You will need a Euro bank account so that utility companies can collect payments for water, electricity and so on. Opening a Euro account is simple and does not restrict you from holding a Sterling account. As in the UK, debit or credit cards tend to be used most often for shopping and eating out.

In Spain it is advisable to carry your photo ID card with you since you may be asked for proof of ID for some credit card purchases. If you have not yet obtained the ID card, your driver's licence or passport will usually suffice. Personal cheques are used less and less often as a means of buying goods, but are still useful in some circumstances.