Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Spain. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Euro (€)
Best SIM Provider
Movistar
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cards accepted
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Medication Restrictions
General medications
Carry prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letter. For Schengen visitors, 3 months' supply is typically acceptable.
Essential Apps
CabifyPopular local alternative to Uber
Uber
BoltOften cheaper than Uber
Free NowLicensed taxis
Notes for Visitors
- Apps work fine with international cards and phone numbers
- Bizum (peer-to-peer payment) requires Spanish bank account - not for tourists
- EU roaming works for EU residents
SIM Cards & Internet
EU residents: use roaming. Non-EU visitors: consider local SIM for longer stays. Movistar, Vodafone, Orange have good coverage. Tourist SIMs available at airports.
- EU roaming makes local SIM unnecessary for EU visitors
- Good wifi in hotels, cafes, and restaurants
- 4G coverage excellent even in smaller towns
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Spain is very card-friendly. Contactless widely accepted. Cash still useful for small bars, markets, and rural areas. Some small shops have minimum card payments.
ATM Tips
Use bank ATMs (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank). Avoid non-bank ATMs with high fees. Max €300-400 per withdrawal typically.
Tipping Culture
Not expected but appreciated. Round up at restaurants for good service or leave 5-10%. Bars: round up. Taxis: round up. Hotels: €1-2 per bag.
- Many places accept Bizum (Spanish payment app) - but requires Spanish bank account
- Lunch menu (menú del día) is great value - full 3-course meal for €10-15
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Line 8 connects airport to city. Cheap but adds supplement.
Direct bus to city center every 5-10 minutes
Fixed rates from airports in major cities. Use official stands.
Local Transport
Madrid and Barcelona have excellent metro systems
Extensive networks. Buy tickets on board or use transit card.
Spanish cities are very walkable, especially old quarters
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Spain requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
50 city / 120 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Nervous about driving in Spain?
Roundabouts, narrow old-town streets and toll roads can feel overwhelming. Practice real roads in 360° video before you go and take the wheel with confidence.
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Renting a car in Spain
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Spain across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Spain is generally safe for solo female travelers
- Be cautious of petty theft in Barcelona and Madrid tourist areas
- Nightlife areas are busy and social - exercise normal precautions
- Spanish culture is warm and social - friendliness is normal, not threatening
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005. Madrid and Barcelona have vibrant Pride celebrations. LGBTQ+ travelers are welcomed warmly throughout the country.
- Chueca in Madrid is the famous LGBTQ+ neighborhood
- Barcelona's Eixample area (nicknamed 'Gaixample') is very welcoming
- Sitges near Barcelona is a renowned LGBTQ+ beach destination
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Spain has good accessibility in major cities. Metro systems in Madrid and Barcelona have many accessible stations. Historic old towns can be challenging with cobblestones. Modern areas and beaches often have good access.
- Madrid Metro is one of the most accessible in Europe
- Barcelona beaches have wooden walkways and accessible facilities
- AVE high-speed trains have dedicated accessible cars
- Historic quarters with cobblestones can be difficult
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Barcelona: Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter, beach areas
- Madrid: Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, El Rastro market, Metro
- Seville: Cathedral area, tourist buses
- Any place with street performers or 'petition' collectors
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
La Rambla Pickpockets (Barcelona)
Tourist areas have professional pickpocket teams. Distractions while accomplice steals.
Prevention: Use anti-theft bags. Keep valuables in front pockets. Be alert in crowds.
Fake Petitions
Someone asks you to sign a petition while another person pickpockets you.
Prevention: Don't stop for petition collectors. Keep walking.
Shell Game (Las Ramblas)
The ball-under-cup game. You cannot win - the 'winners' are accomplices.
Prevention: Never play. Never watch too long - crowds around the game have pickpockets.
Spilled 'Bird Dropping'
Someone 'helps' clean a substance (fake bird poop) from your clothes while stealing from you.
