Barcelona is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. When planning your trip, it’s important to understand the local currency situation so you can budget and spend wisely.
Like the rest of Spain, Barcelona uses the Euro (€) as its official currency. That makes things relatively simple for travelers coming from other Eurozone countries.
But whether you’re coming from within Europe or further afield, it’s still worth understanding how the currency of Barcelona, Spain works. In this article, we’ll cover the basics, discuss using travel cards like Revolut, and offer some tips for saving money while you’re there.
The Euro: Spain’s Official Currency
The currency used in Barcelona, and all of Spain, is the Euro (€). The currency code for the Euro is EUR.
Spain officially adopted the Euro in 1999, along with many other European countries. Before that, Spain used the Spanish Peseta.
Euro banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. Euro coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and €1 and €2.
Because Spain is part of the Eurozone, using the Euro makes it much easier to travel and trade with other countries that also use the currency. You don’t have to worry about exchange rates or fees when you travel between Eurozone countries.
Using a Revolut Card in Barcelona
If you’re wondering about the easiest way to manage your money while you’re in Barcelona, consider using a Revolut card.
Benefits of using Revolut
Revolut makes it easy to spend in euros with your Revolut card. The app automatically converts your money to EUR, so you can avoid currency conversion fees. You can also manage your spending right from the Revolut mobile app, which can be handy when you’re trying to stay on budget.
Card features and security
Revolut offers several types of cards, including physical, virtual, and even disposable cards for online transactions.
Contactless payment is supported, so you can simply tap to pay at most places. If your card goes missing, you can freeze it instantly in the app to prevent unauthorized use.
Avoiding Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
When using your card, always choose to pay in euros. Some vendors will offer to charge your card in your home currency, but this is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), and it’s usually more expensive. DCC lets the vendor or bank do the currency conversion instead of Revolut, and they often use less favorable exchange rates, resulting in you paying more.
ATM Withdrawals in Barcelona with Revolut
If you’re planning to use a Revolut card to access cash while you’re in Barcelona, here’s what you need to know about ATM withdrawals.
Revolut ATM Withdrawal Limits
Revolut offers fee-free ATM withdrawals up to a certain monthly limit, depending on which plan you subscribe to:
- Standard: £200 or 5 withdrawals
- Plus: £200
- Premium: £400
- Metal: £800
- Ultra: £2,000
It’s important to remember that these limits are set by Revolut and may differ from any limits imposed by the ATM itself.
Finding ATMs in Barcelona
Most ATMs in Barcelona will accept Revolut cards, but be sure to look for ATMs that are part of major networks like Visa or Mastercard. Keep in mind that some ATM providers may charge their own fees for withdrawals, separate from any fees charged by Revolut.
Security Tips for ATM Withdrawals
As with any ATM withdrawal, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and protect your PIN. Shield the keypad when entering your PIN and be cautious of anyone standing too close.
Tips for exchanging currency in Barcelona
Getting the best exchange rate can save you money on your trip to Barcelona. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid airport exchanges: Exchange rates at airports are notoriously bad. Wait until you get to the city center to exchange cash. It’s also best to avoid exchanging currency at home before your trip.
- Pay in Euros: Always choose to pay in the local currency (Euros) to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). DCC allows the vendor to convert the price to your home currency, but usually at a less favorable exchange rate.
- Compare exchange rates: If you need to exchange cash, compare the rates offered by different exchange bureaus before committing. Look for locations away from tourist hotspots for potentially better rates.
- Consider Revolut: Revolut is a popular app that allows you to convert currency at competitive rates. You can convert GBP to EUR within the app and then spend in EUR using your Revolut card. This can often be a convenient and cost-effective option.
To Conclude
When you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, it’s important to remember that the city uses the euro. Knowing this will help you budget and avoid unnecessary fees.
A travel money card like Revolut is a great way to manage your expenses and get a better exchange rate. And when you’re making purchases, always choose to pay in euros to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which can cost you extra.
A little planning when it comes to currency can make your trip to Barcelona much smoother and more enjoyable.