Practical Info
Moving to or visiting Spain comes with many practical questions — from transportation and daily costs to weather, maps, and lifestyle tips. This section brings together clear, reliable, and easy-to-access information tailored for Azerbaijanis living in Spain, newcomers, students, and tourists. You can find in this section:
Transport & Tickets
Learn about metro, bus, train, and airport connections in Spain’s major cities. Compare ticket options, passes, car rentals, and taxi services.
Weather & Seasons
Understand Spain’s diverse climate — from Mediterranean summers in Barcelona to snowy winters in the Pyrenees. Plan your wardrobe and trips accordingly.
Money & Banking in Spain
From daily expenses and using ATMs to opening student or business accounts in banks like Sabadell, La Caixa, or Santander — here’s everything you need to manage your finances smartly.
Maps & Navigation
Getting around Spain is easier than ever thanks to modern apps and clear maps. Whether you’re exploring Barcelona’s metro, navigating Madrid’s streets, or planning a road trip across Andalusia, the right tools can save you time and stress.
Everyday Life Tips
All about SIM cards, shopping hours, pharmacies, meal times, and cultural habits to help you adapt quickly to Spanish daily life.
Safety & Security
Spain is safe, but awareness matters. Learn how to avoid pickpockets, protect documents, and handle emergencies with the 112 EU hotline and local police contacts.
Transport & Tickets
Spain has one of Europe’s most developed transport networks, making it easy to explore Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and beyond. From metros and buses to high-speed trains and car rentals, here’s what you need to know:
Metro & Buses
· Barcelona (TMB) – Efficient metro, bus, and tram system. Ticket options include T-Casual (10 journeys), T-Usual (monthly unlimited), and T-Jove (for under 25s).
· Madrid (Metro de Madrid) – The second-largest metro network in Europe, with convenient travel cards and airport connections.
· Valencia & Seville – Smaller metro/tram systems, plus extensive bus networks.
Plan ahead: most metro networks run 05:00–00:00, with night buses (NitBus in Barcelona, Búhos in Madrid) covering late hours.
Trains
· Renfe Cercanías – Regional commuter trains connecting suburbs to major cities.
· AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) – High-speed trains linking Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Málaga, and Zaragoza in just a few hours.
· Renfe Official Website: renfe.com
Intercity Buses
Spain’s intercity bus network is affordable and covers destinations that trains don’t reach.
· Alsa – alsa.com (nationwide routes, budget-friendly)
· FlixBus – flixbus.com (Spain & Europe connections)
Taxis & Ride Apps
· Taxis – Available in all major cities, official cars have green lights and taximeters.
· Apps – Uber (Barcelona, Madrid), Cabify (nationwide), and Bolt are widely used.
Car Rentals
For those who want to explore rural Spain, beaches, and hidden gems:
· RentalCars.com or DiscoverCars.com compare best deals.
· Major providers: Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt.
· Roads are well-maintained; toll highways (autopistas) exist on some routes.
Airports & Transfers
· Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) – aena.es
· Madrid-Barajas (MAD) – aena.es
· Valencia, Málaga, Bilbao – also managed by AENA.
· Airport to city options: metro, Aerobus (Barcelona), Cercanías train (Madrid), taxis, and private transfers.
Apps & Maps
· TMB Barcelona – tmb.cat
· Metro de Madrid – metromadrid.es
· Citymapper – citymapper.com
· Google Maps – real-time navigation & public transport updates.
Weather & Seasons
Spain’s Mediterranean climate means hot summers and mild winters, but the weather varies greatly by region. While Barcelona enjoys warm, humid summers and occasional autumn rains, inland cities like Madrid can be hotter in summer and colder in winter. The north (Basque Country, Galicia) tends to be cooler and wetter, while the south (Andalusia) can be scorching hot in July–August.
What to Pack
· Summer (June–September): Light clothing, sunscreen, hat, and comfortable shoes for walking.
· Autumn (October–November): Layers and a light jacket for rain showers.
· Winter (December–February): Mild coats in Barcelona; warm clothing if traveling to Madrid or northern Spain; ski gear if heading to the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada.
· Spring (March–May): Comfortable layers, as days are warm but evenings can be cool.
Seasonal Activities
· Summer: Beach life on the Mediterranean (Costa Brava, Costa del Sol), open-air festivals, and rooftop terraces in Barcelona.
· Autumn: Wine harvest festivals (La Rioja, Catalonia’s Penedès), hiking trips, and cultural city breaks.
· Winter: Skiing and snowboarding in the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada, Christmas markets, and festive lights in Barcelona and Madrid.
· Spring: Semana Santa (Holy Week) parades, hiking in national parks, and enjoying the first beach days.
Useful Links
· AEMET (Spanish State Meteorological Agency) – aemet.es/en/portada
· AccuWeather Barcelona – accuweather.com
· Ski in Spain – Pyrenees & Sierra Nevada – lamolina.cat/en/winter/
Money & Banking in Spain
Spain uses the Euro (€). Understanding how to manage money here is key whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur.
Opening a Bank Account
Opening a bank account is one of the first steps for students and new arrivals. Most banks allow accounts for residents and non-residents. You’ll need:
· Passport or ID
· NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
· Proof of address (rental contract, padrón certificate)
Best Banks for Students & Expats
· Banco Sabadell – Student-friendly, English service available in big cities, free youth accounts.
