Money, Money, Money...
Where does it all go? In this country you wake up in the morning, or afternoon, with one shoe on, a cheesy Spanish song stuck in your head and empty pockets. It really isn't an expensive place, but when the money looks like a quarter, well, you spend it like a quarter.
Banking and ATMs
In Spain there are about as many banks as bars, but bartenders work harder. Normal banking hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and that's it. Sometimes they are open on Saturdays, but I wouldn't count on it. The lines are long, smelly, and normally someone will try to cut you, usually an old woman.
Banking here does have its advantages though. You can open up una cuenta de no residente, a non resident account, with a passport. You can deposit any amount in cash or check from your U.S. account, but the checks normally take about 15 days to process. By having an account in a Spanish bank you can avoid paying ATM fees every time you withdraw money and can recharge your phone any time at your ATM. If the exchange rate changes drastically in the months during your stay here it can either be a winning or losing gamble.
Almost all U.S. banks charge a foreign ATM fee when withdrawing money outside the country. Some also charge other fees as well. It is a good idea to talk to your bank about these fees and see which accounts have these fees waived.
Exchanging Cash and Travelers Checks
DO NOT exchange your cash at one of the little exchange booths on the street. They are convenient, but a rip off. Cash should be exchanged at a major bank branch.
There used to be an American Express money exchange located on the bottom floor of the Hotel Inglaterra in Plaza Nueva where one could get the exact amount in euros for your travelers checks. It has since been closed but the Banco Santander Central Hispano will do the same for you in the absence of this office. Their main location is on Avenida de la Constitucion, however you will find other branches around the city. If you bought travelers checks in euros then they will give you that exact amount.
Click here for the latest exchange rates and currency converter
Money Saving Tips
Being more or less on vacation for six months can make budgeting your money difficult. Here are some ideas to make the last months of your trip more like the first.
Cell Phones
- Pick a cell phone plan with a specified cheap time. Only make phone calls during this time. Your cell phone will by far be one of your biggest expenses.
- Set up a preferred calling list with your cell phone provider. You will be able to talk to the people whom you speak with the most for pennies.
- Make one phone call instead of sending the same person 3 text messages. For the same price you can have a minute converstion and answer all their questions.
- Dont lose your phone, but you won't take our advice on this one!
Traveling
Contact Discover Sevilla for all your traveling needs! We can organize any vacation package for you. From a day trip to Gibraltar, trips around Europe or a 6 days in Morocco! let us handle all your travel needs. Contact us now for more information
You can also stop by the office to get the lastest news of current package deals or to plan your trip:
DiscoverSevilla
Calle Joaquín Guichot, 6
41001 Sevilla, España
Tel. 954 226 642 / 955 091 949
Fax 954 222 356
OFFICE HOURS:
10:00am - 8.00pm
Monday through Friday
OJO! Outside of Spain you will have to pay for incoming calls on your cell phone as well. It can be very expensive, so only answer important calls, like... if Susie is calling to update you on her new highlights and tell you that Ralph would only talk to Katie last night.