Landmarks and scenery of Spain
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Travel Guide · Europe

Flag of Spain

Spain

Flamenco, fiestas, and the world's most passionate dinner hour.

Entry Requirements

Visa requirements for Spain depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

Check if you need a visa for Spain

Emergency Numbers

General
112
Police
091
Ambulance
061
Fire
080

Currency

Name
Euro
Code
EUR
Symbol
€

Power Outlets

Outlet types
Type C, Type F
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1) — CEST (UTC+2) in summer

Canary Islands: WET/WEST (UTC+0/+1) — one hour behind mainland Spain

Best Time to Visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

July–August is very hot in Andalusia (40°C+) and extremely crowded on the coasts

Tipping Customs

VenueTypicalNotes
Restaurants5–10% optionalService not always included — check bill; tapas bars: leave coins on the bar
TaxisRound up—
Hotels€1–2 per bag—
BarsLeave €0.50–1 per round—

Dress Code

  • Smart casual in cities — Spaniards dress well even for casual outings
  • Cover shoulders and knees at churches and cathedrals
  • Swimwear or flip-flops outside of beaches/pools = fines in many cities (up to €750 in Barcelona)
  • Evening dress: smart casual minimum for restaurants

Social Etiquette

  • Greet with two cheek kisses (right cheek first) between all combinations except man-to-man
  • Dinner is late — restaurants fill after 9pm; lunch (2–4pm) is the main meal
  • Siesta culture still exists in smaller towns — shops may close 2–5pm
  • Social life centres on outdoor bars and plazas — don't rush
  • Spaniards are expressive and loud — it's enthusiasm, not aggression

Local Laws

Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.

  • Swimwear outside of beach areas = fines in Barcelona, Ibiza, Mallorca, and other cities
  • Alcohol purchase age is 18; public drinking (botellón) regulated in many cities
  • Jaywalking is technically illegal
  • E-scooters have strict regulations in most cities — only in designated areas
  • Smoking banned in enclosed public spaces and within 2m of doorways in some cities

Common Phrases

EnglishLocalPronunciation
HelloHolaOH-lah
Thank youGraciasGRAH-thee-as (Castilian) / GRAH-see-as (Latin Am.)
PleasePor favorpor fah-VOR
Excuse mePerdón / Disculpapair-DON / dis-KOOL-pah
You're welcomeDe nadadeh NAH-dah

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