Yes, Spain does take cash as a form of payment. In fact, cash is still widely used in Spain, especially at small businesses and markets. According to the European Central Bank, cash payments accounted for 76% of all transactions in Spain in 2019, which is higher than the average for the Eurozone.
Spain has a variety of banknotes and coins in circulation, ranging from €5 to €500 banknotes and 1 cent to 2 euro coins. However, it’s worth noting that many larger businesses and popular tourist attractions also accept card payments, including contactless payments.
As for the safety of carrying cash in Spain, it’s generally considered safe, but tourists should still exercise caution when carrying and using cash in public places. According to TripSavvy, “Travelers should be aware of pickpockets and scams involving money and protect their valuables accordingly.”
In terms of cultural attitudes towards cash and payment, Spain has a long history of monetary stability and prudence. As historian Henry Kamen noted, “Spain has always been a country where money has mattered a great deal – not least because of its long years of poverty,” and this has influenced attitudes towards spending and savings.
Here is a table summarizing the various banknotes and coins in circulation in Spain:
Banknotes
Coins
€5
1 cent
€10
2 cents
€20
5 cents
€50
10 cents
€100
20 cents
€200
50 cents
€500
€1
€2
In conclusion, while Spain does accept cash as a form of payment, travelers should also be aware of the prevalence of card payments and exercise caution when carrying cash in public places.
Related video
The Honest Guide warns viewers about common ATM tricks when traveling, including how ATMs attempt to make you withdraw more money and how declining currency conversion results in saving money. They mention the ATM imposed fee, which differs from your bank’s fee, showing a map of such ATMs in Prague and other tourist destinations. Travelers are advised to decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and choose the local currency, as fees will be higher. It is encouraged to use cards for payments instead of cash withdrawals and to find banks with no ATM fees.
How can I pay in Spain? In Spain you can pay in cash in almost all cases, and usually only Euros are accepted. In some cases, if the payment is made through a machine, it may be necessary to pay by card. The option to pay with credit and debit cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, is very widespread.
One of the things that makes Spain so travel-friendly is the use of euros as the national currency. Credit cards, debit cards and cash are all accepted.
In Spain you can pay in cash in almost all cases, and usually only Euros are accepted. In some cases, if the payment is made through a machine, it may be necessary to pay by card.
If you’re visiting Spain from the UK soon for a holiday – you’ll need cash to spend while you’re there. Getting your euros from ATMs once you arrive is a popular choice. It’s convenient and means you can get the money you need, when you need it.
More intriguing questions on the topic
Is it better to take cash or card to Spain?
Response will be: European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. If you need cash from an ATM, it’s usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance.
Can you still pay by cash in Spain?
Should I use cash or a card to pay for things in Spain? Although many places accept over-the-counter card payments, it is always advisable to have some cash with you in Spain. Expect to use it to pay for smaller purchases of up to €20 at many shops and restaurants.
Do I need to bring cash to Spain?
Accreditation of financial means In any case, and regardless of the length of stay, the traveller must have at least 810 euros or its equivalent in foreign currency.
Does Spain accept American cash?
In reply to that: The currency of Spain is the Euro (€). U.S. dollars are not accepted.
Can you pay in cash in Spain?
In Spain you can pay in cash in almost all cases, and usually only Euros are accepted. In some cases, if the payment is made through a machine, it may be necessary to pay by card. The option to pay with credit and debit cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, is very widespread.
What currency do you use in Spain?
The reply will be: Hola, amigos! Are you planning a trip to the land of bullfights, tapas and flamenco? One of the things that makes Spain so travel-friendly is the use of euros as the national currency. Credit cards, debit cards and cash are all accepted.
How much money can I bring to Spain?
One option is to send your money to Spain ahead of time with a money transfer service and have it waiting for pickup when you arrive. There’s no limit to the amount of cash you can bring with you to Spain. However, you’ll need to make a declaration at customs if you’re traveling with more than €10,000 cash, including traveler’s checks.
Are Spain's payments digitized?
Response will be: The Bank of Spain confirms that payments have become digitized on the back of the pandemic. If 41% of Spaniards used a card to pay on a regular basis in 2019 and 53% paid in cash, that figure rose to 54% in 2020 with 36% continuing with cash.
Can you pay in cash in Spain?
In reply to that: In Spain you can pay in cash in almost all cases, and usually only Euros are accepted. In some cases, if the payment is made through a machine, it may be necessary to pay by card. The option to pay with credit and debit cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, is very widespread.
What currency do you use in Spain?
In reply to that: Hola, amigos! Are you planning a trip to the land of bullfights, tapas and flamenco? One of the things that makes Spain so travel-friendly is the use of euros as the national currency. Credit cards, debit cards and cash are all accepted.
Is a travel card the best travel money product for Spain?
Response to this: The national currency for Spain is the euro. As one of the major global currencies, all travel cards let you load and spend euros. But is a travel card the best travel money product for your trip? Visa and Mastercard have wide acceptance at shops and ATMs throughout Spain.
How much money can I bring to Spain?
One option is to send your money to Spain ahead of time with a money transfer service and have it waiting for pickup when you arrive. There’s no limit to the amount of cash you can bring with you to Spain. However, you’ll need to make a declaration at customs if you’re traveling with more than €10,000 cash, including traveler’s checks.
