Facts & Figures: Spain
Climate
Spain consists of three different climate zones with:
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Mediterranean climate characterized by the dry and warm summers
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Semiarid climate which contrary to the Mediterranean climate has the dry and warm season extend past the summer
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Oceanic climate where temperatures are affected by the ocean along the coast, providing milder summer temperatures
Average temperature in Madrid in January is 10 °C (50°F).
Language
Spanish is spoken all over the Spanish territory. However other languages are also spoken in certain areas of the country. These are: Catalan, in Catalonia; Galician, in Galicia; Euskera/Basque, in the Basque Country; Valencian, in the Region of Valencia; and a particular variety of Catalan, spoken in the Balearic Islands.
Time
Spain’s time zone is GMT +1hour
Currency
The currency in Spain is the Euro.
Currency exchange is available in all bank offices, open on Monday through Saturday from 8.30 to 14.00 (except for the months of June through September, when they remain closed on Saturday). It is also available incurrency exchange shops at all major cities, as well as in selected hotels and travel agencies.
Banks & Shopping Hours
Banks are open from Monday to Friday 09:00 – 14:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 – 13:00. Commissions may be charged on foreign transactions and passports are needed as proof of identification.
Shopping hours are from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs and 17.00 to 20:00 hrs. Exception to this will be Departmental Stores which stay open during the long lunch period. Also, it is normal to find many smaller shops closed on Saturday afternoons.
Visa Information
Find out if you need a visa for your trip to Madrid by visiting the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Taxes & Refund
Purchases made in Spain are subject to the national IVA (VAT) Tax. Non-EU residents may claim back their IVA Tax on purchases over € 70.00 but not on certain items such as food, drink, tobacco, motorbikes, cars and medicines.
For more information visit the official website for Spain.
Medical Care
Please visit the official website for Spain for detailed information.
Dialling Codes
International country code: + 34
Area code for Madrid : 91
Electricity
Electricity in Spain is AC 220 volts, 50 Hertz.
Relevant Links
Official website for tourism in Spain
Madrid Barajas Airport
