Many cash machines in the Canary Islands charge foreign cards a fixed withdrawal fee, shown on screen before you confirm. You can usually reduce costs by choosing bank-owned ATMs, refusing the machine’s currency conversion and taking out larger amounts less often with a fee-free card.
Fees you may see
| Fee | Who charges it | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| ATM operator fee | The machine owner | Compare banks; some charge less |
| Currency conversion offer | The ATM | Always choose to be charged in euros |
| Your bank’s foreign cash fee | Your card provider | Use a card with free cash withdrawals abroad |
Tips
- Read the fee screen and cancel if it is too high; try another bank’s ATM.
- Decline conversion to pounds.
- Withdraw larger amounts less often, within your safety comfort.
- Avoid stand-alone ATMs in tourist areas, which often charge more.
- Pay by card where accepted; contactless is widely used.
Do you need cash?
Less than before. Most shops, supermarkets and restaurants accept cards. Keep some cash for markets, small bars, guachinches and tips.
Our verdict
Carry a little cash, use a fee-free card and always choose euros. See Best Cards to Use in the Canary Islands Without Fees.