Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Money
Credit cards are widely accepted in Barcelona, although there may be a minimum amount of
€5 or €10. When paying with a credit card, a photo ID is often required, even for chip cards
where you're required to enter your PIN (for US travellers without chip cards, just indicate
that you'll give a signature). ATMs are widespread, and most allow you to use international
debit or credit cards to withdraw money in euros. Remember also that there is usually a
charge (around 1.5% to 2%) on ATM cash withdrawals abroad.
Taxes & Refunds
Value-added tax (VAT) is a 21% sales tax levied on most goods and services. For restaurants
and hotels it's 10%. Most restaurants usually include VAT in their prices, but it is not also in-
cluded in hotel-room prices, so be sure to ask when booking. It's sometimes possible for vis-
itors to claim a refund of VAT paid on goods; see
Click here
for details.
Tipping
Restaurants
Catalans typically leave 5% or less at restaurants. Leave more for excep-
tionally good service.
Taxis
Optional, but most locals round up to the nearest euro.
Bars
It's rare to leave a tip in bars, though a bit of small change is always appreciated.
