Americans in spain

I only have experience of transferring money from the UK to Spain, however I assume there will be something similar in the USA.  As you have a local bank account, why not use a currency exchange company to transfer money across before you visit Spain?  The UK ones don't usually charge fees and will also ensure that your Spanish bank doesn't charge you for receiving money.  You should be able to check it out on the internet.  It's always worth registering with a couple of companies (they won't charge) and then getting the best exchange rate on the day you want to send money over.

Sue

 I use Xe.com to transfer my money from the UK to Spain, they are a Worldwide organisation. I have turned to them because a UK bank will be charging for cash withdrawals later this year. It is free to use and good rates if you send funds electronically, and I believe it is easier and quicker for U.S. customers as your banking system isn't so antiquated as ours. t takes 3 days for me now from agreeing to the sale to my funds appearing in Spain.

HTH

Mark

I use Moneycorp's online system. They have pretty good exchange rates (and I have compared a fair few) they charge £8.50 per trade. I have faster payments with my UK bank account so within about an hour of transferring the money from my UK account to Moneycorp I can see the foriegn payment has left, then later that day I can see it in my Spanish account. Very impressed.