Money, Budget, and Shopping in Spain

Money

Currency

Currency: Euro (100 cents).

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €.

Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents + 1 and 2 €.

Exchange:

The euro replaced the Spanish peseta in 2002, which had been in circulation in the country since 1868.

Exchange

For those outside the Eurozone, banks (open from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays and Saturday mornings outside summer) and exchange bureaus accept major currencies. ATMs are also widely available.

Payment Methods

You can pay in cash or by card (with no fees for euro-denominated accounts), just like in France.

Budget

Within Western Europe, Spain is mid-range in terms of cost, as long as you don’t stay too long in Madrid and Barcelona or certain coastal resorts during peak season. Budget around 50 to 70 € per day per person (for two). That said, if you plan to visit many sites and museums or enjoy beach resorts or outdoor activities, it’s best to budget a little more.

What Can Be Expensive

Peak season, especially in coastal areas.

Parking in cities like Barcelona or Madrid.

What Can Be Affordable

Flights to get there and even domestic flights.

Price Range

Budget accommodation: around 30 € minimum for two in a hostel or small hotel.

Mid-range double room: at best around 50/60 € per night.

Snacks, cafés, and fast food: around 7 to 10 € for basic meals.

Restaurant meal: around 20 € per person for a tourist menu.

Budget car rental:

100 km by bus: around 5 to 7 € per 100 km segment.

100 km by train:

Urban taxi:

Metro or urban bus: about 1 € per ticket without discounts.

Bargaining and Tipping

Bargaining

Tipping

Service is always included in prices. However, it’s common to leave a small tip in bars, restaurants, taxis, or for hotel staff. Typically, this is around 5 to 10% of the bill.