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The 6 Best Travel Cards for Spain in 2024

If you’re traveling to Spain, a travel money card can make spending and withdrawing cash when you’re away cheaper and more convenient. Different types of travel money cards, including travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards, are available to support different customer needs. The right one for you will depend on your personal preference and how you like to manage your money. 

Read on for all you need to know, including a closer look at travel money card types, some great options to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose. 

Wise – good value debit card for Spain

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let’s start with the Wise card as a good all-round option that allows you to hold and spend euros - the official currency in Spain - as well as a diverse range of other world currencies.

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in USD and switch to EUR before you travel, so you know your travel money budget in advance - or if you’d prefer, you can simply allow the card to automatically switch currencies as and when you need it. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.43%. Plus you can get EUR bank account details - as well as local account details for USD and up to 9 other currencies - to get paid conveniently to your Wise account . 

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the Wise travel money debit card , to help you decide if it's suitable for you.

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card can be used for payments online and in stores, and for cash withdrawals, just like your regular bank card can be. However, with a travel money card you’ll find the features and fees have been optimized for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees. Some travel cards also have options to earn cashback and rewards when you use your card internationally.

6 travel money cards for Spain compared

We’ll look at each of these card options in a little more detail in just a moment, but let’s start with an overview of how 6 top travel money cards for Spain line up side by side:

As you can see, the features of different travel money cards can vary pretty widely. In general travel debit cards can be convenient and often fairly cheap to use, while travel credit cards can offer some nice perks like cashback or rewards - but do mean you might run into interest and late payment charges, depending on how you choose to pay.

Travel debit cards often let you top up a linked account online or through an app, so you can set your budget and can’t spend more than you intend. Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

Broadly speaking, US customers are able to select a travel money card from either a regular bank or a specialist provider, which may be a travel debit card, travel prepaid card or a travel credit card. We’ll walk through what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

• Travel debit cards
• Travel prepaid cards
• Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards for Spain

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and convert a currency balance. While different cards have their own features, travel debit cards can usually be topped up easily online and through an app, with the option to see your balance and get transaction notifications through your phone too. That makes it easier to keep on top of your money, no matter where in the world you are.

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

Wise is a good value travel money debit card for Spain. There’s no fee to open a Wise account, and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

• No fee to open a Wise account , no minimum balance requirement
• 9 USD one time fee to get your Wise card
• 2 withdrawals, to 100 USD value per month for free, then 1.5 USD + 2%
• Hold EUR and 40+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate
• Get local account details to receive EUR, USD and 8 other currencies conveniently

Travel debit card Option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers, so you can simply pick the account you prefer - from Standard plans with no monthly fee, to the 16.99 USD/month Metal plan. All Revolut accounts have linked cards, although exactly what type of card you get depends on your account tier. You can hold around 25 currencies including JPY, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance. 

• No monthly fee if you open a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade for up to 16.99 USD/month 
• Card delivery fees may apply depending on your account tier
• All accounts have some fee free weekday currency conversion with 0.5% fair usage fees after that. Out of hours and exotic currency fees may apply in some cases
• Standard plan holders can withdraw 400 USD overseas per month for free
• Hold about 25 currencies, including USD and EUR

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in Spain

How to choose the best travel debit card for spain.

The best travel debit card for Spain really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money. If you’ll be traveling widely it makes sense to look for an account with mid-market currency exchange and a large selection of supported currencies as well as EUR, like Wise . Other providers like Revolut can also be a good pick, particularly if you’ll use your account very frequently and would prefer to pay a monthly fee to unlock lots of no fee transactions and extra perks.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in Spain?

Different providers set their own limits for card use. Limits may apply daily, weekly or monthly, and can apply to different types of transactions. You might find you have a limit to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make per day, for example, or the value of contactless payments - these limits are set for security and can sometimes be managed and changed in the provider’s app.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards for Spain

With a prepaid travel card you’ll need to order a card and add funds, to pay merchants and make cash withdrawals. While prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely - not all cards are accepted globally, so you’ll need to check network coverage in your destination country.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Bluebird American Express prepaid debit card

You can order a Bluebird prepaid debit card for free online. You’ll then be able to top up in cash or from a bank account. You can also add checks or have funds deposited by others - fees apply for some top up methods. While this card doesn’t allow you to hold foreign currencies, you won’t pay a foreign transaction fee to spend your USD balance abroad, which makes it a good choice when you’re away from home.

• Get a card for free by ordering online
• Top up in a range of ways in USD
• No foreign transaction fee when spending overseas
• ATM withdrawal fees of 2.5 USD or the equivalent when overseas
• American Express cards are not always accepted internationally - check coverage before you travel
• No interest to pay 

Prepaid travel card option 2: Discover it Secured

Discover it Secured is a credit card, but we’ve included it in our roundup of prepaid cards because it’s a secured card, which means you’ll need to pay an upfront deposit, and can then spend to that deposit level every month. Clear off your bill in full to avoid interest, and you could build a credit score, earn cashback and get no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas, too.

• No annual card fee, although interest charges and late payment fees do apply
• No foreign transaction fees for spending overseas
• ATM withdrawal fees may apply including a 10 USD cash advance fee
• Earn cashback on spending and build credit as you do so
• Discover network is not always internationally supported - check your destination before you travel

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in Spain

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for spain.

There’s no single best travel prepaid card for Spain - it’ll come down to your personal preference. If you’re looking specifically for a prepaid debit card you can use in Spain with no foreign transaction fee, try the Bluebird card option. However, if a credit card suits you, the Discover it Secured can be a strong pick thanks to the cash back options available.  

Is there a spending limit with a prepaid card in Spain?

Different prepaid travel cards set their own limits for spending and withdrawals, which can  vary between currencies. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

Related: How to buy Euro in the US

3. Travel Credit Cards for Spain

Travel credit cards typically offer some extra international features compared to regular credit cards, such as low or no foreign transaction fees or extra option to earn rewards when you’re abroad. In general, travel credit cards are safe and convenient but can be more expensive compared to using a debit card option. Before you select the right card for you it’s important to check the fees, rates, eligibility rules and interest rates which apply, so you can make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Travel credit card option 1: Capital One Venture Rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards card has no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas. There’s also a comparatively low cash advance fee when you use an ATM, at 3 USD or 3% whichever is higher. You’ll need to repay your bill in full every month to avoid fees and interest, but can earn travel rewards and miles on your day to day spending.

• No foreign transaction fee
• Earn travel rewards on spending 
• Get extras like lounge access and free travel insurance
• International spending uses the network exchange rate 
• Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a variable interest rate with no foreign transaction fee to pay. However, you’ll need to pay a 95 USD annual card charge to get your card in the first place. Currency conversion uses the network exchange rate - plus there are benefits and rewards available for cardholders.

• Variable interest rates and a 95 USD annual fee
• Check your eligibility and order a card online easily
• Network exchange rates apply

Pros and cons of using credit cards in Spain

How to choose the best travel credit card for spain.

The best travel credit card for Spain will depend on your personal preferences. If you’re interested in earning rewards and cash back on your overseas spending, a travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred could be a good bet as it has no foreign transaction fee and offers rewards on all spending. Whichever card you’re considering you’ll want to weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile.

Which cards are accepted in Spain?

It’s important to know that you may find that different card networks are more popular in one country than they may be in another. For example, while Visa and Mastercard are pretty widely accepted globally, other popular US card networks, like American Express and Discover cards are less likely to be accepted in some countries and regions. In most cases it’s best to carry more than one means of payment when you travel - for example a credit card and a specialist travel money card which has been issued on a different network - so that you always have a plan B if your preferred payment method isn’t available.

If you're a frequent traveller, you can also check out our other travel money guides:

• Best travel cards for Italy
• Best travel cards for France
• Best travel cards for Japan
• Best travel cards for Brazil
• Best travel cards for Turkey

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for Spain?

If you’ve planned travel to Spain you might want to pick a travel money card for EUR spending. Travel money cards have different features, and can be picked up via regular banks or online specialists.

You could opt for a low cost travel debit card which comes with a linked account to hold a selection of currencies - like the Wise debit card . Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the Bluebird American Express debit card which can be linked to a fee free account. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees. 

Use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

Go to Wise Go to Revolut

FAQs - Best travel cards for Spain 2024

1. Which card is best to use in Spain?

There’s no single best card to use in Spain. Which is right for you will depend on your preferences and the features you want to access. Having a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise or Revolut can be a good bet as you’ll be able to hold and exchange EUR alongside dozens of other major currencies for convenience.

2. What is the best way to pay when traveling in Spain?

Spending with your card is convenient when traveling in Spain, but you’ll be best off having several different payment methods just in case your first choice isn’t supported. For example, you could choose 2 different debit or credit cards, issued on different networks, and you could also get euros in advance so you have some cash on you for those times when cards aren’t available.

3. Can you withdraw cash with a credit card in Spain?

You can usually make cash withdrawals with a credit card in Spain at any ATM that supports your card network. You’ll often find that a fee applies, and you may start to accumulate interest on the withdrawn amount immediately. Travel money debit cards from providers like Wise and Revolut can be a lower cost option for cash withdrawals in EUR.

4. Can I use a US card in Spain?

You can use your US card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including in Spain, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for Spain.

5. Are prepaid cards safe?

Prepaid cards from reputable providers are safe to use at home and abroad. They aren’t linked to your main bank account which can offer extra peace of mind, and may also make it easier to manage your travel budget. However, you’ll need to check the card features and fees carefully to make sure you're getting the best match for your needs.

6. What are the main fees for travel cards when traveling?

The fees applied for travel cards can vary widely depending on the provider and the card type. With debit cards you may find ATM fees, and costs for converting currencies, although specialist providers like Wise and Revolut have linked multi-currency accounts which can bring down the costs of currency conversion. Credit card fees include cash advance charges, foreign transaction fees and interest.

Public transport Barcelona: Travel cards & tickets Overview and prices (2024)

Whether you need a single ticket, a 10-ride T-Casual or a “Hola BCN” travel card, here you will find up-to-date prices and information. This will help you find the right ticket for your stay in Barcelona quickly and easily.

Our tips for finding & buying the right ticket for your needs will save you time & money during your trip to Barcelona.

All public transport in Barcelona is organised under a single fare system, run by the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM). This makes it easier for passengers.

The main tickets for visitors and tourists

Here we present what we consider to be the most important tickets for visitors and tourists. For the sake of clarity, we have not included tickets for longer stays, such as monthly tickets, annual tickets, etc. in this list.

Tickets for public transport in Barcelona: the choice is huge. Choosing the right ticket before you travel will save you time and money.

1) Single Ticket

If you want to use the public transport occasionally.

The classic single ticket is the right choice if you only use public transport occasionally. With a single ticket you can, for example, travel on a TMB city bus or use the metro.

Single ticket – current price

The current price (2024) for a single ticket is EUR 2.55. You can buy it from ticket machines.

Single tickets for the local transport companies TMB and FGC in Barcelona. These tickets are not valid on the airport metro / railway lines.

Specific regulations of the single ticket in Barcelona:

• A single ticket does NOT entitle you to use the metro to/from the airport. You need to buy an extra ticket called an “airport ticket”, which costs €5.50 (one way) or €11 (return). Many visitors therefore buy the cheap day ticket “Hola BCN” (see below for details). This ticket includes metro or train service between the city center and the airport. In addition, it offers unlimited travel in all Barcelona’s public transport services for the period of validity (2-5 days).
• Bus, metro and tram have different single tickets , which may not be valid in the other transport system. The 10-Ticket “T-casual” or the “Hola BCN” travel card will get you around this problem.

2) Travel card “Hola BCN!” for 2–5 days: cheap & easy to use

Unlimited travel on bus, metro, tram, suburban train + metro to/from airport.

The “Hola Barcelona Travel Card” is very popular with visitors to the city because it’s easy and convenient to use. You don’t have to deal with the fares and ticketing systems of Barcelona’s 5 transport companies.

One ticket, several names:

Until 2019, this ticket was called “Hola BCN! Now it has a new name: “Hola Barcelona Travel Card”. Apart from the name and the design of the cards, nothing has changed.

One ticket for almost all local transport:

The “Hola BCN” card offers you unlimited journeys using the metro (subway), city buses (TMB), tram, regional railway (Rodalies de Catalunya, Zone 1), urban railway (FGC, zone 1) and the funicular railway (Funicular de Montjuïc).

Hola BCN ticket: easy & cheap use of local transport including airport transfer. Tip: You can buy your ticket online – this will save you time and stress in Barcelona.

“Hola BCN” card includes metro service travel between city center and the airport

F ares and prices of the “Hola BCN” travel card (2024):

2 days validity: €17.50 3 days validity: €25.50 4 days validity: €33.30 5 days validity: €40.80

You can buy the “Hola BCN” card before departure via this website . This may save time and stress.

Buying the “Hola BCN” card – is it worth it?

#1 Save time and stress: Buy the Hola BCN travel card online. You can buy the “Hola BCN” card online – click here After a long flight, you don’t have to deal with fare systems and ticket purchase. You have already the right ticket to take the metro or RENFE train from the airport to downtown Barcelona and back.

#2 Access to top sights only with online tickets – tickets often sold out The spectacular Sagrada Familia church and Park Güell can only be visited with online tickets. Traditional ticket counters no longer exist. Only a fixed contingent of tickets is sold per day. Spontaneous ticket purchases on site are not possible In the high season, tickets are often sold out days in advance. If you would like to visit the sights, we recommend that you buy your tickets online well in advance: → Online tickets for the Sagrada Familia → Online tickets for Park Güell → Instead of buying tickets individually – the more convenient option – Barcelona Essential Pass : Barcelona Essential Pass = Hola Barcelona Travel Card (day pass for public transport) + Sagrada Familia + Park Güell + Sightseeing App

For some top sights, such as the Sagrada Família or Park Güell, there are no longer any ticket counters in Barcelona. Only online tickets are sold.

Even in the off-season, the crowds at sights such as the Sagrada Família are huge. Tickets are sold out days in advance. If you want to visit the top sights, you should buy your tickets online well in advance.

