Spain is the world’s second top-visited country. From beautiful and bright natural landscapes and sunny beaches to breathtaking and magnificent architecture and of course the mild and perfect climate, it has made Spain one of the best tourist destinations in the world. But to travel to this country either alone or with a Spain tour, there are requirements that we will examine together in this article.
Language in Spain
Although Spanish is the official language, English is frequently understood in tourist areas. In the relevant locations, Catalan, Galician, and Basque are spoken.
Money in Spain
The Euro (EUR) is Spain’s official unit of exchange. One Euro is made up of 100 cents. Money may be exchanged in banks and bureaux de change; however, banks provide the greatest rates. Most hotels, restaurants, and businesses accept all major credit cards. ATMs are widely available and, in most cases, the cheapest and easiest way to receive money.
Electricity in Spain
The electrical current is 230 volts at 50 hertz. Two-pin plugs in the European design are standard.
Tipping in Spain
Service costs are typically included in hotel and restaurant bills, although additional gratuities for services done are always appreciated. In well-known organizations, tips of around 10% are customary. In Mallorca, value-added tax (IVA) is commonly included in restaurant bills and might be confused with a service fee. Taxi drivers demand minor compensation, and it is typical to tip 5 to 10% for most services, including guides.
Health in Spain
Travel to Spain has no health hazards, and no proof of vaccination certificates is required for entrance. Although medical facilities are adequate in Spain, full travel insurance is usually recommended. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with the majority of EU nations, allowing EU visitors to get emergency medical care on the same conditions as Spanish citizens.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) ceased to exist for UK nationals following Brexit in favor of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives UK nationals access to free healthcare while they are traveling inside the EU. In addition to not being a substitute for travel insurance, the GHIC is not recognized in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Iceland. EU visitors should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors should bring any medicine they need with them in its original packaging, in addition to a certified and dated note from a doctor explaining what it is and why it is required.
Safety in Spain
Most trips to Spain are trouble-free, with one notable instance of street violence, which is prevalent in major cities. Visitors should take care to prevent having their passports, credit cards, travel papers, and money stolen. The vast majority of crime is minor, and severe assault is uncommon. Visitors should be aware of people offering or asking for assistance of any type, as this is sometimes used as a distraction for accomplices. Scams also use letters for unpaid traffic fines or Spanish lottery winners. If visitors take the usual regulations, they should have a trouble-free vacation in Spain.
Local customs in Spain
Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, locations where food is cooked and sold, bus stops, non-smoking parts of pubs and restaurants, and any facilities that cater to minors. It is not permitted to consume alcohol on sidewalks of Madrid, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands.
Doing business in Spain
The corporate culture in Spain is gradually changing, but for the time being, it is steeped in tradition, and it may take time for foreigners to get a footing in the Spanish work atmosphere. It is critical never to challenge authority, as a hierarchy is important to the corporate sector in Spain. Managers sometimes make choices without consulting their coworkers.
Social position, character traits, and personal pride are all heavily emphasized. Success is frequently dependent on being well-dressed, honorable, and dignified, as well as displaying excellent social skills. Business meetings are often held face-to-face and might last for several hours, as Spaniards prefer lengthy talks to eliminate ambiguity in business negotiations. In Spain, interactions between companies sometimes straddle the border between personal and official.
Doing business in Spain might include a lot of red tape and bureaucracy. Although Spanish is the business language, several of the larger multinational enterprises have meetings in both English and Spanish. Business hours are sometimes inconsistent, although they normally begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m., with a two-hour lunch break in the early afternoon.
Business clothing is modest, with men wearing dark or linen suits with shirts and silk ties. Women should dress modestly or wear fitted clothes. Brand names or labels elicit approbation from colleagues and associates. Conducting business in Spain might mean navigating a maze of regulations. Gifts are suitable following the end of successful discussions. Gifts should be of excellent quality, as well as should be unwrapped in front of the giver when received. Business cards should be multilingual. Meetings are typically arranged for mid-morning, and it is critical to develop a formal yet personal setting before commencing. Meetings are frequently held over lunches and dinners and may include many speakers.
Communications in Spain
Spain’s international dialing code is +34. Wi-Fi is generally readily available and tourists may buy local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa in Spain
The nations which make up the Schengen area share no exterior boundaries with one another: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. A basic Schengen visa with multiple entries is issued by each of these nations, enabling its bearer to freely travel inside each nation’s borders. Non-EU nationals are required to have a return or onward ticket, the required documentation for onward travel, and enough money. It is strongly advised that passports have at least six months of remaining validity beyond the planned departure date from Spain. Official immigration sources and immigration authorities frequently use different rules.
