ABOUT SPAIN

Spain is a beautiful country, with a rich history and culture that is sure to impress visitors. From the historic cities of Madrid and Seville to the beaches of the Costa del Sol, there is something for everyone. Spain is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, including dishes such as paella and tapas, as well as its vibrant nightlife.

Entry into Spain

If you are a citizen of a European Union country, you have virtually no worries. The country is part of the Schengen area, so you can travel through it without restrictions, visas, and even without a passport - just your country's ID card. 

Currency

In Spain, you pay in Euros. Most merchants now routinely accept all payment cards from the world's leading card associations. However, if you plan to rent a car, for example, carry a credit card instead of a debit card; sometimes car companies require a credit card for insurance of the car in case of accident or damage.

There is an extensive network of ATMs in all cities. However, we recommend that you only withdraw money from those operated by banks. If you come across ATMs operated by other operators, such as Euronet, you are likely to be charged a withdrawal fee, which can be up to €10, or 10 percent of the transaction.

Electricity

In Spain, 230 V AC with a frequency of 50 Hz is common, as it is throughout continental Europe. 

Mobile services

There are three main mobile operators in Spain. These are Wind, Vodafone, and TIM. European Union citizens pay the standard tariff that applies in their home country. However, data charges may vary. 

If you're traveling from outside the EU, it's worth getting a prepaid SIM card, which you can buy at petrol stations or newsagents. WIND's tariff is usually the best value.

Important telephone numbers

The international dialing code for Spain is +34

Emergency call (police, paramedics, and firefighters can be contacted):112

Police: 062

Rescue service: 061

Firefighters: 080

Interesting facts about Spain

Spain is the fourth-largest country in Europe by area, and Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese.

The Spanish monarchy is one of the oldest in Europe and is considered one of the most important institutions in the country's history and culture.

The world's first novel "Don Quixote" was written by Miguel de Cervantes in the early 17th Century in Spanish. It is generally considered one of the greatest novels of all time. It was published in two parts in 1605 and 1615.

Spain has more than 8,000 kilometres of beaches. From romantic sandy beaches to the unique volcanic black sand beaches of the Canary Islands, the beaches of Valencia and Catalonia with their colourful umbrellas, or the turquoise coves of the Balearic Islands. 

Spain has a very rich history. The 49 monuments listed by UNESCO are proof of this. Among the most famous are the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex in Granada, the Park Güell in Barcelona, designed by the famous architect Antoni, and the historic city of Toledo located in central Spain.

The Running of the Bulls, also known in Spanish as the "Encierro", is a traditional event that takes place in June during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona. It is a dangerous event in which participants run in front of a group of bulls that have been released into the streets. The bulls are eventually taken to the bullring where bullfights are held with them later in the day.

Spain is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, with each region having its own specialties and traditional dishes. The most famous Spanish dishes include paella, tapas, and tortillas. Tapas are small plates of food that are meant to be shared as a way for people to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at the same time. Spanish cured meats, such as jamón ibérico, a smoked ham from an Iberian pig, are a good match.

Spain is the world's largest producer of olive oil, which is an essential ingredient in many Spanish dishes. The country has more than 300 million olive trees, and olive oil production is an important industry.