Money and the exchange rate

Spain is one of twelve European Union countries which have changed over to a single currency, the euro (€). Euro notes and coins were issued on January 1, 2002, with pesetas having remained in place for cash transactions, at a fixed rate of 166.386 pesetas to one euro, until they were scrapped entirely at the end of February, 2002.

Notes will be issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, and coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 euro.

You will hear many Spanish citizens complain about "German prices, but only Spanish salaries" as Spain experienced a strong round of price increases after the conversion. Prices will seem very reasonable for citizens of most first-world countries.

ATM cards and credit cards

Visa TravelMoney (www.visa.com)

Changing money

Wiring money

Youth and student discounts