“Hola BCN!” Card – FAQ

If I buy a 3 day card, does it cover a full 72 hours from the time of purchase? You can start using your Hola BCN! card at any time of the day and enjoy all the benefits of unlimited travel for 48 (2 day card), 72 (3 day card), 96 (4 day card) or 120 (5 day card) hours from the first use (validation).

Is there a discount for children or a children’s ticket for the Hola BCN Travel card? Children under the age of four do not need a ticket. They travel free. Older children require a standard Hola BCN! card.

→ You can find more information about the HolaBCN Card here

3) Barcelona Card: free travel on public transport + discount card for sightseeing

Ideal ticket for visitors who want to discover the city’s attractions.

With the Barcelona Card, you can discover many of Barcelona’s cultural and leisure activities for free or at a reduced price. It is a combination of a day pass for public transport and a discount card for entrance fees. It gives you unlimited free travel on public transport (including the metro to and from the airport) . You can save money with more than 85 discounts and time by skipping the queue at some attractions.

The Barcelona Card is issued by the official tourist office of the City of Barcelona and offers more than 85 advantages :

• Free or reduced admission for museums, aquarium, zoo…
• Skip the line entry for some attractions
• Free or reduced admission for events or tours (with guide) through the city
• Unlimited and free travel on public transport : city bus, metro (also airport route), tram, Renfe – trains (suburban train, zone 1), FGC-Bahn (suburban train, zone 1) – comparable to the “Hola BCN Card” see above
• For children between the ages of 4 and 12, there’s the Barcelona Card Kids, which offers all the advantages of the Barcelona Card at a significantly reduced price..

Barcelona Card: day ticket for public transport (incl. airport line) + 85 discounts at tourist attractions: some with free entry and queue skip.

Buying the “Barcelona Card” card – is it worth it?

The Barcelona Card is more expensive than the “Hola BCN” public transport card, as it includes many benefits for sightseeing & more. But if you are planning to visit some of the sights, the Barcelona Card can save you time and money.

The Barcelona Card is available for 72h, 96h or 120h (3, 4 or 5 consecutive days).

The Barcelona Card also gives you priority access to some attractions (skip the queue). This saves you having to queue at the entrance.

Prices for the Barcelona Card (2024):

3 days: 53 euros / 30 euros  (adults / kids) 4 days: 63 euros / 40 euros  (adults / kids) 5 days: 75 euros / 45 euros  (adults / kids)

Save time and stress by buying the Barcelona Card online – no extra charges Here you can buy the “Barcelona Card” online before departure – without any extra charge . You can also find out more about the discounts on this page. Bonus: After a long flight, you don’t have to deal with fare systems and ticket machines. You already have the right ticket to take the metro from the airport to Barcelona city centre and back.

4) 10 journey ticket “T-Casual” former “ATM T-10”

Cheaper than a single ticket – airport transfer is not possible.

The 10 journey card “T-10” will no longer be available from 2020. It is now called “T-Casual”. The “T-Casual” card is suitable for you, if you have a longer stay in Barcelona with a rare use of the public transport.

With the T-Casual card you can use the metro, trams, suburban trains (Rodalies) or buses a total of 10 times.

The T-Casual card cannot be used by several people at the same time.

Prices for the 10-ticket (T-Casual)

A ride with this ticket is cheaper than by a “single ticket”. The ticket “T-Casual” currently costs (2024):

• for one zone: €12.15
•  for 2 zones: €23.90

It is available at the ticket vending machines.

The 10-ride “T-10” card no longer exists. It is now called “T-Casual”. This card is not valid for the airport lines of the underground/trains.

Specific regulations of the “T-Casual” ticket:

• The 10-ticket “T-Casual” does not include the metro ride to or from the airport . A separate ticket (airport ticket – €10.30 return) is required. This is why many visitors buy the day ticket “Hola BCN” (see above) . This allows you to travel to and from the airport and use Barcelona’s public transport for the chosen period (2-5 days).
• With a “T-Casual” 1-zone ticket, you have 75 minutes between the first and last validation when changing lines or mode of transport.
• The T-Casual card cannot be used by more than one person at the same time. This was possible with the “T-10” card, which is no longer available.

5) Group ticket for travel groups or school classes

For larger groups, school classes, etc. there is no convenient group ticket.

HolaBCN Travel Card for travel groups

Many travel groups therefore use the HolaBCN ticket .

With this ticket you can use public transport cheaply and unlimitedly (including airport transfers by metro). Each member of the group gets their own card. This means that someone in your group can also travel individually.

The right ticket for a group trip – here are our tips

In addition, you can order this ticket online before departure at no extra charge via this website . So you don’t have to deal with a large amount of money at the machine while your group is waiting impatiently. When buying online, you will get an invoice for all tickets, which makes it easier to cash up a group trip.

6) Overview: tickets & prices (2024)

7) Barcelona urban transport zones

For how many zones do i have to buy my ticket.

he price of the ticket depends on the number of zones you wish to travel through. A ticket must always be purchased according to the number of zones that the passenger is travelling through. A maximum of 6 zones can be paid for.

Most tourists stay in zone 1

Nearly 300 municipalities are involved in Barcelona’s public transport system. That’s why the area is so vast. Most of the tourist attractions and the centre of the Barcelona region are in Zone 1.

Download: Map of public transport zones in Barcelona

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ 2024

How much does a single ticket cost in Barcelona 2024?

A single ticket for the bus, tram or metro will cost €2.55 in 2024.

Many visitors to the city prefer to buy the “Hola Barcelona Travel Ticket” day pass. It is cheap and pays for itself with just a few trips. In addition, the airport transfer by metro is also free with this card.

You can find more information in our online travel guide.

How much does a day ticket cost in Barcelona?

The day pass “HolaBCN!” costs 2024:

With the “Hola BCN” card you can use the metro (subway, incl. airport transfer), the city buses, the streetcar (Tram), the suburban train (Rodalies, zone 1), the suburban trains (FGC, zone 1) and the funicular (Funicular de Montjuïc) unlimited over the validity period (2, 3, 4 or 5 days).

You can buy the day pass online before your trip. This saves time and stress in Barcelona. More information about this in our travel guide.

Is there a 10-trip card for local transport in Barcelona?

The 10-trip card for local transport in Barcelona is called “T-Casual”. It costs 12.15 euros for one zone in 2024 and 23.90 euros for 2 zones. It does NOT entitle you to take the metro to and from the airport.

More information about this, but also alternatives like a day pass, can be found in our travel guide. 

Barcelona public transport: Is there a group ticket?

For larger groups, school classes, etc. there is no convenient group ticket. Therefore, many travel groups use the HolaBCN day ticket .

It is uncomplicated to use, as it allows you to use local transport cheaply and without limits (including the airport transfer by metro).

If I bought the 3 or 4 days pass on line: 1) can I pay with a Euro credit card by a French bank; 2) where do I pick up the card on arrival in Barcelona.

Dear Walter,

thank you for your post. If you decide to book online a “Hola BCN!” card, you don’t book it via our website. We just show with our link, that you can book it at getyourguide.com, Europe’s leading company for booking tourist guides, tours and tickets. So you have the standards and service of a big company. Nevertheless we want to answer your question. 1) Yes, you can pay by credit card or PayPal. 2) After booking, you receive a voucher via email. Your voucher must be printed and exchanged at the Barcelona Tourism Office located at Plaça Catalunya, 17 or at any other tourist information point. There are also tourist information points at the Barcelona ElPrat Airport (terminals 1 and 2). So you can easy get yout ticket and use the metro, to get e.g. to the city center.

Hello, we travel to Barcelona on the 4/1/17 and our party is 2 adults and a child. Is there a child price or is it just a flat one price for all? We would want the Hola BCN 4

Hello Julia, thank your for your question. Here the official terms of use of tickets :”Children under four are not required to have a ticket. All other passengers must have a valid, suitable and validated ticket.” There is no special HolaBCN! ticket for children older than 4 years. That means: If your child is under four you don’t need a ticket, if your child is 4 years and older you need a standard HolaBCN! ticket.

Hi!With the Hola BCN card can I take the metro from and towards the airport?Or I can take the metro just one time from the airport?Thank you!

Dear Bia, If your HolaBCN! Card is still valid, you can use it to travel from AND to the airport.

Hi, Could you be so kind and let me know, if Hola BCN is valid for all metro lines and stations marked on this map?: https://travelguide.barcelona/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/metrobarcelona_networkmap.pdf For example, if I want to go from Barcelona to Badalona by metro, is the Hola BCN valid for all these zones? Or I need to buy additional tickets for the zones outside Barcelona? Thank you in advance for your information.

Dear Darek, the HolaBCN! card, allows you make as many journeys as you like in the whole metro network.

Hello Let me know any discount is available for the entrance at attraction tourist spots by buying HolaBCN card

The HolaBCN! card offers no discounts to museums or attractions. It is a ticket for public transport.

But there are two City Passes, that offer free public transport, free admission to various museums and attractions and skip-the-line admission:

– Barcelona City Pass : Free public transport, free entrance to Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia (Skip the line admission), free city tour, free harbor cruise, free admission to museums and attractions, and special discounts on sightseeing, shopping, eating, and drinking.

– Barcelona Card : Cheaper and minor offers than the Barcelona City Pass

The links provide more information

Hello. Can we use one HolaBCN CARD FOR 2 adults, as we will be only staying for 2 days ?

Dear Naveen, the Hola BCN! card is a non-transferable travel card. One card can only be used by one person.

Have a nice stay

If i buy the hola bcn! Card online can i exhange the voucher in the AirPort? So we can use already from AirPort to centre of Barcelona? Many thanx

Dear David,

Your voucher must be printed and exchanged at one of the 17 Barcelona Tourism Offices or other tourist information points. There are two at Barcelona airport (terminals 1 and 2). You can exchange your voucher direct at the BCN Airport and use the Metro from Airport to City Center with your HolaBCN Card. So you save the money for the standard Metro Airport Ticket (4.50 Euro one way).

If we arrive at Barcelona Sants rail station, can we exchange the voucher at the train station to ride the bus or metro into the city?

there is a “Turisme de Barcelona tourist information point” direct at Barcelona Sants railway station. There you can exchange your voucher. Than you can use the Metro, city bus… Opening Times : daily, from 8am to 8pm.

If I buy a 3 day pass does it cover a full 72 hours from when I buy it… or in other words…. if I buy it at 21.30 on Wednesday does it run out at 21.30 on Saturday?

Hello Robin,

you can start using your Hola BCN! card at any time of day and get all the advantages of unlimited travel over 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours as of the first validation.

Is the hop on hop off included in the HOLA BCN ticket ??

Hello Vania,

thanks for your question. Hola BCN is a travel card for public transport (city bus, metro, commuter rail…). Private buses as “Hop on hop off buses” or aerobus is not included.

Here you can find actual prices and information about hop on hop off bus tours in Barcelona. You can book these tours before departure without any extra charge. This may save time and stress.

Hop on Hop off in Barcelona

Have a nice trip

If I buy a 2 day HolaBCN ticket and activate it on 14/11/2017 at 10.00 does the 2 day period stop on 16/11/2017 at 09.59 or does it stop at midnight on 15/11/2017?

Hello Brendan,

a 48h HolaBCN ticket is valid for 48h after first validation. In your case from 14/11/2017 10.00 to 16/11/2017 09.59.

Enjoy your trip.

Thinking of purchasing the Hola BCN for 4 days for the F1 in May 2018, but am I correct in thinking that it will actually run out on the 4th day – which for us would be the Sunday at 2pm as we arriving on the prior Thursday around 2pm?

Hello Cassey,

If you buy a 4 day (96 hour card) on Thursday 2pm, it runs out following Monday 1.59pm, not Sunday as you wrote.

Hi, thinking of purchasing the Hola bcn card for 9 of us for hen do in June. We will arrive on the Friday at approx 12:15, and we fly home on the Monday at approx 13:00, would we need the 3 or 4 day card to cover us for the whole trip? Thanks in advance!

your aircraft lands at 12.15? Due to waiting times, e.g. at the baggage claim, you will not enter the metro at Friday before 13.00. To depart Monday at 13:00, you must check in at the airport before 13:00. The 3 day Hola BCN! is valid for 72h as of the first validation. So from our point of view, the 3 day card is the right card for you.

Very informative! Thanks Hola BCN! We’re flying to Barcelona today. ???????

Hi. Is the N17 buses included in the Hola Barcelona travel card?

The N17 Nitebus is operated by the private bus company Mohn. The Hola Barcelona travel card is NOT valid on this bus.

Have fun in Barcelona

I understand that a Hola BCN card includes a free roundtrip metro ride between the airport and city center. If I buy a 3-day Hola BCN card on Day 1 and leave Barcelona on Day 5, is my card still valid for a free return ride from city center to the airport?

The period of use for the HolaBCN card begins with the first use and ends in your case 3 days later.

Hello, can I use the HolaBCN travel card to Molins de Rei from Barcelona city centre?

Hi David, Molins de Rei is in fare zone 2B. The Hola BCN ticket is not valid here. Have fun in Barcelona

Hi, I would like to ask if I buy a HolaBCN 48 hours, can I use that from Granollers Centre to Barcelona city centre ? Are all the zones are covered in HolaBCN ?

Hello Aj, Granollers Center is in Zone 3 and is therefore outside the validity of the Hola BCN Travel Card. One-way tickets are probably the best alternative. Have fun in Barcelona

Hello, can I use the HolaBCN travel card to Montmeló station from Barcelona city centre? I am going to MotoGP and I need to get to Montmelo so I can after that use shuttle bus to the circuit.

Hello Ana, The “Montmeló” station of the Formula 1 circuit is approximately 15-20 km from Barcelona city centre (FGC zone 2D). The Hola BCN ticket is not valid here. Enjoy the race

I’ve got two questions. 1/ how can I find out when my Hola BCN Card expires? I can’t really remember when I used the first time. 2/ I know the Hola BCN card is for TMB buses in Barcelona but why TMB app (I use a Journey Planner) shows me AMB bus?

Thank you in advance.

Hello Dayo, 1) Once you have purchased the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you have 90 days from the day of purchase to validate your card. After that, i.e. after the first validation, the card will expire depending on the number of hours you have on your card. For example, if you validate the 2-day card (48 hours) on Tuesday at 8am, you can travel unlimited until Thursday at 8am.

