How to save money in Spain

With the great British summer escape on the way, many families will worry about the cost of their holiday. Getting hold of holiday money seems to be getting more expensive every year, and the honest truth is that families do struggle to afford a holiday. Living costs in the UK keep on rising, and today, most families are concerned about keeping up with general living expenses let alone Sterling exchange rates.

In fact, the Pound Sterling exchange rate to the Euro, has never been this low. Today, you have to look around a bit harder to find the best deal for your holiday spending money. Some still arrive at the airport expecting to get a good deal, but the truth is that you never do. If you wait and change your money at the airport, you are likely to get a bad deal on currency exchange rates. When you want to get the best deal on your holiday money, it pays to do some forward planning. Shopping around to save money on your foreign vacation spending, is just as important and should be part of planning for your holiday.

Save Money with Online Currency Brokers

If you want to get a better deal on holiday money currency exchange rates, you will save money by ordering foreign currency with your local bank, or use many of the online facilities where you can in fact have holiday spending money directly to your door. Buying your holiday spending money online currency brokers such as Hifx and Asda money, is perhaps he best way of getting hold of holiday cash. Fairfx is another online currency broker that can help you. However, don't ignore the Post Office, this is still a good way to get better value for money.

Prepaid Debit Currency Cards

Prepaid debit cards, can be an excellent way to get an even better currency deal on your holiday money. New prepaid debit cards are popping up allover the place, but make sure you get the right deal for you. Most of the cards do not charge you a fee for using them abroad, but some of them may charge you for withdrawing money when you are in the UK. The most common currencies available are euros and dollars, but you can also get them in other currencies. They are an ideal way of getting a good currency exchange rate, and on top of that, prepaid debit cards, is a good way to budget. You can even upload cash through the year on your card. Learn how to take advantage of favorable exchange rate, and load your card up when they are in your favor.

Companies which offer prepaid debit cards are Caxton FX, Travelex, and Fairfx. Also check out the ICE card. Their exchange rate is sometimes a bit lower, but they don't charge you anything for withdrawing cash.

Prepaid debit cards are also safe to use. If they get stolen, all you need to do is to cancel the card, and the company will issue a new one. Travellers cheques used to be very popular, however, prepaid debit cards have now taken over.

Should You Pay in Sterling or Local Currency on Your Holiday or Vacation?

It is always best to pay in the local currency even though a lot of stores, and even restaurants abroad, now offer payment in your own currency. There are a few problems associated when it comes to paying in your own currency. Your bank may charge you fees for doing, and they can quickly add up. Secondly, most of the time you are not in control of the exchange rate. If a retailer suggest you pay in your own currency, it is better to say not, and pay in the local currency instead. Especially if you have a prepaid debit card handy, or enough cash.

Finally, watch out for cash machines abroad. The charges associated with drawing cash from your UK bank are not always clearly explained, and ti can get expensive fast. You are better off making sure you have enough cash with you, getting a prepaid debit card or ensuring you know what your bank is going to charge you. The problem is that it may not be your own bank applying hidden charges, it could be the foreign bank which cash machine you are using.

Saving costs money when it comes to your holiday cash, can be a bit of a mine field. Make sure you understand how much your holiday cash is going to cost you before you travel, and it could be a good idea to make the arrangements as soon as you book your holiday.

When you live abroad, and have to manage on a limited budget, or a retirement income, you really need to know how to make the most out of your money. Some folk living here in Spain have the most genius ways of doing so. I have just been enjoying a Chinese meal with a couple of ladies from our golf club, and they have come up with some cleaver money saving ideas which we should all take away of. They are easy to use, and you will be able to use almost wherever you live in Spain.

Saving Money with Chinese Food

Most of us long term Spanish residents know that you can save a lot of money by choosing to eat out a Chinese restaurant. They offer some fantastic menu del dia options, and the meals are relatively healthy. Honestly, you have to ask yourself what you have got to lose. The ladies who I have been speaking to never leave a Chinese restaurant without a take away. I have never thought about doing that myself, but today I did order a Chinese take away of the menu before we left. I paid 5.50 euros for a rather big serving of Chicken with Gong Bao sauce. There is certainly enough food there for two people.

Vouchers and even More Vouchers

Don't be shy about using vouchers. I used some vouchers recently in a supermarket and ended up getting enough washing powder to last me until the end of the year. I had a money off voucher for Euros 3.29, and then a further voucher off for washing powder for one euro. I could not believe it when I walked out of the supermarket with a brand name detergent, and ended up paying just 4 euros. It may not sound like a lot, but it all matters. In fact, my vouchers paid me back again. When I got to the till, I was issued with another voucher for discount on fabric softener on my next shop.

Stop Worrying About Picking Up Supermarket Special Offers Magazine

Don't assume that Lidl and Aldi have got the best special offers. My Spanish friends always go through the supermarket magazine or leaflet, and check out what offers are available. You can save a lot of money this way, and the secret is often to shop on a special day of the week, or during the month. Stock up on special offers, and make the most out of the offers. Freezer bags are not that expensive, and you can certainly save a lot of money by stocking up your freezer when things are on offer.

Saving Money at the Spa

Some of the top hotels have spas attached to them. The owners of the spa know that summer is going to be the busiest time for them, so they often put together special offers. You may not be staying at the hotel, but that does not mean that you cannot visit the spa. If you are lucky, the spas will post their special offers online. However, if they don't post their special offers online, pop into the local tourist office, you may find that they have lots of special offers around. I have just picked up a special spa offer, and it is two for one at a local 5 star spa. Nothing like a little treat.

Is Foraging Okay in Spain?

If you have ever taken a walk in the Spanish countryside during July and August, you will have noticed that nature can help you to save money as well. I am not sure what you are paying for goodies like blackberries in the supermarket, but the likelihood is that you are paying a lot. Blackberries are during July and August, and each evening when I take my dogs for a walk, I pick about 250 grams. The same would cost me at least about 3 euros in the supermarket. If you enjoy a fruity breakfast, you can save yourself at least 15 euros a week, by picking blackberries this time of the year.

More than anything, share your saving tips with others. So many of us know how to save money, and we do save money, but may not talk about it. We worry that we may sound poor, or a bit tight. That is something that you should not even consider. It is only by talking to others, you really learn how to save money.