

Let's hint that

- If a business points (it is enough information in entrance) cards are welcome, they must accept it (if card reader doesn't run, it would be their problem, not yours)

- nevertheless they can set a minimum amount up to 30 euro (they can say "cards accepted, minimum 5 euro", for instance)

- and good to know.... it is forbidden to pay more than 1000 euro in cash in Spain (There are enough reasons to pay more than 1000 euro: cars, holidays, furniture, etc...  If so, card, bank transfer, check or whatever. If cash and detected, it is punished)

 

 

But... never mind where you live when you read this. I would invite you to think.... What should I recommend about cash to a Spanish visiting my country?

 

If you do not have a minimal fee for ATM (just a percentage), I would get 20 euro (maybe 50, no more), pay the fee and pay everything with card. You will know you have payed 20 euro for those minimal purchases. Maybe you spent only 12.... think on 20 and it's all

[HMSDingy]

I read somewhere that taking a cab from your hotel to the port in Barcelona the driver requests a charge to get into the port area. Is this true?

[alserrod]

1 minute ago, HMSDingy said:

I read somewhere that taking a cab from your hotel to the port in Barcelona the driver requests a charge to get into the port area. Is this true?

 

 

It is true

 

You can find more information here

 

but as a sum up....

 

You pay a

- minimal fare

- fare per km (or per hour)

- supplements

 

in this case, arriving or leaving to the port or to the airport has a 4,5 euro supplement

leaving station has a 2,5 supplement

 

 

 

[alserrod]

Official and Fake webs

 

 

A curious tip to know that one webpage you are visiting is the "official page" (well at least to discard some unofficial webs).

 

First
All official web MUST have a Spanish version.
It could happen that, because cookies, computer configuration or whatever, webpage appears directly in your own language. OK.... but first of all, try to search the Spanish version of that web.... It if doesn't exist.... 100% possibilities it is not an official web.
I guess this tip runs in other countries too

Second...
All official webs located in cities with a second language MUST have another local language too.
This is.... 
Barcelona, Tarragona, Palamos, Palma, Mahon and Ibiza must have Catalan version of webpages
Valencia and Alicante must have Valencian version
Bilbao and San Sebastian must have Basque version
La Coruña and Vigo must have Galician version

and all Canary islands ports and Andalusian ports (Malaga, Cadiz...) will not have another version.

For instance, Sagrada Familia official webpage is in Catalan, Spanish and English
https://sagradafamilia.org/es/home

Touristic ho-ho bus in Barcelona is in English, Italian, German, French.... Spanish and Catalan
https://www.barcelonabusturistic.cat/ca

If I were you I would distrust about any "official" webpage in Barcelona (for instance) without a Spanish version and a Catalan version.
It is common to have any Spanish version, but unofficial webs do not translate into Catalan.

Hope it helps

 

[alserrod]

FLAMENCO

 

 

Many people ask about flamenco shows in various Spanish cities.

 

If we check Wikipedia there is a lot of information at the beginning. I will copy only the first lines.

 

Flamenco (Spanish pronunciation: [flaˈmeŋko]) is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, developed within the gitano subculture of the region of Andalusia, and also having historical presence in Extremadura and Murcia.^[1][2][3] 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamenco

 

 

 

And with this I want to emphasize that it is a dance strictly from Andalusia. There is a lot of flamenco tradition in that region, it is a dance that is part of popular customs and, in some cases, it is even taught from family to family. At large public events, and especially at parties, you will see it as part of the fun. There are schools to learn but above all, a legacy that passes from one to another.

 

However, outside this region it is not a popular dance, nor something typical. You don't see shows outside of private venues, it is not part of the culture or traditions far from Andalusia.

In the places where you see that offer flamenco, it is something exclusively guided towards tourists.

 

Can you imagine going on a trip to San Francisco and being offered a Mexican ranchera show?

 

For someone who travels from afar, the distance from Monterrey to San Francisco is not that long either, but... Is the ranchera traditional in San Francisco?

 

The same thing happens with flamenco.

 

Therefore my recommendations are these

 

- If you are on a cruise through Spain and one of the ports is in Andalusia (Cádiz, Málaga or Motril), if you like flamenco, go see a show.

