Arriving at Barajas Airport, is it better to change dollars to Euros at the bank (not the cambios) or use an ATM?

Mike,

Search under cambios, ATM, Euro. Hopefully you'll find the answers you're looking for.

Good luck!

Thanks, Wyndyl!

ATM is THE best!!

You're very welcome, Mike!

I will definetely be using the ATM's, although I intend to be prepared by taking at least 50 Euro with me ahead of time.

This is my first trip to Spain. I am also travelling by myself. With all the info I've gathered by reading all the posts, I don't think I will have any problems getting any funds with the ATMs.

Good luck!

Wyndy

Wyndyl,

We never take any cash with us. The ATMs do the trick. You can step up to an ATM and get the 50 Euros when you get there. No sense paying the exchange rate here when it's cheaper through an ATM machine.

In fact, make sure you take two different ATM cards with you. Keep them seperated so if you lose one, or its stolen, you can go online and have that one cancelled, and still use the second one - If possible, do the same with Visa cards.

Wolf

just as an FYI use an ATM that had the Telebanco sign above it, half of the ATM´s do. BBVA banks do not take american atm cards. just so you know!

MissMadrid,

That must be a change. The last time we were there, we were able to use our ATM cards at BBV because they were Cirrus/Visa inclusive.

Maybe that's the difference. A straight ATM vs a dual application card? Anyone know?

Wolf

When you use your American ATM card, check with system it is on...either PLUS or CIRRUS. It will be clearly marked on either the front or back of your card. When you get to the ATM, just check to see which system they use. Usually on the welcome screen, there is a grid of all the accepted cards.

Thank you all very much! I guess the ATM is the unanimous choice, and I'll look for the telebanco.

Mike