Best place to exchange dollars ?

I wouldn't exchange cash dollars, but use a bank based ATM when you arrive. If you feel the need, get a small amount at the airport, but charges are less at bank ATMs away from the airport.
Cards are mostly used, anyway.

Please go and read RS travel tips-money. All you need to know will be there.

Technology is great when it works, but from time to time there are glitches. We've experienced ATMs that malfunctioned, ATMs that were out of money, and long lines waiting to use the machines. We like to have euros in hand upon arrival to avoid the hassle of trying to find a machine, waiting to use it, and then hoping it works. You might want to considere getting enouch to get you started from your local bank or AAA. It will cost just a smidge more, but to us it's well worth it. And the extra cost is nothing compared to the total cost of the trip.

If you belong to AAA, you can exchange money there before departure.
The last time I was in Madrid, I walked to my terminal then learned there was no ATM that accepted my debit card. I waitied until I reached my destination to withdraw euros.

If you want to exchange physical dollars, do it prior to going over. Once in Spain you can use an ATM if you need more currency. Depending on where you intend to visit you probably won’t need much cash. Credit cards are accepted most everywhere, but there are some places like small shops, restaurants, and some laundromats that only accept cash. I’ve only needed very small amounts of cash on my last 3 trips (2022-2024). I used less than €100 on my 24 days, 2024 trip. If you want to buy cookies from a convent as we did in Toledo, expect it will be cash only.

My local mall has a currency exchange booth, but I could order foreign currency through one of my banks.

Prior to any trip I look up ATMs that partner with my U.S. bank to save some fees. I’ll look them up for all the cities or towns I intend to visit and bookmark them to Google maps. If I think I’ll need more cash, I stop at one when I’m nearby.

The days of walking into a foreign bank wanting to exchange a handful of dollars are long gone. You’d need to go to one of the rip-off currency exchange kiosks that are ubiquitous in tourist areas. Many banks have few or no actual employees working at some locations and unless you have an account with that bank, it may not even break a large note into smaller notes.

The rate you will get in the US is not a good one, and there is no longer a need to obtain euros at the airport, as you can pay for taxis with a credit card. If you are taking public transport from the Madrid airport, I'm afraid I do not know fi credit card payment is accepted...my guess is yes.

I've been in Spain for 8 days now and I think I spent about 20 euro total in cash and that was only for one tip at a restaurant and a tip for a bellboy at my hotel. I even paid for a small cup of ice cream with a credit card!!

Agree that when you do get euros, use an ATM, do not bring US dollars to exchange.

If you belong to AAA, you can exchange money there before departure.

Note that some RS forum members recently reported that their AAA offices are no longer providing currency exchange services, so it's best to check with your local office. I was surprised to learn my credit union could order Turkish currency for me - it wasn't the greatest exchange rate, but I was glad to have a bit of cash to pay my driver on arrival without having to find an ATM.

Thanks for the replies I know I will need cash for a few things we are doing so will need to get some euros.

It is best to use an ATM that is in a bank that is open. Then you do not have to worry about it being out of cash or your card getting stuck, and you will get the best rates. Do not use the random ATMs you find on the street, or those Euronet ones. They have the same crappy rates as the money exchanges.

My bank charges was too much to use an ATM in Europe. The last few trips we've taken, I've gone to Wells Fargo and got Euro prior to leaving this country. There is no extra charge to do that. Last time I used an ATM in Spain, I ended up paying almost $20 in fees, both from Wells Fargo and the local bank. We just got 1000E to use for the next few trips, did that in December when the exchange rate was more favorable than it is today... Those Euro will last us for a few trips...as we mostly use our Chase credit card that has no fees attached. Cash is handy for small purchases, but meals, transportation, etc, we charge.

You can setup a CapitalOne 360 checking account that has no foreign transaction,or currency conversion fee. Research the benefits online for more info. When withdrawing money never use the Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) option.

Our bank charges a 1% fee for atm usage abroad. Some ATMs we have encountered ( one associated with BBVA) also tacked on a $7 fee for withdrawal. We have been using a credit card with no foreign transaction fee for most purchases but like cash for small items.

Ask the staff at your bank. Chances are there are avid travellers. They can probably direct you to the best local currency exchange in your area. That is what my bank did.

And as advised by others, you can almost go cashless in Spain. They prefer to tap almost everywhere. I went into a hole in the wall grocery store just to buy can of soda. I pulled out coins to pay and the cashier waived off the cash and asked me to tap with my phone. I checked my app afterwards and there were no extra charges or conversion on top of the price of the soda.