🇪🇸

Spain

España

Passion for Life

Last updated: 2025-03-25

Essential Phrases

Hello

Hola

Oh-la

Thank you

Gracias

Grah-thyas

Yes

Sí

See

No

No

No

Excuse me

Perdón

Per-dohn

Sorry

Lo siento

Lo see-en-toh

Please

Por favor

Por fah-vor

Help!

¡Ayuda!

Ah-yoo-da

Where is...?

¿Dónde está...?

Don-deh es-ta

How much?

¿Cuánto cuesta?

Kwan-toh kwes-ta

Cheers!

¡Salud!

Sah-lood

Goodbye

Adiós

Ah-dee-os

Emergency Contacts

Police

091

Police

Ambulance

061

Medical emergency

Fire

080

Fire

Tourist Police

902 102 112

Tourist police

US Embassy Madrid

+34 91 587 2200

Calle de Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid

Money & ATM Reality

Currency

Euro

EUR

1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR (approximate)

ATM & Card Access

ATM Availabilitywidespread
Card Acceptancehigh
Cash PreferredNo

ATM Fees: 0-3 EUR

  • • Tip 10% in restaurants
  • • Siesta time - many shops close 2-5pm

Internet & Connectivity

Free WiFiabundant
SIM Card Tips
  • • Vodafone
  • • Orange
  • • Movistar - Tourist SIM: €15-30

Popular Apps

WhatsAppGoogle MapsUberGlovo

Safety Index

8
Overall
/ 10
Based on Global Peace Index & US Dept of State Travel Advisories

Crime Overview

Petty Thefthigh
Violent Crimelow

Transportation

Safe - watch for pickpockets

Common Scams

  • •Pickpocketing
  • •Rose scam
  • •Taxi overcharging

Areas to Avoid

  • • Some areas of Barcelona at night

Natural Disaster Risks

  • • Heat waves in summer

Note: Safety ratings are based on Global Peace Index, US Department of State Travel Advisories, and local government sources. Ratings are subjective and should be used as a general guideline only. Always verify current travel advisories before your trip.

Solo Women Travelers

8
Overall
/ 10
Based on solo female traveler reviews & government advisories

Night Safety

safe

Dress Code

Casual - cover shoulders in churches

Harassment Risk

rare

Tips

  • •Generally safe
  • •Beach areas very friendly

Note:Women safety ratings are based on solo female traveler experiences, TripAdvisor reviews, and US Department of State advisories. Every woman's experience may vary. Trust your instincts and research specific destinations.

Festivals & Events

March• March 15-19

Fallas

cultural

Valencia fire festival

Impact:Book ahead
August• Last Wednesday

La Tomatina

cultural

Tomato throwing festival

Impact:Very crowded

Offline Survival Kit

Documents

Passport
Travel insurance

Apps

Google Maps
WhatsApp

Downloads

Offline maps

Essentials

Sunscreen
Comfortable shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spain safe for tourists?
Spain has an overall safety rating of 8/10, making it very safe for tourists. Petty theft is high and violent crime is low. Areas to be cautious in include: Some areas of Barcelona at night. Always stay aware of your surroundings and take standard travel precautions.
Is Spain safe for solo female travelers?
Spain has a women's safety rating of 8/10, making it very safe for solo female travelers. Night safety is rated as "safe" and harassment is rare. Generally safe
Do I need a VPN in Spain?
A VPN is not strictly necessary, but still useful for Spain. There are no significant internet restrictions. Popular apps include WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber.
What scams should I watch out for in Spain?
Common scams in Spain include: Pickpocketing; Rose scam; Taxi overcharging. Always use reputable services, agree on prices before committing, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
Should I use cash or card in Spain?
Card payments are widely accepted in Spain. The currency is Euro (EUR). Card acceptance is high, especially in urban areas. Tip 10% in restaurants
What are the emergency numbers in Spain?
Emergency numbers in Spain: Police: 091. Ambulance: 061. Fire: 080. Tourist Police: 902 102 112. The US Embassy in Spain (US Embassy Madrid) can be reached at +34 91 587 2200.