The Currency in Spain

Euro coins

The unit of currency in Spain is the euro - symbol €

Coins are : cents 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50, euros 1 and 2 

The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins are copper coloured, the 10, 20 and 50 cent coins are gold coloured.

Notes are: euros 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500

The €5 is grey, €10 is red, €20 is blue, €50 is orange, €100 is green, €200 is yellow and the €500 is a sort of burgundy colour.

When getting currency from your bank, try to avoid notes above €50 as you will almost certainly have trouble exchanging them. Many establishments, even large supermarkets, refuse to accept €200 and €500 notes. The €500 note is exceedingly difficult to use.

The best rates for Euros currency and travelers' cheques are obtained at banks where there is no commission on exchange. There are Bureaux de Change which operate in the main resorts and are open outside banking hours. Do shop around as currency exchange rates can vary quite considerably.