[info_list position=”right” style=”circle with_bg” icon_color=”#f6a800″ font_size_icon=”40″ eg_br_width=”2″ connector_color=”#1e549e”][info_list_item list_title=”Currency” list_icon=”Defaults-eur euro”]

Spain used pesetas until 1999, but it’s been 20 years since Euro has become the state currency. It makes it extremely easy to travel all around Europe, as the majority of countries use it as well. It’ll save you time and money on the exchange rates.

[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Voltage” list_icon=”Defaults-plug”]220V AC, 50 Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Monarchy” list_icon=”Defaults-flag-checkered”]The Spanish monarchy is better known as “The Crown” (La Corona) and it’s represented by Felipe VI, his wife Queen Letizia and their 2 daughters: Leonor, Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía. Felipe VI became king in 2014 after his father, Juan Carlos, abdicated.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Police” list_icon=”Defaults-bus”]There are three different types of police officers in Spain: national, municipal and “guardia civil”. The three of them are in charge of citizenship safety and watch over the compliance of laws and the constitution, though they have different jurisdiction.[/info_list_item][/info_list]

[info_list style=”circle with_bg” icon_color=”#f6a800″ font_size_icon=”40″ eg_br_width=”2″ connector_color=”#1e549e”][info_list_item list_title=”Time Difference” list_icon=”Defaults-clock-o”]

GMT +1 from the last Sunday in October to the Saturday before the last Sunday in March.
GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in October.

[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Measures” list_icon=”Defaults-arrows-h”]Weight in grams and kilograms, distance in meters and kilometers and temperatures in Celsius.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Government” list_icon=”Defaults-gavel legal”]Spain is a constitutional monarchy, with king being the head of the country, but actual power to make decisions belongs to a bicameral parliament, the Cortes Generales (General Courts). The executive branch consists of a Council of Ministers of Spain presided over by the Prime Minister. There’s a democratic system and elections are every 4 years.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Food” list_icon=”Defaults-apple”]Madrid’s cuisine celebrates the food of all the regions in Spain and, whether you’re keen to have a beer and tapas, or sit down to a world-class meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’re sure to find something that will make your mouth water. Here is a list of typical food in Madrid to whet your appetite.[/info_list_item][/info_list]

[info_list position=”right” style=”circle with_bg” icon_color=”#f6a800″ font_size_icon=”40″ eg_br_width=”2″ connector_color=”#1e549e”][info_list_item list_title=”Metro” list_icon=”Defaults-medium”]

The metro has 300 stations and 13 different lines. It’s very easy to understand how it works and you can always grab a little map in the station or solve any doubts you might have by visiting their website.

[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Bus” list_icon=”Defaults-bus”]Another way of getting around is by bus. They are very frequent and you even have night buses called “buhos” that will take you as close to home as possible after a great party. If you need to check schedules or find a specific bus, visit their website.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Plane” list_icon=”Defaults-plane”]Last but not least, we’ve got flights! Madrid is a hub for easy travel to the rest of Europe. Barajas airport flies everywhere and you can get really cheap flights. Take a look at www.easyjet.com, www.ryanair.com, www.vueling.com to find out more about prices. Or check out our blog post on the best low-cost airlines in Spain.[/info_list_item][/info_list]

[info_list style=”circle with_bg” icon_color=”#f6a800″ font_size_icon=”40″ eg_br_width=”2″ connector_color=”#1e549e”][info_list_item list_title=”Bike” list_icon=”Defaults-bicycle”]

If you want to move while staying in shape, you can always use the new bike renting system. Check it out on their webpage or in our blog post. There’s one station every 300 hundred meters for you to pick the closest one to you!

[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Train” list_icon=”Defaults-train”]Madrid also offers the “Renfe” service. These are different type of trains that’ll get you to your destination in a comfortable and fast way. You have “Cercanías” which is a short distance train (inside Madrid) and you also have the “Ave” which is the high-speed train that takes you to other cities. For more info visit their website.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Driving in Spain” list_icon=”Defaults-automobile car”]Spaniards drive on the right side of the road. If you are from the EU or the European Economic Community, your license is valid to drive in Spain. If you are from the US you need to get an international driving permit prior to your arrival in Spain. Given that conditions may vary from one country to another, we suggest that you contact the Spanish Embassy or Consulate to verify these requirements before you start your trip.[/info_list_item][/info_list]