Travel essentials

Welcome to Madrid! 🥘 In this essential guide, we'll cover all the **basics** you need to know before hitting its vibrant streets:

• Entry requirements (paperwork under control!)
• Money, language, and how to get internet without selling a kidney
• and much more...

Now, if you want to go beyond the typical selfie in Plaza Mayor, we have detailed guides on where to sleep without hearing your neighbor snore, what to eat beyond the calamari sandwich (though, so good!), and how to use the metro without ending up on the other side of the region by mistake. 👉 Let's go!

🛂 Entry Requirements

Madrid, Spain's capital, is part of the Schengen Area. This means internal European border checks are history. What you need depends on your passport:

• From the EU/Schengen Area: Your valid ID card or passport is more than enough. Perfect!
• From Latin America and other countries (check your specific case): Generally, you can enter visa-free for short tourist stays (up to 90 days). Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.

Regarding the famous ETIAS (the new electronic travel authorization for Europe): relax, it's not active yet. It's expected later on. For now, travel without that extra step!

🏥 Travel Insurance: Your Guardian Angel

A silly trip on the steep streets of Lavapiés or an indigestion from too much tapas 🍷 can be expensive. Travel insurance is your best invisible companion.

• Are you an EU citizen? Don't forget to request and bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It gives you the right to receive necessary medical care under the same conditions as a local.
• Living outside Europe? It's essential: get private travel insurance. It covers everything from medical emergencies to cancellations, lost luggage, or any last-minute surprises.

🗣️ Language: Do You Speak Spanish?

The official language is Spanish (Castilian). Madrid is a very welcoming city used to tourism, so in central shops and restaurants, they will understand English without a problem. Still, a little local flair is always appreciated.

Break the ice in traditional bars using these typical expressions:

• “¡Buenas!” or “Hola” = quick, friendly hello (essential!)
• “¿Qué tal?” = How are you? (to show friendliness)
• “Gracias” and “Por favor” = the usual magic words
• “Disculpa / Perdona” = Excuse me (to get a waiter's attention or pass by)

💶 Currency and Money

Madrid uses the euro (€).

• Currency exchanges: Avoid them as much as possible, especially at the airport and around Puerta del Sol. Their fees and exchange rates are rarely favorable.
• ATMs: The most practical alternative. Use ATMs from recognized banks (BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank, Sabadell...) to dodge the high flat fees of independent ATMs.
• Card payments: Paying with a card or phone is widely common. It's accepted practically everywhere, even for a single coffee.
• Travel often or coming from outside the Eurozone? Travel cards like Wise or similar are excellent options to save on fees.

📱 Internet and Connectivity

You'll need data to use maps, check museum hours, find that hidden rooftop, or follow our self-guided city tours right in the app without missing a beat.

• The best option: eSIM. Buy it online and activate it on your phone before arriving so you have data from the very first second. European plans usually start around 10-15€. You save time queuing and hunting for physical stores.
• Physical SIM: You can buy a prepaid card at official phone shops (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo) in central areas. You'll need to show your passport or ID to register it.
• Free WiFi: Madrid has a free public network called "Madrid WiFi" in major squares, EMT buses, and public buildings. Cafes offer it too, though you usually need to buy something.

🔌 Electricity and Plugs

Spain uses type C and F plugs (the standard European round-pin ones), operating at a voltage of 230V and 50Hz.

If you're traveling from the Americas or countries with different systems, don't forget to pack a universal adapter so your devices don't die in the middle of the day.

And this is just the appetizer...

🌍 You now have the foundation you need to start discovering Madrid.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our specific guides on when is the best time to visit, the best neighborhoods to sleep in, and how to master public transport.