Spain Travel Tips and Information

Tips For Travelers | Travel Information | Tourism Information | Weather Information

Tips For Travelers

General Information

Deciding to rent a car in Spain with Auto Europe is one of the best ways to ensure that you are able to experience everything this fascinating country has to offer. Auto Europe gives our clients access to the guaranteed lowest rates for rental cars in Spain! Reservations can be made by call us toll-free at 1-888-223-5555, or take advantage of our easy to use three-step booking engine and make your reservation online.

Customs

Travelers are not taxed when transporting a reasonable number of items for personal use. However, no more than 1 liter of liquor and 2 liters of wine are permitted at a time, as well as no more than 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco per consumer.  

Banking & Currency

Many banks, currency exchange kiosks, travel agencies, and various branches of the El Corte Ingles department store are able to exchange foreign currency. However, traveler's checks provide the optimum exchange rates, while ATMs provide the worst. (Please note Spanish ATMs require a 4 digit pin number, so you will need to make any necessary changes prior to travel.) Through the summer months, banking hours are typically 830am to 2pm during the week. During other seasons, hours run from 830am to 230pm, Monday through Thursday, with hours ending at 2pm on Fridays, and 1pm on Saturdays. Unfortunately, theft is a concern in Spain, so be sure to keep any cash or credit cards hidden and secure at all times.

Tipping

Although restaurants often apply a service charge to the check, it remains customary to leave up to an additional 5%. It is also common to leave a small collection of change on the table when leaving a café or pub. Hotel staff and taxi drivers, however, generally earn 10%, whereas porters, maids, theater ushers and cloakroom attendants receive €1 or less. 

Business Hours

Museum hours tend to fluctuate, but usual hours are from 9am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday. Post offices are typically open from 9am to 2pm, with restaurants available for lunch between 130pm and 330pm. Dinner hours are from 830pm to 11 or 1130pm, establishments in larger cities, such as those in Madrid and Barcelona, will stay open late into the next morning. Many bars and discotheques stay open late as well. Shopping hours, are traditionally Monday through Saturday from 9 or 10am to 1 or 2pm. Stores close for several hours and then reopen again around 4pm and stay open until 8pm. The larger department stores, however, will remain open at midday and will also host extended hours (until 10 or 11pm) seven days a week.

Local Tax

The value added tax in Spain is currently 16%.

Travel Information

General Information

If you are in the process of planning an upcoming trip to Spain, and have decided to rent a car with Auto Europe, you will benefit from these helpful travel tips.

Entry Requirements

US citizens are not required to purchase a visa when entering Spain for visits lasting less than three months. Pets are also welcome, provided they have valid vaccination and health certificates.This paperwork must be certified at the nearest consulate of Spain. 

Time Differences

Spain operates within the Central European Time Zone, which runs six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States and Canada. 

Language

Although Castilian Spanish is understood throughout the country, Catalan, Basque and Galician are the dominant languages of Spain. English is also understood at most major cities and resorts.

Electricity

Spain utilizes the Continental two-round-pin plug, carrying 220 V and 50 Hz. However, some remote areas still service the 110V.

Tourism Information

General Information

Auto Europe has compiled a list of contact information for travelers with a car rental in Spain. This contact information includes embassy and tourism office locations and telephone numbers.

Tourism Contacts

Tourist Office of Spain
Princesa, 1-Edificio Torre de Madrid
28008 Madrid
Phone: (+34) 91-541-23-25
Spain Information: www.spain.info

Spanish Tourist Office
666 Fifth Avenue, 35th Floor
New York, NY USA 10103
Phone: 212 265 8822
Fax: 212 265 8864

Embassies

United States Embassy in Spain
C/ Serrano 75
Madrid, Spain 28006
Phone (+34) 91 587 2200
Fax (+34) 91 587 2303

United States Consulate in Barcelona
Po. Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23
08034 Barcelona
Tel (+34) (93) 280-2227
Fax (+34) (93) 205-5206

United States Consular in Seville
Paseo de las Delicias, 7
41012 Sevilla
Office hours: 10:00-13:00
Tel.: (+34) 95423-1885
Fax: (+34) 95423-2040

United States Consular in Valencia
Dr. Romagosa, 1, 2, J
Valencia 46002
Office hours: 10:00-13:00
Tel.: (+34) 96351-6973
Fax: (+34) 96352-9565

United States Consular in Las Palmas
Edificio ARCA
C/ Los Martínez Escobar, 3, Oficina 7
35007 Las Palmas
Office hours: 10:00-13:00 (local time)
Tel.: (+34) 92827-1259
Fax: (+34) 92822-5863

United States Consular Agency
Cantón Grande, 6 - 8º-E
15003 A Coruña
Office hours: 10:00-13:00
Tel.: (+34) 98121-3233
Fax: (+34) 98122-8808

United States Consular in Malaga
Avenida Juan Gómez 'Juanito', 8
Edificio Lucía 1º-C
29640 Fuengirola (Málaga)
Office hours: 10:00-13:00
Tel.: (+34) 95247-4891
Fax: (+34) 95246-5189

Weather in Spain

General Information

Make the most of your time in Spain and rent a car with Auto Europe! By knowing the local weather, you will be able to enjoy your rental car to the fullest. Choose your preferred travel season and book your rental vehicle in advance for the best and lowest price guaranteed!

Spring

Spring boasts the ideal season to visit Central Spain, Madrid, and the Mediterranean Coast, average temperatures are a blissful 45-66 F and 7-19 C.

Summer

Throughout Spain, average summer temperatures will reach highs of between 61-87 F (16-31 C), whereas weather near the coast will remain much more moderate.

Autumn

Fall's sunny skies offer temperatures between 49 and 66 F and 9 to 19 C.

Winter

Northern Spain tends to be cool and rainy, while the central plateau is at its coldest during the winter months. However, the southern coast remains comfortable, with temperatures around 35-49 F and 2-9 C.

How to Rent a Car in Spain with Auto Europe

If you're searching for unbeatable rates and top-notch customer service, rent a car in Spain with Auto Europe! We are committed to making your car rental experience in Spain as easy and affordable as possible and look forward to helping you plan your trip. Contact us toll-free 24/7 at 1-888-223-5555 to make your reservation, or take advantage of our easy to use three step booking engine and reserve your rental car online.  Feel free to review our car rental FAQs for additional information.