2)The TMB app shows all buses TMB operating in Barcelona.

Have fun in Barcelona.

Hi, Thank you for reply. 1/ I know about this but the question was “how can I found out what time I first used the Hola Card as I don’t remember. But anyway someone told me it’s on printed on the back of the card 😀 Me silly. 2/ “The TMB app shows all buses operating in Barcelona”. Not true. I used the app and waited for a bus and then I found out from the driver that I couldn’t use his bus because it’s a different company (AMB). Then I realised on the app I can use buses with red numbers.

Hi we’re a family of six and will be visiting Barcelona and it seems like the Hola Barcelona card is the best option. Will in need to buy one for each of my kids (ages 3,7,9), or do any of those ages ride public transport for free?

Hello Ryan, Children under four are not required to have a ticket. They travel free. Older children need a standard Hola BCN! card.

Enjoy your Barcelona trip

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Hola Barcelona Travel Card

This Barcelona transport pass offers unlimited journeys on metro, bus (TMB) and the other Barcelona public transport network over 2 (48 h), 3 (72 h), 4 (96 h) or 5 (120 h) consecutive days, with one ticket.

You can use your Hola Barcelona Travel Card at any time of day and get unlimited journeys over 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours from the first validation. The card is also valid for metro journeys from Barcelona Airport to the city centre and vice versa

2 day Hola Barcelona Travel Card (48h)

The 2 day travel card includes unlimited journeys on Barcelona’s public transport over 2 consecutive days.

Price : €17.50 (10% online discount)

3 day Hola Barcelona Travel Card (72h)

The 3 day travel card includes unlimited journeys on Barcelona’s public transport over 3 consecutive days.

Price : €25.50 (10% online discount)

4 day Hola Barcelona Travel Card (96h)

The 4 day travel card includes unlimited journeys on Barcelona’s public transport over 4 consecutive days.

Price : €33.30 (10% online discount)

5 day Hola Barcelona Travel Card (120h)

The 5 day travel card includes unlimited journeys on Barcelona’s public transport over 5 consecutive days.

Price : €40.80 (10% online discount)

Watch on YouTube "Hola Barcelona Travel Card, the best way to visit Barcelona" video. 1'30"

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Best ways to spend travel money in Spain: Debit & prepaid cards

Learn more about the best card to use, if you should use a uk debit card and other ways to take spending money to spain..

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In this guide

Should I use cash or a card to pay for things in Spain?

Low cost travel money options for spain, how many euros do i need to bring to spain, travel card, debit card or credit card, currency in spain, buying currency in the uk, exchanging cash, using atms in spain, bottom line.

Hola, amigos! Planning on heading to the land of paella and flamenco? Organise your travel money options ahead of time and you can spend more time soaking in the rich culture rather than worrying how you’re going to pay your way.

Although many places accept over-the-counter card payments, it is always advisable to have some cash with you in Spain. Expect to use it to pay for smaller purchases of up to €20 at many shops and restaurants. Familiarise yourself with the euros below to make sure you’re not accidentally paying too much on your holiday.

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Spain travel update, summer 2022.

Now that the UK has left the EU, UK holidaymakers travelling to Spain may be required to show proof of accommodation, a return flight and holiday spending funds of €100 (£85) per day, at Spanish border control. These new rules received a lot of media coverage as the UK’s 2022 summer holiday season began, but Spanish authorities confirmed the measures have been in place since January 2022 and apply as standard to all non-EU visitors. These are spot checks and will not be carried out for every UK traveller, but tourists should be aware of these requirements.

Using debit cards

Travel-friendly debit cards can give you the best of both worlds: the ability to spend your own money abroad and the freedom to withdraw cash without incurring extra charges. The best debit cards for travel in Spain will allow you to withdraw euros from an ATM without incurring foreign ATM usage fees. Over the length of a trip, ATM fees can add up to the price of a night out. Have a look at the Virgin Money M Plus current account . You get a Mastercard Debit card to use over the counter or at ATMs. Virgin Money doesn’t charge for currency conversion, there’s no international ATM charge and no account keeping fee either.

Using travel prepaid cards

You can load euros onto all travel money cards and spend without incurring the fee for currency conversion. This is the main feature of any travel money card, and one of the main reasons why they’re popular with travellers. With that box ticked, choosing the right travel money card to take to Spain will require a comparison of the cards’ other features such as reload fees, inactivity fees and ATM withdrawal fees.

• Tip: You reload these products via online transfer while you’re overseas. It can take up to 3 business days for some types of payment to clear, and even longer if you try to reload your card over a weekend or public holiday. With this in mind, avoid letting your balance drain to €0 before loading to avoid being stranded without any funds.

Using credit cards

There are a number of competitive credit card products designed for travellers. Credit cards often come with other bonuses such as complimentary travel insurance and rewards for spending. You shouldn’t be using your credit card to get cash from an ATM, though. Cash advance charges and interest can add up quickly and eat away your available credit.

Using traveller’s cheques

Traveller’s cheques give you security. Only you can cash your cheques. However, given the money back guarantees in place from card providers if you’re the victim of card fraud, traveller’s cheques have been made redundant. You’re able to spend conveniently and safely in Spain using your debit card, credit card or travel card.

Spain is an enormous and diverse country. Prices and expenses will vary depending on the region. Even in the more expensive urban centres of Madrid and Barcelona, there are options for food, accommodation and activities to suit most tastes and budgets.

*Prices are indicative and subject to change

The national currency for Spain is the euro. As one of the major global currencies, all travel cards let you load and spend euros. But is a travel card the best travel money product for your trip? Visa and Mastercard have wide acceptance at shops and ATMs throughout Spain. You can use your debit card or credit card like you would in the UK; just look for products that waive the currency conversion fee when you spend.

Most digital banking apps , which are a great option owing to very low transaction and withdrawal fees, come with either a Visa or Mastercard bank card . They work as normal bank accounts do, so the “topping up” process simply consists of transferring money into the account.

Travel money options for Spain at a glance

This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.

To avoid overpaying when using cash, familiarise yourself with the euro banknotes. The euro comes in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.

There’s no limit to the amount of cash you can bring with you to Spain. However, you’ll need to make a declaration at customs if you’re travelling with more than €10,000 cash (this includes traveller’s cheques). You have a number of options for picking up euros in the UK. Your bank can sell you euros for a competitive rate; however, you will be charged a commission for the service.

Providers such as the Post Office also sell you euros – you can order online and collect your cash from a branch near you before you leave. There’s no commission and they offer a reasonably competitive rate compared with many banks. For example, buying £500 worth of euros from the Post Office’s online Travel Money shop gives you €570 compared with €570.5 from Travelex (rates correct as of March 2024).

If you have foreign cash to change you will be overwhelmed with choice in Barcelona and Madrid. Exchange offices away from tourist attractions and banks will have better exchange rates. If you want to get the most competitive exchange rate, don’t get money changed at the airport.

You will be able to find ATMs in all Spanish towns and cities, petrol stations, shopping centres and bus and train stations. Bank-affiliated ATMs generally won’t charge you for usage except for Catalunya Caixa Bank, which will charge a couple of euros. Most ATMs, and almost all in larger towns and cities, will have an English option.

Interview with Michael about travel money and his trip to Spain

Merrymaking in Barcelona and Madrid

Michael visited Barcelona and Madrid on his way to Lisbon from Paris. Barcelona was his first stop in Spain, and visiting the Sagrada Familia was number 1 on his to-do list. All up, Michael spent 2 weeks in Spain: 1 week in Barcelona and 1 week in Madrid. He travelled on the Eurostar, which was a little expensive, but convenient and a great way to see the European countryside.

What cards did you take?

Michael says he took 2 debit accounts and a credit card to Spain.

• Citibank Plus Transaction Account
• Existing credit card

Why did you take these cards?

Michael used his Citibank card as a travel card. It was free to open and cost nothing to keep so he wasn’t concerned if he didn’t use it once he got back home. He transferred money from his original account to his Citibank account and then used the Citibank Plus to withdraw from ATMs. Many bank ATMs throughout Europe do not charge local operator fees. His Citibank card doesn’t charge for international ATM withdrawals or for currency conversion so he was getting a pretty good deal each time he took out cash. He also used his Citibank Plus card to make over-the-counter purchases where he could to avoid the 3% fee for currency conversion. He used his credit card to pay for flights and secured complimentary international travel insurance.

Where could you use your cards?

Michael says he used his card more than cash in Madrid; there were lots of places where he could use his Mastercard and Visa cards. He says minimum transaction amounts were a problem; for example, he had to buy 3 or 4 packs of cigarettes at a time to get over the €10–€20 minimum transaction amount. There is a very low or minimum limit for card payments at supermarket chains such as Mercadona and Carrefour.

Did you use ATMs?

Michael says he made withdrawals from ATMs with an affiliation to his banks: Citibank, Barclays Bank and Deutsche Bank. He didn’t have to go far to find one of these machines in Madrid.

What tips do you have for using travel money in Spain?

The Madrid tourist card was offered to Michael but he turned it down. This gives you free entry to museums, free guide books and access to guided tours. Michael says this is only a good idea if you plan on spending a couple of days filled to the brim with culture spotting. There’s a saving on museum entry fees of approximately €10 but prices for the card start at €50 for a 1-day pass. Michael also says watch out for the IVA tax, which isn’t included in some bills and can be as high as 21%.

A combination of travel money products is the best approach to funding your trip to Spain. Use a debit card or a travel card to withdraw cash from ATMs and to make over-the-counter purchases when available, and use a credit card for emergencies and big ticket purchases. Credit cards offer up to 55 days interest free on purchases if you pay your account by the statement due date, and there are cards which provide complimentary insurance to protect important purchases against damage and loss.

By spreading your travel money across a couple of accounts, you won’t be caught without cash if a card goes missing and you can take advantage of money-saving travel perks. Travellers to Spain may be surprised at how easy it is to get by without spending a fortune. With a few travel money tricks up your sleeve, it’s easy to sample all of the joys of Spain, from flamenco to Dalí.

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Matthew Boyle

Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in spain.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, see spain by train.

Once upon a time, Spain had one of the most backward train networks in western Europe.  Now, they have one of the best, indeed, one of my favourite rail systems.  High-speed AVE trains (Alta Velocidad Española) link major cities at up to 300 km/h (186mph), and if you book in advance online you can find some great cheap fares.  This page will give you a heads-up on how to travel cheaply around Spain by train.

A guide to taking the train in Spain

    Barcelona Sants    Madrid Atocha    Madrid Chamartin   Malaga

    Valencia   Alicante & Benidorm   Seville Santa Justa   Vigo

International trains to & from Spain

Other train travel information, useful country information, spain by train, the key things to know.

Avlo is a lo-cost subsidiary of Renfe which runs Barcelona-Madrid, other routes planned.  Their trains are one class only, with no-catering.

Ouigo Spain is a lo-cost subsidiary of SNCF (French Railways) which runs Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Valencia & Madrid-Alicante, other routes planned.  Two class, with basic catering.

Elige (Choice) = A semi-flexible fare, you can choose between Elige (2nd class seat) or for a higher price, Elige Confort (1st class seat).

Now for the catch, and it's some catch that Catch 22:  You can only buy a Tarjeta Dorada in person at a Renfe station when you get to Spain.  You cannot buy it online.  But you can't buy tickets online in advance with the Tarjeta Dorada discount until after you've bought the card because you need to enter the card number to get the discount.  So if you're planning a trip to Spain, it's better to forget about being senior and just buy a normal adult advance-purchase ticket now for perhaps €30 without any Tarjeta Dorada discount, than to wait until you get to Spain to buy a Tarjeta Dorada to get 25% off a fare which by that time (on or close to departure date) might have risen to €90.  Just let that sink in...

How to buy tickets & check train times

You can buy tickets at any Renfe station or online at www.renfe.com , but see the advice on using Renfe.com below .  There's no booking fee, but Renfe.com is a pain to use with some confusing translations and quirks, it's also known for sometimes rejecting overseas payment cards.  It's far easier (and quicker!) to buy tickets in plain English using www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, small booking fee, works for anyone from any country) or www.raileurope.com ( various currencies, small booking fee), Omio.com (various currencies, small booking fee) or www.petrabax.com (in US$, with a small mark-up).  These websites all connect to Renfe's ticketing system and sell the same trains at the same prices with no payment problems and the same official Renfe print-at-home tickets.

Real time information

You can see whether a train is on time and which platform it will leave from, if you download thetrainline.com 's app and run an enquiry for today. Trainline's app show real time information for all operators, Renfe, Avlo, Iryo & Ouigo.

Combinado Cercanias : Free suburban travel with a long-distance ticket

When you buy a ticket for one of Renfe's long-distance trains ( AVE , Euromed , Alvia , Intercity ) of any fare type in any class for a journey within Spain, or any ticket for an Iryo train , you get free travel from any Renfe suburban station at the start of your journey and free travel to any Renfe suburban station at the end of your journey, in the following cities:

Asturias, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cadiz, Madrid, Malaga, Murcia/Alicante, San Sebastian, Santander, Seville, Valencia and Zaragoza.  You also get free travel from/to any ex-FEVE narrow-gauge station in Asturias, Santander, Bilbao & Cartagena.

If your ticket includes this, it will say Combinado Cercanias in the corner with a reference number.

At your starting city, you must use the suburban ticket within 3 hours of your long-distance train departure, and at your destination you must use the suburban ticket within 4 hours of your long-distance train's arrival.

You can travel to or from any suburban station within that city's numbered zones, but not outside the zones - so longer rural routes to stations outside the urban zonal area such as Barcelona to Portbou or Latour de Carol are not included.

Different cities have different processes:  To access the suburban (Cercanias) platforms in Madrid, Barcelona or Malaga, place the QR code of your long-distance ticket against the scanner on the Cercanias ticket gates and they will open.  In some cities, you may need to use the Combinado Cercanias code printed on your ticket to get a Cercanias ticket out of one of the Cercanias ticket machines, or go to a ticket window.

