Spain uses the euro. Cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, are very widely used. Tipping is not obligatory because the service charge is included, but 5 to 10 percent is common. Sockets are round-pin at 220 volts.
At a glance
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Tipping
Not obligatory, service is included. 5 to 10 percent is common in bars, restaurants, hotels and taxis
Cards
Visa and Mastercard widely accepted, sometimes with a minimum spend near €10
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz, round-pin sockets
Packing checklist
Choose your trip to see the items that apply. Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Clear every tick on this checklist?
Documents
Clothes and footwear
Personal and health needs
Electronics
Money
Money and forex (EUR)
Rules checked 22 Oct 2026
The official currency is the euro (€), made up of 100 cents. spain.info lists eight coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros) and seven notes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros).
Cash and cards
spain.info says you can pay cash almost everywhere, usually only in euros, and some machines take only cards. Paying by credit and debit card, mainly Visa and Mastercard, is very widespread. A minimum spend of around €10 may be needed for card payment, and your card may charge a commission.
ATMs and fees
Check your card issuer's ATM fee policy and any ATM operator charge shown before confirming. If the ATM offers currency conversion, review its exchange rate and markup separately and choose whether to accept it. Sources: Mastercard, Frequently Asked Questions (ATM fees); Visa, Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Backup plan
Carry a second card and a little cash in euros.
Trips to Spain
We have no open trip to Spain right now. Tell us your dates and we will help you find one.
spain.info says tipping is not obligatory because establishments include the service charge, but it is common in bars, restaurants, hotels and taxis, usually 5 to 10 percent of the total.
Which plug do I need?
Sockets use the round pin system at 220 volts and 50 Hz, per spain.info. Most hotels have adapters.
