Information

A little know-how goes a long way in Spain. Here you will find all the essential advice and information you will need during your stay.

Personal Security

Violent crime is rare in Spain, but visitors should avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Pickpocketing is common in the major cities. Take particular care at markets, popular sights and on public transport, and wear bags and cameras across your body, not on your shoulder.

Contact your embassy if you have your passport stolen, or in the event of a serious crime.

Health

Seek medicinal supplies and advice for minor ailments from a pharmacy (farmacia), identifiable by a green or red cross. Each pharmacy displays a card in the window showing the address of the nearest all-night pharmacy.

Emergency medical care in Spain is free for all EU citizens. If you have an EHIC, present this as soon as possible. You may have to pay after treatment and reclaim the money later.

For visitors coming from outside the EU, payment of medical expenses is the patient’s responsibility, so it is important to arrange comprehensive insurance before travelling.

Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs

Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces and is a fineable offence, although you can still smoke on the terraces of bars and restaurants.

Spain has a relaxed attitude towards alcohol consumption and, in cities, it is common to drink on the street outside the bar of purchase.

Recreational drugs are illegal, and possession of even a very small quantity can lead to an extremely hefty fine. Amounts that suggest an intent to supply drugs to other people can lead to custodial sentences.

ID

By law you must carry identification with you at all times in Spain. A photocopy of your passport should suffice. If stopped by the police you may be asked to report to a police station with the original document.

Local Customs

Regional pride is strong throughout Spain. Be wary of referring to Catalans, Galicians and Basque people as “Spanish”, as this can sometimes cause offence.

A famous Spanish tradition is the siesta, which sees many shops closing between 1pm and 5pm. This is not always observed by large stores or in very touristy areas.

Bullfighting

Corridas (bullfights) are widely held in Madrid and the south, but the sport is banned in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands and there are few bullrings in the north. Supporters argue that the bulls are bred for the industry and would be killed as calves were it not for bullfighting, while organizations such as the ADDA (Asociación Defensa Derechos Animal) organize protests throughout the country. If you do attend a corrida, bear in mind that it’s better to see a big-name matador. There is nothing worse than watching a prolonged, messy kill, while the audience make their disapproval evident.

ADDA

∑ addaong.org

Visiting Churches and Cathedrals

Most churches and cathedrals will not permit visitors during Sunday Mass. Generally, entrance to churches is free, however a fee may apply to enter special areas, like cloisters. Spain retains a strong Catholic identity. When visiting religious buildings ensure that you are dressed modestly, with knees and shoulders covered.

Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is reasonably common in Spain, particularly in libraries, large public spaces, restaurants and bars. Some places, such as airports and hotels, may charge for you to use their Wi-Fi.

Visitors travelling to Spain with EU tariffs are able to use their devices abroad without being affected by roaming charges. Users will be charged the same rates for data, calls and texts as at home.

Post

Correos is Spain’s postal service. Postal rates fall into three price bands: Spain; Europe and North Africa; and the rest of the world. Parcels must be weighed and stamped at Correos offices, which are open 8:30am–9:30pm Monday to Friday and 9:30am–1pm on Saturday; outside the cities they close by 1–2pm on weekdays.

Letters sent from a post office usually arrive more quickly than if posted in a buzón (postbox). In cities, buzóns are yellow pillar boxes; elsewhere they are small, wall-mounted postboxes.

Correos

∑ correos.es

Taxes and Refunds

IVA in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands is normally 21 per cent, but with lower rates for certain goods and services. In the Canary Islands, they have the IGIC tax, which is normally 6.5 per cent, but varies for certain goods and services.

Under certain conditions, non-EU citizens can claim a rebate of these taxes. Present a form and your receipts to a customs officer at your point of departure.

Discount Cards

Some cities offer a visitor’s pass or discount card for exhibitions, events and museum entry, and participating restaurants. These are not free, so consider carefully how many of the offers you are likely to take advantage of before purchasing a card.