Banking as a Foreigner in Spain
Send money home, ask about fees and exchange rates, and handle everyday payments like Bizum in Spain.
In Spain, foreigners often start with a non-resident account ('cuenta de no residente') until they have their NIE, and banks charge fees for almost everything: transfers outside the euro zone, other banks' cash machines, even account maintenance. Between friends, small debts are settled instantly by Bizum, and bills like rent are paid by direct debit ('domiciliación'). The cards follow a newcomer in Seville at the bank branch, then back home with a Spanish flatmate.
- 1
Tengo que mandar dinero a mi familia, que vive fuera.
I need to send money to my family abroad.
- 2
¿Qué comisión tiene una transferencia internacional?
What's the fee for an international transfer?
- 3
¿Qué tipo de cambio aplican?
What exchange rate do you apply?
- 4
¿Cuánto tarda en llegar?
How long does it take to arrive?
- 5
Suele tardar dos o tres días hábiles.
It usually takes two or three working days.
- 6
Necesito el IBAN y el código SWIFT del banco de destino.
I need the IBAN and SWIFT code of the receiving bank.
- 7
¿Puedo dejarla programada todos los meses?
Can I set it up as a monthly transfer?
- 8
La cuenta sigue siendo de no residente.
The account is still in non-resident mode.
- 9
Tráigame el NIE para que actualicemos sus datos.
Bring me your NIE so we can update your details.
- 10
¿Hay un límite de lo que puedo enviar?
Is there a limit on how much I can send?
- 11
¿Lo puedo hacer yo desde la app?
Can I do it myself from the app?
- 12
Le llegará un código por SMS para confirmarla.
You'll get a code by text message to confirm it.
- 13
El banco te cobra un dineral.
The bank charges you a fortune.
- 14
El cajero me cobró dos euros por sacar dinero.
The ATM charged me two euros to take out cash.
- 15
Usa los cajeros de tu banco.
Use your own bank's ATMs.
- 16
Mándamelo por Bizum.
Just send it to me by Bizum.
- 17
Mañana te lo devuelvo.
I'll pay you back tomorrow.
- 18
Tengo el alquiler domiciliado.
My rent is on direct debit.
- 19
¿Te ha llegado el dinero?
Did the money arrive?
- 20
¿Hay alguna forma más barata de hacerlo?
Is there a cheaper way to do it?