Where to Buy Currency in Spain: Top Tips for Tourists

Preparing for a trip to Spain from the UK involves several important steps, and deciding how to manage your travel money is one of them. While bank cards are widely accepted throughout the country, having euros in cash remains essential for navigating daily holiday life comfortably. If you’re wondering where and how to exchange your British pounds (GBP) for euros (EUR) once you arrive on the mainland or the islands, knowing your options in advance will save you from paying high last-minute fees.

 

 

Where can you find Eurochange branches in Spain?

If you prefer to exchange your currency in person upon arrival, relying on a trusted network is key. To avoid airport counters—which typically apply very unfavorable exchange margins—Eurochange has over 40 branches spread across Spain’s main tourist destinations and city centers.

You can find us in the following strategic locations:

  • Madrid Region: Right in the heart of the capital (Calle del Carmen, 27, near Puerta del Sol).

  • Catalonia: In Barcelona, very close to Sants station (Carrer de Sants, 355).

  • Valencian Community:

    • Valencia city: Plaça de la Mare de Déu, 4 (Ciutat Vella).

    • Costa Blanca (Alicante): Alicante city center (Carrer Castaños, 6), Benidorm (Avenida del Mediterráneo, 58, and branches near Rincón de Loix), Finestrat, Altea, Villajoyosa, Alfaz del Pi, and Gandía.

  • Andalusia (Costa del Sol): Málaga Center (Plaza de la Merced, 9), Torremolinos (C/ San Miguel, 27), and Benalmádena (Avda. Antonio Machado, 48).

  • Balearic Islands: Palma de Mallorca (Plaça de Santa Eulàlia, 4B) and Alcudia.

Using money and making payments at your destination

The official currency in Spain is the euro (ISO code: EUR). Although the vast majority of restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets accept foreign credit and debit cards, cash is still the preferred or required payment method in several everyday situations.

You will need cash euros to pay in small tapas bars that may have a minimum card spend, shop at local street markets, buy urban bus tickets, or leave a tip (which isn’t mandatory in Spain, but is customary and usually left in coins on the table). Furthermore, relying entirely on your UK card can expose you to your bank’s international transaction fees and DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion), where ATMs offer to charge you in pounds using an internal, generally disadvantageous, exchange rate.

How much cash should you bring?

There is no exact figure, as it depends on your travel style. However, for a standard one-week holiday, many British tourists use their card for major expenses (like hotels or large dinners) and budget around €30 to €50 per person per day in cash for ice creams, coffees, short taxi rides, beach sunbeds, or small purchases. Splitting the cash among family members and using the hotel safe to store the bulk of it is always a smart precaution.

 

 

Reserving currency before you travel: The smartest option

Leaving your money exchange until you land at the airport is a common financial mistake. The exchange bureaus located in airport transit zones operate with very high commission rates.

The most efficient alternative is to plan your exchange online. With Eurochange, you can reserve your euros via our website, locking in the daily exchange rate. Once you land, simply head to any of our local branches (such as those in Alicante, Benidorm, Málaga, or Mallorca) to collect your physical cash and pay at that exact moment. This guarantees immediate availability of the notes you need, with no price surprises and no need to wander around looking for an exchange bureau while dragging your suitcases.

Frequently Asked Questions about money exchange in Spain

Can you pay with British pounds in Spain? No. The only legal tender in Spain is the euro. While some heavily British-populated areas (like certain pubs in Benidorm) might exceptionally accept pounds, the exchange rate applied by the vendor will always work against you.

Is it better to take cash or pay by card in Spain? A combination of both is highly recommended. Use your card for larger payments in regulated establishments, but always carry euro notes and coins for smaller daily expenses, local transport, and small shops.

Where is the best place to exchange pounds for euros? To get a competitive exchange rate, avoid airport exchange desks. Use specialized currency exchange bureaus located in city centers or coastal resorts, and whenever possible, reserve your exchange rate online beforehand.

Can I reserve euros online and pick them up in Spain? Yes. Eurochange allows you to reserve the amount of euros you need through our website and collect them at any of our 40+ branches across Spain, paying only when you pick up the cash.

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