How to pay in Spain and where to exchange Australian dollars for euros in Australia?

When travelling to Italy, there is no limit on the amount of Currency you can bring into the country. However, if you carry cash equivalent to or exceeding 10,000 Australian dollars (or its equivalent in another Currency, such as euros), you must declare it to the Italian customs. This declaration is necessary to comply with regulations aimed at preventing money laundering and other illegal activities. You can declare the cash using a form available at ports and airports.

When we prepare for our trips, we always take into account two factors: how to get there (flight, road, boat...) and accommodation. Once at the destination, we are filled with doubts such as… how much money am I going to spend? How to pay in Spain? Will I have fees?

To pay in Spain, you have several convenient and secure options: the most common way for Spaniards is to use credit or debit cards from major networks like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, which are widely accepted in most shops.

You also have the option to pay in cash. Paying in cash will give you exact control over the Australian dollars and euros (EUR) you are spending. In Spain, there are many bars and restaurants, and the culture of eating out is very widespread. You have many options to exchange Australian dollars for euros: exchange online, at exchange offices, or at the airport.

The answer to this question is: it depends. Most places will offer you the option to pay by card. The problem arises with the fees. Card payments are very convenient and quick, but the transaction you will be making is outside of Australia and, generally, you are making a payment in euros. What happens next?

Well, your bank will proceed to convert euros to Australian dollars for the amount of that purchase, applying the rate that is defined by the institution at that moment. Each of your purchases will incur that fee and it is possible that until your return to Australia you will not know how many Australian dollars you have spent in Spain.

Yes. One of the alternatives for your shopping and payments during your trip is cash. It is not as necessary as before, but it is the most useful. For example, when buying fast food at street stalls or kiosks, you can pay in cash. Likewise, when using transport services such as taxis, public transport, convenience stores like local supermarkets, it is normal to use cash.

Undoubtedly, exchanging Australian dollars for euros in cash will help you control your exact spending on each purchase you make.

Furthermore, in Spain it is important to carry euros in cash with you, as in many places it is common to leave tips, and for that, having small notes and coins will save you in those circumstances.
Finally, if you need to collect money, ATMs are available throughout the country, although it is important to check the applicable fees with your bank to minimise additional costs.

When planning to travel to Spain, it is important to know the regulations regarding the amount of cash you can carry. According to the laws of Spain, you can enter or leave the country with any amount of cash. However, if you carry an amount equal to or greater than 10,000 USD (or its equivalent in other Currencies), you must declare it to the customs authorities.

No. In some cases, you may find establishments that accept it, but they will give you a very unfavourable exchange. Generally, you cannot pay with Australian dollars in Spain. The Official currency is the euro (EUR). It is necessary to exchange Australian dollars for euros before making any purchase. You can do this at banks, exchange offices, at airports, or directly with your card and have the bank make the exchange for each purchase you make (this will incur fees).

• Compare and choose: In Australia, you can compare exchange rates at different banks and exchange houses and choose the most favourable option. In contrast, in Spain, you might find less competitive exchange rates and fewer options to compare.
• Change No commission: Generally, the commissions for changing Australian dollars to euros in Australia tend to be lower than at exchange points in Spain, especially at airports and tourist areas where commissions can be very high.
• Initial Expenses: Upon arriving in Spain, you will need cash for initial expenses such as transport, meals, or small payments in places that do not accept cards. Changing Australian dollars to euros in Australia ensures that you have dollars available from the very first moment.

The best way to exchange Australian dollars for euros (EUR) without commission is to do it online. Banks or hotels also usually offer currency exchange services, but their currency stock is always limited to the most common ones; moreover, exchange rates are subject to the bank's margins plus commissions.

Exchanging Australian dollars for euros on the Global Exchange website guarantees you the best exchange rate, with no commissions. You will be able to collect your order of euros at the airport within 24/48 hours before boarding your flight.

Yes. Depending on the airport from which you start your journey, you will have the opportunity to exchange currency at the last minute. Global Exchange has more than 15 offices at Sydney International Airport. The exchange rates will not be as attractive as those obtained from your online currency exchange, but it is always a good resource for last-minute or unexpected trips. Check out the currency exchange offices of Global Exchange around the world.

• Avoid hidden fees: Always check the exchange rates and commissions before making any transaction. Some exchange houses may offer seemingly attractive rates, but charge high commissions.
• Make the currency exchange in advance to avoid rushing and poor exchange rates at the last minute. The option to exchange Australian dollars to euros on the Global Exchange website will help you organise yourself. The online currency exchange from Global Exchange has no additional costs or commissions.
• Use rate comparators. There are online tools that allow you to compare the exchange rates offered by different entities. Using these comparators can help you get the best possible deal. However, remember that the online exchange rate from exchange houses is not the same as what you will find in a quick search on search engines. This amount is reserved for large transactions between wholesale entities.