Currency

The currency in Spain is the euro, the same as in other European Union countries. The euro is divided into 100 cents. There are eight different coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros. There are seven different banknotes, for the following amounts: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.

Power outlets

All power sockets in Madrid provide a standard voltage of 230V with a standard frequency of 50Hz.

You can use all your equipment in Madrid if the outlet voltage in your own country is between 220V-240V. This is the case in most of Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom, and most countries in Africa and Asia.

If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100V-127V (which is most common in the US, Canada, and countries in South America) you might need a voltage converter in Madrid.

Train travel

Madrid is the centre of the extensive Renfe railway network, arriving in the capital from all over Spain and offering convenient transport throughout the country.  Mid-Distance, Long Distance, High Speed and Suburban trains depart from and arrive at the two main stations: Atocha and Chamartín. International trains to and from France and Portugal also depart from and arrive in Madrid.

Air travel

Madrid-Barajas Airport (code IATA: MAD, code ICAO: LEMD) is located in the northeast of Madrid, Barajas district, only 12 kilometers from Madrid city centre. The airport changed its name from Madrid-Barajas to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas in 2014.

Public transport

Alternative transport

Traveling With Medication

If you have to travel with solid medication, we recommend, to take it in your hand luggage. You should accompany your medication with a corresponding receipt, a medical prescription, or a specified statement about the passenger’s health condition, in case the security staff so requires.

In Spain, medications are obtained at pharmacies. They are all marked with a green cross. You will get your prescriptions from your doctor. If you come from a country in the European Union, or your country has health agreements with Spain, you will have the same prescription drug benefits as Spanish citizens.

Visa and Entry

Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.

You will need to apply for a short-stay visa.
Regulations and types of visas vary according to the Spanish territory you intend to visit:

For European territory (mainland Spain), Spain complies with Schengen regulations related to the Schengen area, and issues a short-stay Uniform Schengen visa;
For non-European territories (Spanish overseas territories), Spain issues a short-stay national visa;
For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay national visa.