Changing money

Spanish bancos (banks) and cajas de ahorros (savings banks) have branches in all but the smallest villages, and while they should be prepared to change travellers' cheques, you will find that they are very resistant to doing so and will run you in circles. The Banco Santander Central Hispano (BSCH) and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) are two of the most efficient and widespread; both can change most brands of travellers' cheques, but you will find they are limiting so to only certain branches and you will likely get conflicting information. For this reason, I highly recommend utilizing Visa TravelMoney.

ATM cash machines ( cajeros automaticos ) are now widespread throughout the country in cities, towns and even many villages and you only need a valid card with PIN number to use them; this is probably the most convenient way to get cash when you need it, although you would be wise not to rely on this method exclusively - it's not rare for cards to be swallowed up or, indeed, lost or stolen. Money changing machines in many larger cities and feeding in pounds or dollars will give you instant cash.

Banking hours are generally Mon-Fri 8.30am-2pm, with some city branches open Sat 8.30am-1pm (except from June to September when all banks close on Saturday), although times can vary from bank to bank. Outside these times, it's usually possible to change cash at larger hotels (generally bad rates, low commission) or with travel agents, who may initially grumble but will eventually give a rate with the commission built in - useful for small amounts in a hurry.

In tourist areas you'll also find specialist casas de cambio , with more convenient hours (though rates vary), and most branches of El Corte Inglés, a major department store found throughout Spain, have efficient exchange facilities open throughout store hours, offering competitive rates and generally a much lower commission than the banks (though they're worse for cash).

Money and the exchange rate

ATM cards and credit cards

Visa TravelMoney (www.visa.com)

Changing money

Wiring money

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