When traveling to Spain, many Portuguese use their bank cards to conduct money surveys in ATMs. However, it is important to understand the limits and costs associated with these operations to avoid unpleasant surprises. This article aims to clarify the main issues related to money surveys in Spanish territory, using bank cards issued in Portugal.
Survey Limits
The survey limits in Spain with Portuguese cards depend on several factors. The first factor is the daily limit defined by the bank in Portugal. Each banking institution establishes a maximum amount that can be raised per day, and this limit applies regardless of whether it is in the national territory or outside it. For example, a bank can set a daily limit of 200 or 400 euros for multibanco surveys, and this amount will be the same, either in Portugal or in Spain.
In some cases, it may be possible to change the daily limit, especially if it is a trip. It is advisable to check with your bank the conditions to temporarily increase the lifting limit if you need higher values.
Survey rates
In addition to the limits, it is important to take into account the rates associated with surveys. When using a card issued by a Portuguese bank to raise money in Spain, a commission can be charged for the operation. The commission may be fixed or a percentage of the amount raised, and its application depends on the Portuguese bank and the automatic box network used.
In many cases, the ATMs in Spain belong to Spanish banks, which implies an additional commission. In addition, some Portuguese banks have agreements with specific networks, which can reduce or even exempt survey rates. However, it is not uncommon for the cost of raising money outside the country to vary between 1.5% and 3% of the amount raised, with a minimum of a few euros per operation, in the case of credit cards.
Currency conversion committees
Another factor to consider is the currency conversion committees. When a survey in Spain with a card issued in Portugal, the transaction will be converted from euros to euros, without the need for currency conversion, as both countries use the same coin. However, some automatic box operators or banks may offer the option of converting the coin automatically, which may result in additional rates.
This practice, known as “Dynamic Currency Conversion” (CD), should be avoided as the conversion rate is usually higher than that practiced by your bank.
Travel within the European Economic Space
If you travel within the European Economic Space (EEE), your bank has to charge you the same commissions you charge in Portugal, the. The 27 Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are part of the EEE.
Thus, if in Portugal it does not pay to raise money in an ATM or to pay for purchases, it will not do so when you are in one of these countries. In another example, if you pay commissions for the advance of cash on credit, you will pay the same amount in EEA countries.
Recommendations and Tips
If you plan to travel to Spain and you want to surveys with your Portuguese bank card, it is advisable to previously consult your bank to find out about daily limits and applicable rates. In some cases, banks offer alternative solutions, such as prepaid cards or time deposit accounts, which may have more advantageous conditions for international surveys.
In addition, it is always a good practice to verify that the ATM box where you want to conduct the survey belongs to your bank’s network, which can reduce rates. In some cases, Portuguese banks have deals with automatic box networks in Spain, allowing their customers to raise money at no additional costs.
Conclusion
Spanish surveys with Portuguese cards are perfectly viable, but it is important to be aware of the daily limits and associated committees, especially in case of credit cards. With a little planning, it is possible to avoid unexpected costs and enjoy a more efficient and economic survey experience.
Free exceptions of commissions
There are some exceptions, however. Certain Portuguese banks have agreements with some automatic box networks in Spain, such as Banco Santander or BBVA automatic boxes, which can allow surveys at no additional costs. However, these agreements are not universal, and it is always a good practice to check the conditions with your bank before traveling.
Also read:
