Click here to go to this country guide's homepage

Expat Focus is pleased to offer the services of a leading foreign exchange provider offering foreign exchange and currency transfers at unbeatable exchange rates and no commission.

For a fast, friendly and free quote at a guaranteed better rate than your bank or other companies' rates CLICK HERE!

---

In 2002, Spain adopted the Euro as its currency (1 Euro = 100 Euro cents). Notes and coins are available in Spain in the following denominations:

1/2/5 cent coins - depicting Santiago de Compostela cathedral

10/20/50 cent coins - featuring the author Cervantes (Don Quijote)

1 and 2 Euro coins - bearing an image of King Carlos I

5/10/20/50/100/200 and 500 Euro notes (there are no Spanish designs on Euro notes - all notes are the same throughout Europe)

Since the Euro was introduced and prices rounded up to the nearest Euro, Spain has felt an increase in the cost of living. However, it is still perceived as one of the less expensive European countries, though property prices in the larger cities are high in comparison with earnings.

The following gives a rough guide to some everyday living expenses in Spain:

Electricity - 35-40 Euro a month for 2 people

Eating out - average restaurant bill per person 12 Euro

Drinks - glass of beer or wine in a bar 1-2 Euro

Telephone - flat fee of 25 Euro per month, plus calls

Good coffee - a bargain at 1 Euro or less in many cafes!