Planning a trip to Italy and Spain? Understanding the local currency is one of the easiest ways to prepare for everyday spending, from a coffee in Rome to a train ticket in Madrid.
Both Italy and Spain use the euro (€), which means travelers can move between the two countries without exchanging currencies. However, your overall travel costs can still be affected by exchange rates, card fees and the way you manage your money abroad.
In this guide, we'll cover Italy currency, Spain currency, the euro exchange rate, ways to pay while traveling, and how digital payment solutions such as a payment wallet or online payment account can help you manage your money across Europe.
What Currency Do Italy and Spain Use?
The official currency of both Italy and Spain is the euro (€). They are both members of the euro area, so the same currency is used for everyday purchases in Rome, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona and other cities.
This makes traveling between the two countries relatively straightforward. You don't need to exchange your euros when crossing the border from Italy to Spain or vice versa.
| Country | Official Currency | Currency Code | Symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Euro | EUR | € |
| Spain | Euro | EUR | € |
| Portugal | Euro | EUR | € |
| Republic of Ireland | Euro | EUR | € |
| France | Euro | EUR | € |
Although these countries use the same currency, prices can vary considerably between destinations. Accommodation, restaurants, transportation and tourist attractions may have different prices depending on the city and location.
What Is Italy's Currency?
The currency in Italy is the euro. Italy adopted the euro for everyday transactions in 2002, replacing the Italian lira.
Today, euros are used for everything from groceries and public transportation to hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.
What Is Spain's Currency?
The official Spain currency is also the euro. Whether you're visiting Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville or Málaga, prices are generally displayed in euros.
Because Spain and Italy share the same currency, travelers can use the same euro balance in both countries without exchanging money between them.
Can You Use the Same Money in Italy and Spain?
Yes. Since both countries use the euro, the same euro banknotes and coins can be used in Italy and Spain.
This is particularly convenient if your itinerary includes several European destinations. For example, you can travel from Rome to Barcelona and continue using the euros already in your wallet or payment account.
However, you may still want to check your payment provider's fees when using a card issued in another currency.
How Much Is the Euro Worth?
The value of the euro changes against other currencies. If you're traveling from the United States, the United Kingdom or another non-euro country, the euro exchange rate will affect how much your travel budget is worth after conversion.
For example, someone traveling from the US may need to convert euros to dollars to understand the cost of a hotel, meal or activity in their home currency.
Exchange rates can change throughout the day, so it's useful to check the current rate before making a large conversion.
What Affects Your Travel Currency Conversion?
The amount you receive when converting money can depend on:
- The current exchange rate
- The currencies being exchanged
- The provider's conversion rate
- Any applicable conversion fees
- Transfer or payment fees
Instead of looking only at the advertised exchange rate, consider the total amount you receive after applicable fees.
How to Convert Euros to Dollars While Traveling
If your home currency is USD, you may regularly need to convert euros to dollars while planning your trip.
You can use a currency converter or your payment provider's conversion tool to estimate the value of your purchases.
For example, when you see a €100 hotel charge, checking the current EUR/USD rate can help you understand approximately how much that expense represents in US dollars.
A digital payment solution can make this easier by showing currency information directly through an app or online account, depending on the provider.
Tips for Managing EUR and USD
- Check the current euro exchange rate before a large conversion.
- Compare the final amount after fees.
- Avoid converting more money than you need.
- Keep track of your spending in both EUR and your home currency.
- Review your provider's exchange and transaction fees before confirming a payment.
How to Pay in Italy and Spain
Cards and digital payments are widely used throughout Italy and Spain, particularly in larger cities and tourist destinations.
You can commonly use a card or digital payment method for:
- Hotel bookings
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shopping
- Public transportation
- Flights and train tickets
- Museum and attraction tickets
- Online bookings
- Travel services
Cash can still be useful for smaller purchases or situations where card payments are unavailable. Carrying a modest amount of euros alongside a digital payment method can give you more flexibility.
Is a Payment Wallet Useful for Traveling in Europe?
A payment wallet can help travelers manage payments digitally instead of relying entirely on cash or a physical bank card.
Depending on the provider, a digital wallet may allow you to:
- Manage your balance through an app
- Make eligible online payments
- Access digital card options
- Track transactions
- Manage supported currencies
- Send or receive money
For travelers visiting several European countries, having payment information and transaction history in one place can make everyday money management more convenient.
Online Payment Account vs. Traditional Bank Account
Travelers increasingly use digital financial services alongside traditional bank accounts. An online payment account can provide convenient access to payment and money-management features through a website or mobile application.
