“Hi, I’m traveling to Spain and I was wondering if I can use my credit card at most places. Do restaurants, stores, or bars accept cards, or should I carry a lot of cash? Also, is there any extra fee for using the card? Thanks!”
In Spain, using a credit card is quite common, especially in big cities and tourist areas. Most restaurants, bars, stores, and hotels in places like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia accept credit cards, particularly the popular ones like Visa, MasterCard, and sometimes American Express. Debit cards are also widely accepted in these areas.
However, if you venture into smaller towns or rural areas, some small shops or markets may not accept cards. In these cases, it’s a good idea to carry some cash. It’s common for businesses in rural areas to prefer cash payments or may require a minimum spend to use a card.
Regarding additional fees, most businesses do not charge extra for using a card. In some exceptional cases, there may be a small surcharge (around 1% or 2%), but this is not common. It’s always wise to check with the establishment if there are any additional fees before paying with a card.
On the other hand, if your card has the contactless payment option, great! Many stores and restaurants allow this type of payment, which speeds up the process and saves you time.
Finally, if you’re traveling from outside the Eurozone, it’s a good idea to check with your bank for any currency conversion fees when using your card in Spain, to avoid surprises. You should also notify your bank about your trip to prevent them from blocking your card due to suspicious activity abroad.
In summary, yes, you can pay with a credit card at most places in Spain, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash just in case, especially if you plan to visit less touristy areas.