Prevention: Don't accept help. Walk to a public place to clean yourself.
Flamenco Show Overcharging
Tourist trap shows charge high prices for poor quality and overpriced drinks.
Prevention: Research authentic venues beforehand. Check reviews. Ask locals.
Unofficial Airport Drivers
People inside arrivals halls offer rides but aren't licensed taxis. No insurance, no regulated pricing.
Prevention: Only use official taxis from designated stands outside (white cars with diagonal stripe and taxi sign). Or use Uber/Cabify.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Spain's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
6-15°C (43-59°F)
Medium rainfall
Cool, almond blossoms
Mar – May
10-20°C (50-68°F)
Medium rainfall
Pleasant, Semana Santa
Jun – Aug
22-34°C (72-93°F)
Very Low rainfall
Hot, especially inland
Sep – Nov
14-23°C (57-73°F)
Medium rainfall
Pleasant autumn
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
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Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink.
Taste can differ from home, and some people prefer filtered or bottled water anyway. A refillable bottle saves money and plastic.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug Types
C, F
Standard European plugs. US visitors need adapter and possibly converter for older devices.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
Shop on AmazonSome links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
Commonly Spoken
English Proficiency
Good English in tourist areas. Less common among older generations and in rural areas.
Essential Phrases
Hola
Hello
OH-lah
Gracias
Thank you
GRAH-thyahs
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much?
KWAN-toh KWES-tah
Por favor
Please
por fah-VOR
¿Dónde está...?
Where is...?
DON-deh es-TAH
La cuenta
The bill
lah KWEN-tah
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Major cities have excellent vegan scenes. Barcelona and Madrid have many vegan restaurants. Traditional cuisine is meat-heavy but plant-based options are growing. Say 'soy vegano/a'.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Good options in cities with tapas culture allowing mix-and-match. Watch for hidden ham/bacon in traditional dishes. Tortilla española and patatas bravas are vegetarian staples.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Good awareness with 'sin gluten' labeling common. Many restaurants offer GF options. Rice dishes like paella are naturally GF. Dedicated GF bakeries exist in major cities.
Traveling with a Pet
Governed by the uniform 2026 EU pet entry health protocols (Regulation 2026/131).
Timeline
21 days minimum
Quarantine Risk
None if compliant
Regulatory Framework
EU Regulation 2026/131 framework.
Key Constraints
Strict microchip-before-rabies vaccine sequence. 10-day window for official vet portal validation. Tapeworm rules add-on applies if entering Norway/Finland.
Pet Culture
Extremely pet-friendly. Highly normalized across regional rails, sidewalk dining, and city park trails.
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Cultural Tips
Spanish mealtimes are late - lunch 2-4 PM, dinner 9-11 PM. Many restaurants closed before these times.
'La siesta' means shops may close 2-5 PM, especially outside major cities
Personal space is closer than in many cultures - cheek kisses (two) are normal greetings
Spaniards stand close and may touch your arm while talking - it's friendly, not aggressive
'Mañana' might not mean tomorrow - it often means 'eventually' or 'when I get to it'
Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. Round up or leave 5-10% for good service.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Dinner at 7 PM? That's a late lunch. Real dinner starts at 9:30 PM minimum.
Spaniards will debate the perfect paella for hours. Don't suggest adding chorizo.
Siesta isn't a myth. Shops really do close in the afternoon. Embrace it.
Football (soccer) loyalties run deep. Know your audience before discussing teams.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Eating too early - restaurants won't serve dinner at 6 PM
Rushing through meals - Spanish dining is leisurely. Enjoy the sobremesa.
Expecting shops open during siesta hours (especially outside tourist areas)
Not trying tapas culture - bar hop and try small plates at multiple places
Visiting only Barcelona and Madrid - smaller cities like Seville, Granada, San Sebastián are incredible
Not saying 'hola' when entering shops - basic greeting is expected
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Spain
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
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Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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