I will be traveling to Marbella Spain. Do you recommend paying for most purchases, food, etc. by credit card or cash? Where would you go to exchange currency?
We will be renting a car and driving to Ronda, Gibraltar, Mila, etc. Any tips of suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Posted by
836 posts
Try here.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Regular question.
Anything under about €10 or €20 pay cash, a credit card (or debit card) may not be accepted for such a small amount. Even for larger amounts, always check if they accept plastic, just in case; and always have enough cash on you to pay, just in case there is a problem with the card.
I would never "exchange currency", not in the sense of handing over cash banknotes in one currency and receiving banknotes in another currency. That is the most expensive way to do it. The best way to get cash is from a bank cash machine (ATM) using your normal debit card / cash machine card which you use at home to get cash. That way the only charges should be whatever your bank charges, which will be a few % plus possibly a flat charge per transaction.
Never use a credit card in a cash machine (except in an emergency), that counts as a "cash advance", and if the machine asks if you want to be charged in your own currency, the answer is NO.