European Countries: Spain

About The Country

The architecture in Spain reflects the Moroccan styles while cave paintings, renaissance cathedrals and Moorish palaces prove the diversity of the country. Spring, fall and early summer are near perfect here, though summers are hot.

Culture

English is widely spoken here but Spanish is the regional language. Over time, Spanish people have become modern in order to gel with the ever changing times and are no longer as conservative as they once were. But that hasn't changed the values, traditions, manners and customs of the locals.

People here have two surnames; the first surname can be used to refer to the person. To greet someone, a handshake will do just fine. When visiting someone's house, it's customary to take a small gift along. Save the flowers for special occasions or a beautiful dinner date! Dinner is generally eaten very late at night. People dress casual most of the time. Men are expected to wear jackets at some restaurants so it would be a good idea to call ahead of time if you are unsure. Swimsuits should be confined to the pools and beaches. Recently a ban has been applied on smoking in public places.

Shopping

Shops open quite early in the morning and stay open late in the evening. In the afternoon, they are closed for lunch or siesta. Porcelain and leather goods are fantastic here and they will be perfect gifts for friends and family back home. Bills are to be paid along with the service charges, so tipping is a matter of gratitude.

Electricity

Voltage is 220 volts and frequency is 50 Hz

Getting There

IBERIA is the national airline of Spain and of course there are many other low-cost airlines that fly into the country. There are nearly thirty international airports in Spain, out of which Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Malaga are famous.
Madrid is located 13km away from the city and has bus service every fifteen minutes. Underground service is also another way for passengers to reach their destinations. Other facilities offered at this airport are duty free shops, banks, restaurants, tourism information, and hotel reservations.

Barcelona is very close to the city and is situated at a distance of 3 km. Buses are available every 15 minutes and trains are available every 20 minutes. Taxis are always available throughout the day. Duty free shops, restaurants, banks, car hire and tourism information are available here as well.

There is a great network of roads that connect Spain north to south. Toll booths are installed in some parts of the country so by carrying a few Euros you'll have smooth sailing at the toll booths. If driving one's private car, it would be better if the travel insurance covers medical costs too.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (300 cigarettes, 150 cigarillos, 70 cigars and 400g of tobacco for EU nationals)
2. 1litre of spirits if exceeding 22 per cent volume or 2 liters of alcoholic beverage not exceeding 22 per cent volume and 2 liters of wine (1.5 liter exceeding 22 per cent and 3 liters of up to 22 per cent and 5 liters of wine for EU nationals)
3. 250ml eau de toilette and 50g of perfume
4. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (1000g of coffee and 4000g of coffee extract for EU nationals)
5. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
6. Gifts up to the value of approximately €37.26.