Ruth Haines
If you're travelling to Barcelona, it's a good idea to have some euros on you when you arrive to cover immediate expenses such as transport and meals. You can buy euros in Barcelona Airport, but it's not recommended due to poor exchange rates and high fees. Instead, you can withdraw euros at an ATM or exchange traveller's cheques at a bank in the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exchanging currency at Barcelona Airport | Not recommended due to poor exchange rates and high fees |
| Exchanging currency in Barcelona | Recommended to use ATMs in the city, especially those attached to banks for better exchange rates and lower fees |
| Using Traveller's Checks | Safe option as they need to be signed twice, but can only be cashed during bank opening hours |
| Using credit/debit cards | May be blocked for security reasons unless the issuing bank is informed in advance; withdrawals from credit cards may attract higher interest rates |
| Using cash | May be preferable to have some cash in Euros for immediate expenses, but large amounts of cash are not recommended due to pickpocketing concerns |
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What You'll Learn
Using an ATM at Barcelona Airport
When using an ATM at Barcelona Airport, you should be aware that if the machine confiscates your card, you may have to wait a long time to get it back. This is true of ATMs across Europe, not just at the airport. Therefore, it is advisable to carry more than one means of payment.
If you plan to use your bank card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Barcelona, it is a good idea to notify your bank before your trip. Some banks may block your card for security reasons if they are not aware that you are travelling. You should also check whether your bank charges a fee for using international ATMs and find out what this fee is. In addition, withdrawing cash from your bank account is usually cheaper than withdrawing from your credit card allowance, as the latter incurs higher interest rates.
ATMs are located throughout Barcelona, so you will have no problem finding one when you need it. Most of these machines will accept any card with the Visa sign. If you are able to choose between multiple ATMs, it is worth checking the fees and exchange rates offered by each one, as these can vary. Bank ATMs tend to offer better rates than stand-alone machines. For example, one source recommends using a Deutsche Bank ATM, as they do not charge fees.
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Exchanging currency at the airport
It is generally recommended that you avoid exchanging currency at the airport. Currency exchange fees and ATM exchange rates tend to be less favourable at the airport than in the city. If you do need to exchange currency at the airport, it is advisable to only exchange enough money to cover immediate expenses, such as transportation and a meal, until you can get to a regular ATM or bank in the city.
ATMs at the airport
There are ATMs available at Barcelona Airport. However, it is important to be cautious when using ATMs that are not attached to a bank, as they may charge higher fees and may not be as secure if something goes wrong and your card is confiscated. It is recommended to use a bank ATM, preferably one that does not charge fees, such as Santander Bank or Deutsche Bank ATMs.
Online currency exchange
If you want to avoid the hassle of exchanging currency at the airport or finding an ATM, you can consider using an online currency exchange service like ChangeGroup. They allow you to reserve your desired currency online and collect it at one of their exchange bureaus in Barcelona.
Other options for obtaining Euros
There are several other options for obtaining Euros before or during your trip to Barcelona:
- Using a credit card or cash card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Barcelona.
- Exchanging cash before your trip, either at your local bank or through traveller's checks.
- Setting up a bank account with a chip-based debit card and purchasing Euros when the exchange rate is favourable.
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Buying euros in the US before travelling
While it is possible to buy euros in the US before travelling, many sources advise against this. Exchange rates at kiosks, hotels and tourist centres are often unfavourable, and you may be charged high fees. You will also have to carry the euros with you, which could be a security risk.
If you do want to buy euros in the US, you can do so at your bank, either in person or online. Some banks may offer delivery to your home address, but this may incur a fee. Bank of America customers can buy currency online for no fees, although charges are built into the exchange rate offered. You can also use a currency exchange or travel money provider, such as Currency Exchange International (CXI), which lets you order over 90 currencies, including euros, online for home delivery or collection. However, these providers may not offer the best exchange rates.
Another option is to use a travel card, such as the Wise Multi-Currency Card, which can be loaded with US dollars and used to withdraw cash in euros. This card gives you the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend.
If you decide to buy euros after arriving in Barcelona, you can use your credit or cash card at an ATM. Be sure to advise your bank that you will be using your card in Spain to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons. You may also want to check what fees your bank charges for withdrawals. Many banks will charge a one-time fee for withdrawing money from an ATM, which is likely to be lower than the fee a Spanish bank would charge to convert your cash.
If you want to carry some euros with you before travelling, it may be a good idea to buy a small amount to cover initial expenses such as taxis or meals. You could also get traveller's cheques in euros, which are quite safe as you need to sign them when receiving and exchanging them. However, you can only cash traveller's cheques during normal banking hours in Spain.
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Using traveller's cheques
While it is possible to obtain euros at Barcelona Airport, it is not recommended due to poor exchange rates. Instead, you could consider using travellers cheques.
Travellers cheques are issued by banks and allow travellers to change a set amount of money for the currency of their destination country. They are signed when received and then again when exchanged for cash, making them a safe option as they can be reimbursed if stolen. However, the number of businesses that accept travellers cheques has decreased, so it is important to know where you can spend them before travelling. In Barcelona, some larger hotels will exchange travellers cheques, but this must be confirmed in advance.
To use travellers cheques in Barcelona, it is recommended to get them in euros so that you know exactly how much money you have left at any time. You can obtain travellers cheques in euros or US dollars from your bank, and they can be cashed at banks in Spain during normal banking hours. Be sure to ask your bank about the exact terms and conditions, as well as which banks in Barcelona you can exchange the cheques at.
It is worth noting that there are now alternative options to travellers cheques that offer the same functionalities and are accepted by almost all businesses in Barcelona. These alternatives include using a credit card or cash card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Barcelona, which can be a convenient way to obtain money in the local currency whenever you need it. However, it is important to advise your bank before your trip to avoid card blockage for security reasons, and there may be fixed commissions or interest rates associated with withdrawals.
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Withdrawing cash at ATMs in Barcelona
While there are ATMs at Barcelona Airport, it is recommended that you only withdraw a small amount of cash to cover immediate expenses like transportation and meals. Currency exchange fees and ATM exchange rates are typically less favourable at the airport than in the city.
If you use your US ATM card to make withdrawals at bank ATMs in Barcelona, you will receive the real exchange rate. However, you may be charged a fee for using international ATMs, as well as a one-time fee by your bank. It is a good idea to check with your bank about any applicable fees and let them know that you will be using your card in Spain during your trip.
Some travellers recommend setting up a bank account with a chip card before your trip, which can be used at ATMs in Barcelona. This way, you can purchase euros when the exchange rate is favourable and avoid high transaction fees.
If you decide to use an ATM at Barcelona Airport, it is recommended that you use an ATM that is attached to a bank, as stand-alone machines may confiscate your card if something goes wrong. Santander Bank and Deutsche Bank have been recommended by travellers as options for fee-free withdrawals in Barcelona.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended to avoid exchanging currency at the airport as they usually have the worst rates. Instead, you can use your card at an ATM in the city, preferably one attached to a bank, to get a better exchange rate.
Santander Bank and Deutsche Bank are recommended as they do not charge ATM fees in Barcelona.
Yes, you can change your money into traveller's cheques or get Euros from your home country before leaving for your trip. However, keep in mind that exchanging money for Euros in your home country may be expensive.
Barcelona is known for pickpocketing, so it is advised not to carry too much cash. If your card gets taken by an ATM, you generally cannot retrieve it by going into the bank. It is also recommended to inform your bank before your trip to avoid them blocking your card for security reasons.
Yes, if you need to get Euros at the airport, only exchange as much money as you need to get to the city, where you can find better exchange rates.
