Money, tipping & ATMs in Ibiza

Spain runs on different money norms than the US, and the two biggest ways Americans overpay in Ibiza are over-tipping out of habit and getting hit with currency conversion fees they didn't need to accept.

Tipping: expect far less than US norms

Spain does not have a US-style 15-20% tipping culture. Service is generally included in the price, and tipping is a smaller, optional gesture rather than an expectation.

• Restaurants: Rounding up the bill, or leaving roughly 5-10% for good service, is generous and well received. You will not be expected to tip 20%.
• Bars and clubs: Rounding up or leaving small change is normal; large tips are not expected.
• Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest euro is common; a large percentage tip is not.
• Hotels: A small cash tip for bellhops or housekeeping is appreciated but not obligatory in the way it can feel in the US.

ATMs: use bank-branded machines, avoid the "convenience" ones

Ibiza has plenty of ATMs, especially in Ibiza Town, San Antonio, and Santa Eulalia, but not all of them are equal:

• Prefer ATMs attached to actual Spanish banks over standalone/independent machines in touristy areas: independent ATMs often carry higher fees and more aggressive currency-conversion prompts.
• Check whether your US bank or card reimburses foreign ATM fees before you go; some do, most don't.
• Withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than making several small withdrawals, since many ATMs charge a flat fee per transaction regardless of amount.

Dynamic currency conversion: always decline it

At both ATMs and card terminals, you'll often be asked "would you like to be charged in US dollars instead of euros?" This is dynamic currency conversion (DCC), and the exchange rate offered is almost always worse than what your card network would give you. Always choose to be charged in euros (EUR), not dollars: your bank or card network will handle the conversion at a better rate.

Cards: bring more than one

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across Ibiza; American Express is not. See our Amex-specific guide for details. A no-foreign-transaction-fee US card is worth getting before your trip if you don't already have one, since standard US cards often add a 1-3% foreign transaction fee on every purchase.