What to know in Spain

Communications: If you want to make an international call to Spain then the international dialing code for Spain is 00 34 followed by the entire number. If you are making an international call from Spain then press 00 and wait for the ring tone before proceeding with the full international dialing code of your destination followed by the phone number (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).
The blue payphones of the national telephone company of Spain are widely available in cities and towns across Spain. It is possible to make international calls using credit cards, coins or phone cards that can be purchased from any newsagent or post office. Email and internet access is available at internet cafes in most towns and resorts.

Tourist Information - (Informacio Turisticats): Tourism and tourist information offices can be found in all of the larger cities and towns and resorts in Spain. The tourist information offices offer a wide range of information, including free tourist maps of the country, information packs, current details of events in Spain, and also details about the country’s many attractions, including the stunning beaches.

Telephone Numbers of interest in Spain: If you are calling from the UK, please remember to use the prefix for Spain (+34) before the number listed below:

Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7589 8989

British Embassy, Madrid, Spain: +34 91 700 8200
British Consulate - 971 712 445
Emergencies (coordinates all services) - 112

National Police Emergencies - 091

Local Police Emergencies - 092

Language: Although Castilian Spanish is the language mostly used, English, French and German are generally understood at most attractions, museums, hotels and restaurants that cater for visitors.  In smaller towns and villages a phrase book is a useful item to carry.

Currency: Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureau de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Time Zone: One hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Electricity: 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Health: There are no health risks associated with travelling to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travelers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.