Best Places to Exchange Money in Barcelona

Barcelona Travel Guide / November 07, 2016
Best Places to Exchange Money in Barcelona Image credit: weyo

Euro is the currency that is widely used in Spain. You will find the banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro. Coins are available in 1 and 2 Euro as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Spain is unfortunately one of the European countries that offer poor foreign currency exchange rates. If your Europe trip includes several countries, you are highly recommended to buy Euro in other European cities such as Paris and London.

But if you visit only Barcelona this time, don’t worry, you still can get reasonable and favorable rates at money changers recommended in this article.

Find them at tourist hot spots like La Rambla, Avenue of the Parallel, La Sagrada Familia, and El Raval. These places house a large number of money changers, which are located close to each other. This makes their rates very competitive and enables travelers to easily walk around to look for the best deals.

Bear in mind that there is one task that should always be done: Ask for the final exchange rate before making a transaction. The reason is rates may differ depending on the amount of money you want to sell. Some forex shops display very good rates on electronic boards, but these offers apply only to deals that are bigger than US$500.

Also, be warned of pickpockets and snatchers when exchanging money in tourist districts. Don’t carry large amounts of cash around and always guard your belongings.

If safety is your highest priority, you can exchange currency at banks. Just take note that banks in Spain usually close at around 2:00pm, and most of them don’t open at weekends.

Traveler’s cheques are quite uncommon in Barcelona. Only a few banks and money changers accepts this type of cheques. If they are your constant traveling companions, get them exchanged at forex shops in La Rambla area.

To find a Barcelona money changer on the streets, look for the sign with the word “Change“. Some shops use the word “Cambio“, which means “change” in Spanish, instead.

1. Money Changers on La Rambla

Money Changers on La Rambla Image credit: Chequepoint

If your hotel is on La Rambla or in close proximity to this Barcelona’s most famous street, you can buy Euro with ease.

If not, there is no problem at all. Since no Barcelona trip is complete without a stroll along the never sleep La Rambla street. Chances are you also find yourself soaking up the lively atmosphere of the area or enjoying a cup of coffee at an alfresco table overlooking the avenue like the majority of visitors do.

If that is the case, combine money exchanging to your trip to the area. You can find good forex shops right at La Rambla, which open their doors to serve you until late evening. There is even a money changer, called Exact Change, that has trading hours lasting until 2:00am.

 Best rates for
– USD
– GBP
– JPY
– DKK
– NOK
– SEK
– AUD
– CAD

Recommended money changers
1. Chequepoint

– London-based foreign exchange company founded in 1974, and operating in over 70 countries
– It is within walking distance from Mirador de Colon, Museo de Cera, and Arts Santa Monica
– Accepts traveler’s cheques
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: La Rambla, 15, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 902 012 413
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:00 – 22:00; Sunday 10:00 – 22:00

2. Ria
– Founded in 1987 in New York as a money transfer service company, Ria operates in 150 countries
– This branch is across Liceu Theater
– Accepts traveler’s cheques
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: La Rambla, 56, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 302 86 96
– Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 08:30 – 23:30; Friday 07:30 – 23:30

3. Interchange
– More than 25 years in service
– Accepts traveler’s cheques
– It is within walking distance from Liceu Theater and Liceu Subway Station
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: La Rambla, 74, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 3 427 311
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 23:00; Sunday 11:00 – 21:00

4. Exact Change
– Established in London in 1988, Exact Change operates in 8 European countries
– It is within walking distance from Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi and Liceu Subway Station
– Accepts traveler’s cheques
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: La Rambla, 85, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 412 29 02
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:00 – 2:00; Sunday 09:00 – 23:30

5. BBVA (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria)
– This bank branch is within walking distance from Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi and Liceu Subway Station
– Address: La Rambla, 82, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 933174674
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 – 14:15
Daily rates

How to get there
– By subway: Nearest subway station is Liceu
– By bus: Nearest bus stops are La Rambla-Centre d’Art Santa Mònica, Gran Teatre del Liceu, and La Rambla-La Boqueria

2. Money Changers on Avenue of the Parallel

Money Changers on Avenue of the Parallel Image credit: marcoscisetti

Avenue of the Parallel (or Avinguda del Paral·lel as locals call it) is a good currency exchange place for those who don’t want to join the crowd on La Rambla.

You will find both money changers and theaters on this avenue. It is good to know that the street is often compared with Montmartre in Paris or New York’s Broadway due to the sheer number of theaters it has.

Most forex shops on Avenue of the Parallel offer service 7 days a week.

Best rates for
– USD
– GBP
– JPY
– HKD
– THB
– SGD
– BRL

Recommended money changers
1. Money Exchange – Paralelo branch

– More than 20 years in service
– This branch is within walking distance from Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies, Mirador del Poble Sec, Jardins de Walter Benjamin, and Parallel Metro Station
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Carrer de Mata, 1 08004 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 4433803
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 -21:00; Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 14:00, 15:00 – 21:00
Daily rates

2. Ria
– Founded in 1987 in New York as a money transfer service company, Ria operates in 150 countries
– This branch is across Victoria Theater
– Accepts traveler’s cheques
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Av. del Paraŀlel, 76, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 933 24 84 90
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 22:00; Saturday 10:00 – 20:00; Sunday 10:00 – 19:00

3. Europhil
– More than 25 years in service
– It is a 1 minute walk from Poble Sec Subway Station
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Av. del Paraŀlel, 138, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 4 26 50 09
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 22:00; Saturday & Sunday 11:00 – 22:00

4. Las Americas Money Exchange
– It is within walking distance from El Molino, Victoria Theater, and Parallel Subway Station
– Address: Carrer del Roser, 3, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 4 43 63 09
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 20:00

5. G&S Envios
– It is within walking distance from El Molino
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Av. del Paraŀlel, 87, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 672523419
– Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 23:00

How to get there
– By subway: Nearest subway station is Parallel
– By bus: Nearest bus stops are Paral·lel-Cabanes, El Molino, Av. Paral·lel – Margarit, and Av. Paral·lel – Rocafort

3. Money Changers near La Sagrada Familia

Money Changers near La Sagrada Familia Image credit: Central de Envios

La Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the icon of Barcelona. This uncompleted yet magnificent Roman Catholic Church draws a vast number of visitors to this side of the city.

