how much cash to bring

Hi guys, I'm going on my first trip to Spain this summer and am staying for 9 weeks! I can't wait! Anyway, I was wondering how much cash people thought I should bring. I will have my credit cards and debit card, but was not sure the amount to bring in cash. Also, should I get some Euros here before I leave? What are your ideas? Thanks for your help!
-allison

Hi pixiechic39!

If you need the money for personal stuff (souvenirs, transportation, discos, etc) I'd say 150 euros per week in a small town such as Ávila and 250 in a big town such as Madrid.

Hi Pixie. When I travel I never take too much cash. Maybe 300 or 400 Euros just in case there is an emergency or anything. I rather use my credit and debit cards, the exchange rate is usually good and you will only change what you need. I've travelled like that to everywhere in Europe and I've never found as many ATM's as in Spain, so if I was a tourist here I would definetely take almost no cash.

I second JasMadrid's remarks. Nowadays, there's really no point in bringing tons of money when you can use credit cards and debit cards. Just make sure you have a reasoable limit, and keep a few hundred aside in case of an emergency

There are cash machines and money exchange desks in the airport, so either get cash out of an ATM when you get there, or bring some dollars and exchange them.

One of my friends once took a large amount of money for an extended stay. She opened a bank account and stored the money there for security. She only needed the passport and a mailing address to open the account.

It's now more complicated for a non-EU citizen to open a bank account in Spain.

If you do not have a residency card, you have to go to the local police station (comisaria) and get a letter of non-residency. It takes at least ten days for the letter to be issued (at least in Madrid). You go back to pick it up at the police station and then you take this letter to the bank, along with your passport.

It's probably not worth the hassle for a short stay. Especially given that you will probably pay higher ATM fees with a local bank's cards that you would with your US card. I've never been charged to take money out with my US ATM card, but I have been charged when I use my Caja Madrid card at other ATMs here in Madrid.

Thank you mariposa for more info about using a bank account.

I have a question. One of my friends travels every summer to Holland. She says "Bring cash or debit/credit card. Do not bring travelers checks." Any explanation for this?

Hi:)!

Yes, there's an explanation. ATMs have made traveller checks unecessary, thus they've become "old-fashioned" and they're rarely used nowadays. Except in airports, etc, etc.

People use debit/credit cards since there's an ATM in every corner. It's easier, faster and more comfortable... At least, that's what we think here in the E.U.

are you studying somewhere, or travelling? that makes a big difference, when I studied abroad, weekly stuff was pretty cheap, since i had food with my host family, I easily got by on 50 euros a week. That said, I was in granada, so i could walk everywhere, and that was just incidental spending money, ie nightlife, the movies, eating something out every now and then, random things i needed. it by no means includes that times that i decided to go clothes/souvenir shopping, or travel for a weekend.

If it is your first time to Spain, are a girl, and love to shop, ull want a lot. If you are a student there and attending school, ull be busier. I was in Spain for 2 1/2 weeks this past week and I attended school some days with my friend but with that said, I am a girl and I love to shop and I spent about $1200...lol yeah I just got the bank statement today...but I wouldn't carry too much money. Yo ucan use your cards at the store just remember to show ID...and I only used cash for eating...

Wow, This is all very good information. I was actually a little put off about some of the conversion and other usage fees for debit cards the rate's something like 3% of your purchase. Credit cards are simple enough. Regardless if everyone seems to think that debit/check cards are a good route to go I'll give it a shot. I'm hoping some of you could maybe sell me a little more on checkcards. Thanks.