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Today
4:52 am
+1h from you
Weather in Spain
Spain
21°
Partly cloudy
Wed
5
21
Thu
4
17
Fri
3
20
Sat
5
19
Sun
4
13
SPF level in Spain
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Spain
Languages in Spain
Tipping in Spain
Tipping is appreciated in Spain for good service but is not obligatory. Locals may round up slightly or leave a small amount.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service. Rounding up is common for good service
Bar/Café
Rounding up to the nearest Euro or leaving small change is common
Taxi
Rounding up to the nearest Euro is appreciated
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per night of stay left at the end of the stay in the room
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR per person for a good tour
Safety in Spain
Tips for British travellers
Spain is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Thieves often use distraction techniques in teams, so take extra care of your passport, money and belongings at airports and when arranging car hire.
Drink spiking is a risk, so always buy your own drinks and keep them in sight at all times.
It is illegal to drink alcohol in the street in some areas, and you can get an on-the-spot fine for doing so.
In some areas it is illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini, swimming shorts, or to be bare-chested, and you could be fined.
Many beaches have strong undercurrents, so take care when swimming and always obey the flag warnings, especially a red flag which means do not enter the water.
Bonus tips:
Police officers can hold you at a station until they confirm your identity, so always carry photo ID such as your passport if asked.
Be wary of approaches from 'highway pirates' who target hire cars; if you need to stop, do so only in a well-lit public area like a service station.
Driving in Spain
A valid UK driving license is accepted in Spain. Ensure you have your physical license with you. If you are a resident, you may need to exchange your UK license for a Spanish one.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Spain drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
091
Ambulance
061
Fire
080
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Spain
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Spain uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug types C and F are standard. UK travelers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Widely accepted in urban areas, tourist locations and large establishments. Acceptance may be limited in rural areas or smaller shops.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Spain
Good
Local name
Cajero automático
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Look for ATMs of major banks to avoid excessive fees. Ensure you have a four-digit PIN.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU-wide free roaming for UK mobile users has ended. Check with your mobile provider for their roaming charges in Spain. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming, but it is not guaranteed. Consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to use a lot of data.
Local SIM data package
20 GB for 20 EUR (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Movistar, Vodafone, Orange
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in major cities and tourist areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Spain offers good internet connectivity, with widespread WiFi and decent mobile data speeds, especially in urban areas.
Health & vaccinations in Spain
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Spain. However, neither covers all medical costs, including repatriation. Comprehensive travel insurance is still recommended for peace of mind.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Spain. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available. Be aware of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika or Dengue fever, especially during warmer months, and take precautions against mosquito bites.
Calling Spain
Country code
+34
To call Spain from the UK, dial 00 34 followed by the Spanish number (9 digits, no trunk code needed).
To call the British Embassy in Madrid, you would dial 00 34 917 14 63 00.
The country code for Spain is 34. The exit code from the UK is 00. Spanish phone numbers are 9 digits long.
UK Embassy in Spain
British Embassy Madrid
Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Airports in Spain
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.