Local Information

Language

English

Currency

Euro (€)

Money

ATMS are available for cash withdrawal. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops, though some of the smaller shops may only accept cash.

American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club credit cards are all widely accepted in Spain. Discover Card is not widely accepted in Spain.

Time zone

Madrid Time is in the Central European Time Zone. Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).

Like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Madrid Time, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

www.timeanddate.com

Climate

The end of spring and start of summer in Madrid usually sees climbing temperature and increasingly clear skies. You can expect an average temperature of 21°C, which reaches an average high of 29°C, before falling to a still rather warm low of 13°C during the evenings.

Electricity

Voltage is 220V, 50 Hz (cycles). One needs to use a transformer (converter) if the appliance one wants to use is 110V.

The electric plug has two round pins.

Tipping

There are no hard and fast rules for tipping in Madrid. Gratuities are not required but if the service is good you certainly will not insult anyone by leaving a tip. The norm (if you want to follow local tipping etiquette), is small change for bars and taxis, single euros for other transactions including everyday restaurants and anywhere between 5 and 10 percent for more elaborate meals.

Smoking and drinking

Madrid has introduced a law which prohibits drinking on the streets. Shops aren’t allowed to sell alcohol after 22:00.

At the start of January 2011, Spain introduced a no smoking law in enclosed public places, including bars, restaurants and clubs. It is also illegal to smoke near children´s play areas, be it enclosed or open.

Meal times

Meal times in Spain are different to most other countries. Spanish people often have two breakfasts; the first is a light snack at the start of the day, followed by something slightly heavier at 11.00. Lunch time is around 15.00 and is the most important meal of the day. Dinner starts at around 21.00 or 22.00 and often lasts past midnight during the summer months.

Shopping

More on shopping at www.ailmadrid.com

Post offices

If you want to send a letter or postcard to someone, you can buy your stamps in the tobacco stores. All of them have the “tabacos” logo. You can post your letter or postcard in a mailbox or you can go to the post office.

Internet

Many shops and other places in Madrid have free Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is also available in buses.

Here is a link to a map of places with free Wi-Fi in Madrid: www.google.com/maps/

Telephone codes

Spain dialling code: +34 / Madrid dialling code: 91

Safety

Emergency services Madrid: 112
Spanish police: 091
Fire Service: 080
Ambulance service: 061
Duty pharmacies: 010

Useful numbers

Citizen advice/information service: 012
Taxi service: 91 371 21 31

Lost or stolen credit cards
Visa: 901 10 10 11
MasterCard (Eurocard): 91 519 21 00
American Express: 91 572 03 03

Health

Vaccinations are not required to enter Spain. An individual travel and health insurance is recommended.

Insurance

The organizers can accept no liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to the Congress participants, either during or as a result of the event.

Participants are advised to take out proper travel and health insurance before departing from their home country.

Basic Phrases

Numbers