Planning a holiday to Spain and wondering how many euros you should take with you?
The amount of travel money you need depends on your destination, accommodation, eating habits, activities and whether you plan to use a debit or credit card during your trip.
Spain uses the euro (€), making it easy for UK travellers to plan their travel money before departure. However, carrying some physical euros can still be useful for smaller purchases, markets, transport, tips and places where card payments may not be convenient.
In this guide, we'll explain how to plan your travel money for Spain, how much cash you might want for a week, and how to prepare your euros before leaving the UK.
How Many Euros Should You Take to Spain for a Week?
There is no single amount that every traveller needs.
A couple staying in an all-inclusive hotel will have very different spending needs from a solo traveller staying in a budget apartment and eating out every day.
As a general planning approach, consider your expected daily spending on:
- Food and drinks
- Local transport
- Attractions and activities
- Shopping
- Tips and small purchases
- Emergency expenses
Your accommodation and flights may already be paid for, so your daily travel-money budget can focus mainly on spending money.
For example, if you plan to spend €60 per day on meals, transport and activities, seven days would require around €420 for those expenses.
If you prefer more flexibility, you could budget closer to €80–€100 per day, depending on your travel style and destination.
The important thing is to calculate your expected spending first rather than simply choosing a fixed amount of cash.
Is Cash Still Useful in Spain?
Yes. Cards are widely used in Spain, but carrying some euros can still be practical.
You may want cash for:
- Small cafés and shops
- Local markets
- Tips
- Small purchases
- Public transport
- Rural areas
- Unexpected expenses
The UK government also recommends travellers take a combination of payment methods, including local currency and bank or credit cards, so they have access to enough money while abroad.
Instead of carrying your entire holiday budget in cash, consider using a combination of euros and cards.
How Much Cash Should I Carry Each Day in Spain?
You don't necessarily need to carry your entire travel budget with you every day.
A practical approach is to take enough euros for your expected daily spending and keep the remainder securely stored at your accommodation.
For example:
Day-to-day spending: €50–€100
Emergency reserve: Additional amount kept separately
Main spending: Use your card where convenient
The right amount depends on your itinerary.
If you're spending most of your time in major cities and tourist areas, card payments may be convenient. If you're visiting smaller towns, markets or rural locations, having some physical euros can give you extra flexibility.
Should I Take Euros or Use My UK Card in Spain?
For most travellers, using both cash and cards can be a sensible approach.
Cards can be convenient for hotels, restaurants, larger purchases and many everyday transactions.
Cash can be useful when:
- A business has a minimum card payment
- You visit a market
- You need small change
- You're travelling outside major tourist areas
- You want a backup payment method
Before travelling, check your bank's foreign transaction and cash withdrawal fees.
A card with low or no foreign transaction fees can help reduce unnecessary costs.
Should I Buy Euros Before Travelling to Spain?
Buying some euros before your trip can help you arrive prepared.
Having euros with you means you don't have to immediately search for a currency exchange service after landing at the airport or arriving at your destination.
When buying travel money, compare:
- Exchange rates
- Commission
- Additional fees
- Currency availability
- Collection options
- Online rates
If you already know roughly how many euros you need, you can reserve your travel money before travelling.
Where Can I Buy Euros in the UK?
You can buy euros from currency exchange providers, banks and other travel-money services.
If you're looking for buy euros for Spain before your holiday, compare the available rates and any additional charges before placing your order.
Travel Cashier offers euro currency exchange and online reservation with collection available at its stores.
For travellers near Essex, Travel Cashier Lakeside is located on Level 2 of Lakeside Shopping Centre, opposite Santander Bank. The branch offers currency buying and selling, Click & Collect and money transfer services.
Can I Reserve Euros Online and Collect Them?
Yes. Click & Collect can be useful if you want to arrange your travel money before visiting the store.
Travel Cashier allows customers to reserve currency online and collect it from the selected branch. The Lakeside store states that the online rate can be held until collection.
This can make collecting your euros more convenient because you can arrange your currency before heading to the store.
What Denominations of Euros Should I Take?
It's useful to have a mixture of euro notes rather than only large denominations.
For everyday spending, smaller notes can be convenient for:
- Cafés
- Small shops
- Taxis
- Markets
- Tips
- Small purchases
If you're exchanging a larger amount, you can ask your currency provider about the available denominations.