Add a meal box to your booking in Elige Confort on AVE & Euromed .  You can add a meal box to your booking if you buy an Elige fare for Confort class on AVE , Euromed or some Alvia trains at Renfe.com.  You can add it when you book or afterwards, at least 12h before the train leaves its origin station.  You can't add it if you use 3rd party retailers.  There's a choice of menu, the Iberico and Nordic menus are both pretty good.  The cafe-bar staff have a list with your seat number, they will come and ask what drink you want with it, then bring it to your seat.

Luggage control into first-floor departures at Madrid Atocha.  Only takes a few minutes, nothing like an airport.

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Spanish train fares & classes explained

In July 2021, Renfe introduced a completely new fares structure for all its long-distance trains including the high-speed AVE, and also changed the terms it uses for 1st & 2nd class.  It's easy to get confused between what's a class of accommodation and what's a fare type, so here's a run-down of Renfe's new classes & fares.

Standard & Comfort class

Básico, elige & premium fares.

Elige (Choice).  A semi-flexible fare.  If you select this you get a choice of Elige to travel in Standard (2nd) class or Elige Confort at a higher price to travel in Comfort (1st) class but without any included food or access to lounges.  Elige & Elige Confort tickets are refundable & changeable for a fee.

Sala Club lounges

If you pay the Premium fare for an AVE or Euromed train you can use Renfe's Sala Club (1st class lounge) at Madrid Atocha , Madrid Chamartin , Barcelona Sants , Cordoba, Seville Santa Justa , Malaga Maria Zambrano , Alicante , Zaragoza and several other major stations, the opening hours and full list are on the Renfe website.

Sala Club at Madrid Atocha.

Railpasses for Spain

Option 1, eurail & interrail passes.

Unfortunately, Interrail & Eurail passes do not offer hop on, hop off convenience in Spain because all Spanish long-distance trains and even many short-distance ones require a reservation.  This costs around €10 for AVEs and other premier trains or €7 for lesser trains.

The next problem is that Interrail & Eurail reservations can't always be made online.

Passholder reservations for most AVE trains and some Alvia / Intercity / Euromed trains can be made online at the Interrail/Eurail reservations service , but some trains can't be booked online anywhere , you have to make reservations at a station in Spain.  Getting served in summer at a busy ticket office in Madrid or Barcelona can take up to two hours (yes, you read that right) and Spanish trains often leave full so waiting until you get there isn't ideal.

Option 2, Renfe's Spain Pass

Renfe offer its own Spain Pass to anyone resident outside Spain.  This can be better value as it includes all reservations, no hidden costs.  However, unlike Interrail & Eurail passes it does not give unlimited travel.  One journey = 1 train ride, if you change trains, that's 2 journeys.

You can buy a Renfe Spain Pass giving either 4, 6, 8 or 10 individual one-way train journeys of any length in a one-month period on all of Renfe's long-distance & medium-distance trains, including AVE , Euromed , Alvia , Intercity , Media Distancia & Avant . 

With the Renfe Spain Pass, reservations can be made for free and there are no extra fees or quotas - if there is an empty seat on the train, you're entitled to it with your Spain Pass, although be warned that Spanish high-speed trains can indeed get fully-booked close to departure date.

How to buy a Renfe Spain pass

You can buy a Spain pass online at www.renfe.com/es/en.../renfe-spain-pass (has a few quirky translations and sometimes struggles with some credit cards).  The passes are completely electronic.  After setting up an account and buying your own pass, you can buy passes for your travelling companions as separate transactions.  They will also appear as passes in your account.

You have up to 6 months to make your first trip after you buy the pass, then one month to use the remaining trips after that first trip.

You can make reservations to go with a Spain pass either at stations as you go or at www.renfe.com , but the online method isn't obvious.  Here's how to make Renfe Pass seat reservations using www.renfe.com ( feedback appreciated ):

1. After buying your Renfe pass, go to www.renfe.com and switch it to English by clicking the globe logo at top right and select Ingles .

2. Log into your account and select the tab called My passes. You should see each Renfe pass you have bought for you and your companions. 

3. Look for the Validation link partway down (Formalización in Spanish). Click that, and a journey planner page appears with which you can make pass reservations.

You can only make reservations for one person/pass at a time.  But if you click Choose seats you can select your seat from a seat map and can use this feature to select seats next to each other.

Important:  When you make your first reservation, Renfe assumes that this is the first train you want to take with your pass and automatically starts the one-month pass validity from that date.  This now prevents you from making reservations on an earlier date.  So make sure that the first reservation you make is for the day you intend to start using the pass!

Is a Renfe pass a good idea?

I've had one report that Renfe pass reservations were unavailable when normal tickets were still being sold.  This suggests that there is some sort of quota for passholder places, although I cannot prove it.  If there's a quota, this would make me very nervous about committing to a Renfe pass.  My personal view is that it's a lot easier to buy normal point-to-point tickets than to battle with a pass and passholder reservations, and if you want pass-style flexibility, simply buy a flexible/refundable Elige or Premium fare for each journey which can be changed and/or refunded in the Renfe app on your phone - only that gives true flexibility!

What are Spanish trains like?

AVE or Alta Velocidad Española trains are Renfe's front-rank high-speed services.  Reservation is compulsory, there are standard and comfort class seats, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

If you pay the Premium fare, an airline-style hot tray meal with wine is included although on some departures you get a snack box instead, see the food & drink section above .  AVE trains come in various types.

AVE trains come in various types, see the AVE page for more information, photo & tips .

A type S103 AVE at Madrid Atocha .  More about AVE trains .

Euromed trains

Euromed trains operate the fast services on the Barcelona-Valencia-Alicante corridor, with Intercity trains operating the slower services.  Euromed trains have standard & comfort class, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  They run at up to 250 km/h on a short stretch of high-speed line near Barcelona, but mostly at up to 200 km/m on upgraded classic tracks.  Euromed services use the same S130 Talgo trains used for most Alvia services, but with AVE levels of service:  If you pay the Premium fare you get a comfort class seat with Sala Club access and meals included.

Euromed train at Barcelona Sants.  These S130 trains are known as Patito (little duck) by staff.  No prizes for guessing why...

Alvia trains

Alvia trains are the next rank down from AVE & Euromed trains, with standard & comfort class and cafe-bar.  Alvia trains come in several types, see the Alvia page for more information, photo & tips .

Intercity trains

These run on many long distance routes, including Madrid-Ronda-Algeciras, Madrid-San Sebastian.  Most are former Altaria trains, little articulated trains built by the Talgo company and hauled by a locomotive, they have adjustable wheels so they can run at up to 200 km/h on the standard-gauge high-speed AVE lines then run slowly though a gauge-changing shed to emerge on traditional Iberian broad gauge to complete their journey on the classic network.  A few Intercity trains have been created by rebranding former S120 Alvia trains built by CAF, for example on the Madrid-San Sebastian route, which also have gauge-changing wheels.  All Intercity trains have a cafe-bar, but you're unlikely to find WiFi or power sockets.

A Cartagena-Alicante-Valencia-Barcelona Intercity train at Valencia Estación del Nord.

Avant is Renfe's brand name for 'short hop' high-speed trains, one class of seating only.  There are two broad types of Avant service:  (1) Separate trains of varying types, such as the one shown below from Valladolid to Madrid and (2), a designated standard class coach on a longer-distance AVE train, which is why you see two trains leaving at the same time on routes such as Barcelona-Girona, one an AVE with 2 classes and higher prices, the other an Avant with a cheaper fixed price.  They are of course the same train, the Avant is one car on the AVE designated for passengers making shorter journeys.

Avlo, Iryo, Ouigo...

Spain's high-speed lines have been opened up to competition.  Renfe now has a lo-cost brand called Avlo , and competitor operators Iryo & Ouigo now operate on key routes including Barcelona-Madrid , Madrid-Valencia, Madrid-Cordoba/Seville/Malaga.  See the Barcelona-Madrid page for a run down of these 3 operators .

An Iryo train at Barcelona Sants.

How to buy train tickets for Spain

When does booking open?   Anything between 15 days and 11 months, Renfe is a law unto itself when it comes to booking horizons, see the introduction .

What can these sites sell?   They can sell Renfe's mainline trains and sometimes competing high-speed trains run by Avlo, Iryo or Ouigo.  They can't sell tickets for Renfe's suburban (cercanias) routes including Latour de Carol-Barcelona or Cerbère-Portbou-Barcelona, nor can they sell tickets for Euskotren (Hendaye-San Sebastian-Bilbao) or the former FEVE routes (Bilbao-Santander-Gijon-Ferrol).

Option 1, buy at Raileurope.com

The quickest & easiest way to buy Spanish train tickets is at Raileurope.com with cheap advance-purchase fares & print-at-home or collect-at-station tickets.  You can choose to pay in €, £ or $. There's a small booking fee.

Raileurope.com links directly to Renfe's (Spanish Railways) ticketing system and charges the same price as Renfe themselves with the same print-your-own ticket delivery.  Unlike Renfe's own site it's in plain English without any of Renfe.com's quirky translations and no credit card rejection problems.

Raileurope.com can book the lo-cost Barcelona-Madrid Ouigo Spain trains as well as the normal Renfe trains, but cannot book lo-cost Avlo trains

Anyone from any country can use Raileurope.com as international credit cards are welcomed.  It can also sell international trains between Spain and Portugal or France, as it links to the French, German, Italian & British ticketing systems.  Who are Raileurope.com?

Important:   If you have a baby or infant, remember to add them as a child and enter their age, they'll still go free but will get the free infant ticket which is now necessary in Spain.

Option 2, buy at Thetrainline.com or Omio.com

www.omio.com & www.thetrainline.com also connect to Renfe's ticketing system to sell Renfe tickets at exactly the same prices as Renfe with the same print-your-own or collect-at-station tickets, very easily, all overseas credit cards accepted.  Both charge a small booking fee.  They can also book Ouigo Spain trains & Avlo trains .  Who are Thetrainline.com?

Option 3, buy at Petrabax.com , easy to use, in US$

If you'd rather pay in USD, use www.petrabax.com .  This is a US-based agency which also links directly to the Renfe ticketing system to sell the same trains as Renfe.com with the same print-at-home tickets.  They add a small mark-up, but it's easy to use in plain English and it avoids the English translation and credit card acceptance problems people can experience with Renfe.com.  Anyone from any country can use Petrabax, including the United States, Canada, Australia, India & Singapore.

Option 4, buy at Renfe.com

How to use www.renfe.com, before you start, step 1, use the journey planner, step 2, select a train, step 3, select fare & class.

Basico and Elige fares both get you a Estandar (2nd) class seat.

Elige Confort and Premium fares both get you a Confort (1st) class seat.

Basico is non-changeable, non-refundable.  Elige fares are semi-flexible, semi-refundable.  The Premium fare is fully changeable, fully refundable and includes Sala Club lounge access and a meal served at your seat.  You'll only see a Premium fare on AVE & Euromed trains.

Step 4, passenger details

Step 5, customise trip, step 6, pay & print tickets.

Print your tickets or download the Renfe app

After you've paid, a confirmation screen appears, with a link to download tickets and save them to your PC.  Or you can download the Renfe app onto your phone, sign into your account and your tickets will appear.  You can now board the train.

G uidebooks

Click the images to buy online at Amazon.co.uk

Alternatively, download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Hotels in Spain

Backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Environmentally aware, actively ethical adventures in Spain:  www.wildsideholidays.com

For environmentally-aware guesthouses offering walking, hiking, riding or nature-watching in the Spanish countryside and national parks, try www.wildsideholidays.com , a new site listing independent, environmentally-aware properties across Spain.  It was started by British ex-pats Clive Muir and Sue Eatock, when they found nowhere to advertise their own wonderful property deep in the heart of the Sierra de Grazelema near Ronda in Southern Spain.

Holidays & breaks by train

Railbookers, railbookers.co.uk.

If you want to tour Spain by train, with all your train reservations and hotels sorted for you to your own specification, contact train tour specialists Railbookers and they'll create the best rail holiday for you, hassle-free.  They take good care of their clients and get a lot of repeat business.  In particular, check out their Ultimate Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour on their US & Canada site, or a top seller on their UK site, Madrid & Andalusia.  They have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.

Tailor Made Rail, tailormaderail.com

Tailor Made Rail can arrange tours of Spain by train based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries.  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/spain .

Byway, byway.travel

Byway ( byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a UK-Spain trip for you as a package, including overnight hotels, starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

To see pre-configured packages from London to Spain by train, use the journey planner on their website .

Or they can build a trip to your requirements, call 0300 131 7173 (open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, from outside the UK call +44 300 131 7173) or email them or use this contact form .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Car hire comparison:  www.carrentals.co.uk

The award-winning website www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos, meaning not only a cheapest price comparison but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Conditions of this Pass

Only non-European residents can travel with a Eurail Pass. If you’re a European resident you can travel with an  Interrail Pass .

Most high-speed and night trains require a reservation at an additional cost.  Learn more about seat reservations

1st class Passes are valid in both 1st and 2nd class coaches. 2nd class Passes are only valid in 2nd class coaches.

You need to activate your Eurail Pass within 11 months of the issue date. You can do this online using our free activation service at checkout, or once you've received your Pass at a European train station.

All standard Eurail Passes are refundable or exchangeable if they are returned unused.  Read our booking terms  and our refund & exchange policy .

• Depending on the promo conditions, promotional Eurail Passes may be non-refundable and non-exchangeable. To check if a purchased promotional pass is refundable or exchangeable, please refer to the payment confirmation. Read more
• To travel with a discounted Youth Pass, you must be aged from 12 up to and including 27 on the date you choose to start your trip.
• To travel with a discounted Senior Pass, you must be aged 60 or older on the date you choose to start your trip. 
• Children under 4 travel for free and do not need an Eurail Pass. You may be asked to sit a child under 4 on your lap during busy times.

Children aged 4 to 11 travel for free with a Child Pass. A child must be accompanied at all times by at least one person with an Adult Pass. This doesn’t have to be a family member and can be anyone over 18.

• Children must be 11 or younger on the date you choose to start your trip. 
• Up to 2 children can travel with 1 adult. For example, when 2 adults are travelling, they can take 4 children with them. If more than 2 children are travelling with 1 adult, a separate Youth Pass must be purchased for each additional child.
• Children under 12 travel in the same travel class as the accompanying adult.
• Please remember to add any Child Passes to your order along with your Adult Pass(es) before payment. It is not possible to add them to your order after purchase.

