The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
SpainA little local knowledge.
From Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona to flamenco in Seville, Spain dazzles at every turn.
Tap water is safe to drink.
National Police (Policía Nacional): 091
Euro
Exercise Increased Caution
Essential Etiquette in Spain
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Greet shopkeepers on entering
A quick 'Hola, buenos días' when entering a shop or restaurant is standard courtesy. Leaving without acknowledging staff is considered rude.
Don't ask for breakfast after 11 AM
Breakfast is a mid-morning affair — café con leche and a pastry or toast (tostada) at a café bar between 8-10 AM. After 11 AM, the kitchen transitions to lunch prep.
The menú del día is the best deal in Spain
Almost every restaurant offers a set lunch menu (menú del día) Monday-Friday: starter, main course, dessert, bread, and a drink for €10-15. It's how locals eat affordably — always order this at lunch.
Beach attire stays at the beach
Walking through Spanish towns in bikini tops or without a shirt is prohibited and fineable in many cities. Cover up when leaving beach areas.
Essential Spanish Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
"Please"
Take all 66 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Tap water is drinkable
Tap water: SAFE throughout. Coastal desalinated water safe. In some southern regions, high mineral content from saltwater sources may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Pharmacies (Farmacia) are ubiquitous, identified by a green cross. All cities have at least one 24-hour farmacia de guardia — addresses are posted on the door of closed pharmacies. Pharmacists are highly trained and can advise on minor ailments and dispense many medications without a prescription.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Spain
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Spain.
Renfe
Renfe is Spain's national rail operator — essential for booking AVE high-speed trains and intercity services between Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and beyond. Buy tickets, store them in-app, and get real-time journey updates. Accepts international credit cards with no Spanish account needed.
Cabify
Cabify is Spain's most popular ride-hailing app, available in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and other major cities. Book licensed vehicles with upfront pricing, real-time tracking, and international card payment. A safer, more transparent alternative to hailing taxis on the street.
Bolt
Bolt operates in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Seville, and other major Spanish cities, and is often cheaper than both Cabify and Uber — especially during surge periods. Works almost identically to Uber with upfront pricing, licensed drivers, and cashless payment. Install alongside Cabify and Uber to price-check every ride; the cheapest option changes by time of day and city.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Madrid
Calle de Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Field Guides & Dispatches for Spain
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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