Spain Currency Guide
Spain is an ideal tourist destination for anyone seeking an exciting, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty. From the beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands to the grandeur of Madrid’s architecture, Spain offers something for every traveller. Enjoy an afternoon at one of Spain’s many museums or take in a bullfight in Barcelona – the options are endless. Spend your time exploring stunningly preserved ancient cities or shopping and dining in bustling metropolitan centres; no matter what type of vacation you are looking for, Spain will indeed offer something that suits your tastes perfectly!
Taking Travel Money to Spain
If you’re travelling to Spain, you’ll need to exchange your Australian dollars (AUD) for Euros (EUR) before you leave. Get information on converting AUD to EUR here.
Is it better to convert currency in Australia or Spain?
For a trip to Spain, it’s usually smarter to exchange your currency in Australia. The Australian Dollar (AUD) is less common in Europe, meaning you might face higher fees and less favourable rates if you wait to convert abroad. By securing Euros at home, you’ll lock in a better rate and avoid the hassle of finding an exchange that accepts AUD. With your travel funds ready, you can dive into your Spanish adventure with confidence, knowing your budget is optimised from the moment you arrive.
How much cash can I take to Spain?
Make sure to declare any funds of €10,000 EURO or more or the equivalent in another currency. This includes all forms of currency—not just cash. Skip this step or give incorrect information, and you could face a fine. There's no need to declare if you’re travelling within the EU.
Where to convert currency?
Crown Currency Exchange is Australia’s largest and leading foreign exchange provider. With over 20 years of experience in ensuring our customers have the exact currencies needed to get the most from their travel adventures, we offer great rates on foreign currency and exceptional customer service. You can collect your foreign currencies from over 60 stores across Australia and get your travel money on the spot, locking in a fantastic exchange rate. Our stores are located nationwide in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Tasmania & Perth.
What should you budget per day?
Budget
Travelling to Spain on a budget of €80 per day is totally doable! From exploring beautiful Spanish cities on foot and treating yourself to tapas here and there to staying in hostels and taking advantage of public transportation, you’ll get to see so much for so little. And don’t forget about all the free activities, like hanging out at the beach and taking self-guided walking tours.
Moderate
When travelling to Spain on a moderate budget, you should consider an allowance of €160 per day. Accommodation expenses can be kept low by choosing an affordable private hostel room or using Airbnb. You can opt for cooking some meals or enjoy cheap fast food options while still partaking in regular activities such as sightseeing, exploring the local cuisine, grabbing a few drinks and taking a taxi once in a while. Moreover, you can use different means of transport such as buses to travel between cities and choose some paid attractions such as visiting museums or taking a food tour.
Luxury
If you want to experience Spain in truly luxurious fashion, then a budget of €360 per day or more is an absolute must! You can book the most decadent accommodations, indulge in unique culinary experiences and savour exquisite drinks, plus rent a car to make navigating the country a dream or take high-speed trains to explore as much as humanly possible. Not only that, but with such a generous daily budget, you can enjoy as many beautiful tours, activities and cultural events as your heart desires.
What is ATM access like in Spain?
With the widespread availability and numerous locations, accessing money with an ATM in Spain is usually a quick and easy task. ATMs can be found all over the country – they are present in towns and cities, as well as at gas stations, shopping centres, train stations and bus stops. Discerning travellers can take advantage of these convenient locations to effortlessly withdraw Euros when needed.
Is tipping customary in Spain? How much is expected?
If you’re planning on visiting Spain soon, it’s essential to know the tipping etiquette before you go. To help make your trip as smooth as possible, let’s break down when and how much is expected when tipping in Spain.
Bars and Cafes: In many bars and cafes, locals may leave the coins they are given as change if they order food on top of coffee or beer, such as a pastry or a tapa, but many will simply pocket the change without a second thought. It is not customary to tip at bars and cafes in Spain.
Restaurants: Like at smaller establishments, many Spaniards—if anything—will leave the change the wait staff returns to them after paying the bill. Most restaurants will include a service charge (servicio) within their account, which should cover all tips for service staff; however, if you feel that your experience was exceptional, you can leave an additional 5-10% of your total bill as a gratuity.
Taxis: Many Spaniards will round up to the nearest euro and give the driver that amount. Although taxi drivers do not expect tips, they will usually appreciate any extra money they get!
Hotel Staff: If you are happy with your stay, 1-10 Euros per staff member is appreciated by those who kept your visit comfortable. This includes room service staff, housekeepers, bellhops etc. So don’t forget to tip hotel staff if applicable!
Spas: Tipping is not expected, but if you feel that your treatment was perfect, leaving around 10% of your total bill wouldn’t hurt.
Tour Guides: Tour guides rely heavily on tourist tips, so it’s always nice to show appreciation for those who ensured your sightseeing experience was enjoyable and educational. As a general rule, the smaller your group is, the more you should tip – most people would tip them anywhere from 10-20 euros, depending on their level of expertise and helpfulness throughout the tour.
Must-Do's in Spain
1
Visit Mallorca's Beaches
Mallorca is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. From the stunning beaches to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, this island offers plenty of activities for travellers. Whether you want to sunbathe on Magaluf Beach or explore Palma de Mallorca’s cobblestone streets and museums, there is something for every type of traveller on this island paradise.
2
Experience Flamenco Dancing and Tapas Tasting in Seville
Seville is known as the cultural heart of Andalusia, with its rich history and vibrant nightlife. A visit to Seville should include an evening of flamenco dancing and tapas tasting—the perfect way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture. The atmosphere at a flamenco performance is electric; the dancers’ intensity combined with the traditional guitar music will leave you mesmerized. After your show, head out onto the streets for a delicious meal of traditional tapas dishes such as patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) or tortilla española (Spanish omelette)
3
Enjoy live music at Barcelona's Jazz Clubs
Barcelona is a city that never sleeps; its vibrant nightlife offers something for everyone. One thing not to be missed while visiting Barcelona is experiencing live music at one of its many jazz clubs. These clubs have hosinternational acts and local talent playing everything from jazz classics to contemporary fusion music. It’s a great way to experience Spanish culture through music—and have an unforgettable night out!
4
Stroll around El Retiro Park
El Retiro park is located just outside central Madrid and is an oasis within the bustling city. This park features lush gardens, tranquil ponds, statuesque fountains and plenty of shady spots where you can sit back and relax after a long day exploring Madrid’s many monuments and attractions. It’s also home to several art galleries, which are worth checking out if you are looking for inspiration!
5
Taste local wines from Ribera del Duero or Rioja Region Vineyards
Spain produces some of the best European wines—from red Rioja wines to sparkling Cava from Catalonia—so it would be remiss not to sample some when visiting this country! If you are looking for an authentic wine-tasting experience, header to Ribera del Duero or Rioja regions, where you can tour vineyards, learn about winemaking techniques used by local producers and even sample some delicious wines straight from their cellars!