Money and duty free for Spain
Currency and Money
Currency information
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents (céntimos). Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Credit cards
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted throughout the country, although cash is your safest bet.
ATM
ATMs are widespread across Spain and many accept foreign cards.
Travellers cheques
Traveller's cheques are disappearing from use fast so it's far more convenient to travel with credit cards. Nevertheless, you can still change them in main bank branches and exchange bureaux, and they are also accepted in major hotels. It is advisable to bring them in sterling or dollars as there have been increasing reports of Euro cheques being refused.
Banking hours
Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1400. Some branches open on Saturdays from 0900-1200 too.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.
Currency exchange
Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports.
Spain duty free
Overview
Spain is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.
Spain's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:
If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:
• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.
Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.
Spain's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:
If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Spain by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these tobacco products provided you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume or a proportional mix of these products provided the total limit is not exceeded.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15).
Banned Imports
Meat, fish and dairy products from outside the EU, and unauthorised firearms and ammunition.
Banned Exports
Endangered species require an export permit.
