Money Exchange and Credit Cards

Money Exchange

If you come from outside the EU or if you do but from England (in example), changing some money in to Euros will be a must.

While in many countries like Sweden or the UK you can safely go just with the card and forget about local notes and coins, having some Euro in Mallorca it’s a must.

First advice: forget about exchange offices and just go to a bank. They are just the man in the middle.

Second advice: forget about money exchange in your hotel too. It is just the same.

Mallorca is plenty of cash points where you can safely get some money and, while your bank will most probably charge you a fee, you can be assured that it will make you easier and you will not notice a real difference. I many countries like Sweden or the UK you can safely go just with the card and forget about local notes and coins, but having some Euro in cash in Mallorca it’s a must.

Many places accept credit cards, but some do not. If you stop for a coffee in a local bar, take a taxi or want to have some drinks in any of the night spots think that you will need cash. So be ready to have some bucks in pocket when you arrive, as the taxi driver that will take you to the hotel will not accept any other way of payment.

While traveler checks could be a safe way to carry money, in my opinion they are not comfortable as they seem. However, if you do use them, note that every time you change some there is a fix fee you have to pay (about 5 Euro), so change a few or more each time to save some money. Also please note that you passport will be required.

Credit Cards

If you just have one (quite estrange) go and get another one more. Now. Having a broken card (let’s say with the magnetic band damaged) it like having nothing here. Although in some places they can and now how to charge just by having its number and expire date, they are just an exception to the rule. And the rule it’s that the card has to work by itself. So come with more than one, just in case. And by the way, keep them in separated places so in case of lost you will not have to cancel both.

Now, better if you check with your bank which is the maximum amount allowed on foreign countries. Many companies have different policies depending on this so check that it will fit what you expect to pay on your check-out from the hotel.

AMEX, VISA & MasterCard and nearly every kind of card are widely accepted, but Switch is normally not.

Do not expect your waiter to ask for any identification when using it, as it considered a bad example of education, but do everywhere else and do carry with your passport or ID if you go on shopping. You will also have to be the owner of it or it won’t be accepted.

Also, and if it’s your case you most probably now, some MasterCard ask for its PIN when paying, so do not get surprised.

Following some phone numbers in case you need them, hope you do not:

• Amex: 902 10 09 56
• 4B: 91 362 62 00
• Diners: 91 547 40 00
• Master Card: 91 519 21 00
• Visa international: 900 99 11 24