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Spain’s coastal towns welcome tourists — but not every euro note will. Credit: Thomas Dutour, Canva.com
Double-check your wallet if you are planning to visit Spain in the summer of 2025, and prefer to pay with cash. Not all euro notes will be accepted. Spanish authorities have warned tourists that some bills will now be rejected. This would include the elusive €500 note, which hasn’t been printed since 2016 but still does circulate, and even more surprisingly, worn or damaged units with shops and restaurants can now legally refuse €50 or more.
The move is part and parcel of the shift that’s taking place in Europe. Cleaner currency, fewer denominations rules, and an increase in traceable, secure payments are all underway. Preparation now will save UK travellers from embarrassment and hassle in the future. What are some simple steps you can take to make sure you remain dependent as you should?
What is different and why
The €500 note still exists, but just barely. It’s long had a dodgy reputation — linked to laundering, stashed cash, and stuff best kept quiet. Although technically it is legal, you will likely receive a “no” or a polite headshake if you use one today in Spain.
- The European Central Bank ceased producing the note in 2016 and its disappearance is now increasing, especially in areas with a large concentration of tourists.
- From July 2025, Spain has withdrawn one or damaged €50 Remove all damaged copies from circulation. Included in this would be those with stains, creases, tears and even faint prints.
Currency exchange booths may not warn you of the danger. ATMs still use older notes. You might not notice anything until your cash is refused at the till. So Spanish authorities relay a simple message: don’t travel with a €500 note, and if they look rough, ask for replacements before you fly.
What happens when your note is rejected?
If a banknote is rejected, it’s not just that you are stuck but you also suffer inconvenience. The Spanish authorities have confirmed that the €Bank of Spain branches or in certain cases partner banks can exchange 50 bills.
That means finding a branch, bringing ID, and hoping it’s open — not always easy when you’re on holiday and the nearest one shuts at 1 p.m.
Good luck if your destination is remote. Some coastal areas and islands have hardly any branches that are working, let alone those with quick solutions. It could take a whole day to fix a single note. You can avoid these problems by checking your notes in advance.
If you’re carrying a €If you have a 500-euro note, the situation becomes even more complicated, because although the note is valid, most Spanish hotels will treat it as if it were nonexistent.
Avoiding issues for tourists
The first step is to avoid the €500 note altogether. Even if they are found at a UK currency exchange, it is considered more of an inconvenience than a liability.
- Second step, expect your €Look for rips, deep creases or ink stains on your 50 note. You should check for any rips, deep folds, or ink staining. Exchange them if they are not in good condition while you are still at home. It is much easier to do this before your flight rather than trying to find a Spanish Bank in the middle or your holiday.
- Thirdly, when withdrawing cash abroad, you should use ATMs of major banks instead of those from third-party providers. If you can, request smaller denominations of 10 or even 20 euros. These are more flexible for local shops, taxis and markets.
- Lastly, If you need to withdraw cash from an ATM abroad, use the ones that look official. The ones that look official — not the ones flashing blue outside a beach bar. Ask for small denominations, like 10s or 20, if possible. These are easier to use at taxis, corner shops, and beach bars.
Old rules, old notes
Cash with damaged bills and high denominations is falling out of favor. Tourists who still use them are the ones to first notice. This is a move to clean up a system that makes fraud harder, while encouraging travellers to choose currencies that are traceable and intact.
This is a reminder to Brits who are going abroad that money can expire and it is important to understand the rules prior. Travel rewards those who take the time to read all the details.
