Visiting Spain: Culture, Etiquette, Currency and More Travel Tips
Planning a trip to Spain? Whether you're heading to the sun-kissed beaches of Costa del Sol, exploring the vibrant culture of Barcelona, or getting lost in the charm of Andalusia’s hilltop villages, it’s always smart to be well-prepared.
Here’s a handy guide to help you stay healthy, safe, and stress-free while exploring one of Europe’s most beloved destinations.
Health advice when visiting Spain
Spain is a modern country with excellent healthcare, and there are few health risks for travellers. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Tap water: safe to drink across the country. You’ll find fuentes (drinking fountains) in many parks and public spaces—bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated.
- Vaccinations: UK travellers usually don’t need special vaccines, but Tetanus and Hepatitis A are sometimes recommended. Check the NHS Fit for Travel website for the latest updates.
- Pharmacies: Spanish pharmacies (farmacias) are easy to find and well-stocked. Look for the green cross sign.
Safety tips for travelling around Spain
Spain is generally very safe for tourists, but as with any busy destination, a little awareness goes a long way:
- Pickpocketing: petty theft can occur in crowded areas, especially in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Use a money belt or a zipped, cross-body bag.
- Photo ID: Spanish law requires you to carry a valid photo ID. A passport copy usually suffices, but keep your original secure.
- Street drinking: it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces in many cities, especially tourist hotspots—fines can apply.
What to know before you go to Spain
Spain has its rhythm and quirks. Knowing what to expect will help you blend in and enjoy your stay even more.
- Religious holidays: Spain is predominantly Catholic, and many local festivals (like Semana Santa and La Tomatina) are tied to the church calendar. Expect closures during public holidays.
- Tourist tax: cities like Barcelona are likely to have a small tourist tax at your hotel or accommodation—usually just a few euros per night.
- Meal times: lunch is typically around 2–3 pm, and dinner rarely starts before 9 pm. Don’t worry if restaurants seem empty early—they’ll fill up later!
Travel requirements from the UK to Spain
Since Brexit, UK citizens have a few more rules to follow when visiting EU countries:
- Passport validity: must be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after your intended departure from Spain.
- Visa rules: you can stay up to 90 days in any 180 days without a visa. For longer stays, you'll need to apply for a visa.
For the latest updates, consult the UK government’s Spain travel advice page.
Handy Spanish phrases to break the language barrier
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Spanish words will go a long way with locals. Here are some essentials:
- Hello – Hola
- Good morning – Buenos días
- Good evening – Buenas noches
- Goodbye – Adiós
- Please – Por favour
- Thank you – Gracias
- Yes – Sí
- No – No
- Water – Agua
- Coffee – Café
Keep in mind: Spain has several regional languages, too, like Catalan, Basque, and Galician, depending on where you're visiting.
Money and tipping culture in Spain
- Currency: Spain uses the euro (€). Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, even in taxis. Still, it’s smart to carry a bit of cash, especially in smaller towns and markets.
- Tipping: it’s not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants is appreciated. For drinks or small café bills, tipping is not expected.
What travel adaptors are needed in Spain
- Spain uses Type C and Type F plugs (standard European two-pin).
- Bring a universal adaptor if your devices have UK plugs.
Spanish emergency numbers & local laws
Police & General Emergency: 112
Ambulance: 061
Fire Service: 080
Additional legal tips:
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as churches or cathedrals. This typically means choosing clothing with higher necklines instead of low-cut tops, and wearing long trousers or skirts rather than shorts.
- Street drinking, public drunkenness, or offensive behaviour can lead to on-the-spot fines.
- Always carry some form of ID—you may be asked to show it by police or authorities.
So, with a bit of preparation and a relaxed mindset, your trip to Spain will be as smooth as a glass of sangria on a summer’s night.
