Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents (céntimos). Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted throughout the country, although cash is your safest bet.

ATMs are widespread across Spain and many accept foreign cards.

Traveller's cheques are disappearing from use fast so it's far more convenient to travel with credit cards. Nevertheless, you can still change them in main bank branches and exchange bureaux, and they are also accepted in major hotels. It is advisable to bring them in sterling or dollars as there have been increasing reports of Euro cheques being refused.

Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1400. Some branches open on Saturdays from 0900-1200 too.