I assume credit cards are accepted in nicer restaurants, but what about casual restaurants, tapas places and bars? As a chef, I have a work credit card for dining out, and am hoping to use it for as many meals as possible!
I will be in Barcelona, Bilbao and San Sebastian, if that makes a difference.

You shouldn't have any problems, even at smaller pintxos bars, but it's much simpler to go to the nearest ATM machine and take out some cash using your ATM/Debit card. Everyone does it and not many locals will use a credit card to pay for a few pintxos and a glass of wine. It would seem somewhat surreal to most of them.

But I doubt he has a work ATM/Debit card!

Oops, sorry, just noticed the OP's screen name. I'm guessing I should have said <i>she</i>!

You shouldn't have too many problems. Maybe at some of the smallest places, but I used my credit cards (usually AMEX) in all of those cities without any problems that I can remember.

hi cakegal,

we had no problem using our credit card in bars and restaurants in spain.

however, be aware that if you want to use one in a shop to buy something, they my want to see your passport.

no idea why.

regards, ann

And make sure they don't get you with the old DCC. We were asked in one shop whether we wanted to charge in dollars or Euro. Fortunately, they <i>did</i> ask and didn't give us a hassle when we said Euro.

Thanks so much. My job doesn't have many perks, so I definitely want to take advantage of this one! I will post a trip report (probably a very food-focused one) when i return.

annhig wrote "however, be aware that if you want to use one in a shop to buy something, they my want to see your passport."


Simply for security. Most Spanish do not sign the backs which can be forged anyway. We use ID cards.

One warning. Don't leave any credit receipts behind or visible on the table as the entire numbers are often fully visible. That is unlike in the U.S. where the numbers are generally hidden except for the last 4 digits. Now most people, (me included now), would take the receipt anyway but a few years back I was not one of them and my number was stolen. I couldn't figure it out since my card was always, with me. I am almost certain it is from a receipt left on a table.

I havea CC machine for my business and I have never seen the whole number on show on any recipt from either my customers or when I use my own CC.
Maybe the card was skimmed.

Credit card receipts do not show the complete CC number. As far as showing ID, it's normal in stores, but not in restaurants or taverns, and if someone asks for ID, a regular driver's license will do as long as it has your photo on it.

Unlike travelgourmet, I have stopped trying to use my Amex card in most of the smaller restaurants and shops. They simply will not accept them because of the excessive service charge and delay in receiving payment from Amex.

El Corte Inglés uses the DCC, but they are now asking you if you want the charge to be in Euros or you own currency.

The only thing you need to watch out for is using an ATM machine belonging to the Bank of Santander. They have a fee associated with foreign ATM/Debit cards similar to the DCC.