Información monetaria para tu viaje a España
Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre pagos, divisa y recomendaciones prácticas durante tu estancia en Andalucía.
Monetary information in Spain
On any trip, the financial aspect is essential. For this reason, we have created this page where we explain matters relating to money in Andalusia and Spain. We explain what the currency is, where you can exchange foreign currency, what other payment methods there are, what general prices are like in the region, and what you need to do to obtain a refund of the taxes you pay in certain establishments.
Contents
Moneda y cambio de dinero
The legal tender in Andalusia is the euro (€), as in Spain and in most countries of the European Union, of which it is a member. If you are not an EU citizen and are not familiar with the euro, you should know that the following coins and banknotes exist:
- Coins:
- 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents
- 1 and 2 euros
- Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros
When paying in establishments, you should not have any problems using coins and banknotes up to €100. However, many venues do not accept payments with €200 and €500 banknotes, as part of anti-fraud measures.
Nevertheless, although you will need to carry coins and banknotes, there are other ways to use your money in Andalusia. Of course, bank cards—credit or debit—can be used in the vast majority of establishments in the region. Some venues may require a minimum amount for payment by this method, generally €10.
In addition, more and more establishments accept other ways to pay in Andalusia, such as by mobile phone or even smartwatch, thanks to contactless systems. In general, the larger the city you are in and the higher the category of the establishment where you shop, the easier it will be to pay using these alternative methods. By contrast, in small towns and in less sophisticated venues, you may only have the option to pay in cash or by card. Traveller’s cheques, for their part, are used less and less.
When it comes to exchanging money in Andalusia, you can go to exchange offices located in strategic places for tourists, such as airports, major train stations, or premises in the city centres of the main cities. Bank branches can also provide this service, although perhaps not immediately, especially if it is an uncommon currency. The commission charged by banks may be somewhat higher than usual. Bank branch opening hours are typically 8:30 to 14:00, Monday to Friday. Some branches also open on Thursday afternoons and/or Saturday mornings. The ATM network is extensive and operates 24 hours a day.
In any case, unlike in other countries, it is not at all common to exchange money in Andalusia through street money changers. And if you do come across them, it is best to avoid any dealings with them, as it could be a scam.
Precios generales
Andalusia is not one of the most expensive regions in Spain. On the contrary, its average prices tend to be below the national average. Below, we provide some approximate figures for the cost of certain products and services in Seville, the region’s capital, so that you can estimate how far your money will go in Andalusia. Bear in mind that in other cities—except Málaga and nearby towns on the Costa del Sol—prices tend to be even lower.
- Menu in a mid-range restaurant: €15–€30
- Single public transport ticket: €1.40
- Coffee with milk: €1.30
- Double room in a 4-star hotel: €100. However, this figure is one of the most variable depending on location and date
And although they do not directly affect tourists, here are three interesting facts about the Andalusian economy:
- Approximate average salary: €1,260
- Price per square metre to buy a home: €1,784
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre: €615
*Data taken from the Numbeo website and from the appraisal company Tinsa
Devoluciones y tasas en España
Finally, another matter of interest if you will be handling money in Andalusia is the so-called Tax Free. This is a refund of the VAT paid in shops by citizens resident outside the European Union who request it upon returning home. Only individuals, not companies, can apply, and only when the invoice amount exceeds €90.15.
- The refund application process is simple:
When paying in the shop, request the DIVA form, which you must fill in, and ask for an invoice in your name. Keep it until you leave the country. - When you arrive at the airport or port for your return journey, go to the customs stamping point, where you will need to show the invoices for your purchases. For verification, you will be asked to present the purchased items, your passport, and your boarding pass.
Viaja por Andalucía sin prisas y sin preocupaciones
Diseñamos experiencias privadas a tu completa medida: rutas exclusivas, guías expertos, alojamientos con mucho encanto y momentos que no aparecen en ninguna guía.