Updated September 19, 2023
Spain has become a hot vacation destination and there's never been a better time to visit. Questions about travel to Spain? Good news! We’ve got all the answers.
A: Of course! Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe to visit.
Spain is quite safe and free of serious danger. How safe is Spain? It ranks in the top 10% of the safest countries in the world. But as in any place you are not familiar with, you will need to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to make sure you stay safe.
A: Nope.
US citizens may travel to Spain for up to 90 days without a visa. You will need to show that you have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
A: Yes, definitely. Travel insurance is well worth the small cost of the policy.
U.S. health insurance will not cover you outside the country. Travel insurance is also required if you plan to stay in Spain for more than 90 days.
A: More than likely you already have most of the vaccines you need.
In addition to routine vaccinations like polio and chickenpox, the CDC recommends that travelers to Spain get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, meningitis, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and influenza before visiting. Check the CDC webpage for a complete list of Spain’s recommended vaccines.
A: Yes. Spain’s tap water is perfectly safe.
The water will probably taste a bit different, but you’ll get used to it. It’s also a good idea to carry a filtered water bottle with you instead of buying bottled water.
A: The currency in Spain is the Euro (€) and yes, most shops, restaurants, and hotels take major credit cards.
You can exchange your money for euros before you leave or use banks (for the best rate), foreign exchange bureaus or deluxe hotels to exchange your money in larger cities. You can use a debit card at any ATM to get euros, but play it safe and use ATMs in banks—like anywhere else, ATMs on the street are vulnerable to tampering. Make sure to have some euros with you to make small purchases or for places where they don’t take credit cards.
A: It’s not customary, but there are certain times when it’s acceptable to leave a tip.
A good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest euro in a cheaper restaurant (like a cafeteria) and to leave 10 percent in an upscale eatery or if you feel your service was top shelf. Before tipping, make sure they did not charge you IVA or Impuestos sobre el Valor Añadido (a service charge), in the final bill. Try to leave cash as a tip as well. Rounding up your taxi fare is also acceptable.
A: Yes and no. It depends on the shop and the city.
The siesta is not as universal as it once was, but the tradition is still alive and well in most Spanish cities, towns, and villages. During siesta, shops will usually close from 2–5 pm, but some supermarkets and stores in big cities and tourist areas may be open all day.
A: Plugs in Spain are the same as in most of Europe.
They are the standard round two-pin plugs and run on 220 volts/50 hertz.
Some hotels will have adapters for you to use, but it’s best to bring your own adapter set.
A: Yes. Many towns have free WiFi at public squares. Cafes and hotels will also have free WiFi, but you will have to get the password.
A: Generally, the weather in Spain is great, but will vary greatly from region to region.
The interior of Spain has a more continental-influenced climate. They have hot, dry summers and cold winters with rain in the spring and fall. The northern part of the country along the Atlantic Ocean has warm summers and mild winters with quite a bit of rain in the fall and winter. The southern Mediterranean coast enjoys more sunshine and less rain than the north of the country and summers can be extremely hot. It’s always wise to use a weather app to check the forecast for your destination.
A: It depends on what you want to visit and whether you want to battle the crowds.
Southern Spain is almost always sunny, but you’ll fry in the summer months—it’s that hot. Typically, the summer months are also much more crowded than the off-season. The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and the winter are less crowded and hotels are a lot cheaper, but the weather up north can be unpredictable and wet.
A: Not really.
Learning a few basic words of Spanish always comes in handy. Many Spaniards don’t speak English at all, except in popular tourist areas. You can seek out help from younger Spaniards because they learn some English at school. You can also use Google Translate on your phone to get around. +
A: There are so many ways you can get around Spain.
The country has a safe and reliable public transportation system. You have your choice of Renfe (Spain’s excellent rail system), buses, the Metro (in the major cities), airlines, and more. Taxis are readily available in many cities. For more information on getting around Spain, see our article on transportation in Spain.
Pro tip: Have some euros on hand because not all types of transportation take credit cards.
A: The short answer is yes!
Because of problems with online short-term apartment rentals in Spain, companies like Airbnb have been blamed for over-tourism. As a result, local governments have imposed strict guidelines on short-term rentals. So you don’t end with a crappy apartment or a last-minute cancellation, make sure that the place you are staying in is licensed, and read all the reviews of the place before you book.
A: Spain is full of amazing things to do.
From fantastic food to historic architecture, UNESCO Heritage Sites, fun festivals, and awe-inspiring scenery—Spain is an amazing country.
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