 

- If you are on a cruise through Spain but the cruise does not pass through Andalusia, DO NOT go to any flamenco show and leave it for when you actually visit the land where it comes from.
This includes all Mediterranean ports from Cartagena to the north, Atlantic, Balearic Islands and Canary Islands
(among others, don't go if you are in Barcelona, Valencia, Palma, Bilbao, La Coruña, Menorca, Ibiza, Alicante, Tarragona, Palamós or any of the Canary Islands)

[alserrod]

ATM

 

This is the number of ATMs per each bank in Spain.

Probably it will not matter which brand are they for you if you are going to ask for cash.... but number is not small at all.

It means, more or less, one ATM every 1000 people, and definitely in city centre you will find more ones.

 

BTW, translation is "cajero automatico", may you need to search on a map.

 

 

 

 

 

[Harters]

Bear in mind that most ATMs in Spain charge a fixed usage fee, It can vary from a couple of euros to maybe six. Banks change their policy periodically so the amount can vary. I follow a particular Tripadvisor forum where the charges are regularly updated. As at the last time I read anything (which is about three months back), the only bank not making any usage charge is Banca March. As at last Christmas, when I was last used a Spanish ATM, the BBVA charged around two euros. Santander always seems to be the most expensive at around €6 per withdrawal. Something to bear in mind if planning to withdraw small amounts often. 

[alserrod]

5 hours ago, Harters said:

Bear in mind that most ATMs in Spain charge a fixed usage fee, It can vary from a couple of euros to maybe six. Banks change their policy periodically so the amount can vary. I follow a particular Tripadvisor forum where the charges are regularly updated. As at the last time I read anything (which is about three months back), the only bank not making any usage charge is Banca March. As at last Christmas, when I was last used a Spanish ATM, the BBVA charged around two euros. Santander always seems to be the most expensive at around €6 per withdrawal. Something to bear in mind if planning to withdraw small amounts often. 

 

Hi, to be accurate and to explain it....

 

It is YOUR bank who decides the fee

It is the Spanish ATM who charge you the fee

 

This is, let's suppose your bank has a deal with a Spanish bank and cash withdrawal fee is 1 euro (fixed fee, not variable)

They can decide

 

- to ask you 1 euro each time you use an ATM

- to let you to use them for free. Or at least one or twice every month (they assume some fee as gesture for you)

- to ask you up to 6 euro each time you use an ATM (they really make business with you).

 

And it is possible your bank has deals with some ATM and not others.... so ask for them before travelling. Maybe you would pay a fee and cheaper just some metres ahead (or maybe the same fee).

 

 

But very important. Spanish ATM MUST inform you about the fee and you must accept.

After knowing the fee you can cancel operation if you want

 

(and you can check two different ATM to know if fee is the same or isn't)

 

 

 

 

 

[Harters]

1 hour ago, alserrod said:

It is YOUR bank who decides the fee

I do not believe this is the case.

 

If it was the case, you would expect that different people would be charged different fees for using the ATM because their bank had set a different rate.

 

That is certainly not what happens. I know, for a fact, that folk of various nationalities and customers of different banks are all charged the same fee for using an ATM belonging to, say, BBVA.  I am absolutely confident that it is the Spanish bank that sets the usage fee. 

[alserrod]

8 hours ago, Harters said:

I do not believe this is the case.

 

If it was the case, you would expect that different people would be charged different fees for using the ATM because their bank had set a different rate.

 

That is certainly not what happens. I know, for a fact, that folk of various nationalities and customers of different banks are all charged the same fee for using an ATM belonging to, say, BBVA.  I am absolutely confident that it is the Spanish bank that sets the usage fee. 

 

 

Hi,

 

I have a credit card that allows me three monthly cash withdraws free. I will pay for the fourth one.

When I go to ask for money with that card, it has a fee. It appears on screen before accepting. It doesn't matter. I will not pay for it on first, second and third time. It will be my bank who will deal with that ATM. I will pay since fourth one.

 

With another card, I can withdraw with no cost only in their ATM but the fee isn't the same depending of the ATM I use (in case of not being the same one).

 

In Spain almost all ATM belongs to THREE different networks

- 6000 network

- Servired

- 4B

 

It is very common that if your bank belongs to Servired (just as an example) will:

- offer you withdraws with no costs in their ATM

- offer you a soft fee in Servired network (other banks belonging to Servired)

- ask you a hard fee in 4B or 6000 network

 

 

I have heard people who says their bank has a deal with a Spanish bank (or Spanish ATM network). In that case, the fee will be strongly different if you use one or other ATM

 

That's reason I say everyone should have to ask their bank.

