International Bank Account Number (IBAN)

While living in Spain it can be helpful to get a European bank account with an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) for paying rent, getting cash euros or setting up cell phone and internet services.

Banks offering IBAN accounts.

BBVA | 956-81-6100

The employees at the on-base BBVA speak English and can help with IBAN setup and setting up bill payments. The office is located in the Spanish part of the base.

WISE | wise.com

Wise is a mobile multi-currency online bank that can offer IBAN accounts via its website or app.

American Banking

NEX Customer Service will exchange dollars or U.S. checks for euros at the current exchange rate without additional fees.

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) | Bldg. 1 | 1-888-842-6328

NFCU offers consistent services for sailors and their families stationed at Rota. To get euros with your NFCU account, members can withdrawal from ATMs (subject to fee) or get a cashier’s check that can be taken to the NEX. They offer international wire transfers which can help with car buying and rent payments. They also offer loans for European vehicles.

ATM Locations

NFCU ATMs dispense dollars.

• Inside the NFCU office in Bldg. 1

• Outside the La Plaza

• Outside the NEX

Spanish ATMs dispense euros (for a fee).

• Inside the Commissary

• Outside the NEX

• At the BBVA on the Spanish side of base

Legal Assistance Office (Bldg. 3293) | On base: DSN 727-2531, Non-DSN 956-82-2531

Your Navy Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) is available for a variety of legal assistance. They help with powers of attorney, notary services, wills and estate planning, medical directives, Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA), and other legal counseling.

Special Powers of Attorney

To draft a special power of attorney, visit jag.navy.mil/legal-services/special-power-of-attorney. It will then need to be signed in front of a notary at the RLSO office. Email rota.notary@eu.navy.mil for an appointment.

Main store eligibility

Only active duty on orders, and their command-sponsored dependents, may shop at the main NEX store. Personnel from visiting ships, flights or on TDY/TAD must have their orders stamped at the main gate or at Security and show those orders when making purchases. Permanent party personnel and their dependents must show their TEI card.

All DOD cardholders

All DOD ID card holders may shop at the mini-mart and in the adjacent and labeled ‘consumables’ section of the NEX. This includes active-duty members or families on vacation and personnel from visiting ships who have not had orders stamped.

All DOD ID card holders have access to NEX service providers and mall shops.

• Barber & Beauty shops

• Optical Shop

• Janz Medical

• Military Auto Sales

• Laundry & Dry cleaning

• Tailor

• Spanish Gift Shop

• Portrait Studio

• Cellphone Store

• All DOD ID card holders may use ship-to-store and online shopping pickup.

Food court

The NEX food court is open to anyone.

Upon arrival, setting up your cell phone is extremely helpful. There are a variety of options in Spain and plans tend to be very affordable. Be sure to set your phone on airplane mode when you arrive to avoid unexpected charges.

The phone service counter inside the NEX is a good source for getting set up with cell services. They sell SIM cards and help facilitate payments for some providers. 

Pre-paid plans allow you to receive a SIM card and set amount of cellular data to be used within a specific time period (typically a month). Plans can be changed easily via an online account.

Common providers

• Lobster

• Vodafone

• Digi mobil

• Movistar

• Yoigo