Try to avoid carrying your entire holiday budget in one wallet or purse.
How Can I Keep My Euros Safe in Spain?
Spain is a popular tourist destination, and travellers should take normal precautions with money and valuables.
The UK government advises travellers to be particularly careful with passports, money and belongings in areas such as airports and when checking in or collecting luggage. It also recommends not keeping all valuables in one place.
Some simple precautions include:
1. Don't carry all your cash at once
Take the amount you need for the day and keep the rest securely stored.
2. Keep a backup payment method
Carry a suitable bank or credit card separately from your main cash.
3. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash
Only take out the amount you need when paying.
4. Keep important documents secure
Your passport, cards and cash should not all be stored in the same place.
Do I Need to Declare Cash When Travelling to Spain?
There are specific rules for carrying large amounts of cash.
According to current UK government travel advice, travellers entering Spain must declare cash or travellers' cheques worth €10,000 or more.
This is very different from the amount most holidaymakers would normally carry for everyday spending.
If you plan to travel with a large amount of money, check the latest requirements before your journey.
How Much Should a Couple Take to Spain for One Week?
A couple can estimate their spending by calculating their expected daily expenses.
For example:
€60 per person per day × 7 days = €420 per person
For two people:
€420 × 2 = €840
This is only an example—not a fixed recommended budget.
Your actual spending could be considerably lower or higher depending on whether you have an all-inclusive holiday, cook some meals yourself, eat at restaurants frequently, or plan expensive activities.
A better approach is to calculate your expected expenses before travelling and then decide how much should be held in cash versus available on your cards.
Tips for Getting Your Spain Travel Money Ready
Before travelling to Spain, consider the following checklist:
✔ Check the current exchange rate
Compare the rate before buying your euros.
✔ Check for additional fees
A slightly better-looking exchange rate may not be better if extra fees are added.
✔ Decide how much cash you actually need
Don't automatically exchange your entire holiday budget into physical cash.
✔ Keep a card as backup
Make sure you have another way to pay if you lose your cash.
✔ Order your euros before travelling
If you know your required amount, arranging your currency before departure can make your journey easier.
✔ Keep some smaller notes
They can be useful for everyday spending.
✔ Check the latest travel advice
Travel requirements and rules can change, so check official guidance before departure.
Should I Buy Euros Before I Fly or in Spain?
There isn't one answer for every traveller.
Buying euros before your trip gives you the convenience of arriving with local currency already in your wallet.
If you decide to exchange money before travelling, compare the available rates and fees and consider reserving your currency online.
You can buy travel money through Travel Cashier and arrange collection before your holiday.
Get Your Euros Ready for Your Spain Holiday
Planning your travel money doesn't need to be complicated.
Work out your expected daily spending, decide how much you want to carry in physical cash, and keep a suitable card as a backup.
For most travellers, the goal isn't to carry as much cash as possible. It's to have enough euros for everyday spending while keeping your money secure and accessible.
If you're travelling from the UK to Spain, arrange your euros in advance and compare rates before you buy.
Planning to buy euros for your next trip? Check Travel Cashier's current rates and reserve your travel money online before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many euros should I take to Spain for 7 days?
It depends on your travel style, accommodation and planned activities. Start by calculating your expected daily spending and multiply it by seven, then add an emergency reserve.
Is €500 enough for a week in Spain?
€500 may be enough for some travellers if accommodation and major expenses are already paid, while others may need more. Your destination, food, activities and transport will determine your actual spending.
Is it better to take cash or a card to Spain?
Using a combination of cash and cards can give you flexibility. Keep some euros for smaller purchases and a suitable card as a backup or for larger payments.
Can I buy euros before travelling to Spain?
Yes. You can buy euros in the UK before your trip. Compare exchange rates, fees and collection options before choosing where to exchange your money.
How much cash can I take into Spain?
Current UK government guidance says cash or travellers' cheques worth €10,000 or more must be declared when entering Spain.
Where can I buy euros near Lakeside?
Travel Cashier Lakeside is located on Level 2 of Lakeside Shopping Centre, opposite Santander Bank. The branch offers currency buying, selling, Click & Collect and money transfer services.
