We were going to get some Euro in the USA before departing to Spain, but after reading Rick's advice against the high conversion rates in the States, we've decided to wait until we get to Europe and use the ATMs. However, we'll need some Euro right away to pay the bus driver to get us from the airport to our hotel area. I've looked at the street/interior views of the airport, and although ATMs are listed on the map, they don't show up in the photos. Does anyone know if ATMs are abundant at BCN, or are they tucked away inside stores? Should we just get some Euro in the States anyway to play it safe?
Thanks, everyone!
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
The airport appears to have plenty of ATMs:
www.aena.es/en/barcelona-airport/currency-exchange-cash-machines-banks.html
They should be free standing kiosks.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8061 posts
Being Spain, be aware of Direct Currency Conversion (DCC). That is where the ATM will offer to do the conversion for you and charge your account in USD or your home currency, decline, do the transaction in Euros or local currency. DCC involves a conversion rate not favorable to you over what the networks will charge. Another hint will be if the ATM informs you or asks you to approve some amount in USD, an ATM does not know what the cost to you in USD is, unless it is doing the conversion. Otherwise, you ask for 200 euro, it dispenses 200 euro, the networks take it from there.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Personally I think it is smarter to have a hundred euro in your pocket when you land -- just in case. A hundred euro in the US is only going to cost you maybe $10. Cheap insurance in the event, however unlikely, that functioning ATMs are not available at the airport. There have been postings here of people who could not get euro at the airport. Some airports are converting to a single ATM operator that often is a currency exchange company. So no guarantee of a cheap exchange rate.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
For what its worth, the Barcelona tourist website says:
https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/faq/transport/taxi/barcelona-taxi-transport-payment-with-credit-cards.html
Barcelona Taxi Transport Payment With Credit Cards?
Q: Do Barcelona Taxis generally accept common credit cards (Master
Card)?A: Some taxis do have a credit card processing terminal in their taxi
however the majority of taxis do not have credit card processing
facilities. It is therefore recommended that you always ensure to take
enough cash in euros to be able to pay for the taxi fare.If the taxi does accept credit cards then ensure that you have a visa
card as all credit card terminals will process visa (and usually
MasterCard) AMEX is not generally accepted as this requires a special
contract with the credit card supplier.If you really want to pay your taxi fare with a credit card ask the
driver before you accept the ride and show him the credit card you
wish to use to pay the taxi fare with. He will be able to tell you.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
She indicated that they were using a bus to their hotel area. Even with a taxi and credit card there is still the possibility that your credit card would not be accept. Maybe it is the old engineer in me but I like back-up and redundancy. Cash always work.
Posted by
OP
15 posts
Thank you, Frank! I'll go with my instincts and get Euro here before we leave. Better safe than sorry!
Thanks to all who responded.
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
605 posts
She indicated that they were using a bus to their hotel area.
If you are talking about the Aerobus in Barcelona. They take credit cards at the ticket machine only. Otherwise you jut pay cash to the attendant before you board the Aerobus.
Another good reason to have some Euros on hand before you go.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2408 posts
hey hey glenle
i agree with taking 100E or so with you from here, better being safe than up the creek with no paddles. you will get different answers and opinions here, took me only one time and i learned my lesson. that $10 fee or so is worth no frazzle dazzle, gray hairs and stress! plus the euro is low.
enjoy and have fun
aloha
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
Get euros small bills before you go; pay for the convenience of having some cash before you arrive.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3071 posts
Sorry to say that Edgar's source is obsolete. All taxis in Barcelona accept the major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard) these days, they have been for a number of years already.
JFYI, that website often contains information that's very old and sometimes inaccurate. It's a privately-run website, nothing to do with official sources. The official BCN Tourism Board website is https://www.barcelonaturisme.com
Posted by
Washington, the State
107 posts
glenle, We had no trouble locating an ATM in the Barcelona Airport in April 2018. The one we used was right along the passageway on our way to the gate, as I recall. This was on our departure to Rome, rather than arrival. I had Euro in my purse when we landed, which is a nice insurance policy. And, yes, always just ask for Euro. I use an XE app on my phone to give me a rough idea of conversions.