🇪🇸 Travel facts Spain
✓ Last checked:The most important practical answers for your trip to Spain — entry, tipping, plug types, customs and more. Compact, verified, with sources.
| Capital | Madrid |
|---|---|
| Language | Spanish |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Timezone | UTC+1 |
| Flight time from Germany | approx. 2–3 hours (mainland), 4h Canary Islands |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Plug | Type C/F · 230 V / 50 Hz |
| EU / Schengen | EU · Schengen |
Do I need a visa for Spain?
A national ID card is sufficient — Spain is a member of the EU and Schengen.
No visa, no stay limit for tourists. Binding information: German Federal Foreign Office.
How much should I tip in Spain?
5–10 % (propina), much more relaxed than in the USA — service is often included.
Hotel: 1–2 € per service.
Taxi: Round up.
Which plug adapter do I need in Spain?
No adapter needed — Type C / F (230 V / 50 Hz), German plugs fit.
Can you drink tap water in Spain?
Yes, tap water is drinkable.
Safe; the taste varies regionally (chlorine) — many still order bottled water.
What can I bring back from Spain to Germany?
EU internal market: no customs borders. For personal use, guideline amounts apply (e.g. 800 cigarettes, 10 l spirits).
Does my mobile phone work in Spain?
EU roaming: The German mobile tariff applies without extra charges (‘Roam like at Home’).
Card or cash — how do you pay in Spain?
Euro; cards are accepted almost everywhere, cash is only needed for small purchases.
What should I know about health in Spain?
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid; additional travel health insurance is advisable.
Sources & Note
Information from the perspective of German citizens, as of August 2026, without guarantee. Entry and safety information may change at short notice — the binding source is the German Federal Foreign Office (Spain travel advice) . Health information does not replace medical travel advice.
