How Things Work in Spain

Tipping is not obligatory in Spain as service is included by law, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is a welcome gesture.

Updated 2025-06

Madrid and Barcelona have excellent, affordable metro systems; use the Renfe app to book intercity trains and buy tickets in advance for the best fares.

Updated 2025-06

EU citizens with a valid EHIC card receive free or reduced-cost treatment in Spain's excellent public healthcare system; non-EU visitors should carry comprehensive travel insurance.

Updated 2025-06

Cannabis is decriminalized for personal use in private spaces only — smoking in public or buying on the street is illegal and subject to fines.

Updated 2025-06

Call 112 for all emergencies in Spain — it is the EU universal number and connects to police, ambulance, and fire services with English-speaking operators.

Updated 2025-06

Spain is generally relaxed about dress, but cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches or cathedrals, and avoid wearing swimwear away from the beach.

Updated 2025-06

The legal drinking age in Spain is 18, bars stay open very late, and wine culture is deeply embedded — but public drinking is banned and fined in most major cities.

Updated 2025-06

Bargaining is not customary in Spanish shops or markets — prices are fixed almost everywhere, though El Rastro flea market in Madrid has some room for negotiation.

Updated 2025-06

Photography is generally free in Spain's public spaces and streets, but many major attractions including the Sagrada Família prohibit interior photography — always check signage.

Updated 2025-06

Large shops are restricted on Sundays in most regions, siesta closures (2–5pm) are common on weekdays, and fiesta days vary significantly by region.

Updated 2025-06

Uber and Cabify both operate in Spain's major cities, and official metered taxis are reliable and regulated — always use the meter or agree a fare before departure.

Updated 2025-06

Tap water is safe to drink throughout mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, but tap water in the Canary Islands is not recommended for drinking.

Updated 2025-06

Use bank-branded ATMs and always choose to be charged in euros (decline DCC) — Euronet and standalone ATMs charge very high fees.

Updated 2025-06

Buy a prepaid SIM from Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, or Yoigo at airports, phone shops, or supermarkets — tourist SIMs with generous data are available from around €10.

Updated 2025-06

Spain uses Type C and Type F (Schuko) plugs at 230V/50Hz — British visitors need a plug adapter and American visitors need both an adapter and a voltage converter for older devices.

Updated 2025-06

Barcelona's La Rambla and Madrid's Puerta del Sol are pickpocket hotspots — stay alert, use a money belt, and be wary of distraction scams including the bird poo and fake police tricks.

Updated 2025-06

Spain is generally a safe country, but Barcelona has Europe's highest tourist pickpocketing rate — distraction theft and bag snatching are the primary risks for visitors.

Updated 2025-06

Greet with two kisses on the cheeks (left first), expect lunch to be the main meal at 2–4pm, and embrace the late Spanish schedule — dinner before 9pm marks you as a tourist.

Updated 2025-06

Castilian Spanish is the official national language, but Catalan, Basque, and Galician are co-official in their regions — English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Updated 2025-06

Spain's beaches use a flag system — only swim when the green flag is flying, topless sunbathing is legal everywhere, and watch for seasonal jellyfish in the Mediterranean.

Updated 2025-06

Drive on the right, carry your driving licence and passport at all times, and be aware that many major motorways (autopistas) charge tolls.

Updated 2025-06

Lunch (2–4pm) is the main meal in Spain — order the menú del día for a 3-course meal with wine for €10–15, and expect dinner to begin no earlier than 9pm.

Updated 2025-06

Cover shoulders and knees when entering any church or cathedral in Spain, and note that the Mezquita-Catedral in Córdoba now charges entry for non-worshippers.

Updated 2025-06

The best time to visit mainland Spain is March–May or September–October; August is extremely hot inland; the Canary Islands are warm year-round.

Updated 2025-06

Order the menú del día for a 3-course lunch with wine for €10–15, visit museums on their free entry days, and use an Interrail pass for multi-city rail travel.

Updated 2025-06