Finding the Unexpected in Spain: A Journey with CashConverters

When the plane touched down in Madrid, I was focused on the usual things—navigating the airport, grabbing a SIM card, and figuring out the metro. What I didn’t expect was that one of the most useful discoveries I’d make in Spain would be something so simple, so unassuming, and yet so impactful: CashConverters.

On my second day in the city, I passed by a shop with sleek glass windows and an orange logo that caught my attention. Inside, I spotted a refurbished iPhone, looking as pristine as something right out of the box but at a price that made me double-take. I walked in and browsed their smartphone section, which was surprisingly vast—refurbished iPhones, Samsung models, even older devices that still worked great for travel. Everything came with a quality guarantee and, in most cases, a one-year warranty.

I bought that iPhone on the spot. It became my map, translator, booking tool, and camera—my lifeline for the weeks ahead.

Valencia: Lightening My Load, the Smart Way

By the time I reached Valencia, the weight of my backpack was becoming a problem. I had packed too many gadgets and accessories I thought I’d need but hadn’t touched. While walking along Carrer de Colón, I saw a familiar storefront: CashConverters. This time, I didn’t walk in to buy—I went in to sell.

A staff member helped me sort through what I had: a Bluetooth speaker, a set of unused gaming headphones, and an action camera I hadn’t used once. Within minutes, they had appraised each item and offered me fair prices. I noticed people in line behind me with a wide range of goods—sports gear, jewelry, drones, even DJ equipment and power tools.

They also offered me an option I hadn’t heard of before: Recíclalo Venta, or recyclable sale. It meant they would pay me immediately, but the items wouldn’t be listed for sale for a short time. If I changed my mind, I could cancel and reclaim them. It felt flexible and smart, especially for travelers like me who sometimes make impulsive decisions.

I took the cash and walked out lighter, freer, and with extra money to enjoy the city.

Seville: Tapping into Local Culture with a Tablet

In Seville, the rhythm of life slows. There’s music in the streets and color in every corner. Flamenco dancers twirl beneath orange trees, and the scent of jamón ibérico wafts from tucked-away tapas bars. I found myself wanting a device to relax with in the afternoons—to read by the river, watch flamenco performances online, edit my photos, and jot down thoughts while sipping café con leche.

I returned to CashConverters, this time in the city center, near Plaza de la Encarnación. The shop had the same clean, well-lit layout I’d seen in other cities, but with a stronger local vibe. I went straight to the tablet section. There were iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, Microsoft Surfaces, and even e-readers—all displayed with price tags and condition ratings. Every item came with details about battery health, warranty coverage, and a certification checklist confirming it had passed their quality inspection.

After trying out a few models with the help of a staff member, I settled on a secondhand iPad. The screen was spotless, the battery life impressive, and it felt practically new in my hands. It came with a 12-month guarantee and charger included. The price? Less than half of what I would’ve paid elsewhere.

But the store had far more than just tablets. In one section, I spotted refurbished kitchen appliances, including the ever-popular Thermomix, which a young couple was excitedly purchasing. They told me it had been on their wish list for months. Buying it secondhand from CashConverters made it finally attainable.

As I explored further, I noticed the breadth of what the shop accepted and sold. Home appliances, both small and large; smartwatches from brands like Apple, Huawei, and Garmin; photography gear, including lenses and tripods; and a large shelf dedicated to gaming consoles and video games. Another customer was trading in a PS5 controller, while someone else was asking about selling their fitness equipment.

It felt more like a curated community marketplace than a typical secondhand store—organized, professional, and surprisingly modern. There was even a counter dedicated to their Recíclalo Venta program for recyclable sales, offering flexibility for those not quite ready to part with their items for good. Whether you’re buying or selling, CashConverters in Seville made every transaction feel thoughtful, secure, and empowering.

Granada: A City of Gold and Second Chances

Walking through the Albayzín in Granada, with the Alhambra rising in the distance, I thought about the things we carry with us—some useful, some sentimental. I had a gold chain I hadn’t worn in years. Inspired by the stories Granada whispered through its Moorish walls, I decided to let it go.

At the CashConverters near Plaza Nueva, I found their “Compro Oro” service—I buy gold. The process was private, respectful, and transparent. They weighed the chain, tested it in front of me, and made an offer that felt more than fair. They also explained that they handle gold recyclable sales, meaning I could sell with the option to reclaim the item later.

That gave me the confidence to part with it. I used the money to buy a gorgeous vintage watch from their sustainable jewelry section. It felt like a trade with history—something with meaning swapped for something that would accompany me into new memories.

In the same store, a man next to me was selling tools and sound equipment, while another came in to buy a television for his apartment. It was more than just buying and selling—it was circulation, reuse, and discovery.

Málaga: From Consoles to Cafés

Málaga was vibrant and social. The sea breeze, open plazas, and endless sunshine gave the city an energy that made it easy to meet people. I met fellow travelers in cafés and locals who shared their city’s secrets—from hidden tapas bars to sunset spots on Gibralfaro Hill. One evening, a casual conversation turned into a spontaneous gaming night at our hostel. I realized how much I missed that kind of fun and decided to look for a console to bring everyone together.

Sure enough, CashConverters Málaga had an entire section dedicated to video games and consoles. Shelves of PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and rows of games at unbeatable prices. Each item had clear labels showing its condition and warranty period. I picked up a secondhand Nintendo Switch and a few titles that brought back childhood nostalgia. That night, our hostel common room turned into a tournament arena full of laughter and competition.

Someone next to me in line was trading in PC peripherals—a mechanical keyboard and a gaming mouse—while another was browsing DJ gear, including mixers, turntables, and speakers. A teenager came in with sports gear, and a retiree was selling a sound system he no longer used. The variety was endless.

The staff reminded me I could also book appointments online for selling or valuation. If I had something valuable, I wouldn’t need to wait around. And with Recíclalo Venta, I could even renew the reservation remotely—perfect for a traveler always on the move.

Barcelona: Sharing and Gifting

Barcelona brought friends back into the mix. I stayed with two people who had just moved to the city, and their apartment was still bare. One afternoon, we visited a CashConverters together to look for a TV. We found a sleek smart television, fully functional and less than half the retail price. That night, we hosted a movie marathon that lasted until 3 a.m.

They were amazed by the store’s scope: jewelry, smartwatches, household electronics, even gold buying services. My friend sold an old smartwatch, and his girlfriend bought a stunning ring from the sustainable jewelry section.

It wasn’t just about saving money. It was about smart use, responsible consumption, and rediscovering value. The store even had a blog section on their website, filled with tips on buying secondhand, selling wisely, and maintaining refurbished electronics.

Browsing through it one night, I found a post explaining how to clean and preserve jewelry, another on how to maximize the life of a refurbished laptop, and a piece on how Recíclalo Venta helps people get quick cash without losing ownership permanently. It felt practical, empowering, and useful.

Across Spain: The Unexpected Highlight

Every city I visited, I checked for a CashConverters. It became a kind of ritual. In Madrid, I bought a phone. In Valencia, I sold unused tech. In Seville, I picked up a tablet. In Granada, I exchanged gold for a watch. In Málaga, I found games, and in Barcelona, I helped friends build a home.

Some stores leaned into tech. Others had walls of watches and jewelry. Some featured home appliances, kitchenware, even tools and sports gear. The one thing they all had in common? They gave second life to quality goods—and offered people the opportunity to engage in a smarter, more sustainable economy.

Every visit had something different: an unexpected conversation, a new discovery, a useful purchase. Even when I didn’t need anything, I enjoyed stepping in, browsing, and observing the exchange between old and new, buyers and sellers, value and experience.