The currency in Spain is the Euro. Card payment is an option, but keep cash with you too. Preparation steps and a checklist are on this page.
The currency in Spain is the Euro (€), and credit cards work there; you have the option to pay by credit and debit card. For those asking what the currency is and whether credit cards work, here's the second rule: cash can be paid in almost every situation, and generally only Euros are accepted. Bring both a card and a small amount of Euro cash with you.
In short
- The currency in Spain is the Euro; generally only Euros are accepted for payments.
- Card payment is an option, but the full list of accepted brands hasn't been verified; carry cash too.
- Set off with two separate cards and a small amount of Euro cash in small denominations.
- Choose Euro at the terminal; ask your bank about the exchange rate and commission.
- Check each tour's page to see what is included in the package.
Spain's currency: the Euro
Spain's official currency is the Euro (€). One Euro consists of 100 cents. You'll see two types of money in daily spending.
- Coins (8 types): 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 Euros.
- Banknotes (7 types): 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros.
Generally only Euros are accepted for payments. So don't plan to pay with Turkish lira or dollars. You need to exchange your currency into Euros before departure or upon arrival. Check the current exchange rate on your bank's or exchange office's screen on the day of departure; we don't provide exchange rates in this article.
A Schengen visa is required to enter Spain. See the Spain country page for visa requirements. It's a good idea to think about your money plan together with your visa application; clarifying your budget from the start makes both the application and the trip easier.
Does credit card work?
Yes. In Spain, you have the option to pay by credit and debit card; sources mention cards with Visa being prominent. We cannot verify the full list of accepted card brands, and this may vary from business to business. So don't rely on a single card or brand.
Don't assume a card will work equally well at every establishment. It's wise to ask about payment methods, especially at small businesses, and to carry cash with you. Confirm with your bank in advance that your card is enabled for international use.
Currency selection at the terminal
During payment, the terminal may sometimes give you two options: Euro or Turkish lira. If you choose Turkish lira, who performs the conversion and at what rate may vary, and the cost may increase. The practical recommendation is to choose Euro and learn about the exchange rate and commission application from your bank's current tariff. We don't provide rates or amounts in this article.
When does cash come in handy?
In Spain, cash can be paid in almost every situation. So cash is a good backup for moments when a card doesn't work. We recommend carrying coins and small banknotes for situations such as:
- Small cafes, bakeries and neighborhood markets
- Toilets, donation boxes and small entrance fees
- Tips and small purchases
- Moments when the card terminal breaks down or loses connection
For payments made via machines, card payment may be required in some cases. If your card isn't accepted at machines such as ticket or parking machines, carry a second card so you don't get stuck.
Carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary. Taking a reasonable amount in small and medium banknotes is a good starting point for most trips. Adjust the amount yourself based on your number of days, accommodation type and spending habits; we don't recommend a fixed figure.
Common mistakes
The most common money-related mistakes travelers make in Spain are:
- Traveling with only one card. If your card gets blocked, lost or stolen, you'll have no options left. Carry two separate cards and keep them in different places.
- Not checking international usage. Call your bank or check the mobile app to make sure your card is enabled for international transactions.
- Choosing TL at the terminal. This can increase the cost; choose Euro and learn your bank's tariff.
- Carrying only large banknotes. Breaking them for small purchases can be difficult. Having small and medium banknotes is a more convenient choice.
- Exchanging all your cash at once without comparing rates. Compare the exchange rates and commissions of several places before you leave.
Learn about commission and exchange rates from your bank's current tariff. The reason we don't give figures in this article is that these rates vary by bank and by day. The common solution to all these mistakes is simple: two cards, some cash, and a conversation with your bank before you set off.
Money plan for tour participants
What's included in the package varies by tour on organized tours. Check hotel, flight, meal, entrance and transfer coverage on each tour's own page; don't generalize. You'll still need Euros for personal spending on items not included.
On multi-city routes, the balance between card and cash becomes important. For example, the Elegant Spain & Andalusia tour is planned along the Madrid and Barcelona route; verify which expenses are included in the package from the tour page and contract. Do the same check for shorter routes like the Super Promo Andalusia Tour.
If you choose a cruise, ask the organizer how onboard expenses will be charged. For the MSC Seaview Balearic Islands & Western Mediterranean tour, learn this information from the tour page and reservation documents. You can check the international tours page to compare routes; take a look at our Andalusia route guide for more detail on Andalusia.
Step by step: money preparation before departure
- Call your bank. Learn whether your cards work abroad, daily limits, exchange rate application and commissions.
- Prepare two cards. If one card doesn't work, the other can step in. Choose different brands if possible.
- Get Euro cash. An amount in small and medium banknotes sufficient for a few days' spending is a good start.
- Set up mobile banking. Install the app in advance so you can temporarily freeze your card and monitor spending notifications.
- Divide your budget by days. Plan transportation, food and entrance fees separately.
- Carry your documents. Keep your hotel and return ticket documents ready. For the Schengen visa, processing time is 15-21 business days, the fee is €90, and the permitted stay is 90 days within 180 days. See the country page for current information.
Our online check-in guide is useful for pre-flight procedures.
Checklist before departure
Review this list one day before departure:
- Passport and Schengen visa valid
- At least two cards with you; international use enabled
- You know your card PINs
- Euro cash ready in small and medium banknotes
- Bank emergency number saved in your phone
- Cards and cash not all in one place, kept in separate bags
- You know you'll choose Euro at the terminal
- Tour or hotel reservation documents printed or accessible offline
- You've checked the tour page to see what's included in your tour
- You've checked your airline's current baggage and check-in rules
If you haven't chosen your route yet, you can also check out the Portugal & Spain Andalusia tour; check departure dates and coverage on the tour page. If you're looking for a short route based on holiday periods, our October 29 international recommendations can help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the currency in Spain?
Spain's official currency is the Euro (€). One Euro consists of 100 cents. Generally only Euros are accepted for payments.
Does credit card work in Spain?
Yes, you have the option to pay by credit and debit card; sources mention cards with Visa being prominent. We cannot verify the full list of accepted brands, so carry cash with you too. Confirm with your bank that your card is enabled for international use.
Do dollars or Turkish lira work in Spain?
Generally only Euros are accepted for payments. Don't plan to pay with dollars or Turkish lira. Exchange them into Euros before departure or upon arrival.
Is cash needed in Spain?
Cash can be paid in almost every situation. Cash is a good backup when cards don't work. Bring enough small and medium banknotes to last a few days.
Should I choose Euro or TL when paying?
If the terminal gives you an option, we recommend choosing Euro. If Turkish lira is chosen, the conversion cost may increase. Learn about the exchange rate and commission application from your bank's current tariff.
Is a visa required for Spain?
Yes, Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa. The permitted stay is 90 days within 180 days. Processing time is 15-21 business days and the fee is €90.
Sources
My Travel Team
Travel Editor
The My Travel team prepares up-to-date travel, visa and tourism information and guides.
