• Power & Devices: Bring a power adapter for Spanish outlets (Type C/F, 230V). Do not bring U.S. hairdryers or straighteners, as the higher voltage can damage them.

• Internet: Many U.S. carriers offer daily international passes. For longer stays, an eSIM such as Holafly can be a good option (make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible).

• Payments: The currency is the euro (€). Most places accept cards, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of cash. Check with your bank about transaction fees, and consider Wise for an easy digital debit card with good exchange rates and low fees.

• Health: Spain has excellent healthcare. Non-citizens should make sure they have coverage through travel or health insurance. In an emergency, dial 112 (the European equivalent of 911).

• Daily Schedule & Meals: Lunch is typically served around 1–3.30 pm, and dinner around 9–10:30 pm. Outside these times, kitchens in bars and restaurants may be closed.

• Coffee & Food Habits: Lunch is the main meal of the day. Most food in restaurants is designed to be shared. Coffee and meals are usually enjoyed while sitting at a bar, café, or restaurant. Eating or drinking “on the go” is uncommon. Ask for “café con leche” for the equivalent of a cappuccino and add “con hielo” in case you want it with ice.

• Dining & Restaurant Etiquette:

  • Tipping is not expected. When paying in cash, leaving a few coins is appreciated; when paying by card, no additional tip is expected.

  • Because tipping is not customary, service tends to be less attentive. It is perfectly normal to raise your hand or call for the waiter when you need something (it’s not rude!). You can say “¡perdona!”

  • The check is rarely brought automatically—you will need to request it. Ask for “la cuenta, por favor.”

• Business Hours: Many shops close for a few hours at midday (2-5 pm), especially in smaller towns. Large supermarkets and chain stores usually remain open. Most businesses are closed on Sundays, although bars and restaurants often stay open. In many cases, for small businesses, the schedule in Google Maps is not accurate.

• Social Norms: Spaniards are warm, expressive and loud, often speaking with less personal space and more physical contact (e.g., greeting with two kisses on the cheek).

• Family & Social Life: It is common to see children out late at night with their parents, particularly during the summer. Parenting boundaries are set by families themselves, and others do not judge. Children are welcome in most social spaces, including bars and restaurants.

• Basics: Drive on the right side of the road. Always carry your passport, driver’s license, and rental agreement. An International Driving Permit is recommended (obtain it here).

• Transmission: Many cars are manual. If you need an automatic, make sure to request it specifically when renting your car.

• Fuel Types: There’s a good amount of diesel cars compared to the U.S. Check the type of fuel your car uses before filling up.

• Keep-Right Rule: Stay in the right lane except to pass. Use the left lane only for overtaking, then return right. Passing on the right is not allowed, and authorities are strict on this.

• Speed Limits: Posted in kilometers per hour (km/h). Standard limits: 120 on motorways, 90 on rural roads, and 30–50 in cities.

• Speed Enforcement: Spain uses fixed, mobile, average-speed, seatbelt, and red-light cameras. Google Maps alerts you to fixed cameras, so enable notifications. Fines are sent to rental companies, which may add handling fees.

• Alcohol & Drugs: Random police checkpoints are common. Legal blood alcohol limits are very low. The best practice is not to drink if driving.

• Phones: No handheld phone use is permitted, even when stopped at a light. Use only approved hands-free systems. Authorities are very strict about this.

• Child Safety: Children under 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) must use an approved child seat in the back. Boosters are recommended until 150 cm (4 ft 11 in). Ask your rental company for the proper seat.

• Roundabouts & Intersections: Roundabouts are everywhere—yield to vehicles inside, stay in the outer lane unless overtaking, and signal before exiting. Four-way stops don’t exist, and hand gestures are not used to determine right-of-way.

• Traffic Lights: Positioned before the intersection, not above it as in the U.S. Stop at the line or crosswalk. “Right turn on red” does not exist, so red always means stop.

• Parking: Parallel street parking is common. Spaces are never individually marked—if your car fits, you can park. Pay attention to color-coded zones (blue = pay, other colors vary per town but can mean “only resident parking”).

• Gas Stations: At many stations, you must first ask the cashier to activate the pump, then fill up, and return inside to pay.

Spain is generally a very safe country. You don’t need to worry about driving in unfamiliar areas, walking alone at night, or exploring new neighborhoods. The only thing to keep in mind is the usual travel precaution: stay mindful of your personal belongings, as petty theft can occasionally occur in busy or touristy areas.