Must Know Money Facts in Murcia, Spain

Paying by Cash in Spain

Paying by cash is obviously the easiest way to pay in Spain. You have three main ways of getting your cash - travelers checks, ATMs and exchanging your money inside a bank or at a bureau de change.

Exchanging Money in Banks in Spain

It is possible to exchange most major international currencies in most banks in Spain. However, the exchange rate will be no better than the ATM and you'll have added disadvantage of having to stand in line for a long time as well. Spanish banks also close very early (by 3pm on most days.) So you might be better off using ATMs.

Using Credit & Debit Cards in Spain

It is possible to use your foreign credit or debit card in stores and (some) restaurants in Spain. However, in practice, many shops' credit card machines are out of date and aren't very good at accepting foreign cards. I wouldn't rely on this as a form of payment - always carry enough cash just in case your card isn't accepted.

Note: in Spain, it is a legal requirement to show photo ID when paying by card. This is in addition to signing the receipt (and, sometimes, typing in your PIN). However, many shops would rather take your money than risk losing business, so if you don't have your passport with you, it is often possible to get them to accept your card anyway.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

It is the only internationally accepted student ID card. Since its launch in 1968, the ISIC has helped over 40 million students to get the most out of their travel experience.

As an ISIC holder, you become part of a worldwide community of over 4.5 million students. The ISIC is your passport to more than 32,000 discounts and benefits in 106 countries worldwide.

If you want to know the list of discounts available in Spain, visit: www.isic.org.

If you are not a full-time student, but under the age of 26 or you are a full-time teacher or professor, the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) or International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) could be for you.