Money isn’t the sexiest aspect of travel, but without it you don’t get very far. Get acquainted with Spain’s notes and coins, plus a few other crucial bits of information, and you’ll minimise the chances of awkwardness, theft or abuse. Here’s what you need to know.
Banks
Banks open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 or 9.00 to 14.00 or 14.30 and some banks open certain afternoons in the week. Almost every bank has a 24-hours cash machine.
Currency
The unit of currency is the euro. There are seven different notes and eight coins, which can be used in any of the twelve countries in the Euro-zone.
Notes are denominated in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. Coins are of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros.
Spain is no longer a budget destination, but prices still compare favorably to those elsewhere in Europe. Note that children, students, and senior citizens almost always pay reduced fees.
ATMs
Before leaving home, make sure your credit cards are programmed for ATM use in Spain.
It's a good idea to warn your credit card company that you're going abroad - sometimes they see exotic destinations on charges and suspend service for security reasons.
Exchanging Money
Money can be exchanged at hotel/apartment reception desks, official banks and exchange bureaux. BANKS are open from 08.30 to 14.00, Monday to friday. They charge a transaction fee for any exchange of money, which can work out expensive on smaller amounts. EXCHANGE BUREAUX are open normal shop hours - usually 09.30 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 21.00.
Credit Cards Cancellations
American Express
Phone 91 572 03 03
Diners Club
Phone 91 547 40 00
Master Card
Phone 91 519 21 00
VISA
Phone 91 519 21 00
Emergency numbers to notify loss of credit cards and travellers cheques
Credit Cards
Abbey National
Tel: (0044) 1908 344 900
American Express
Tel: 91 572 0320
Bank of Scotland
Tel: (0044) 1383 628 410
Barclaycard
Tel: (0044) 1604 230 230
Diner’s Club
Tel: 91 701 5900
Girobank
Tel: (0044) 1514 721 110
Halifax
Tel: (0044) 8457 203 099
HSBC
Tel: (0044) 1142 422 047
Lloyds TSB
Tel: (0044) 1702 278 270
MasterCard/Eurocard
Tel: 900 971 231
National Irish
Tel: (0044) 990 168 654
Natwest
Tel: (0044) 113 277 8899
Visa
Tel: 900 97 44 45/900 99 12 16
Travellers Cheques
AmEx
Tel: 900 99 44 26
Citicorp
Tel: (0044) 2079 824 040
Thomas Cook
Tel: (0044) 0800 622 101