In case they same fee is the same..... always remember it will appear on screen before accepting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[alserrod]

A LITTLE GUIDE TO TAPAS

You will find tapas bars everywhere in Spain (and with a very similar format, also in Portugal). This includes the Canary and Balearic Islands.

It should be noted that some tapas may be especially typical of some area of Spain but you will have no difficulty finding them elsewhere.

Also note that some tapas based on plant products may be specific to seasons.

 

Clarification about words (in many places you will see that they use only the word "tapa" or that they mix them together).
*tapa, is a small portion that accompanies the drink
*pincho, is a small portion that accompanies the drink but is much more elaborate
*portion, it is a much larger tapa. It may even be the same.

 

That is, you can order "tortilla tapa" and they will give you something to accompany the drink, while the "tortilla ration" would already be something that would be equivalent (in quantity) to a plate to eat.

 

For its part, a "croquette" can be a tapa. If you order a portion of croquettes they will give you six croquettes

 

It is very, very common in Spain to order several portions and share them among everyone.

 

The waiter will put them in the center and simply put cutlery and empty plates so that everyone can serve themselves the amount they want.

Not all dishes are tapas or portions. For example, paella is not a tapa (and if they offer it, it will not be in a bar designed for Spanish customers).

 

 

And some of the most common tapas.

 

I can tell you that I have eaten all of these dishes at lunch or dinner with more or less frequency. That is, they are traditional Spanish cuisine dishes brought to bars. Normal size if it is a "ration", smaller size if it is a "tapa".

 

- TORTILLA DE PATATAS (omelette). Potato, egg, oil and (optional) onion. It is very easy to make and accompanies many meals.

 

 

 

 

- PATATAS BRAVAS / CON ALIOLI (bravas potatoes / with aioli). Partially fried potatoes (they are a little white) served with mayonnaise and hot sauce or garlic mayonnaise.
Aioli is traditional from the Mediterranean area (Barcelona, Valencia, etc...). In fact the word comes from "all i oli" (garlic and oil in Catalan)

 

 

 

 

 

- JAMÓN (ham) . It doesn't really need much introduction. It is enough to cut the ham and present it. It will be accompanied with bread spread with tomato and oil, something very typical in the Mediterranean area.

 

 

 

 

- CROQUETAS (croquettes). Its origin is from poor food. It was about taking advantage of all the leftover food at home so as not to throw anything away. You can try them in many flavors (ham, cod, meat, mushrooms, etc...). The product is chopped and a sauce made with milk and flour is added. It is shaped and fried. The outside color is breadcrumbs once fried in oil.

 

 

 

 

 

- HUEVOS ROTOS (broken eggs). (This dish, due to its size, will never be a tapa, always a portion). It is a dish with fried eggs, French fries and some other elements to choose from. Usually ham but you can change it. The client will "break" the eggs to mix them all together and eat eggs, potatoes and ham together. If you don't know how to do it and you ask the waiter, he will do it for you without any problems.

Clarification.... in Spain they do not ask for "sunny side up, over easy, over medium, etc..." eggs. They only order "fried eggs." It is the closest thing to an Over Easy but cooked with a lot of hot olive oil. At the ends of the egg you can see that it has been cooked like this.

 

 

 

 

 

- PULPO A LA GALLEGA (Galician-style octopus). It is a dish typical of Galicia. You can find it throughout Spain but traditional from the entire northern area and especially from Galicia.
It is based on cooked and somewhat soft potatoes and cooked octopus on top. It is essential to accompany it with coarse salt and paprika, a very popular spice in Spain.

 

 

 

 

 

- PAPAS ARRUGADAS (wrinkled potatoes). It is a dish typical of the Canary Islands. Small potatoes steamed with salt and accompanied with two Canary sauces, red and green.

 

 

 

 

 

- PESCADO FRITO (Fried fish). It is a dish typical of Andalusia. Small fried pieces of fish.

 

 

 

- ENSALADILLA . It is a summer dish. You can order it all year round but more frequently in summer. A cooking potato salad, tuna, egg, etc... and mayonnaise