Currency and Banks

Currency

Since January 2002 the Euro is the official currency in Spain issued in notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Euros and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents of Euro and 1 and 2 Euros.

Notes and coins are the same as in the rest of the Euro area.

Banco de España
www.bde.es

Banco Central Europeo
www.ecb.int

Sobre el EURO
europa.eu.int/euro/entry.html

Banks and cash dispensers

Most banks are open from 8'30 am to 2 pm from Monday untill Friday. The Savings Banks usually open on Thursady afternoon.

You can exchange foreign currency in all banks and in some hotels and exchange offices. Those offices where you can exchange foreign currency are signed with the word "Cambio". You will have to show your passport or ID to exchange foreign currency. Both banks and exchange offices will charge a small comission

You can also get money by using a cash dispenser, which are open 24 hours a day. They accept almost all credit cards and they charge a percentage comission.

Credit cards and travellers cheques

The most common credit cards are VISA and MASTERCARD although most cashiers, shops, restaurants and hotels also accept AMERICAN EXPRESS and DINERS.

If you pay with a credit card, they will normally charge with a magnetic card reader, which sometimes requires a PIN number. Small shops, bars and restaurants may not accept credit cards or when paying small amount.

Traveller's cheques are the safest form to travel with money. In case you lose them, you don't lose the money and they can be soon replaced. They can be cashed in at banks and exchange offices. The most common ones are AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA and THOMAS COOK. Banks charge a comission for cashing in traveller's cheques.

These are some telf. numbers for credit cards cancellation:

American Express
902 375 637 ó (+34) 91 572 03 03

Diners Club
902 401 112 ó (+34) 91 547 40 00

MasterCard
900 971 231

Visa
900 991 124 ó (+34) 91 362 62 00

Servired
(+34) 93 330 70 09