(Last updated: 13 Apr 2011)

Visas

Australian passport holders wishing to visit Spain on business are no longer required to obtain a visa unless the period of their stay will be for longer than three months. However, on entering the country, visitors are required to present a current passport and must have their passport stamped within 72 hours of entry into Schengen states. If you are planning to stay for longer than three months you will need to check with your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate to find out what form of visa will be most appropriate. Holders of non-Australia passports will also need to check with their nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate on the visa requirements relevant to their particular situation.

Climate

Spain has a fairly typical Mediterranean climate and is officially the sunniest country in Western Europe. Winter in Madrid can be quite cold, with temperatures ranging between 2ºC and 9ºC. Summer is hot with temperatures ranging from 25ºC–40ºC.

For weather details in Spain, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Madrid Barajas airport, the international and domestic hub, is 15 kilometres from the city with regular bus and taxi services and a direct underground train connection (Metro). Travellers should be aware that there are multiple terminals at the airport.

The average taxi fare from the airport to the city is approximately €20-€30. Taxi services from airports are subject to a A$4–A$5 levy, which will be added to whatever is showing on the meter. An additional €1 may also be charged per suitcase.

Barcelona's ‘El Prat de Llobregat’ is 14km from the city with the fastest link the Renfe train. A taxi costs about €21.

In all urban centres, travellers should pay particular attention to ensure the taxi driver turns on the meter. Most taxis in Spain do not accept credit card.

Ground transport

Major centres are well served by taxis, buses and metro systems. Internal travel links, road, rail and air are generally operational, although delays can be experienced with air travel.

Spain has an increasing fast train network, and routes such as Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville and Barcelona to Valencia are a popular and cost comparative alternative to air travel. Cheap web deals can be accessed via www.renfe.es.

Hotels

With an inbound tourist population of 60 million per year, rooms in Spain are at a premium. To avoid ludicrously expensive rates, book as far in advance as possible. You can generally cancel without penalty so long as you do this a few days in advance. Check whether your price includes VAT (seven per cent) and breakfast as both can add significant costs to your stay if you have not calculated them in.

When booking hotels you will normally be required to provide your credit card details, especially if you are expecting to arrive after 8.00pm. If you do not supply your credit card details the hotel reserves the right to give away your room.

The Spanish Ministry of Tourism (Tour Spain) officially rates hotels between one and five-stars, depending on their facilities. However, as the awarding of stars is a local government responsibility, standards vary widely.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Spain. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Spain has a fairly low rate of violent crime. However, petty crime (pick-pocketing, car break-ins) is rife, especially in areas that attract a lot of tourists. Thieves often work in small groups and will usually attempt to distract their victims by squirting mustard on their clothing, asking for directions on the street, offering to assist people experiencing car troubles or making a scene over seat allocations in trains.

Travellers are advised to be especially alert in crowded tourist areas, restaurants and on public transport and railway stations. You should not leave your belongings unattended on the floor and you should carry an extra copy of your itinerary and business contacts with you.

Civil disorder is also rare in Spain, although the ETA terrorist group is active throughout Spain. While this may be of concern to visitors, ETA tends to target mainly police, military and government contacts.

Tipping

A service charge is payable on most bills and tipping is optional and regarded as a courtesy similar to Australia. You will normally leave 10 or 20 cents for a coffee or light snack, round up a taxi fair by a Euro, and offer a larger tip to a restaurant in accordance with the level of service.

Time zones and time differences

Spain is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. In Spring (last weekend in March), the Spanish mainland goes on to daylight saving by putting their clocks forward one hour. In autumn (at the end of September), clocks are put back one hour.

To find out the current time in Madrid, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Spain's country code is 34.

For calls to Spain from Australia dial: 0011 + 34 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Spain to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Standard Spanish working hours are from 8.00-8.30am until 5.00pm, however, commercial trading hours differ 9.30-10.00am until 2.00pm and 4.30-5.00pm until 8.00-8.30pm.

During the summer (June, July and August) many Spanish businesses work until 3.00pm only.

Public holidays

January 6 – Epiphany
March 19 – San José
May 1 – Labour Day
August 15 – Feast of the Assumption (except banks)
October 12 – Spanish National Day
November 1 – All Saints Day
December 6 – Day of the Constitution
December 8 – Immaculate Conception

Currency

Oanda currency converter

Spain is part of the common European currency, and in January 2002 converted from the Spanish Peseta to the Euro (€). The Euro is now the official currency for all transactions. One Euro is made up of 100 cents. Euro notes are common to all Euro zone countries (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and Portugal), while the coins are customised with the national symbol. Both Euro notes and coins can be spent in any Euro zone country.

Electricity and water

Spain’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The European two-prong plugs are the most common.

Dining

Tour Spain, the Spanish Government's official tourism agency and Spain.com provide information on restaurants and cuisine.

Tourist attractions

Madrid: Some of Europe’s best art galleries including Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen. Shopping in Calle Serrano.

Barcelona: Gaudi’s cathedral La Sagrada Familia.

Valencia: The new art gallery, opera theatre and science centre. Paella is available everywhere (but especially in the old town).

All three cities offer good ‘jump on jump off’ double decker bus tours, which offer a good overview of the cities.