FYI: Cash vs credit card on the Camino Frances in 2023

[JustJack]

Just an FYI for those wondering about how much cash they will need, versus paying with a card. I was anticipating needing to do a lot of ATM withdrawals to pay for my food and accommodation this spring, but in fact I was able to tap my credit card the majority of the time. In total I used/needed about $500 euros in cash over 39 days. The majority ( ie the rest) went on my credit card.

 

[jgiesbrecht]

Yep....5 years ago would have been a different story, but once c19 hit I think more places opened up for credit card usage.

 

[auburnfive]

I prefer to pay cash, as I don’t like having to face credit card bills after a trip, but it seems post Covid there is a move to credit card use. With some of our pre-booked accommodation, the credit card is charged in advance.

 

[CWBuff]

I prefer to pay cash, as I don’t like having to face credit card bills after a trip, ..

Yeah ... and I look at it as a 30 (or even 60 sometimes , if tthe sales align "properly") Free loan.
There has been lots of talk and posts about cash vs. CC and all I can say is that I too would up with perhaps €500 total withdrawal and all other expenses went on my CC

 

[lovelyshell]

I think the bar and cafe owners prefer cash.

 

[Nick MJ]

Merchant fees (the percentage of the amount one has paid with a card that goes to the bank) range widely but there can also be a minimum charge, which is why you will sometimes see signs requesting that payments below a certain value (5 or 10 euros) are made in cash. Hence a preference for cash from many small retailers. On the other hand, of course, to get cash can often require paying a steep handling charge to the ATM operator....

 

[DBC]

Just an FYI for those wondering about how much cash they will need, versus paying with a card. I was anticipating needing to do a lot of ATM withdrawals to pay for my food and accommodation this spring, but in fact I was able to tap my credit card the majority of the time. In total I used/needed about $500 euros in cash over 39 days. The majority ( ie the rest) went on my credit card.

I had a mix of cash and card on me. Cash represented my basic budget per day and I almost always used that. About 5 days worth was in easy access with my passport etc. for check-ins, the rest was buried deeper into my rucksack. Card was for backup and incidentals (eg I had to buy a new pair of boots at about halfway)

 

[CWBuff]

Merchant fees (the percentage of the amount one has paid with a card that goes to the bank) range widely but there can also be a minimum charge, which is why you will sometimes see signs requesting that payments below a certain value (5 or 10 euros) are made in cash.

Pretty much the same almost anywhere.
The way I see it is - if the merchant REALLY does not want to be bothered with CCs they simply don't accept them to begin with.
Enough of them during my Pilgrimage to be sure, but then again many more take them.

Point I am trying to make is if your preferred method of payment IS a CC do not be afraid that you'll have a difficult time on Camino (at least Frances; can't speak for any other- have not walked them) Cc payments are very much alive and well...and you still can carry some cash as a backup.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I appreciate the advice, I will keep it in my mind. Thank you, sir.

Huge growth in non cash payment in Spain. 25% growth quarter on quarter. Even many of the smaller places take contactless. Debit Card in my case as don’t have credit cards.

Huge contrast with Germany, for example, where I currently am, which has much less card acceptance in bars! Especially at the lower end where I tend to hang out (the ones full of folks smoking!). So take advantage where you can and save fees. With carrying cash too tho….

 

[pmusial]

I find I make many tiny purchases, at bars, etc., and find that cash is very convenient. I have frequently seen 30 euro minimums for card use. I believe municipal albergues are cash only. ATM fees vary widely from 3 to 7 euros so if you do your homework you can save.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Just got off the Primitivo, used Debit card practically everywhere, if there was a minimum it was always €10 and clearly posted. Also carried cash. I started with €350 , €40 easily accessible and the rest in my money belt, which never leaves me when travelling.
I've still got €105, 14 days later. And a couple of times I gave cash to a companion for my share of the bill, so they could pay by card. Even two Xunta took card.
Time's, they are a changing

 

[TravellingMan22]

Just got off the Primitivo, used Debit card practically everywhere, if there was a minimum it was always €10 and clearly posted. Also carried cash. I started with €350 , €40 easily accessible and the rest in my money belt, which never leaves me when travelling.
I've still got €105, 14 days later. And a couple of times I gave cash to a companion for my share of the bill, so they could pay by card. Even two Xunta took card.
Time's, they are a changing

100% my experiences too!