Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Money
ATMS
Barcelona abounds with banks, many of which have ATMs. ATMs are also in plentiful sup-
ply around Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça de Sant Jaume (in the Barri Gòtic) and La Rambla.
Changing Money
You can change cash or travellers cheques in most major currencies without problems at vir-
tually any bank or
bureau de change
(usually indicated by the word
canvi/cambio
).
The foreign-exchange offices that you see along La Rambla and elsewhere are open for
longer hours than banks, but they generally offer poorer rates. Also, keep a sharp eye open
for commissions at
bureaux de change
.
Credit Cards
Major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus are accepted throughout Spain.
They can be used in many hotels, restaurants and shops. If your card is lost, stolen or swal-
lowed by an ATM, you can telephone toll free to immediately stop its use:
Amex
( 902 375637)
Diners Club
( 900 801331)
MasterCard
( 900 971231)
Visa
( 900 991124)
Travellers Cheques & Moneycards
Travellers cheques are far less convenient than simply using bank cards at ATMs. If you do
opt for this old-school option, Amex and Visa are widely accepted brands. For lost cheques,
call a
24-hour freephone number
(for Amex 900 810029, for Visa 900 948978).
