Madrid, Spain

What to wear in Madrid, Spain

In summer, wear light, natural fibers for comfort as well as to ward off heatstroke. In winter, dress in warm layers, including boots. In spring and fall, wear a jacket or sweater for mildly cool temperatures. Fashion-wise, Spaniards generally dress up more than Americans, so in addition to casual clothes for sightseeing, pack nice clothes for good restaurants and nightclubs. No one wears sneakers except American tourists! If you want to blend in, wear leather shoes.

Spoken language in Madrid, Spain

Spanish is the national language, which is quite easy to learn and your efforts to speak a bit of it will be graciously received. English is widely spoken, especially in the tourist centers.

Electricity in Madrid, Spain

The electrical current in Spain is 220 volts/50 cycles AC. Wall outlets take round, two-prong plugs, so you will need an adapter to use your American appliances.

Customs information for Madrid, Spain visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry

You will need a valid passport only. No visas are required for stays of up to 90 days.

Spain Customs

Visitors age 15 and over are permitted to enter Spain with up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, up to 1 liter of alcohol over 22 proof, and up to 2 liters of wine.

US Customs

Returning US citizens who have been away for 48 hours or more are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. You'll be charged a flat rate of 10% duty on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. Be sure to have your receipts handy. On gifts, the duty-free limit is $100. You cannot bring fresh foodstuffs into the United States; tinned foods, however, are allowed.

US Embassy

Serrano 75, Madrid 28006, España, phone 011-34-91-587-2200, fax 011-34-91-587-2303.

Advising for Madrid, Spain visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Sunburn and Heatstroke

The risk of sunburn and heatstroke in summer is great, even for those not usually bothered by the sun. Wear a hat, use plenty of sunblock, and drink water regularly.