Where to cash travelers checks?

Not all banks will cash travelers checks. Not even all banks or branches stated on American Express or Thomas Cook web sites will do so either.

Why?
After asking several bank directors they all state that there are just too many false checks going around and they will not accept them anymore or just give you trouble to avoid you asking for their reimbursement.

The solution:

Ask the hotel receptionist where to do so. Remember to take your passports with you.

American Express: they do state some no commission branches in Barcelona which do work.

Next to our Residencia we suggest the following with opening hours from Mon to Friday 8.30 am till 2.30 pm.( Aprox).

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA
67 Passeig de Gracia
08008
Telephone
34 93 2152462

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
5 Paseo de Gracia
08007
Telephone
34 93 4011100

TAX REFUND FOR TOURISTS,

When you purchase goods, in one store, where the total amount is above 90.15 euros, you may ask for the tax refund of the corresponding V.A.T or European Tax. For you to have this option you must not be from the European Union, the store must have visible the logo Tax Free and must hand in to you a
Check called Tax Free .

Once you exit the EU zone, at the last border get the check validated and once you get home go to the your local company called Global Refund, which is the one who will pay the Tax Free Cheques.

If your are leaving the E.U zone via Barcelona airport , once gone through the checkpoint, get the tax free stamped at customs or the control point and go to the bank office inside the airport, in the shopping zone called the Banco Exterior de España.

Also to be eligible you must exit the E.U zone within 3 months of the purchase.