Europe
Spain
Spain works equally well for a city break or a longer regional circuit, with fast trains linking the major hubs and a real shift in character from one region to the next. Cards and contactless are standard, though small bars and family-run shops may still lean cash. Schengen rules govern entry and stay length, shared with much of continental Europe. The rhythm of the day runs late here - dinner often doesn't get going until well into the evening - which is worth syncing to rather than fighting.
Last updated May 2026
Money & Payments
Currency
€
Euro
EUR
Cash Tip
Cards are widely accepted throughout Spain, with contactless terminals standard in urban and tourist areas.
Cash is required for smaller bars, local markets, and certain taxis.
ATM withdrawals should be processed in Euros to avoid dynamic currency conversion charges.
Card Rating
How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted
8 / 10.0
Contactless card payments are standard in urban centers and tourist areas, and public transit systems in major cities accept cards directly. The local mobile payment system Bizum requires a Spanish bank account. Cash is common at small traditional bars and markets in rural towns.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily costs per person
Budget
Meals & Transit
€30–€43
Menu del día lunch (€12–15 set menu with wine), tapas grazing, metro.
≈ $33–$46
Meals & Transit
€30–€43
≈ $33–$46
Menu del día lunch (€12–15 set menu with wine), tapas grazing, metro.
Accommodation
€25–€50
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
≈ $27–$54
Accommodation
€25–€50
≈ $27–$54
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Meals & Transit
€59–€82
Sit-down restaurant dinners (€25–50 pp), Renfe train travel, walking tours.
≈ $64–$90
Entry & Documents
Visa Requirements
Check entry requirements for your passport
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
On the Ground
Power & Plugs
Voltage, frequency, and plug types
Type F230V50Hz
Bring a universal travel adapter to stay powered up regardless of plug type.
SIM Card Guide
Stay connected while traveling
Typical price range
€10–€25
≈ $11–$27 USD
Validity: 10–15 day tourist SIM
Practical Info
Apps & Getting Around
Essential apps and transport info
Transport
- UberForeigner-friendly
Available in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia. Accepts foreign cards. Cabify is the Spanish competitor with broader coverage in mid-sized cities.
- Renfe AppForeigner-friendly
Official Spanish train booking app. Book AVE (high-speed) and regional trains well in advance for Standard prices. Accepts foreign cards. Also available at renfe.com.
- Flixbus / AlsaForeigner-friendly
Book intercity buses. FlixBus covers major routes from Barcelona and Madrid. ALSA handles domestic Spanish routes including the north coast and Andalusia.
- Bikemap / BiciMadForeigner-friendly
Cycling apps for Madrid (BiciMad) and Barcelona (Bicing). Bicing requires local registration but BiciMad accepts tourist registrations. Barcelona is increasingly cycle-friendly.
Navigation
Before You Go
Rules & Restrictions
Important laws and customs to be aware of
Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
Legal
- The Schengen 90/180-day rule applies strictly - EES (Entry/Exit System) has been tracking all non-EU/EEA arrivals biometrically since April 2026. Overstays result in deportation, fines, and entry bans. Use the official Schengen calculator to track days.
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to launch Q4 2026 for visa-exempt non-EU/EEA travellers. Online application (~€7, rapid approval) required before boarding. Monitor etias.europa.eu.
- Spain has strong anti-tourist overcrowding measures in some cities. Barcelona levies a tourist tax (up to €4/night); Mallorca has restrictions on tourist accommodation. Airbnb licences are strictly controlled in major cities. Some beaches have capacity limits in summer.
- Photography of military installations, government buildings, and police personnel is restricted. Photographing people without consent (especially for commercial use) falls under Spain's strong privacy laws (RGPD). 'Photography prohibited' signs are legally enforceable.
Cultural
- Spain operates on a very different daily schedule - lunch is typically 2–4 PM, dinner 9–11 PM (or later). Many shops close for siesta (2–5 PM). Major attractions and public services follow morning schedules. Don't try to rush a Spanish meal.
- The siesta culture is real in smaller towns and during summer. In August, many Spanish businesses in smaller cities reduce hours or close entirely. Major cities and tourist areas maintain summer schedules. Plan around this, especially in Andalusia.
Health
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