Welcome to Spain 😊

Quick Facts About Spain

Money and Finances

The official currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Euros. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Spain, especially in urban areas. Many are linked to international networks, allowing for easy access to cash.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Spain. Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than American Express (AMEX), which may not be accepted in smaller establishments or outside of major cities. However, it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or in case of emergencies.

Internet and Phones

Spain has a good internet infrastructure with an average speed of 23 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Spain has major telco companies such as Telefonica, Orange and Vodafone. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 30 euros. SIM cards are readily available and there are no major compatibility issues.

Dialling to Spain

To call Spain from another country, dial +34 followed by the desired phone number. Within Spain, area codes vary depending on the region. Madrid uses 91 and Barcelona uses 93.

Transport Around Spain

Air Travel

Spain has many major airports including Madrid Barajas Airport, Barcelona El Prat Airport, and Málaga Costa del Sol Airport. These airports offer domestic and international flights.

Train Travel

Spain's inter-city train network is managed by Renfe. The popular AVE high-speed train travels at around 300km/h and runs between major cities. A one-way ticket from Madrid to Barcelona costs around €100 and journey time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Spain has metro systems in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, and Seville. They are efficient and affordable.

Buses

Spain has an extensive bus network run by companies such as ALSA and Avanza. A one-way ticket from Madrid to Bilbao costs around €30 and journey time is approximately 5.5 hours.

Rideshare

Uber and Cabify operate in major Spanish cities. Prices are similar to local taxis.

Driving by Car

Driving in Spain is generally easy with well-maintained highways. Speed limits are 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on conventional roads, and 50km/h in residential areas. Spain drives on the right side of the road.

Local Customs

In Spain, tipping is not as common as in other countries, and usually people just round up the bill. Locals greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks, even if they are meeting for the first time. When speaking with strangers, it is common to use formal titles such as Señor or Señora. Men and women generally address each other with the informal 'tú' rather than the formal 'usted'.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Spain has a public healthcare system that is accessible to all citizens and legal residents, providing universal coverage. A visit to a doctor usually costs around 30-50 euros. Private healthcare is also available and can be relatively affordable. Health insurance is not mandatory, but it is recommended for visitors.

COVID Situation

Spain was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a high number of cases and deaths in the early stages. However, the situation has been improving, and the government has implemented strict measures to control the spread of the virus. Currently, Spain has a moderate rate of coronavirus.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in Spain include food poisoning from contaminated seafood or tapas, as well as sunburn and dehydration in the hot summer months. Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and encephalitis are also a risk, particularly in rural areas.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Spain, it is legal to consume alcohol from the age of 18. However, there are restrictions on drinking in public places and driving under the influence. There are also some regions where alcohol sales are banned during certain hours.

Recreational Drugs

The use, possession, and sale of drugs, including cannabis, are illegal in Spain. However, the personal possession and use of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is not a criminal offense and is not penalized in most cases.

Pre-Marital Relationships

In Spain, pre-marital relationships are not criminalized and are generally accepted by society. Cohabitation is also common.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Spain is known for being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law.

Firearms / Guns

Firearm ownership is highly regulated in Spain. Only licensed firearm owners are allowed to possess and use firearms for hunting, sport shooting, or collection purposes. The use of firearms for self-defense is not allowed.