Travellers aged 12 to 27 can travel with a Youth Pass.

Global Pass

Want to see more of Europe than just 1 country? A Global Pass can take you to  over 30,000 destinations  across Europe. It's flexible, so you can decide on the day where you want to go. Or plan out your trip completely, it's all up to you!

Check out the Global Pass

Trains in Europe

Europe’s extensive rail network connects all of Europe’s top destinations from world-famous capitals to charming off-the-beaten-track towns. Choose the type of train that best fits your plans, and travel where you want by day or night.

Find out about Europe's trains

Plan your trip

Start planning your Eurail adventure now:

• Check journey details on the timetable
• View map of European rail network
• Read about making reservations
• Book your hostel accommodation
• Get discounts with your Pass

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Madrid Travel City Pass: Unlimited public transport travel (2024)

The Madrid Travel City Pass (also known as Tourist Ticket or Título Turístico) is the most convenient and economical way for a tourist like you to navigate Madrid’s public transportation system.

The best way to make the most out of your time is to combine your Madrid Travel City Pass with a tourist card such as a Madrid Card (my favorite) or a Madrid Tourist Card .

Because it allows you to use of all public transport in the Madrid region for an unlimited number of trips during a certain period of time. So, as I said, it’s an incredibly practical and profitable way to get around the city!

In this tutorial, I’ll explain what it is, for how long you can use it, how to use it, where you can use it (and not), how to buy it and who is it recommended for.

Table of Contents

What is the Madrid Travel City Pass?

The Madrid Travel City Pass is also called Tourist Ticket or Título Turístico in Spanish, and it’s a transport pass or ticket.

It’s basically a personal ticket (no one else but you can use it) that allows to make an unlimited number of trips during a certain period of time , using the regular public transport services.

Decide the tariff zone where you’ll be using it

The first thing you need to determine is where you’ll be using your Tourist Ticket. In other words, how far you want to travel.

You can choose between 2 zones where the Madrid Travel City Pass is valid:

• Zone A roughly covers Madrid’s city center. That is the area within the municipal boundaries (red area of the map above).
• Zone T includes the whole public transport network within the region (comunidad autónoma) and a small portion of Toledo and Guadalajara provinces. That is both the city and surrounding areas (Zones B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, E1 and E2). Therefore, with a Zone T ticket you can do most of Madrid day trips – you can go to Toledo , Segovia, Ávila, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Chinchón, Aranjuez and Alcalá de Henares.

Decide the number of days you’ll be using it

The second thing you need to determine is how long you’ll be using your Tourist Ticket. In other words, how many days you want to benefit from having unlimited trip.

Both Tourist Tickets (Zone A and Zone T) are available for a set number of calendar days (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days).

For how long you can use it?

As soon as you get yours, you’re entitled to get free unlimited rides using all public transport services ( subway , light rail, buses and Cercanías trains ) in Madrid (Zone A) and the rest of the region or comunidad autónoma (Zone T).

The time of use starts to count from the moment you use the pass for the first time , not from the moment you purchase it.

As I said before, both Tourist Tickets (Zone A and Zone T) are available for a set number of calendar days (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days) , and not per 24-hour periods.

Let’s say you start using a 3-day pass on at 14:00 on Thursday. It will remain valid until 23:59 on Saturday.

Additionally, you’ll be able to use the night services until 5:00 in the morning on the last day.

How to use your Madrid Travel City Pass?

The Madrid Travel City Pass is extremely easy to use.

Every time you get on any type of transport covered by the pass ( subway , light rail, buses and Cercanías trains ), you’ll have to validate your trip:

• On the EMT bus (blue bus), where there’s no barrier at the entrance, find a card reader and scan your Madrid Travel City Pass (your physical plastic red card) until the device beeps to confirm validation.
• On the subway , light rail and Cercanías trains , where there is a physical barrier, bring the card close to the reader. Once the validation is confirmed with a beep, you can go through.

Where can you use the Madrid Travel City Pass and where not?

You can use your Zone A Tourist Ticket in:

• All Metro lines covering all points of interest within the city of Madrid, including the Airport Extra Charge .
• All EMT buses (blue bus) lines, including the regular buses that link the airport with the city center , but not the Airport Express EMT bus line (yellow bus).
• All Cercanías (Renfe suburban railway) stations included in zones 0 and A, except for the airport train .
• Metro Ligero (Light Rail) only on the ML1 line.

Your Zone T Tourist Ticket is valid for the above mentioned cases. And you can also use it in:

• The entire Metro of Madrid network, including the Airport Extra Charge . It can be useful only if you plan to stay in a neighboring town of Madrid.
• All EMT buses lines, including the regular buses that link the airport with the city center , but not the Airport Express EMT bus line (yellow bus) .
• All suburban buses (green ones). It includes not only all the buses that circulate in the Madrid region (e.g. those who go to Aranjuez or Chinchón), but also those that go to Toledo and Guadalajara.
• All Cercanías (Renfe suburban railway) stations covering Zones 0, A, B1, B2, B3, C1, and C2, including the airport train .
• Metro Ligero (Light Rail) on ML2, ML3 and ML4 lines.

Be careful because your Tourist Ticket is not valid in any Renfe Regional trains (Media Distancia in Spanish) or high-speed trains .

Once your Tourist Ticket expires, you can use your Multi Card regularly charging single and 10-trip tickets. Have a look at a complete guide to use your Madrid Multi Card correctly .

How much does the Título Turístico (Tourist Ticket) cost?

For obvious reasons, the Zone A Madrid Travel City Pass is cheaper that the Zone T one as it covers a much smaller area.

Have a look at the official Título Turístico fares.

How can you get your Madrid Multi Card?

There’s no way to buy the Tourist Ticket in advance at a discount. You need to do so as soon as you arrive in Madrid, either

• At the airport if you arrive by plane .
• At the train station ( Atocha or Chamartín ) if you arrive by train .
• At any Metro station if you arrive by bus or rental car .

In order to get your Madrid Travel City Pass, you first need to purchase a Madrid Multi Card . For example, it can be a single Metro ticket or your Tourist Ticket.

The Madrid Multi Card is a physical public transport red card on which you load tickets to travel on Madrid public transport system.

The Multi Card costs 2.50€ and you can recharge it as many times as necessary. If the first charge of Multi Card is a Título Turístico (Tourist Ticket), the Multi Card sale-price will be included in the price of the Título Turístico. So the card itself will be free!

Your can purchase your Madrid Multi Card without any ticket and it’s available at:

• All automatic ticket machines of Metro de Madrid and Metro Ligero (Light Rail).
• Tobacconist’s and other authorized points of sale, Bankia ATMs (with some exceptions) and Renfe Cercanías stations.

Remember that the Madrid Travel City Pass or Tourist Ticket is a personal ticket (no one else but you can use it), so you’ll need to purchase one Multi Card for each person traveling with you.

Have a look at a complete tutorial on the Madrid Multi Card.

Why should you buy it?

These are a few reasons that should incline you to get your Madrid Travel City Pass (Título Turístico or Tourist Ticket) as soon as you arrive to the city:

• You can start using it as soon as you get to Madrid. In other words, you won’t have to deal with the ticket machines, which is always nice especially after a long flight and when you have to deal with jet lag.
• This city pass is excellent value for money. If you’re thinking of leaving the airport by Metro and/or returning to the airport using the Metro , the Tourist Ticket is a great investment since the Airport Extra Charge is included.
• The Madrid Tourist Travel Pass is an excellent option for the Zone A if you plan to use it more than 2 days and for any combination of Zone T. That’s particularly true if you have little time and want to do as many things as possible , even if walking around Madrid is a true delight.
• If you’re traveling with children younger than 11, getting them a city pass is a no-brainer: their ticket cost 50% less than yours.
• Using the public transportation system is the very best way to get around Madrid and having a Madrid Tourist Travel Pass is the most convenient way to ride on it.

Zone A is my recommended option if you’re going to stay in the city center and plan to get around there.

Zone T is my recommended option if you’re planning on making day trips to places like El Escorial, Chinchón, Aranjuez or Alcalá de Henares.

Remember that you cannot use your Tourist Ticket on high-speed trains (including the AVE to Guadalajara and the Avant to Toledo ) nor Renfe Operadora regional trains.

Start planning your upcoming trip to Madrid

• Find the cheapest flights to Madrid
• Book the best hotels at the lowest rates
• Find the cheapest train tickets ( tutorial )
• Save by choosing the best Madrid city pass for you with my exclusive discounts. My favorite is the Madrid Pass ( review ).
• Book the best tours and day trips in Madrid in English
• Pay in Euros and avoid commissions with your Wise debit card ( tutorial )
• Buy your prepaid SIM card online to have internet connection as soon as you arrive ( tutorial )
• Get your travel insurance to avoid bad surprises ( review )
• Rent a car at the lowest rate
• Book your Madrid Airport transfer

The best travel money card you can use in Spain (2024)

Wise debit card is the best travel money card you can use while traveling around Spain. Whenever you need to get money in Spain , pay for something, use it and stop worrying about crazy fees and abusive currency exchange rates.

Order a Wise debit card now and start saving money!

When traveling internationally, currency conversion fees (if you live outside the Eurozone), ATM withdrawal fees, and other fees can be annoying.

With the Wise card , you can travel anywhere in the world without having to worry about those crazy fees. This debit card allows you to send and receive funds in multiple currencies and nations.

The biggest reason, therefore, to use a Wise card during your trip to Spain is to save money on international money transfers and currency conversions. And if you have never heard about Wise and the reasons why you should get a Wise card as soon as possible, this complete tutorial will help you answer any question.

I’ll review the features, ease of use, pros and cons, pricing, and everything you need to know about the Wise debit card , the perfect money card for traveling abroad.

Table of Contents

What is Wise?

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a digital bank established in 2011. The founders of Wise hail from Estonia, but it’s a UK-based company.

It started by providing cheap international bank transfers at great exchange rates.

The premise behind Wise’s vision was that international money transfers should be low-cost and fair. They believe that the real exchange rate is the only fair rate and that all exchange/transfer fees should be visible upfront.

Nowadays, thanks to its multi-currency account, it offers a modern banking alternative.

Why is the Wise debit card the best travel money card?

The goal of Wise is to offer you the chance to spend anywhere with low international money conversion fees.

So they have created an international, prepaid card available to users with a Wise account. So when traveling internationally, you can use your Wise card to pay for products and services in any currency.

That’s the beauty of using a Wise debit card . There are no card transaction fees , and you won’t have to deal with high conversion fees.

The Wise debit card also works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Advantages of the Wise travel money card

• Wise doesn’t charge any hidden transaction fees or annual fees.
• There is no account minimum for a Wise multi-currency account.
• You don’t have to worry about any exchange rate markups.
• Wise is cheaper than most banks because they use a mid-market exchange rate.
• Wise is the best option for international traveling, since you can withdraw and pay in 50+ currencies around the world.
• Wise has a seamless user experience as you can do everything on the website or with the Wise app. For example, you can get notified on your phone when you make a transaction. And you can instantly block and unblock your card in case you misplace or lose it.

Drawbacks of the Wise travel money card

• There is a certain withdrawal limit (per month) with a Wise debit card .
• The Wise debit card is not available in every country around the world.
• A Wise card is not a credit card. This means you’ll have to have sufficient funds in your Wise account to pay for products and services.
• It takes up to 3 weeks to replace a stolen or misplaced Wise card .

Wise debit card vs traditional bank debit card

These are the reasons why I strongly recommend you to use a Wise debit card instead of your regular bank debit card.

• With a Wise debit card , you can use multiple currencies at the same time. On the contrary, most traditional banks support currency cards in their local currency. For example, if you get a currency card in the US (from a US bank), you’ll get a USD currency card in 99% of the cases.
• A traditional bank debit card has high fees for online transactions and for transactions in foreign countries. That’s in addition to the exchange rates, of course… However, you won’t pay any fee to Wise every time you spend money using the currency available in your multi-currency account. And if you have to pay in a different currency, Wise will use the lowest conversion rate available at that time.
• Wise offers you zero ATM withdrawal fees. Nevertheless, there’s a monthly cap on how much you can withdraw each month without any fee.

How to get a Wise debit card?

All you have to do is open a multi-currency account at Wise . Opening the account, maintaining it, and holding money in it is free , with no monthly cost.

Once you have your account, order a Wise debit card . It will only cost you an one-off fee of €7/$9/£7.

From there, you can start using it (physically or with your smartphone) and save money!

How does the Wise debit card work?

It’s very (very) easy.

How can you pay using a Wise debit card?

The Wise debit card works in similar fashion as a regular bank debit card. You can use a Wise debit card for buying products and services, and for withdrawing money from an ATM.

Obviously, since this is not a credit card, your spending limit depends on how much money you have in your Wise multi-currency account.

In case you don’t have enough money in your account, Wise will convert the other available currency from your multi-currency account. And if you hold more than one currency in your account, Wise will convert to the currency that has a better exchange rate at that time.

So you’ll benefit from a debit card with

• No fees for online transactions.
• No fees for transactions in foreign countries.
• Low international money conversion fees.

What are the Wise card withdrawal limits?

Wise allows you to withdraw money for free up to a certain number of times per month and up to a certain amount of money. However, this depends on the place of issue for your debit card.

To monitor withdrawal limits, you can

• Have a look on the Wise website (change your country if necessary).
• Check the Wise app ( iOS or Android ).

Start planning your upcoming trip to Spain

• Find the cheapest flights to Spain
• Book the best hotels at the lowest rates
• Find the cheapest train tickets ( tutorial )
• Save by choosing the best Barcelona city pass for you with my exclusive discounts. My favorite is the Barcelona Pass .
• Book the best tours and day trips in Barcelona in English
• Pay in Euros and avoid commissions with your Wise debit card ( tutorial )
• Buy your prepaid SIM card online to have internet connection as soon as you arrive ( tutorial )
• Get your travel insurance to avoid bad surprises ( review )
• Rent a car at the lowest rate
• Book your Barcelona Airport transfer

Hola Barcelona Travel Card

• Montjuïc Cable Car
• Hop on Hop off Barcelona
• Tours from Barcelona
• Transport deals
• Barcelona Night Tour Bus
• Barcelona Christmas Tour

Your basket is empty!

