Spanish restaurants are rarely boring, but sometimes an ordinary dinner turns into an event that grabs national attention. That’s exactly what happened at one establishment, where four diners were faced with an unexpected demand: to pay the bill strictly in cash or by wire transfer. What seemed like a straightforward issue quickly sparked heated debate and discussion online.
Ever since the pandemic changed Spaniards’ habits, payment methods in cafes and restaurants have also undergone a major transformation. Cash used to be king, but now cards and mobile apps have all but replaced it everywhere. However, not all establishments are keeping up with the times, and sometimes that leads to some truly peculiar situations.
In the spotlight
That evening, four friends finished their meal and asked for the bill. The waiter told them they only accepted cash or bank transfers. The guests were surprised: none of them had enough cash, and none knew how to make a transfer. Calmly, they explained that they hadn’t been warned about this policy in advance and suggested discussing the situation.
A video of their conversation quickly spread across social media. Users were divided into two camps: some supported the diners, while others took the restaurant’s side. Some advised simply finding the nearest ATM, while others were indignant—why can’t you pay by card in the 21st century?
Cash or card?
The comments section under the video turned into a real battleground of opinions. Many believe restaurants are abandoning card payments because of high bank fees, arguing that owners are tired of paying commissions for every transaction and are trying to cut costs. Others see this as disrespect towards customers, since most people have long been accustomed to cashless payments.
Some voiced more radical opinions: there were suggestions to boycott such restaurants, while others proposed filing complaints with the authorities. Yet some took the situation with humor, advising not to make a mountain out of a molehill and to simply settle things on the spot.
What the law says
From a legal standpoint, Spanish law does not require restaurants to accept card payments. Establishment owners are free to choose which payment methods they will accept. The main requirement is to inform customers clearly and in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
However, an important nuance exists: refusing to accept cash is prohibited. The euro is legal tender, and if a customer wants to pay with banknotes, a restaurant cannot refuse. Cards are a different matter: if there’s a sign at the entrance saying ‘cash only,’ then technically there are no grounds for complaints.
Everything is changing
The pandemic accelerated the digitalization of the service sector. In recent years, the number of cashless payments in Spain has surged, and card payment terminals can now be found even in the smallest bars. However, not everyone is ready to abandon old habits. For some business owners, accepting cash is a way to avoid extra costs and bureaucracy.
On the other hand, customers are increasingly seeing the refusal to accept cards as an inconvenience or even a sign of mistrust. This is especially true for young people, who rarely carry cash. As a result, each such instance sparks heated debate and the search for compromise.
A Matter of Habit
The situation with the group of four guests is not unique. Similar stories occur regularly in cities across Spain. Some people leave without paying, others look for an ATM, while some simply argue with the staff. In any case, the issue of payment methods in restaurants remains unsettled and stirs up strong emotions.
Personally, I believe the times set their own rules, and ignoring them means losing customers. But as long as the law allows for choice, each restaurant decides how it wants to operate. Visitors, meanwhile, just need to pay closer attention and check payment options in advance to avoid an awkward situation.
