Spain

The current exchange rate is 211.267 pesetas to the Irish pound on cash transactions.

One of Spain's biggest banks, Argentaria, boasts that it does not generally charge commission. However, it does for larger sums and the amounts vary.

Banco de Santander has two rates of commission - 0.2 per cent (with a minimum of 500 pesetas) for account holders and 1 per cent (with a minimum charge of 750 pesetas) for customers without accounts.

Credit Lyonnais charges no commission on transactions of less than 100,000 pesetas, and then a rate of 1 per cent (with a minimum of 500 pesetas) for transactions over that amount.

For some strange reason, Lloyds Bank says foreign exchange information is confidential and it is not permitted to give details over the phone. However, it did confirm that its rate varies depending on whether it is dealing with a client.

BBV said it had just received an order not to charge customers changing European currency, but since this only came through on Monday it was awaiting clarification of details. If the ruling received during the week by BBV is anything to go by, it looks as if the rates will change.