Using cash in Spain

[roupa]

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 😉

[alserrod]

2 hours ago, roupa said:

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, I answered you here. I invite you to read all the thread. There's information that could help you too

 

 

[Harters]

On 4/18/2024 at 1:51 PM, roupa said:

where/when we might also use cash ( euros ) just as easily/ appropriately

Almost everywhere accepts cash. You may come across the occasional place that is "card only" but it's unusual. 

[Mar1987]

Once in Spain, we used Euros cash and cards almost everywhere. Better to take some cash with you, not that much, just in case the establishment does not accept credit cards....

[-Lew-]

On 4/18/2024 at 8:51 AM, roupa said:

Going to the bank to exchange US $$ to EUROS

 

You might want to consider waiting until your arrival at BCN to get some euros from an ATM.  Using an ATM in Europe will provide you with the best rate of exchange.

 

While in Europe, use debit and credit cards that do not charge conversion fees.  Schwab Bank's debit card is free, doesn't charge international conversion fees, and reimburses for any fees levied by the bank that owns the ATM.  Credit cards that do not assess conversion fees include Chase Sapphire, Citi Costco, and Barclay Arrival+. 

[alserrod]

I would ask the bank about fees on ATMs  (is it a fixed fee or a percentage according with money you request).

Probably it will be so easy that the best option is asking a few euros (minimum is just 20 euro in most of them) every time you need money.

 

There's one ATM every 1000 people in Spain

 

 

 

[-Lew-]

1 hour ago, alserrod said:

I would ask the bank about fees on ATMs  (is it a fixed fee or a percentage according with money you request).

Probably it will be so easy that the best option is asking a few euros (minimum is just 20 euro in most of them) every time you need money.

 

If I understand your post correctly, my experience with Schwab Bank is that they reimburse whatever fee was charged.  Since I've had the Schwab debit card (2015), they have credited fees ranging from $3.00 to $6.75.