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Since 1 January 2002, the official currency of Spain, and much of Europe, has been the Euro. For general information on the Euro check the European Union website.

Banks are generally open 8am–2pm on week-days. Some are open 4–8pm on Thursdays and 8am–2pm on Saturdays, except from July to September. Banks tend to offer better exchange and commission rates than bureaux de change, although rates do vary from bank to bank. There’s a Caixa de Catalunya exchange in Plaça de Catalunya, next to the tourist office, which stays open until 9pm. Numerous small bank branches exchange money in Estació de Sants train station and the airport; these are open from 7 or 8am to 10pm daily.

Avoid changing money at bureaux de change in tourist areas as commission rates tend to be high or exchange rates poor. On the whole, banks offer better deals, but bureaux de change have the advantage of longer opening hours. Some, particularly those on La Rambla, are open until midnight.

ATMs (cash machines) provide the easiest way to access money and are a good way to beat commission charges. Surcharges depend on your bank. Relying on ATMs also means that you can take out money in smaller denominations and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Before travelling, check with your bank that your PIN number works with foreign ATMs. Nearly all take VISA or MasterCard (Access) cards.

Buy traveller’s cheques in Euros. All banks cash traveller’s cheques, as do larger stores. Always carry the cheque numbers separately from the cheques. American Express traveller’s cheques can be cashed free of charge at the American Express office and at any Banco Central Hispano; a passport is required.

Visa and MasterCard are readily accepted in all but budget hotels, restaurants and shops. American Express can generally be used in hotels, but less often in restaurants and shops. Diner’s Card is accepted in about 50 per cent of restaurants. Credit card cash advances are available from any bank (or ATM if you have a PIN number). Note that the transaction fee for cash advances on credit cards can be high.

If your credit card is lost or stolen, call the police and your credit card company. Most credit cards have a number to call collect from abroad, which is provided at the time of issue.

The quickest and cheapest way to keep track of your bank account and credit card bills is by checking them online. It’s best to set up your online account before travelling.

It is advisable to carry some emergency cash hidden inside your luggage, separate from your wallet.

Tipping is not the norm in Spain. In restaurants, most diners usually tip about five per cent of the bill. If you’re eating a light meal, round up the bill to the nearest 50 cents. Taxi drivers are usually tipped five per cent and hotel porters about 50 cents per bag.