Enjoy the best discounts to travel around barcelona in the easiest and most comfortable way with our transport services..

The best way to visit Barcelona

Get around freely with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card which provides unlimited journeys on public transport in Barcelona for consecutive periods of 2 days (48 h), 3 days (72 h), 4 days (96 h) or 5 days (120 h) from the time it is first validated and at any time of day .

Hola Barcelona Travel Card is a non-transferable travel card that allows you make as many journeys as you like using the metro and the bus (TMB), the urban railway (FGC, Zone 1), the Montjuïc funicular, the tram (TRAM), and the regional railway (Rodalies de Catalunya, Zone 1). Montjuïc Cable Car not included.

Hola Barcelona Travel Card includes metro service travel between the airport and Barcelona city centre . Avoid paying extra for airport transfers and enjoy your Hola Barcelona Travel Card from the minute you touch down.

Buy now to receive 10% discount. Remember that children under 4 travel free!

Ticket type

Adult required.

Information

What does hola barcelona travel card include terms of use of travel card.

• A non-transferable travel card which provides unlimited journeys on public transport in Barcelona for consecutive periods of 2 days (48 h), 3 days (72 h), 4 days (96 h) or 5 days (120 h) from the time it is first validated and at any time of day.
• Changeovers between different travel operators: metro, bus and Montjuïc funicular (TMB), urban railway (FGC, Zone 1), tram (TRAM) and Barcelona regional mainline trains (Rodalies de Catalunya, Zone 1). Montjuïc Cable Car not included.
• The travel includes metro service travel between the airport and Barcelona city centre.

Get your travel card at any metro station

We will email you a voucher with a personalised code. This code can then be used to pick up your travel card at any metro station. Only Hola Barcelona offers this service. Save yourself the cost of postage and avoid the queues.

Watch this video with instructions for getting your travel card.

Reservation valid for 90 calendar days from the date of purchase , until the last day of February of the following year at the latest.

The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get around Barcelona!

Barcelona guides for travelling on public transport

Discover the city with the Hola Barcelona app

• Organization
• Corporate Image
• Transport Companies and Associations
• Andalusian Consortiums
• More information
• Public job offer
• Public Information
• Contractor Profile
• Activity Reports
• Constitution Agreement and Statutes
• Regulations
• Fare System

Travel Card

• Large Family Travel Card
• Virtual Wallet
• MetroMálaga
• Andalusian Bicycle Scheme
• Transport on demand
• Electronic headquarters
• Suggestions, doubts and claims
• Customer Service Telephone Number
• Consumer and User Associations
• Complaints Channel

This is a rechargeable travel card that allows an unlimited number of journeys to be made depending on the available balance.

This multi-modal, combined-use card provides users with the convenience of paying with a single card and reduced fares.

Where can I use the travel card?

• On long-distance buses within Malaga’s Metropolitan Area.
• On local buses in Málaga, Alhaurín de la Torre, Benalmádena, Rincón de la Victoria and Torremolinos.
• On Renfe’s suburban train service – the card can be used to purchase tickets (single, round trip and ten trips tickets) from the machines located inside the train stations.
• On underground trains in Malaga, Seville and Granada.
• In those areas of Andalusia covered by other Transport Consortia (interoperability), where the fare system operated by each individual consortium will be applied.

Where can I get it and how do I top it up?

The card can be purchased at any point of sale affiliated to the Consortium. A handling fee for card purchase operations of €1.50 is paid.

In this operation, the card must be configured, indicating a number of jumps (0, 1, 2 or 3).

It makes no difference how many hops you want to configure the card with, as when using the card on the different modes of transport, the amount of the journey will be discounted by origin destination and not by the hops associated with it, except on the following routes:

• M-104 Pizarra-Zalea-Cerralba-Hospital
• M-137 Gibralgalia-Pizarra
• M-144 Gibralgalia-El Sexmo
• M-152 Málaga-Los Gámez
• M-250 Málaga-Almogía-Pastelero
• M-253 Málaga-Antequera
• M-254 Málaga-Rute (by Antequera)
• M-256 Málaga- Antequera-Valle de Abdalajís
• M-257 Málaga-Sevilla (by Antequera)
• M-258 Málaga-Úbeda (by Antequera)
• M-259 Málaga-Córdoba (by Antequera)
• M-265 Málaga-Alameda (by Antequera)
• M-266 Villanueva de la Concepción-Antequera
• M-330 Málaga-Cerralba-Zalea

How does it work?

• Once on board intercity buses, the driver must be informed of the destination of the journey, and then the card must be brought close to the reader of the fare cancelling machine, which will automatically deduct the corresponding amount according to the origin and destination, except for the fare cancelling machines located on board the lines described above, which will do so according to the number of jumps on the card.
• The ticket machine will issue a ticket indicating the fare and type of journey, as well as the time allowed for the transfer.
• Malaga city buses (EMT) and the turnstiles at Metro stations do not issue tickets.
• The transport card allows multi-validation, so that up to 15 passengers can pay with the same card, provided that the validations are made within 3 minutes of the first one.

What to do if the card doesn’t work or the reader malfunctions?

• The user will present the travel card to the driver and will indicate the journey they wish to make.
• The bus driver will register the card number in the chip card machine and receive payment in cash for the amount of a single ticket corresponding to the desired route.
• A manual reimbursable ticket will be given to the user, on which the amount paid and the type of trip will appear.
• A refund will be issued within a period of not more than three months for the difference of the amount paid for the reimbursable ticket and the ordinary discounted fare for that trip. Said refund will be automatically made on recharging or correcting the credit on the card in a authorised sale point .

Journeys made using the travel card may be divided into stages. Any stage after the first will be counted as a transfer providing:

• The passenger has not exceeded the time limit established for transfers to be made.
• The passenger is not travelling on the same bus used in the previous stage of the journey.
• The next stage of the journey does not exceed the number of fare crossings for which the passenger’s card is configured.
• In the case of several passengers travelling together, their number is not greater than it was during the previous stage.
• No transfer restrictions exist between the service used in the first stage and the one to be used next.

In addition, passengers on EMT local services in Malaga may change buses free of charge from the second stage onwards within a maximum of one hour starting from the beginning of the first local bus stage.

Transfer costs may vary in accordance with the mode of transport used for each stage of the journey – see our section on  Fares .

Senior Citizen Discounts in Spain For Those 65 or Older Are a Great Way to Save Money

Senior citizen discounts in Spain can make living or holidaying there even cheaper

I just got back from a month’s vacation in Albir, Spain with my retired parents. As I’m nowhere near retirement age, until now, I’ve never been that aware of the fabulous senior citizen discounts in Spain those 65 years of age and over are entitled to, whether living here or just on vacation.

With discounts for transportation, museums, food and more, traveling in Spain if you’re over 65 can be a great way to have a cheap holiday. Here are just some of the discounts you can expect.

Discounts on Trains – Earlier this week, my parents and I took an hour’s train ride from Altea, Spain to Denia just down the coast. Before we went to the train station, the guide at the hotel had told my parents they must take a copy of their passports to prove they’re over 65 years of age.

With just a passport copy, both my parents were able to get a return train ticket that was 40% cheaper than mine, a saving for each of them of more than 1 euro 55 cents ($2.20). Imagine if you’re doing that kind of trip several times a month. Over a year, that’s an enormous saving, just for being over 65 years old.

In fact, RENFRE, the Spanish train company issues a travel discount card to anyone over age 60 for a small annual charge. Valid for a year and called the Dorada Card (Tarjeta Dorada), it entitles anyone over age 60 to 25-40% discount (depending on the day) on any one-way or return train tickets. A massive yearly saving.

Senior Citizen Discounts at National Museums in Spain – Another wonderful benefit of traveling or living in Spain at the age of 65 or older is you can see all of Spain’s national museums for free. Museums like the National Archaeological Museum, a wonderful museum, offers free admission every day, all year round, for anyone age 65 on up.

Don’t forget to check local museums too as, even if they don’t give free admission to seniors, most will have a deep discount with proof you’re 65 years of age or older. Just take a copy of your passport or other official ID card.

With so many incredible museums in Spain, it’s nice to know you can see just about all of them for free or a nominal fee.

Spanish Government Off-Peak Senior Rates – Due to Spain’s dire economy, the government recently launched a senior citizen discount program in Spain targeting anyone over the age of 55. With this program, if you stay in many of Spain’s four-star hotels (and they’re gorgeous), if you’re 55 or over you’ll be entitled to a very nice discount. Just check with the hotel before you book a room to make sure they’re offering the governmental discount.

In fact, this program has proven so popular, my father was informed he also was given an ‘off-peak’ discount when he rented a rental car last week. Apparently, other companies like rental car companies are jumping on the government’s off-peak band wagon as it’s proving to be so successful.

Those over the age of 55, coming into Spain for vacations or even traveling while living in Spain, often have more disposable income than younger adults, and the Spanish government knows this. Their off-peak program runs from mid-October to early April, so don’t miss it.

Restaurant Discounts – We’re staying in Albir, Spain and have also eaten meals in Altea, Benidorm, Calpe and Denia. In some of these towns and cities, we’ve noticed restaurants and cafes offering 10% discounts to anyone over 65 years of age, as Spain’s economy is so bad it helps bring in some custom.

If you want to eat lunch or dinner out, look for either cafes and restaurants offering senior discounts or those serving a ‘Menu del Dia’, which is a set lunch or dinner (usually 9 euros ($12.60) or less for three or four courses and includes a glass of wine or beer.

In Albir, the restaurants are so full of the over 65 crowd at lunch and dinner, it’s sometimes difficult to get a seat, but more power to ’em.

Senior Citizen Discounts on Buses in Spain – Another wonderful way to save money on your Spanish vacation or living in Spain is to get a senior citizen discount card for the bus service. Each region in Spain is different, with each bus service offering different cards and different discounts.

But, with discounts from 20-60% depending on the Spanish region, you’ll save a huge amount of money if you’re going to be spending much of your time on Spanish buses (which are excellent by the way).

Ask at the local bus station in the town you’re staying or living in. Just take a copy of your passport showing proof of age and either purchase a monthly or yearly senior citizen pass, then get on a bus!

Spain is not only one of the world’s best countries to travel in and live in, if you’re 65 or over you’ll find you’ll get cheap deals and excellent discounts and, of course, in a society that reveres the elderly, you’ll be well taken care of too.

Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for Spain in 2024

Planning your trip to Spain and wondering what is the best way to stay connected and get data on your phone when traveling to Spain? You surely don't want your Spain holiday to get ruined by outrageous roaming charges or slow overseas data roaming plans. This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Spain.

Find out everything you need to know about buying a prepaid sim card in Spain, up to date prices as per August 2024, a comparison of the mobile internet providers, the best 4G/5G network, the best eSIM cards for Spain, info about EU roaming, my recommendation and the latest information about international sim cards for Spain.

Being a very experienced world traveler that has continuously been traveling the world now since 2012 I became an expert in finding the best sim cards for traveling abroad. On my trip around the world I have constantly been looking for ways to get connected.

My journey to visit every country in the world  brought me in 2022 for example to more than 60 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries. Depending on the length of my trip to a country I buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival or get myself an eSIM cards on the internet.

I like to document all my travel tips and that is how writing sim card guides for destinations became a passion. You can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: USA , Asia ,  Mexico , Costa Rica , Panama , Guatemala , Argentina , Peru , Colombia , Chile ,  South Africa , Vietnam , Hong Kong , Bali ,  New York , Istanbul , Paris , Rome , London , Qatar , Brazil , Turkey , Dubai  and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me!

Are you flying in to  Madrid Airport or Barcelona Airport ? Then click on the links to get to know everything about buying a sim card on arrival at these Spain airports in 2024.

If you would like to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in Spain then the airport is the most convenient place to get a sim card. However, sim card deals at airports are always slightly more expensive than in a phone store in the city center.

Some links in this article about the best sim cards for traveling to Spain are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a Movistar prepaid sim card for Spain. They have the best 4G/5G network in Spain and have a prepaid sim card deal with 40 GB data for just €10 EUR ($11 USD) and you can use the 5G network. A Vodafone sim card would be a second best.

These amazing prepaid sim card deals are only available in stores in Spain.

The cheapest way to stay connected is actually an eSIM card for Spain as they already start from just $1 USD. With an eSIM card you arrive prepared and have data on your phone as soon as the plane lands. Traveltomtom recommends ordering a Spain eSIM card from either  Airalo ,  SimOptions . Or check out my  list of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Spain in 2024 and find more eSIMs from for example: Jetpac, Nomad, Holafly and others.

you may also like...

Traveltomtom also recommends some  global sim cards for travelers with worldwide coverage . These international sim cards cover all of Europe and other parts of the world. A great alternative for those traveling around the world often. They will be shipped to your home address before your trip.

Traveling to Spain and heading on a trip to Europe afterwards then buying a sim card that works in all of Europe is a great option for you. In the link I compared the best sim cards for Europe in 2024.

Best eSIM cards for Spain

The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Spain in 2024 is an eSIM card. No more visiting a store or swapping physical sim cards. In just a couple clicks you can order and instal an eSIM card for Spain.

For your interest: in phone stores in Spain they do NOT provide eSIM cards, they only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

You order an eSIM card for Spain on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Spain eSIM card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Spain it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM card for Spain.

For much more details and answers to all the FAQ's about eSIM cards check out Traveltomtom's guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM card for Spain in 2024 .

Here is a selection of Traveltomtom's favorites.

Airalo is a trusted eSIM provider that Traveltomtom has used uncountable times around the world. Check out all the Airalo eSIM card plans for Spain in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8.5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $11.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD

Click here for more info or to  order an eSIM card for Spain directly via Airalo .

These Spain eSIM cards from Guay Mobile are data-only sim cards and calling and texting is NOT supported. They operate on the 4G/LTE mobile network of Movistar. Data is only valid in Spain.

SimOptions sells international eSIM cards for Spain. These international eSIM cards include free EU data roaming which means that they are valid all over Europe. In fact SimOptions sells the  best eSIM card for traveling in Europe  if you ask me.

The above shown eSIMs are just a small selection.

