In Catalonia, the Catalan. In Galicia, the Galician. In the Basque region, the Basque. In the Balear Islands, the Mallorquín; and in Valencia, the Valenciano.

Local Time

Madrid is one hour ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) official time in autumn and winter, and two hours within spring and summer seasons.

Clocks are put forward one hour for daylight saving lasting from March to October.

Currency

The Euro (Sign: €; Code: Euro), the official currency of the Euro Zone, is the valid currency in our country since 2002.

The Euro is divided into 100 cents. The Existing coins are: 1c - 2c - 5c - 10c - 20c - 50c / 1€ - 2€. Notes: 5€ -10€ - 20€ - 50€ - 100€ - 200€ - 500€.

(Due to exchange reasons is better to use notes up to 50€ value, otherwise payment could be rejected)

Banking

Spain probably has the largest private banking network of ATM's (electronic funds transfer point of sale) facilities within the western countries, therefore it will be easy for you to make cash withdrawals or credit card cash advances, 24 hours, every day of the year. You can find an ATM's point at almost any block in the city.

Visa credit card is widely accepted in any shop, restaurant or hotel. For other credit card like Amex, Dinners, please check in advance for safety sake.

Goods and services Taxes

Most services and goods in Spain includes an 18% VAT Taxes. Most retail prices (PVP) includes VAT Taxes, unless is stated otherwise.

Hotels and restaurants only charge a VAT Tax of 8%.

Electrical supply

Spain's electrical current is 220/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most power sockets outlets only accept 2 round pin plugs.

Tipping

Prices at restaurants and other services like Taxis, always include the service. None will charge you with extra gratuities, however it's very common to accept tips at restaurants and bars at your own discretional (average 5%).

Commercial timetable

Most retail shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:30 to 20:30.

Big department stores are open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 in the morning to 21:00 hours.

Bars open daily, early in the morning (say 7 to 8) to serve breakfasts and closed late in the afternoon (say 12:00 in the night).

Restaurants open daily from 13:00 to 16:00 hours and from 20:30 to 24:00 hours.

Recently (2012) shops in the Region of Madrid are able to open daily 24 hours. Now most of the shops located at the Centre of Madrid and in touristic spots are open daily within a wide timetable range.

Water

Madrid's water is one of the best and can be drink at any place.

Emergencies

Call to 112 for any urgent emergency (Health, Police, Fire...)