- Currency and cards
- Spain uses the euro. You can pay by card almost everywhere, including small cafes and transport, but a little cash is useful for markets, tips and small bars.
- Sockets
- The country uses type C and F sockets at 230 V. Ordinary European plugs fit, and phone and laptop chargers are usually built for this voltage.
- Emergencies
- The single emergency number is 112. It works across the country and on the islands, the call is free, and operators usually take calls in English as well. Save the number in your phone before the trip and keep the hotel address in your notes, so you can quickly give it over the phone or via a messenger.
- Time difference
- Spain runs on Central European time. The difference with Kazakhstan is four hours in winter and three in summer, when Spain moves to daylight saving time. On the Canary Islands it is one hour earlier than on the mainland.
- Language
- The official language is Spanish; in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia, Catalan, Basque and Galician are also used. English is usually understood in tourist areas, but basic Spanish phrases help.
- Daily rhythm
- Spaniards lunch late, dinner often starts after nine in the evening, and some shops close for the siesta. Plan bookings with that in mind, and find open places more easily through the map.
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes and at stations, but in crowded places it is often slow. For payments and banking apps it is safer to use mobile data than an open network.
- Water and tips
- In most regions tap water is drunk, but on the Balearic and Canary Islands many people prefer bottled water because of the taste. Tipping is not required, but in restaurants it is customary to round up the bill or leave a small amount.
