Spanish Currency

Q: What is the currency in Madrid?

The currency in Madrid is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you’re in Spain you’ll see the symbol € written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code EUR used in exchange offices.

Q: What is the currency in Barcelona?

The currency in Barcelona is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you’re in Spain you’ll see the symbol € written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code EUR used in exchange offices.

Q: What was the former currency of Spain?

Spain entered the Eurozone in 2002. Before adopting the euro , the official currency in Spain was the Spanish peseta.

Find out what currency is used in Spain, tips and tricks for Spanish currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise euro card.

Learn about the euro card

What is the currency in Spain?

The currency in Spain is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents.

When you’re buying currency for Spain, look out for the currency code EUR. And once you’re in Spain, you’ll see the symbol € used to show prices.

You’ll find Euro banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 - although the 200 and 500 EUR notes are seldom used. There are also 1 and 2 euro coins.

Cents come in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Use the Wise euro card to spend in Spanish currency.

The Wise euro travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to euro to spend when you’re in Spain. You’ll get the best rate for spending in euro - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online for free, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the euro card

Tips for exchanging currency in Spain.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, euro - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in euro, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in Spain.

Paying by credit or debit card in Spain

Credit and debit card payments are common in Spain. However, there may be limits imposed by the merchant which mean you have to use cash for smaller purchases under about EUR10. Keep cash on hand so you don't get caught out.

ATMs in Spain

You'll be able to find ATMs easily in Spain if you're in an urban area or popular tourist resort.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Spain, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.