Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.
Currency: Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.
Time: Local time is GMT
+1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Communications: The international access code for Spain is +34. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)93 for Barcelona and (0)91 for Madrid. Pay phones are either blue or green and accept either coins or phone cards, which are sold at post offices, tobacco shops and newsagents. Mobile phone operators provide thorough GSM 900/1800 coverage throughout the country and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes in most towns and resorts.
Duty Free: If tax was included in the purchase price, travelers form EU countries are allowed the following items duty free: EUR300 (by land) or EUR430 (by air) gifts/souvenirs, 3200 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars or 3kg smoking tobacco, 110 liters beer, 90 liters wine or 10 liters spirits, 60ml perfume. Travelers from non-EU countries may have 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco, 1 liter spirits or 2 liters wine, 60ml perfume and EUR200 worth of gifts/souvenirs.
Tourist OfficeSpanish Tourist Office, Madrid: +34 91 366 5477 or www.spain.info
EmergencyEmergencies: 112/061
Embassies
Spanish Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 452 0100.
Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 5555.
Spanish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 747 2252.
Spanish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3555.
Spanish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 0123.
Spanish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 283 9900.
Spanish Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (04) 802 5665.
United States Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 587 2200
British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 524 9700.
Canadian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 423 3250.
Australian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 353 6600.
South African Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 3780.
Irish Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 4093.
New Zealand Embassy, Madrid: +34 915 230 226.