The right option depends on your needs, but the differences can be summarized as follows:
| Feature | Traditional Bank Account | Online Payment Account |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Branch and digital channels | Primarily digital |
| Mobile management | Usually available | Core feature |
| International payments | Depends on the bank | Depends on the provider |
| Currency support | Depends on the bank | Depends on the provider |
| Digital card options | Provider dependent | Provider dependent |
| Transaction tracking | Usually available | Usually available |
An online account does not necessarily replace a traditional bank account. Instead, it can provide an additional way to manage payments, especially for people who frequently travel or make international transactions.
How to Send Money to Italy
If you need to send money to Italy, the right method depends on the recipient, destination account, currency and payment options available to you.
Before making an international transfer, check:
- The amount you are sending.
- The currency the recipient will receive.
- Any transfer or conversion fees.
- The expected processing time.
- The recipient's payment details.
If you're sending money from a non-euro country, remember that the conversion from your local currency into EUR can affect the final amount received.
How to Send Money to Spain
The same considerations apply when you send money to Spain.
Whether you're sending money to family, paying for a service or transferring funds for personal expenses, review the exchange rate and applicable fees before confirming the transaction.
A digital payment service can be useful when you want to manage an international transfer from your phone or computer, subject to the provider's available destinations and transfer methods.
Can You Send Money Between Italy and Spain?
Yes. Since both countries use the euro, transfers between Italy and Spain do not require an EUR-to-EUR currency conversion.
However, a transfer may still involve fees or processing requirements depending on the payment method and provider.
For anyone regularly moving money between European countries, having a digital payment account can make it easier to keep track of transfers and transactions from one place.
Italy and Spain Travel Money: Cash or Card?
There is no single payment method that works best for every traveler. A combination of digital payments, cards and a small amount of cash can provide flexibility.
Carrying Cash
Cash can be useful for:
- Small purchases
- Tips
- Emergencies
- Places where cards are not accepted
The downside is that lost or stolen cash generally cannot be recovered.
Using a Card
Cards can be convenient for larger purchases, restaurants, accommodation and transportation. However, travelers should check whether their card provider applies foreign transaction or currency conversion fees.
Using a Digital Payment Wallet
A payment wallet can help you manage your spending digitally and keep track of transactions through your mobile device.
For online purchases, a virtual card can also provide a convenient alternative to entering the details of your primary physical card, where supported.
Managing Money When Traveling Through Southern Europe
Italy and Spain are often part of a larger European itinerary that may also include France, Portugal or other euro-area destinations.
Because several European countries share the euro, travelers can simplify their trip by managing a single EUR balance instead of exchanging money every time they cross a border.
However, if your itinerary includes countries outside the euro area, you'll need to consider additional currency conversions.
A multi-currency account or digital wallet that supports the currencies you need can help you keep track of these balances from one place.
Managing Your Travel Budget With Jeton
Jeton provides digital payment and money-management services that can be useful for people who regularly make online or international transactions.
With a Jeton account, users can access the services and payment methods available in their region, manage their account digitally and use available card options for eligible transactions.
The Jeton app can also help you keep track of your transactions while traveling, giving you a convenient way to manage your digital payments from your phone.
Before making a transaction, always review the applicable fees, limits, exchange rates and processing times shown in your Jeton account.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italy Currency and Spain Money
What currency is used in Italy and Spain?
Both Italy and Spain use the euro (EUR) as their official currency.
Does Spain use the euro?
Yes. Spain is part of the euro area and uses the euro for everyday transactions.
Does Italy use the euro?
Yes. The euro is the official currency of Italy. It replaced the Italian lira in 2002.
Can I use euros in both Italy and Spain?
Yes. Both countries use the euro, so you can use the same EUR balance in both destinations.
What is the currency in Portugal?
Portugal also uses the euro (EUR). This means travelers can generally use the same euro balance when traveling between Portugal, Spain and Italy.
Does Ireland use the euro?
The Republic of Ireland uses the euro. Northern Ireland, however, uses the British pound because it is part of the United Kingdom.
How can I check the EUR to USD exchange rate?
You can check the current euro exchange rate using a currency converter or your financial service provider's exchange-rate information before converting EUR to USD.
What is the best way to carry money in Italy and Spain?
Many travelers combine cards or digital payment methods with a small amount of cash. The right combination depends on your itinerary, spending habits and the payment methods you have available.
Travel Across Europe With Jeton
Managing money shouldn't take away from your time exploring Rome, Barcelona, Madrid or Milan. With the right digital payment setup, you can keep track of your spending, manage your available funds and handle eligible international payments from one place.
Whether you need to send money to Italy, send money to Spain, manage euros or make online purchases while traveling, Jeton gives you digital tools designed for managing money on the go.
Ready to simplify your travel payments? Create your Jeton account and explore the available payment and money-management options for your next European trip.
Take control of your travel money with the one app for all needs. Download the Jeton app via the App Store or Google Play to enjoy total financial freedom across Southern Europe and beyond!
