BANKS

Banks open from Monday to Friday, usually from 08.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Some of them also open in the afternoon from Monday to Thursday or only one afternoon a week, except in summer, when they only open in the morning. A number of currency exchange offices can also be found in the city centre and near to some tourist attractions. Foreign students, researchers and lecturers (both those who come from EU Member States and those from outside the EU) can open a non-resident account in the different financial institutions upon provision of a valid passport. Citizens of EU Member States can also open an account as residents. We would recommend that you ask about the conditions offered by the different banks and choose the one that is most appropriate to your needs.

HOW CAN I OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT?

You will need to present your passport, NIE (to obtain it, if you are outside Spain, you must go to the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office for the area where you live or you can grant power of attorney to someone who is in Spain to represent you; if you are legally in Spain, you must go to the General Directorate of Police scheduling an appointment) or TIE (you must go to the National Police station, by appointment, corresponding to any town in the province where you are registered). Some banks will also ask you for the admission letter by the host university or research centre or some document proving the reason for your stay in Barcelona.