When visiting Menorca you need to ensure you have the correct currency. Or you are aware of what currency they use if you plan to use a debit, credit or currency card. The currency they use in Menorca is the Euro. Similarly to Mallorca, Ibiza and the rest of mainland Spain.
What currency do they use in Menorca?
Menorca currently use the Euro being a island of Spain who are in the European Union.
There are various different coins and notes used in Menorca that fall into the category of legal tender with one Euro being 100 cents. There are eight different coins that can be used including: 1 cent; 2 cent; 5 cent; 10 cents; 20 cents; 50 cents; 1 Euro and 2 Euro. Notes, there are seven notes you can use; 5 Euros; 10 Euros; 20 Euros; 100 Euros; 200 Euros and 500 Euros.
As you can imagine with inflation and overtime the 1 cent and 2 cent have become far less common and used less in daily life. However, of course are widely accepted. However, the large notes, 100 Euros, 200 Euros and 500 Euros are far less common. Particularly in the smaller resorts of Menorca these large notes can be quite difficult to spend with many hospitality establishments reluctant to accept them – which has no reflection on you as an individual.
It pays to be mindful about where you are heading, who you are paying and the method of payment. For example, buses in Menorca don’t accept debit or credit card payment. Additionally, they are unlikely to accept large notes, even 20 Euro notes may be considered too large. So always carry around a variety of notes and coins in Menorca.
It pays (literally) to be prepared.
When did Menorca start using the Euro?
Menorca officially adopted the Euro as their sole currency in 2002 with the initial exchange rate from their previous currency, the Peseta of 1 Euro = 166.386 Pesetas. This was the culmination of Spain being accepted into the European Union in 1985.
What currency did Menorca use before the Euro?
Spain, and thus Menorca have had a long history of other currencies prior to the Euro. The history of Spanish currency falls in line with the history of Menorca currency. Seen below.
Prior to the Euro the Peseta was adopted in anticipation of Spain joining the Latin Monetary Union. Having been created in 1865 and linked to the currencies of Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland and later Greece. However, Spain eventually chose not to participate. But the Peseta remained.
History of Spanish currency table
| Currency | Date Created | Date Removed | Initial Exchange rate |
| Euro | 2002 | N/A – Currently in circulation | 1 Euro = 166.386 Pesetas |
| Peseta | 1868 | 2002 | 5 Pesetas = 2 Silver Escudos |
| Silver Escudos | 1864 | 1869 | 10 Reales = 1 Escudo |
| Gold Escudos | 1566 | 1849 | 1 Escudo = 16 Reales |
| Spanish Real | Mid 14th Century | 1865 | 1 Real = 3 Maravedíes |
| Maravedí | 11th Century | 14th Century | |
| Spanish Dinero | 10th Century | 10th Century |
