Spain is one of the easiest and most rewarding European destinations for Indian travellers — fantastic food, brilliant cities, efficient transport and lots of choices for every budget. This guide focuses on the money side: what currency Spain uses, the best ways to convert and carry money, realistic daily budgets (with INR conversions), how to avoid fees, and practical cost-saving hacks that actually work.
1. Quick currency essentials
- Currency: Spain uses the euro (€ / EUR). Euro banknotes and coins are Spain’s legal tender and have been since 2002.
- Common denominations: notes €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 (rare), €500 (rare). Coins: 1c–2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2.
2. Current exchange picture (how many rupees to a euro)
Exchange rates move daily. At the time of writing, one euro is roughly ₹101–₹102 (this varies slightly by provider). Use a live converter (Wise/XE/ECB) for the exact moment you buy. For planning, multiply euros by ~₹101.4 to get a usable INR estimate.
3. Where to convert INR → EUR (best practice)
- Before you fly: convert a small amount (enough for airport transfers, first meal, metro) at your bank or a trusted forex service in India to avoid high airport kiosk markups.
- On arrival / in Spain: ATMs usually provide competitive exchange rates, but watch fees (see next section). Specialist travel cards (Wise, Revolut) often give the mid-market rate with lower fees.
- Avoid: airport exchange counters and random tourist kiosks for large amounts — they tend to have the worst rates and extra charges.
4. Cards, contactless, and cash — what to carry
- Cards work everywhere in cities. Major debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in Madrid, Barcelona, and other urban centres. Small cafes, some market stalls, and rural shops may still prefer cash. Carry some coins/notes for those.
- Contactless/tap-to-pay: very convenient — use it for quick purchases and transit where available.
- How much cash to carry: €50–€150 (₹5,000–₹15,000) for the first couple of days is usually enough; top up via ATMs as needed.
5. ATMs & withdrawal fees — avoid nasty surprises
- ATM withdrawal basics: local Spanish bank ATMs are common. Withdrawing cash at a bank ATM usually gives a fair exchange rate; some ATMs (Euronet/independent machines) may charge higher fees. Prefer machines outside bank branches where possible.
- Home-bank fees: your Indian bank may charge a foreign withdrawal fee + currency conversion. Likewise, Spanish ATM providers may add a usage fee. Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card or travel card if possible. Research your bank’s overseas terms before you leave.
- Smart move: withdraw larger sums less often to reduce per-withdrawal fixed fees, but balance this against safety concerns.
6. Tipping & service charges
- Tipping is modest. Unlike the U.S., tipping in Spain is small or optional — round up, leave small change, or 5–10% for exceptional service. Many bills already include service. Don’t feel obligated to tip heavily.
7. Realistic daily budgets (per person) — euros and INR
Using up-to-date aggregated travel data, here are practical per-day budgets. I’ve converted the euro amounts to INR using a typical rate (~₹101.4 per €) for easy planning — check live rates when booking.
- Backpacker/shoestring: ~€74 / day ≈ ₹7,506 — hostel dorms, street food/tapas, public transport, free walking tours.
- Comfort / mid-range: ~€190 / day ≈ ₹19,272 — private 2-3★ hotel or apartment, sit-down meals, some museums/paid tours, intercity trains.
- Luxury: ~€490 / day ≈ ₹49,701 — 4★/5★ hotels, fine dining, private guides, internal flights/first-class trains.
(Conversions rounded to nearest rupee for clarity — live rate needed for precise totals.)
8. Typical solo costs (examples)
- Metro/bus single ticket (city): €1.50–€2.50 depending on city and zone.
- Tapas / casual meal: €8–€15 per person (one or two tapas + drink).
- Restaurant dinner (mid-range): €20–€40 per person.
- Museum entry (major sites): €10–€25 for big museums/monuments.
(These are averages — check specific sites for exact prices.)
9. Cost-saving hacks that actually work
- Get a travel card (Wise/Revolut) for day-to-day spending. They often use the mid-market rate and can be cheaper than bank cards.
- Use regional or multi-day transport passes. In big cities, a day pass or tourist metro card can save you money if you plan many trips. Check each city’s transport website.
- Eat like a local: have a menu del día (fixed price lunch) — excellent value in Spain, typically served at lunchtime and cheaper than dinner. Also, tapas hopping is cheaper than sit-down dinners if you share plates.
- Free walking tours and city cards: Use free walking tours (tip-based) and city tourist cards if you want to visit many paid attractions — they can pay off.
- Book trains in advance: Renfe and regional trains are cheaper if you buy early; last-minute fares are higher. Consider night trains for longer hops to save a night’s accommodation.
- Avoid airport exchange counters & taxis when possible: prebook an airport bus/metro to the city centre or use official taxi ranks; exchange only a small amount at the airport.
- Withdraw wisely: withdraw larger amounts less often from bank ATMs; avoid non-bank ATMs with extra fees.
10. Practical money checklist for Indian travellers
- Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks.
- Carry one credit card and one debit/travel card; keep backups in separate places.
- Carry a small amount of euros on departure (for taxis, taps) and use ATMs in Spain for top-ups.
- Use an app (Wise/XE) to track live INR↔EUR rates.
11. Safety & scams — money edition
- Use bank ATMs inside branches where possible. Avoid street cash handlers and unofficial currency exchangers. Inspect receipts and card machines; if a terminal asks to “convert” the charge to INR (dynamic currency conversion), always decline — merchants often add a poor conversion rate.
12. Final checklist — quick actionables
- Exchange a small amount in India before you fly.
- Get or carry a no-FX-fee card or multi-currency travel card.
- Withdraw from bank ATMs in Spain and avoid airport kiosks for large exchanges.
- Use contactless payments in cities, and carry a little cash for markets/taxis.
- Plan daily budgets in euros, then convert with a live rate close to booking time.
Summing Up
Spain uses the euro and is largely card-friendly, but small-town vendors and markets still prefer cash. For Indian travellers: convert a small amount before departure, use bank ATMs or a travel card once there, and avoid airport/exchange-kiosk markups. Budget roughly €74 (₹7.5k) per day for backpackers, €190 (₹19k) for mid-range travel, and €490 (₹49.7k) for luxury — adjust with current exchange rates and your travel style. Smart use of contactless payments, local meal options (menu del día), advance train bookings, and the occasional ATM top-up will keep your Spain trip both delightful and economical.
