Currency

The currency in Spain is the peseta (pta). Coins are available in values of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 ptas. The one pta. coin, worth less than 1 US cent, comes in three sizes! While any of the others (5, 25, 50 and 200ptas) come in two sizes. This can be rather confusing, particularly as many vending machines only accept the older (larger) version of the coins.
Notes come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10 000 ptas; these are colored green, red, purple and blue respectively.

Exchange:

There should be no problem finding a place to change money in Madrid, in almost all banks, 'cajas' or in the many exchange houses in the tourist areas, which have the advantage of longer opening hours (some are open 24 hours a day).

Credit cards:

Credit cards are widely accepted in Madrid, except in tapas bars, cheap restaurants and low-budget hotels. VISA is the most widely accepted card, but AMEX and Master Card (Access) are also quite widely recognized.