Changing Money in Spain
 

Our previous winter holidays have been to Portugal, where we used the Cambios to change money - better rates than the banks and no charge. This year we are going to Spain. I'm taking an ATM card, but also some Travellers Cheques. Where is the best place to change these to Euro. <BR> <BR>Muriel

I have never used travellers cheques, I always use my debit card at the ATM or as a visa for purchases. that way I get the best exchange rate!

Muriel, <BR>If you're going to Spain this year, you'll encounter pesetas not Euros. The Euro will not go into circulation until January 1,2002. For the most favorable exchange rate use an ATM debit card (not a credit card) for cash withdrawals.

I was in Spain 3 weeks ago. Banks were giving 179 pesetas to US$1; the ones I went to charged no commission. Cambios charge too high commision, but are open a lot longer hours. I was able to exchange at the hotel Europa I stayed. The rate I got was 173 pesetas per $1. With my debit VISA card, I got 180 pesetas. A difference of 10 pesetas is not much at all. By the way, some places give better rates for dollar notes.

Thanks so much folks for information. We'll be travelling in January, so I guess by that time Spain will be on the Euro. I hope the Canadian dollar has strengthened by them! <BR> <BR>Muriel

Muriel <BR> <BR>You'll face tough times, because in January and February both pesetas and euros will be in official circulation. <BR> <BR>If you pay with pesetas, you'll likely receive the exchange in Euros. Or it may be the other way round. I advise you to ask euros as much as possible, because it will be very close to 1 USD, making it easier for you to understand (I assumed you are from USA) the value. But if shop keeper insists that he/she has only exchange available in pesetas, you have no way of refusinf it. <BR> <BR>The bottom line is: take a calculator with you and prepare to do a lot of calculations.

Just back from Spain, the best exchange rates I saw were in the train stations.

Thanks for additional info. Never thought of the fact that pesetas might be tendered as change for Euros-Thanks for the tip, and also regarding exchange at the train stations. Now can anyone help me regarding good places to eat, grocery shop, things to do and see in Benalmadena Costa? <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR> <BR>Muriel

When I was in, Madrid's major airport, you could write an American check at the Bureau de change and get the locaal currency - pesetos . you just needed to present your drivers lisence! I could not beleive it, but i thought it was great!

The best rate of exchange, no comission,convenient hours are to be found at the department store Corte Ingles.Find your way to Customer Service,usually near all their other services-sshhhhhhhh-best kept secret and Spain is full of them

As of midnight,Atms will be stocked with Euros.The deadline has been extended for a couple of months for Europe to continue using both currencies because of an anticipated shortage of Euros.You can keep using different currencies but businesses are to give change using Euros thus helping to pull in the different currencies.Come home with only Euros because on your next visit other currencies will be useless except as souvenirs!

How I wish I were changing American dollars. Unfortunately, they'll be Canadian dollars, and I think I'll have to pay around 1.50 Canadian to get a Euro. <BR>Thanks also for the tip about the Department store exchange!. <BR>Now can anyone out there help me regarding the clinics in Benalmadena? <BR> <BR>Thanks Muriel

Muriel: Will you be staying in Benalmadena? If so where? My husband and I are looking at that area for a vacation in March or April.We are also Canadian.

Hi Martha: <BR> <BR>I investigated all the apartments in the area of Benalmadena Costa, and the best one from our viewpoint seemed to be the Flatotel. <BR> <BR>However, I understand Jardins del Mar are also very good. <BR> <BR>You can get info on these on the Eurosun web-site-www.eurosun.com. You can also pick-up their brochure at travel agents, although they only have a few of their offerings listed in there. Eurosun gives you the advantage of 'whole ball of wax' as their holidays include the air-fare, and also the services of a rep.Being elderly, the rep. is important as I've seen instances where they have proved invaluable in cases of sickness etc. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps <BR> <BR>Muriel