· CaixaBank (La Caixa) – Strong presence in Catalonia, extensive ATM network, offers expat packages.
· Santander – Nationwide coverage, good for international transfers, offers student & business accounts.
· BBVA – Popular in Madrid & Barcelona, easy-to-use app, online banking in English.
Best Banks for Business
· Banco Sabadell – Well known for supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs.
· CaixaBank – Offers strong digital solutions and financing options.
· Santander – International banking, ideal for those dealing with cross-border business.
ATMs & Payments
· ATMs are everywhere in cities and towns. Some charge a fee (usually €1.5–2.5 per withdrawal).
· Card payments are widely accepted, even for small amounts. Contactless payments with Visa, Mastercard, and Apple/Google Pay are common.
· Always check if your home bank has partnerships with Spanish banks to reduce ATM fees.
Daily Costs (2025 Averages)
Food:
· Groceries (per person, per week): €40–90
· Lunch menu (menú del día): €12–15
· Coffee: €2–2.50
Transport:
· Metro/bus ticket (single): €2.40–2.50 (Barcelona/Madrid)
· Monthly travel card: €30–60
· Taxi start fare: €3–4
Accommodation:
· Shared student flat: €350–550/month
· 1-bedroom city-center apartment: €800–1,200/month (Barcelona/Madrid)
· Outside center: €600–900/month
Note: Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive, while cities like Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, or Granada are more affordable.
Helpful Links
· Banco de España (Central Bank) – bde.es
· Banco Sabadell – bancsabadell.com
· CaixaBank – caixabank.com
· Santander – bancosantander.es
· BBVA – bbva.es
Maps & Navigation
Getting around Spain is easier than ever thanks to modern apps and clear maps. Whether you’re exploring Barcelona’s metro, navigating Madrid’s streets, or planning a road trip across Andalusia, the right tools can save you time and stress.
Public Transport Maps
· TMB Map (Barcelona Metro & Bus): Essential for daily commuting. Download the official PDF to keep offline access.
· Madrid Metro Map: Covers one of Europe’s largest metro systems. Available on the official Metro de Madrid site.
· National Train Routes (Renfe): Great for traveling between cities; routes link Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, and beyond.
Digital Navigation Tools
· Google Maps: Perfect for walking, driving, or public transport directions across Spain.
· TMB App (Barcelona Metro & Bus): Real-time updates on arrivals, service changes, and routes.
· Citymapper: Combines metro, bus, walking, cycling, and even taxi routes with live updates.
· Moovit: Popular for real-time public transport info in multiple Spanish cities.
Driving & Car Navigation
· Waze: Excellent for real-time traffic alerts and best driving routes.
· Rental Cars: Easily available at airports and city centers (Sixt, Europcar, Avis, Hertz). Remember that parking can be limited in big cities, so apps like Parclick can help reserve spots.
Walking & Cycling
Many Spanish cities are very walkable and bicycle-friendly. Use apps like Donkey Republic or Bicing Barcelona for bike rentals.
Useful Links
· Google Maps – maps.google.com
· Barcelona TMB – tmb.cat
· Metro de Madrid – metromadrid.es
· Renfe Trains – renfe.com
· Parclick (Parking App) – parclick.com
Everyday Life Tips in Spain
Moving to Spain or starting a new life here comes with its own rhythm and customs. These everyday essentials will help you settle in smoothly:
SIM Cards & Mobile Operators
Spain has several major operators — Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, and low-cost options like Yoigo, Pepephone, or Lowi. Most offer prepaid and contract plans. Prepaid SIMs are great for newcomers or short stays, while contracts are cheaper long-term. Bring your passport/NIE for registration.
• Movistar Spain
• Orange Spain
• Vodafone Spain
Shopping Hours & Supermarkets
Large supermarkets like Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Aldi, Dia are open daily (usually 9:00–21:00). Smaller shops may close midday (14:00–17:00) and on Sundays. El Corte Inglés offers premium shopping options.
Pharmacies & Health Services
Pharmacies are marked with a green cross. Many close at night, but each area has a 24-hour pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) — listed at every pharmacy window. Health centers (CAP in Catalonia) handle non-emergencies, while hospitals cover urgent care.
Cultural Habits
Lunch is the main meal, usually 14:00–16:00.
Dinner is late, often 21:00–23:00.
Shops and offices may close during “siesta hours” in smaller towns.
Sundays and public holidays are for family — many shops stay closed.
Spain has many local holidays, so check city calendars for closures.
Safety & Security in Spain
Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe, but like any popular destination, there are things to keep in mind:
· Pickpocket Awareness
Tourist areas (El Raval, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona, Puerta del Sol in Madrid, etc.) are hotspots. Keep wallets, phones, and bags secure, and avoid leaving belongings unattended.
· Documents & Money
Always carry a copy of your ID/passport and leave the original in a safe place when possible. Use money belts or anti-theft bags in crowded places.
In tourist areas, police and medical staff often know basic English.
Use Google Maps or the “112 SOS” app in Spain to share your exact location with emergency services.
Useful Contacts
• Emergency Number 112
• Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan Police)
• Barcelona City Council