Entry requirements for knowing about Spain
- Citizens of the United States need to have a passport that is valid for three months past the desired stay. For visits up to 90 days long within a 180-day window, no visa is necessary.
- Exceptions of passports bearing the designations “British Citizen,” “British Subject,” or “British Overseas Territories Citizen,” which will be received if they are still valid upon arrival, citizens of the United Kingdom must have passports that are valid for at least three months above the length of their intended stay. Passports with the endorsements “British Citizen,” “British Overseas Territories Citizen,” “Gibraltar Identity Card,” and “British Subject” (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom) are exempt from visa requirements for stays up to 90 days. The longest possible stay for all other British nationals is 90 days without a visa during a 180-day window.
- A passport that is valid for at least three months past the scheduled stay is required for Canadian nationals. For visits up to 90 days long within a 180-day window, no visa is necessary.
Safety in Spain - Australian nationals must have passports that are valid for at least three months past the length of their intended stay. For visits up to 90 days long within a 180-day window, no visa is necessary.
- Passports for South African nationals must be valid for at least three months past the desired stay. A visa is essential.
- Irish nationals need a current passport but don’t need a visa.
- Citizens of New Zealand must have a passport that is valid for at least three months past the intended stay. For visits up to 90 days long within a 180-day window, no visa is necessary.
In case of an emergency, call 112
The emergency number to contact emergency services throughout Europe is 112. You can call the emergency, police, and service forces with this number. Just dial 112 and the operator will connect you to the relevant center. You can call 112 from both mobile phones and hotels and residences, and it is one of the most important tips for traveling to Spain.
Respect for culture is the most important opinion of the Spanish people
Spain is one single nation that has several distinct cultures. In fact, there are so many different cultures there that Spain might be divided into multiple nations. The behavior that can be considered normal behavior in the south of this country can be a disproportionate movement in the northern part of this country. So, learn a little about the history and customs of any area you’re visiting to show the locals that you value them and know all about Spain travel tips.
Consider public holidays
The number of public holidays in Spain is more than the rest of Europe. Note that the official days are different in different northern and southern states and this holiday has different times in the autonomous states of Spain. So, before your trip, be sure to check the tips for Spain holidays.
Watch out for your wallet
In cities like Barcelona, the police have gone to great lengths to stop pickpockets; But there are still many criminals in the police stations. Today, most thieves steal your wallet using non-violent methods without you even noticing. Don’t try to be too sensitive about this issue, just try to be careful about closing the zipper of your bags during the trip, and don’t put your money in a convenient place.
Respect regional independence movements
The political situation in Spain is very strange and complicated. There are interesting differences between the Basque and Catalan separatists. People that reside in these places have quite diverse perspectives, thus it is best to use extra caution while exploring these topics. These issues are very important for most Spanish people and it is better not to joke about it. It is one of the tips for traveling to Spain.
Do not mention the Civil war
Although having occurred 70 years ago, Spain’s civil war is still very much in the people’s minds. The families affected by the war are sometimes still cut off from one another. The inhabitants of this nation still harbor secrets from this conflict.
Take the seaside flags seriously
If you want to have a trip full of peace and pleasure and not be surprised by unexpected events, be sure to pay attention to the colored flags on the beaches. Each of the flags that you see on the coastline of the sea has a special meaning and meaning and helps your safety. Each of these colors has its own meaning, such as:
- Green: Swim safely.
- Yellow: swim with caution; Especially with children.
- Red: Swimming is prohibited.
- Orange: There is no lifeguard on this beach.
The difference between civil police and the National Guard
It matters which part of the city you are in, where you work with the Civil Police or the Spanish National Guard. In uncommon situations, the local police can also assist you. The Civil Guard is generally in charge of the villages in Spain, and one of its main duties is traffic management. In cities, for crimes such as theft or violent behavior, criminals are usually sent to the national police.
Conclusion
Spain has many sights and traveling to it is attractive and lovely in any season. Whether you are a beachgoer, whether you are looking to see historical monuments, or want to see attractive nature, the Spain tour is the right choice for you. Here we have reviewed essential information for traveling to Spain.