Destinations / Spain
Here's everything you need to know — currency, tipping, language, safety, and the tips that actually matter.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Spanish
Emergency
112
Plug Type
Type C / Type F (two round prongs)
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Driving Side
Right
Tap Water
Safe to drink from the tap in most cities
U.S. Embassy
Madrid: +34 91 587 2200
Not obligatory. Leaving 5-10% at a sit-down meal is generous. Round up at casual spots.
Round up to the nearest euro.
€1 per bag. Housekeeping tipping is uncommon.
Leave small change from your order. That's it.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-lah |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-see-ahs |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| The bill, please | La cuenta, por favor | lah KWEN-tah |
Lunch is 2-4pm and dinner starts at 9pm at the earliest
Siesta is real — many shops close from 2-5pm
Tapas bars expect you to stand at the bar, not wait to be seated
'Menu del día' at lunch is the best deal — 3 courses for €10-15
Don't confuse Spanish (Castilian) with Catalan in Barcelona
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even in shoulder season
Bring comfortable walking shoes — Spanish cities are made for walking
Light layers for the drastic temperature drop after sunset
A Type C or Type F power adapter
Currency, tipping, phrases, emergency info, and city guides for Spain — offline and instant.