If you are looking for eSIM cards for Spain that also support calls AND include EU data roaming then SimOptions is definitely for you.

• 10 GB data-only (5G ready) for 30 days = $22.90 USD
• 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
• 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
• 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
• 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD
• 100 GB data (5G ready) + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD

Click here for more info or to directly order an international eSIM card for Spain via SimOptions .

A third eSIM provider that often has amazing eSIM card deals is Nomad. Check out the following Spain eSIM card plans from Nomad for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 30 days = $6 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD

Click here to order an eSIM card for Spain from Nomad .

Before ordering an eSIM card for Spain make sure your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked! For more tips about using Spain eSIM cards check my complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an eSIM card for Spain in 2024 , including a comparison of more eSIM brands that sell Spain eSIM cards like: Jetpac, Holafly, etc.

If your phone is not eSIM compatible and you don't want to waste your precious time on your Spain holiday trying to find a sim card store and standing in line for buying a prepaid sim card then I got the best solution for you: order a physical prepaid sim card for traveling in Spain online.

Easy, quick and already activated from its first use. Have a look at all the international prepaid sim cards for Spain  in the link. You can already find 12 GB and unlimited calling/texting for less than $30 USD. Or click on the link or the banner above for more info.

Why buying a sim card for Spain

Traveling becomes so much more convenient with an active data connection on your phone. It can be as easy as ordering a taxi on the streets, or finding a cool roof top bar or restaurant nearby. Getting directions from navigation apps is so normal, but with a working data connection suddenly becomes a challenge.

But what about emergencies or if you need to access your banking apps? The easiest way to stay connected is an eSIM card, but the best way to stay connected is buying a local prepaid sim card for Spain. Spain sim cards for tourists are not too expensive and it is worth investing a couple dollars to stay online.

Also don't rely on public WiFi, it is not everywhere available and begging for the WiFi password is annoying. Also keep in mind that using the internet on public WiFi is through an unsecured connection. The use of a VPN is recommended to protect your data!

If you don't like to swap your sim card for another one you can use an eSIM card. If your phone is not compatible for an eSIM card then you should look into getting a portable WiFi device. However, I am not a fan, so outdated! See my HONEST review of a pocket WiFi in my article about how to get WiFi abroad .

Buying a prepaid sim card in Spain is simple. Make sure you phone is unlocked, walk into any mobile internet store, ask for a prepaid sim card for Spain, put it in your phone, get it activated and within a couple minutes you are online.

Mobile internet providers in Spain

Spain has 4 big mobile internet providers that all sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. Orange and Vodafone are the two well known European brands and then there is also Movistar and Mas Movil. Mas Movil operates in Spain under the name Yoigo and phone stores around Spain are called Yoigo, Mas Movil is the mother company.

All mobile internet providers sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. However, you can only get physical prepaid sim cards in stores in Spain. Es-sim cards for tourists are not available, but you can order eSIM cards for Spain on the internet.

Where to buy a sim card for Spain

At any international airport you will find either mobile internet provider stores or book shops selling prepaid sim cards for Spain. If I don't have an eSIM yet looking for a sim card shop is one of the first things I do on arrival. But be aware that buying a sim card at the airport is always more expensive than in the city center.

Buying a sim card at Barcelona Airport

At Barcelona Airport you can find a couple different Spain sim card deals. An Orange sim card for €15 is the best buy and will give you 9 GB data all over Europe and €5 calling credit. For more info on sim cards at Barcelona Airport check out the link above.

Buying a sim card at Madrid Airport

When flying to Madrid Airport you can buy more or less the same Spain sim card deals as at Barcelona Airport. an Orange sim card for traveling in Spain and Europe for €20 with 10 GB data + €10 calling credit. Check the link above for more info about buying a sim card Madrid Airport.

Official phone stores city center

Once you are settled in your hotel simply search for your preferred Spain sim card provider in Google Maps. Mobile phone shops are mostly always clustered in the city center. In Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga and Madrid it is very easy to find a phone store near your hotel, even in Ibiza and Mallorca there are multiple places that sell Spain sim cards for tourists as well as on the airport of Ibiza and Mallorca.

Convenience stores

You can also buy prepaid sim card at the bigger gas stations and convenience stores. But there won't be any service and you will have to activate the sim card yourself. Not recommended for tourists unless you know what you are doing.

Getting connected when traveling to Spain was never as easy as in 2024. There are multiple eSIM card websites that offer eSIM cards for Spain. Traveltomtom recommends ordering a Spain eSIM card from either  Airalo ,  SimOptions  or  Nomad .

For more detailed info check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Spain in 2024 .

SimOptions also sells international physical prepaid sim cards for Spain . These will be delivered to your home address before your trip. Local prepaid sim cards can NOT be ordered online, these prepaid sim cards for tourists are only available in the stores in Spain.

Spain sim cards and free EU roaming

Spain prepaid sim cards in general include free data roaming in the EU. Sometimes it is capped, so always ask when buying a prepaid sim card in Spain. Free EU roaming means the sim card you buy in Madrid or Barcelona can also be used in Paris, Rome or even Stockholm. Free EU roaming on Spain sim cards is great for those that arrive in Spain and travel to more countries in Europe on the same trip.

Read more on free EU data roaming in my article with everything you need to know about buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Europe .

There are actually a couple sim cards for Europe that are great value and you can buy them directly online. Click on the link for a list of the best sim cards for Europe travel .

Prices prepaid sim cards in Spain in 2024

Prices for prepaid sim cards in Spain are pretty good. All the Spain mobile internet providers are constantly publishing offers. All the below prices are up to date as per August 2024. Prices are in Euros: $1 USD = €0.92 EUR and €1 EUR = $1.09 USD.

Movistar prepaid sim card

The Movistar prepaid sim card deals have become A LOT BETTER in 2024. The above offers are great Spain prepaid sim card deals and the Movistar prepaid sim cards are 5G ready.

There is limited EU data roaming included. On the €10 EUR plan there is 6 GB data available for roaming in Europe. On the €15 EUR plan 8 GB data and on the €20 EUR plan there is 11 GB available for EU data roaming.

Movistar does NOT provide eSIM cards for tourists, only physical sim cards are available for tourists. For more info check the  Movistar  website. 

Vodafone prepaid sim card

Also Vodafone updated their prepaid sim prices for 2024 and we all benefit! Great news: Vodafone allows prepaid sim card costumers to use 5G network as well as EU roaming in all of Europe, UK and in the USA.

• 30 GB data + unlimited minutes = €15 EUR - $16.5 USD
• 50 GB data + unlimited minutes = €17 EUR - $19 USD
• Unlimited data (max speed 10 Mbps) + unlimited minutes = €28.10 EUR - $31 USD
• Unlimited data (high speed) + unlimited minutes = €35.10 EUR - $39 USD

For €15 EUR you get 30 GB data. All the prepaid sim card packages offer EU roaming. On the Unlimited data plans there is 30 GB and 40 GB free EU data roaming included.

Unfortunately in Vodafone stores in Spain they only sell physical prepaid sim cards, eSIM cards are NOT available for tourists. For more info and check the Vodafone Spain website.

Orange prepaid sim card

These are the latest Orange Spain prepaid sim card plans available for tourists. They have 3 different data packages available. Limited EU data roaming is included in the above data packages of Orange Spain and packages are valid for 4 weeks.

• 50 GB data (11 GB in EU) + unlimited minutes = €10 EUR - $11 USD
• 75 GB data (16 GB in EU) + unlimited minutes = €15 EUR - $16.5 USD
• 150 GB data (22 GB in EU) + unlimited minutes = €20 EUR - $22 USD

All Orange prepaid sim cards for Spain are now 5G ready. Orange does NOT provide eSIM cards for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards are available in Orange stores. Check the  Orange website for more info.

Yoigo prepaid sim card

Yoigo is a brand of Mas Movil and of course also operates on the Mas Movil mobile data network.

The Yoigo prepaid sim card plans include EU data roaming and there are no limitations. However, the €35 EUR plan with 150 GB does not include EU data roaming.

But compared to Orange, Yoigo gives you much less Gigabytes for the same price.

Yoigo does NOT provide eSIM cards for prepaid users. For more info check the Yoigo  website.

Best 4G/5G mobile data network in Spain in 2024

It is not all about prices for prepaid sim card plans when determining the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Spain. Another important ranking factor is the 4G/5G network in Spain. We are already in 2024, we don't want to get stuck with slow 3G.

Is there 5G in Spain?

Yes, there is 5G in Spain and as of 2024 it is widespread around the country. Pretty much all the tourist destinations and amazing places to visit are covered with a 5G signal.

A bummer is that most of the Spain mobile internet providers still do not offer 5G data speed for prepaid sim cards. The only who allows 5G for prepaid sim cards in Spain is Vodafone. For more detailed 4G/5G coverage maps of Spain , check the link.

Yoigo/Mas Movil Spain 4G/5G network map

Vodafone Spain 4G/5G network map

Orange Spain 4G/5G network map

Movistar Spain 4G/5G network map

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Spain in 2024.

When comparing the above Spain 4G/5G network coverage maps from all mobile internet providers in Spain we can see that all of them have an excellent 4G/5G network all around the country. Only small details make the difference.

Vodafone claims on their website to have won prices for the best 5G network in Spain, but Traveltomtom's conclusion after comparing the network coverage maps of Orange, Mas Movil, Movistar and Vodafone is that Movistar has a the most extensive mobile data network and the  best 4G/5G network coverage in Spain in 2024.

That said, all other mobile internet providers have great 4G/5G network coverage in all tourist destinations in Spain.

Best sim card for Spain in 2024

eSIM cards for Spain are an amazingly easy way to get connected when traveling to Spain in 2024 and there are some great eSIM card deals. But when comparing eSIM cards for Spain with local prepaid sim cards in Spain then it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are cheaper.

Downside is that you need to go to a phone store on arrival in Spain. With an eSIM card you are online as soon as the plane lands. Traveltomtom recommends ordering a Spain eSIM card from either  Airalo  or  SimOptions  but there is also Holafly, Nomad Jetpac and other eSIM providers.

Local prepaid sim cards for tourists are cheap in Spain and for €10 EUR ($11 USD) you can already get 50 GB data. Spain prepaid sim cards allow only limited EU data roaming. Most sim cards limited the EU data roaming around 15 - 20 GB data. Always ask about EU roaming limitation when buying a prepaid sim card in Spain.

When comparing the mobile internet operators in Spain we can see that for 2024 there is very little difference between Mas Movil/Yoigo, Movistar, Vodafone and Orange. All providers have amazing prepaid sim card plans for tourists with a lot of data and all the providers have an excellent 4G/5G mobile data network.

It is a close call between Movistar and Vodafone but Traveltomtom rates Movistar as the best prepaid sim card for Spain in 2024.

Landing on either Barcelona Airport or Madrid Airport you might wanna buy a prepaid sim card for Spain on arrival. It is pricey, but click on the link to read everything about it.

Order a prepaid sim card for Spain online

If your phone is not eSIM compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to Spain online before your trip then check out the following.

Arrive prepared in Spain with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Spain, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.

SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Spain:

1. O2 Go Card - $24.90

• $2 calling credit (no top-up)
• valid for 30 days
• valid in 34 countries

2. Three Data Pack - $24.90

• Unlimited calls/sms
• Valid 30 days
• Valid in 56 countries

3. Orange Holiday ZEN - $29.90

• Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
• 30 minutes worldwide
• 200 sms worldwide
• Valid 14 days
• Valid in 34 countries

4. Bouygues Telecom - $44.90

• Valid in 47 countries

5.  Orange Holiday Europe - $49.90

• 120 minutes worldwide
• 1,000 sms worldwide

Click here for more info or to order an international prepaid sim card for Spain via SimOptions .

Personally I recommend a Bouygues Telecom or Orange international sim card for traveling in Europe .

Also a last reminder that if you phone is eSIM compatible with an eSIM card for Spain you arrange everything online within just a couple minutes. The easiest way to get connected when traveling to Spain in 2024.

You can already get 5 GB data for $12 USD. Click here to order an international eSIM card for Spain via SimOptions  or a data-only eSIM card for Spain via Airalo .

But there are also other eSIM providers like for example: Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac and others. Check out Traveltomtom's  guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM card for Spain in 2024  including a comparison of all Spain eSIMs.

I also put together a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Europe  with more info about EU roaming and local prepaid sim cards vs. international and eSIM cards. Which one is the best for your trip!?

If you want to buy a sim card for traveling in Europe on the internet then click here to check out my  Europe travel sim card comparison .

I hope the above tips for finding the best sim card for your trip to Spain were helpful. If you have any questions please leave me a message below. Also if you have any Spain travel related questions don't hesitate to reach out to me either in the comments.

Want to get fuelled by wanderlust? Check out my road to travel to every country in the world or keep track of my journey on Instagram @traveltomtom . As of August 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go to 197.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Spain!

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Common questions

How can i order my card.

There are three ways that you able to obtain a Travel Money Card, each very simple.

Please note, you must be a UK resident over the age of 18 to obtain a Travel Monday Card.

• Via our travel app: you can order and store up to three Travel Money Cards in our free travel app . Delivery will take 2-3 working days.
• Online: follow our application process  to order your card online. Your card will take 2-3 working days to be delivered. Once it arrives you can link it to our Travel app to manage on the go. 
• In branch: simply find a nearby Post Office branch and pop in to get your Travel Money Card there. Please remember to take a valid passport, UK driving licence or a valid EEA card in order to obtain your card, and you can take it away the same day.

Whichever way you choose to order your card, don't forget to activate it once it arrives. Full details of how to activate your card will be provided in your welcome letter, to which your card will be attached if it’s been sent in the post.

How do I use my card?

Travel Money Card is enabled with both chip & PIN and contactless, so you can make larger and lower-value value payments with it respectively. For convenience, you can also add it to Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

You can load it with between £50 and £5,000 (see more on load limits below). You can use it to pay wherever the Mastercard Acceptance Mark is displayed. And you can withdraw cash with it at over 2 million ATMs worldwide (charges and fees apply, see 'Are there top-up limits?' below).

Your Travel Money Card is completely separate from your bank account so it’s a safe and secure way to pay while you’re abroad.

