Bank fees in Spain

Spain tries hard to overcome France as the top tourist destination, this is the wrong way to do it

Seems a Spanish bank issue and not a Spanish country or tourism issue.

Prior to your trip, what did you find out about ATM withdrawals using your local ATM card? I know I generally plan withdrawals out depending upon destination. Many banks/credit unions let you use foreign ATMs for "free" by covering the fees or some have a network of partner banks that allow you to use those partner banks for no cost.

ATM fees and methods to avoid them are pretty popular in the forums here.

Fortunately, traveling nowadays doesn’t require many visits to an ATM per trip. I’ve used an ATM once over three Span trips. In the grand scheme of things, €9 or €5 is nothing compared to the overall cost of a trip.

I get the same shock shopping for groceries these days at home. But honestly I compare the cost of very few withdrawals (and my card does not charge fees, or my phone plan charge extra internationally) to the cost of a good Spanish dinner and slightly nicer bottle of wine we treat ourselves with in Europe that we would not spend at home.

Or, forget the constant worrying about what each machine/country might charge in fees and get an ATM card that refunds any fees worldwide. That is what I have done and I never have any worries on this.

Carol now retired, the other problem with Spanish ATMs is that IME they typically employ very disadvantageous exchange rates. We also have a Schwab bank account, but it doesn't help with a 0.80 exchange rate.

You’re right, they can be expensive in Spain. And they might have confusing multiple screens where you have to say no to their dollar exchange a couple of times in order to use your bank’s exchange.
After experiencing the high fees in the past, I make sure to withdraw cash in France before crossing the border.

My post was to warn others. I come to Spain every year and the fee was €5 per withdrawal. It is now 8.95 € or 16 CAD for me. That is excessive. That’s all

the other problem with Spanish ATMs is that IME they typically employ very disadvantageous exchange rates. We also have a Schwab bank account, but it doesn't help with a 0.80 exchange rate.

If you are seeing exchange rates, you are agreeing to DCC. Spend a decent amount of time in Spain over the years, never pay more than the normal network fee of ~1%, also have the Schwab card. Yes, the screens can be confusing, complete with dire warnings of not accepting the conversion ie: "You will not know what the exchange rate will be!!!" Well, yeah, but I know it will be way better than the crappy rate offered.

Do the transaction in euros, decline any conversion, if it doesn't seem right, cancel and go find another brand ATM.