Practical tips

Spain is one of the safest countries in the world. However, it's recommended to carry only the necessary funds, stay alert in crowded areas like public transport or shopping centers, and avoid isolated places.

Spain uses UTC +1, except in the Canary Islands, where UTC +0 (one hour behind) is used. During the year, clocks change twice, in both summer and winter. The first change occurs on the last weekend of March when clocks move forward one hour. The second change is on the last weekend of October when clocks move back one hour.

Typically, you can have breakfast anytime between 07:00 and 12:00.

Between 12:00 and 14:00, it’s common to have a drink or tapas with friends. Essentially, people gather for something to eat or drink before lunch.

Restaurants usually serve lunch between 13:00 and 16:00 and dinner between 20:00 and 23:00. In major cities and during summer, it’s normal for dinner to be served until 23:30.

Check-in time at hotels typically starts at 14:00, and check-out time is usually by 12:00.

Shops are generally open continuously from 10:00 to 21:00. Some may close between 14:00 and 17:00, especially in summer.

Theater productions, concerts, and shows usually start between 20:00 and 21:00. In summer, performances may begin later, even as late as 22:00 or 23:00.

Public buses in large cities typically run between 06:00 and 23:00, while metro services tend to operate later. Night buses usually run between 23:30 and 06:00.

Sunday is the usual day for shops to be closed.

Several products have entry or exit restrictions when bringing them into Spain from outside the European Union. These include cultural goods, wildlife and flora, their derivatives, vegetables and plant products, weapons and ammunition, medicines, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages. Depending on the quantities you bring, you may need to pay the corresponding taxes. Additionally, only necessary medicines are allowed, accompanied by a copy of the prescription or a medical report.

You will pay with euros (€). You can check the official exchange rate on the European Central Bank's website. One euro is divided into 100 cents, and there are eight different coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros), as well as seven banknotes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros).

Value-Added Tax (VAT) is an indirect tax imposed on the final consumption of goods and services. Non-EU residents have the option to request a refund of the VAT paid on occasional purchases made for personal use or as gifts.

To get a VAT refund, you must follow an online process with several steps. At the time of purchase, ask the seller for the electronic tax-free form (known as DER, “Electronic Refund Form” in Spain). This electronic message, sent by the seller or collaborating entity on your behalf, will be stored by the Tax Agency. The seller will collect your personal data, such as your full name or passport number, before issuing the form.

Before leaving Spain, and always before checking your luggage at a port or airport, you must validate the DER for your purchases at designated kiosks or Tax-Free validation offices. You will need to present your passport, boarding pass, and the purchased goods for which you are requesting a VAT refund. After validation, you can request the refund at the store or through managing entities.

Remember that in Spain you can request a VAT refund for your purchases in two possible ways:

- At the airport or port when you are leaving the European Union and within a maximum period of three months from the date of purchase. 

- Through the Early Refund service offered by Global Blue and Planet within cities, tourists can request a refund in cash or by card in advance, before customs approval at the airport, providing a credit card as a guarantee and leaving the country within a maximum period of 15 days. 

For mobile phone numbers outside the European Union, accessing the internet may incur additional costs depending on the provider. Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card with a data package suitable for your needs.

Additionally, Wi-Fi connections are widely available in Spain. You can find them in hotels, shops, leisure centers, restaurants, and some public buildings like libraries. While many connections are free, some may charge based on usage time.

With recent advancements, extensive 5G coverage and ultra-fast broadband connections of at least 100 Mbps are now accessible across the country.

For mobile phone calls from outside the EU, there will be an additional charge per call, depending on the provider.

Tourist businesses must provide customers with the so-called "complaint forms," which are advertised on a visible sign.

To file a complaint, you must fill out these forms and submit a copy to the establishment and another to the General Directorate of Tourism of the autonomous community where you are located.

The minimum age to drive is 18, and you need a valid driver’s license.

If you’re bringing your own car, make sure to check if your license is valid for driving in Spain, whether you need to exchange it, or if you need to obtain an international driving permit.

If you’re coming from another country, it’s a good idea to get an international driving permit in your home country before traveling. This permit is valid for one year and is complementary. Therefore, you’ll always need to present your passport and your foreign driver’s license when using it.

To rent a vehicle in Spain, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Many companies also require you to have held your license for at least one or two years. To complete the car rental process, you'll need a credit card.

The emergency number is 112. It’s free to call and available throughout Spain. Emergency services can track the location of the call, and translation services are available in several languages.

Emergency treatment is guaranteed for everyone and is provided at hospitals and some health centers. Private centers will always charge for care. It’s recommended to travel with international health insurance.

At a pharmacy. You’ll recognize them on the street by their green cross symbol.