How can I manage my card?

After you've activated your card, you can manage it using our travel app or via a web browser. You can check your recent transactions, view your PIN, transfer funds between different currency ‘wallets’, top up your card, freeze your card and more.

Our travel app brings together travel essentials including holiday money, travel insurance and more together in one place. As well as managing your Travel Money Card you can buy cover for your trip, access your policy documents on the move, book extras such as airport parking and hotels, and find your nearest ATM while overseas or Post Office branches here in the UK.

Which currencies can I use?

The Post Office Travel Money Card can be loaded with up to 22 currencies at any one time. You can top up funds on the card and transfer currencies between different ‘wallets’ for these currencies easily in our travel app or online.

Currencies available:

• EUR – euro
• USD – US dollar
• AUD – Australian dollar
• AED - UAE dirham
• CAD – Canadian dollar
• CHF – Swiss franc
• CNY – Chinese yuan
• CZK – Czech koruna
• DKK – Danish krone
• GBP – pound sterling
• HKD – Hong Kong dollar
• HUF – Hungarian forint
• JPY – Japanese yen
• NOK – Norwegian krone
• NZD – New Zealand dollar
• PLN – Polish zloty
• SAR – Saudi riyal
• SEK – Swedish Krona
• SGD – Singapore dollar
• THB – Thai baht
• TRY – Turkish lira
• ZAR – South African rand

What are the charges and fees?

Full details of our charges and fees can be found in our   Travel Money Card terms and conditions .

The Post Office Travel Money Card is intended for use in the countries where the national currency is the same as the currencies on your card. If the currency falls outside of any of the 22 we offer on your card, you’ll be charged a cross-border fee. For example, using your card in Brazil will incur a cross-border fee because we do not offer the Brazilian real as a currency. 

Cross border fees are set at 3% and are only applicable when you use your currency in a country other than the ones we offer. 

For more information on cross border fees, please visit our cross border payment page.

There are no charges when using your card in retailers in the country of the currency on the card. This means that a €20 purchase in Spain would cost you €20 and will be deducted from your euro balance. 

To avoid unnecessary charges to your card, wherever asked, you should always choose to pay for goods or withdraw cash in the currencies of your card. For example, if you are using the card in Spain you should always choose to pay in euro if offered a choice; choosing to pay in sterling (GBP) in this example would allow the merchant to exchange your transaction from euro to sterling. This would mean your transaction has gone through two exchange rate conversions, which will increase the total cost of your transaction. 

For loads in Great British pounds, a load commission fee of 1.5% will apply (min £3, max £50). A monthly maintenance fee of £2 will be deducted from your balance 12 months after your card expires. Expiration dates can be found on your TMC; all cards are valid for up to 3 years. 

A cash withdrawal fee will be charged when withdrawing cash from a UK Post Office branch or from any ATM globally that accepts Mastercard. Some ATM owners will charge their own fees for withdrawing cash, these are in addition to the fees that we charge.

We have listed all available currencies and their associated withdrawal limits and charges below: 

EUR – euro Max daily cash withdrawal: 450 EUR Withdrawal charge: 2 EUR

USD – US dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 500 USD Withdrawal charge: 2.5 USD

AED – UAE dirham Max daily cash withdrawal: 1,700 AED Withdrawal charge: 8.5 AED

AUD – Australian dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 700 AUD Withdrawal charge: 3 AUD

CAD – Canadian dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 600 CAD Withdrawal charge: 3 CAD

CHF – Swiss franc Max daily cash withdrawal: 500 CHF Withdrawal charge: 2.5 CHF

CNY – Chinese yuan Max daily cash withdrawal: 2,500 CNY Withdrawal charge: 15 CNY

CZK – Czech koruna Max daily cash withdrawal: 9,000 CZK Withdrawal charge: 50 CZK

DKK – Danish krone Max daily cash withdrawal: 2,500 DKK Withdrawal charge: 12.50 DKK

GBP – Great British pound Max daily cash withdrawal: 300 GBP Withdrawal charge: 1.5 GBP

HKD – Hong Kong dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 3,000 HKD Withdrawal charge: 15 HKD

HUF – Hungarian forint Max daily cash withdrawal: 110,000 HUF Withdrawal charge: 600 HUF

JPY – Japanese yen Max daily cash withdrawal: 40,000 JPY Withdrawal charge: 200 JPY

NOK – Norwegian krone Max daily cash withdrawal: 3,250 NOK Withdrawal charge: 20 NOK

NZD – New Zealand dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 750 NZD Withdrawal charge: 3.5 NZD

PLN – Polish zloty Max daily cash withdrawal: 1,700 PLN Withdrawal charge: 8.5 PLN

SAR – Saudi riyal Max daily cash withdrawal: 1,500 SAR Withdrawal charge: 7.50 SAR

SEK – Swedish Krona Max daily cash withdrawal: 3,500 SEK Withdrawal charge: 20 SEK

SGD – Singapore dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 500 SGD Withdrawal charge: 3 SGD

THB – Thai baht Max daily cash withdrawal: 17,000 THB Withdrawal charge: 80 THB

TRY – Turkish lira Max daily cash withdrawal: 1,500 TRY Withdrawal charge: 7 TRY

ZAR – South African rand Max daily cash withdrawal: 6,500 ZAR Withdrawal charge: 30 ZAR

Are there top-up limits?

Yes, all currencies have top-up limits and balances. See full information below, which is applicable to all currencies available on the Travel Money Card.

• Top-up limit: minimum £50 – maximum £5,000
• Maximum balance: £10,000 at any time, with a maximum annual balance of £30,000
• Read more Travel Money Card FAQs

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Find out more information by reading the  Post Office Travel Money Card's terms and conditions .

Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International. First Rate Exchange Services Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with number 4287490 whose registered office is Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9DF, (Financial Services Register No. 900412). Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

Post Office Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered number 2154540. Registered office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. 

These details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the  Financial Conduct Authority website  and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

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Travel Insurance for a Trip to Spain (2024)

with our partner, Faye

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

From lost baggage to trip cancellation and medical emergencies, it pays to have a safety net when you’re exploring Europe. Options for travel insurance for Spain typically cover most unexpected delays and emergencies, offering reimbursements to help you recoup some or all of your trip costs.

We at the MarketWatch Guides Team have reviewed the top travel insurance providers to offer peace of mind on your next European vacation. Along with general travel tips, we will discuss Spain travel insurance, including requirements and how much you can expect to pay.

Compare Spain Travel Insurance Companies

Use the table below to compare travel insurance that will cover a trip to Spain.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Spain?

There are currently no requirements for U.S. citizens to obtain travel or health insurance as a condition of entry to Spain for trips spanning fewer than 90 days. This also includes the other Schengen countries in Europe , like neighboring France. However, many business travelers and tourists may want travel insurance for protection against sudden costs — including unexpected medical expenses and trip cancellations .

Some travel insurance plans also offer coverage for sports enthusiasts in the event of injuries and medical emergencies. Adventure activities are popular in Spain, from water sports in Barcelona and Bilbao to rock climbing in Serrania de Cuenca. But general emergency medical coverage also extends to tourists visiting major cities like Madrid and Valencia.

We outline some of the most common travel insurance coverage options below.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

When you buy a travel insurance policy, you agree to conditions for using your coverage. For example, your policy will list specific reasons you can make a trip cancellation claim, like serious illness or injury. But cancel for any reason coverage , otherwise known as CFAR, is an upgrade without limits.

CFAR benefits offer increased flexibility for international travel. For example, if you booked a hotel in Seville for a destination wedding and the couple calls off the event, you could use CFAR coverage to reimburse prepaid or nonrefundable costs (like your hotel). It is unlikely that a standard travel insurance policy would cover travel costs due to a canceled wedding.

Though it offers flexibility for trip cancellations, CFAR does come with disclaimers and rules. Most travel insurance companies enforce time limits on when you can purchase CFAR coverage and timeframes in which you must cancel your trip. For example, Progressive requires you to purchase CFAR coverage within 10 to 21 days of making your initial trip payment and to notify vendors of canceled plans within 48 hours of your trip departure.

Gear Theft Protection

You may want to take some expensive gear on your Spanish vacation, including valuables such as your:

• Sports equipment

Travel insurance helps to recoup valuables that are lost, stolen or damaged by a tour operator or airline. Most plans offer coverage up to a predetermined cost, and exclusions may apply.

Some providers also offer additional coverage you can purchase to protect your gear while traveling. But deciding to purchase travel gear theft protection ultimately depends on personal preferences. If your policy does not cover the full value of your items, travelers may choose to leave expensive items at home. However, purchasing additional trip coverage may be worthwhile if you have to travel with gear for work or sporting purposes.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

The Spanish health care system is a leader in the Mediterranean region and the world. As a general rule, Spain doesn’t present major health hazards outside of extreme sports. However, there is always the possibility of unforeseen injuries that require medical care with international travel to any destination.

In the case of accidents, illness and emergencies, travel insurance for medical emergencies can cover a range of expenses that may include the following:

• Hospital fees
• Operating room charges
• Ambulance services
• Dental emergencies
• Lab tests and X-rays

Many travel medical insurance plans include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation if you cannot receive health care locally. This usually covers the cost of an evacuation to your home country or a major hospital within Spain.

Rental Car Protection

Spain legally requires unlimited third-party liability insurance for all rental vehicles, which the country automatically includes in the price of the car. While you can buy additional insurance from car rental companies, travel insurance can also protect you if an accident happens while driving abroad.

Some travel insurance plans include rental vehicle coverage in standard plans, while other providers may offer coverage as an add-on. Coverage varies depending on different travel insurance policies and providers. However, it may include the following:

• Collision damage waiver and theft protection
• Tire and windshield protection
• Roadside protection
• Personal effects coverage

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Should you cancel your Spain vacation before departure, trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for nonrefundable and prepaid expenses. A standard Spain travel insurance policy provides reimbursement up to a certain limit. Most providers have strict rules regarding the reasons for canceling unless you purchase CFAR coverage.

Below are typical events that qualify for cancellation, all of which generally represent emergencies.

• Hospitalization or illness
• Death of the family member
• Dangerous weather conditions preventing departure
• International or domestic terrorism

How Much Does Spain Travel Insurance Cost?

How much travel insurance costs can vary based on a traveler’s age and the insurance provider. How much you’ll pay is also dependent on factors including:

• Destination country
• Total trip price
• Trip length
• Level of coverage needed

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Spain. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to Spain for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Spain?

Before purchasing travel insurance, check your current credit cards and health insurance to see if you already have existing coverage. For example, your credit card may offer cancellation protection, or your health insurance may cover emergency medical expenses abroad. You may also be able to buy Spain travel insurance directly through your airline.

Other insurance products may also offer coverage while traveling. For example, some renters insurance policies cover stolen items while traveling.

Otherwise, compare policies between providers and choose the best travel insurance for your next trip. Be sure to review each provider’s coverage limits and exclusions to ensure you would have the coverage you need.

Spain Safety Tips

To help you enjoy a safe trip, below are basic travel tips for vacations to Spain.

Crime and Safety

The Spain Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State is at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. According to the country summary, the level is in place due to possible terrorist attack plots and demonstrations during international events and politically significant holidays.

It’s recommended to avoid demonstrations and always follow instructions from local authorities. Be aware of your surroundings in big crowds and guard your belongings from pickpockets. Take note of local media concerning breaking events and adjust your plans accordingly.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

A Spanish vacation offers excursions that range from hiking in the mountains to scuba diving and exploring historical villages. It’s a good idea to have medical coverage with your travel insurance provider in the case of unexpected injuries, along with cancellation coverage for missed tours.

Book excursions through reputable websites and trusted tour organizations. For recommendations, seek advice from travel agents, hotel concierges and Spain’s official tourism site .

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention , there are currently no COVID-19 travel notices for entry into Spain. But the agency recommends you stay up-to-date on vaccines if you plan to travel abroad. The country has also removed most public health measures related to the pandemic. Follow instructions from local authorities and research appropriate travel health insurance for you.

Some travel insurance providers offer more robust COVID-19 coverage than others. We recommend checking with your travel insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage if you are worried about trip cancellations due to the coronavirus.

Is Travel Insurance for a Spain Vacation Worth It?

Whether it makes sense to buy travel insurance depends on the terms and conditions of your travel arrangements. If you booked a flight, room, rental or transportation that offers refunds for cancellations, travel insurance might not seem necessary.

However, travel insurance can come with expanded medical protections that prove useful in an emergency, and CFAR insurance may offer you more flexibility if plans change. Shopping around and comparing costs for coverage can help you decide the right type of protection for your trip to the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in Spain

Can i use travel insurance to claim flight compensation.

U.S. airlines are not required to compensate you for delayed or canceled flights when factors are outside the airline’s control. Travel insurance can reimburse you for nonrefundable costs related to trip delays, cancellations and baggage loss due to covered reasons.

You can also refer to our guide on how to claim compensation for trip interruptions , with or without travel insurance.

Does Spain require proof of travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for trips to Spain. International travel insurance is recommended to offer visitors peace of mind regarding trip delays or cancellations, lost baggage, unexpected medical costs or pre-existing medical conditions.

Is travel insurance more expensive for trips to Spain?

Based on quotes we gathered for a 35-year-old traveler from New York visiting Spain for 10 days with a total trip cost of $3,500, a policy costs between $86 to $177 . Your price may vary depending on your personal details, trip length and total cost.

Spain travel insurance could be more expensive for senior citizens or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Spain’s high level of privatized health care is another factor regarding medical coverage — only public hospitals provide free treatment, which may still be limited to Europeans. Travel insurance can help ensure coverage in the event of a medical emergency, especially if your health insurance card does not extend benefits abroad.

What does Spain travel insurance cover?

Most standard travel insurance policies cover a range of travel-related situations, including:

• Trip cancellations, delays or interruptions
• Baggage loss or theft
• Emergency medical and evacuation coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Some policies may also cover rental car damage, identity theft resolution, and sporting gear or other valuables.

Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?

U.S. passport holders currently do not need a visa to travel to Spain short term. However, you will need to apply for a visa if you plan to stay for more than 90 days. Note that a Schengen visa grants you access to the Schengen area, but does not apply to the United Kingdom.

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