To cater for the money exchanging need of people who come to marvel at the grand design and architecture of the basilica and enjoy gourmet delicacies of the district, an array of money changers have sprouted up around Sagrada Familia.

Most of them are open daily, so you can enjoy their service on any day of the week, roughly from 10:00 to 22:00.

Best rates for
– GBP
– AUD
– CAD
– CHF
– HKD
– PHP
– THB

Recommended money changers
1. Central de Envios

– It is within walking distance from La Sagrada Familia
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Carrer de Còrsega, 567, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 1 86 37 61
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 22:00; Sunday 16:00 – 22:00

2. Europhil
– More than 25 years in service
– It is less than 5 minutes on foot from La Sagrada Familia passing through La Sagrada Familia Park
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 364, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 911 33 35 00
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00

3. Telecentro
– It is less than 5 minutes on foot from La Sagrada Familia
– Services: Currency exchange, money transfer, and internet access
– Address: Carrer de València, 425, 08026 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 5 242 211
– Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 21:00

4. Intercom
– It is only a 2 minute walk from La Sagrada Familia
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Carrer de la Marina, 235, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 932 31 38 48
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 23:00

5. G&S Envios
– It is about 5 minutes away from La Sagrada Familia past Plaça de Gaudi
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Carrer de Lepant, 312, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 4507015
– Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 23:00

How to get there
– By subway: Nearest subway station is Sagrada Familia
– By bus: Nearest bus stops are Mallorca – Nàpols, Sardenya – Mallorca, and Av. Gaudí

4. Money Changers in El Raval

Money Changers in El Raval Image credit: Gold Street

For years, El Raval was unpopular among tourists because of its seedy image. But the presence of recently set up galleries, hotels, and shops has breathed new life into the area, making Raval a favorite among art and modern culture lovers.

If you need your Euro for your culture and nightlife adventures in the area, head yourself to Joaquin Costa and the adjacent streets. The majority of money changers in this part of Barcelona open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

Gold Street, which is only 1 minute away from Urgell subway station, is the most popular forex shop in El Raval. People love it simply because of its advantageous rates and good service.

Best rates for
– AUD
– CHF
– HKD
– PHP
– THB
– SGD
– BRL

Recommended money changers
1. Gold Street

– It is 8 minutes away (on foot) from the Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona
– Services: Currency exchange, gold exchange, and money transfer
– Address: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 92, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 1 14 73 31
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 20:00

2. Europhil – Joaquin Costa branch
– More than 25 years in service
– It is across Plaça d’Emili Vendrell and 2 minutes away from the Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 12, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 934 43 90 08
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00

3. Lefer Transfer
– It is across Plaça d’Emili Vendrell and 2 minutes away from the Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 10, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 933 29 73 66
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00

4. Telecentro
– This money changer is a 2 minute walk form Jardins de les Voltes d’en Cirés
– Services: Currency exchange, money transfer, and internet access
– Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 40, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 934 884 905
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00

5. Europhil – Muntaner branch
– It is about 2 minutes away from Teatre Goya
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Carrer de Muntaner, 3, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 924 56 76 88
– Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00

How to get there
– By subway: Nearest subway stations are Liceu, Universitat, and Urgell
– By bus: Nearest bus stops are Montalegre-Valdonzella, Pl. Goya – Rda. Sant Antoni, and Riera Alta-Erasme de Janer

5. Recommended money changers in other areas of Barcelona

Recommended money changers in other areas of Barcelona Image credit: Arco del Triunfo

There are other money changers in Barcelona that are not located among the usual clusters of forex shops. However, they are worth mentioning in case you find yourselves near these currency exchange stalls or prefer their specific services.

1. Rafer Change
– Located in the Gothic Quarter near Picasso Museum, 1 minute away from Jaume I subway station
– Accepts traveler’s cheques
– Services: Currency exchange, gold exchange, and money transfer
– Address: Carrer de la Princesa, 13, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 933 10 79 20
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:30 – 21:00; Saturday 09:30 – 16:30

2. Fidso Exchange
– Within walking distance from Provicial Barcelona Hospital
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Carrer de Muntaner, 181, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 933 48 26 50
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 20:00; Saturday 10:00 – 14:00
Daily rates

3. Money Exchange – Arco del Triunfo branch
– More than 20 years in service
– This branch is less than 5 minutes on foot from Arco del Triunfo
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Located Carrer del Rec Comtal, 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 93 3198222
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 -21:00; Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 14:00, 15:00 – 21:00

4. Exact Change @ Avinguda de la Catedral
– Established in London in 1988, Exact Change operates in 8 European countries
– It is within walking distance from Catedral de Barcelona
– Accepts traveler’s cheques
– Services: Currency exchange and money transfer
– Address: Av. de la Catedral, 1, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 933 01 77 28
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:00 – 22:30; Sunday 09:00 – 22:30

5. Spectrum
– Financial adviser company offering currency exchange services with more than 10 years of experience
– Its location is within walking distance from Museo Egipsi and Casa Mila
– Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 63, Principal 2a, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
– Phone: +34 936 65 28 28
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 19:00

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