Cash vs card in San Sebastián
What you actually need to know
Foodietravellersguide
San Sebastián , Spain
💳 Cash vs Card in San Sebastián
San Sebastián is very card-friendly, but carrying some cash is still a good idea — especially for pintxos hopping.
When cash is useful:
Small, busy pintxos bars
Ordering just a drink or single pintxo
Markets, bakeries, and small shops
Cash is often faster in crowded bars.
When cards are fine:
Restaurants and cafés
Hotels
Shops and supermarkets
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is less common.
ATMs:
You’ll find ATMs throughout the city, especially in the Old Town, Gros, and city centre.
Reliable banks: BBVA, CaixaBank, Santander, Bankinter.
Check the fee on screen before confirming (always accept without conversion) — it’s usually cheaper to withdraw a larger amount once.
Local tip:
If you’re hopping between bars, cash keeps things moving smoothly and is often preferred.
