Exploring Spain: Is Spanish Necessary?

Do you need to know Spanish to travel to Spain? Well, it certainly helps, but it's not essential. English is widely spoken in the bigger cities and tourist hotspots, but if you're venturing off the beaten track, you might find locals have a very basic grasp of English. It's always good to know a few key phrases in the local language, and you can pick up a Spanish phrase book or download an app to help you get by.

Learning basic Spanish phrases

Learning some basic Spanish phrases can be very helpful when travelling to Spain. While you can get by with English in the bigger, more touristy cities, it is a different story when visiting smaller, lesser-known towns outside the tourist radar. Knowing some basic Spanish words can really change your travel experience and locals will appreciate that you’re making the effort to communicate in their language.

Greetings

• Hola — Hi or Hello
• Buenos días — Good morning
• Buenas tardes — Good afternoon
• Buenas noches — Good evening or Goodnight

Asking "How are you?"

• ¿Cómo está usted? — How are you? (formal)
• ¿Cómo estás? — How are you? (informal)
• ¿Qué tal? — How are you? (informal) or What's up?
• ¿Cómo te va? — How's it going?

Replying

• Bien, gracias — Good, thank you
• Muy bien — Very well
• Así, así — So, so
• Como siempre — As always
• ¿Y tú? — And you?

Saying Thank You

• ¡Gracias! — Thank you!
• ¡Muchas gracias! — Thank you very much!

You're Welcome

¡De nada! — You're welcome! or No problem!

Asking for Help

• ¿Puede ayudarme? — Can you help me? (formal)
• ¿Podrías ayudarme? — Can you help me? (informal)
• ¿Me puede ayudar? — Can you help me? (formal)
• ¿Me puedes ayudar? — Can you help me? (informal)

Asking for the Time

• ¿Qué hora tienes? — What time is it?
• ¿Qué hora es? — What time is it?

Asking for Directions

• ¿Dónde está...? — Where is...?
• ¿Cómo llego a...? — How do I get to...?
• Estoy perdido/a — I'm lost

Saying Goodbye

• Adiós — Goodbye
• Hasta luego — See you later
• Hasta mañana — See you tomorrow
• ¡Cuídate! — Take care!
• ¡Hasta pronto! — See you soon!

Navigating the local culture

• Language Barrier: While many Spaniards, especially the younger generation, speak English, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will go a long way. Consider downloading a language-learning app or carrying a Spanish phrase book to help you communicate. In larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona, you may get by with English, but in smaller towns and rural areas, Spanish is a must.
• Regional Differences: Spain is a diverse country with strong regional identities. Each region has its unique culture, traditions, and even language. Be mindful of these differences and try to learn about the specific customs of the region you're visiting. For example, the flamenco style of music and dance originated in Andalucía, while Catalonia has its own language, Catalan.
• Socialising and Dining: Spaniards highly value social interaction and often spend hours chatting with friends and family after meals. This tradition is known as 'sobremesa'. They also tend to eat late, with dinner typically starting around 9 pm. If you're feeling hungry before dinner, tapas, or small savoury plates, are a great way to tide you over.
• Greetings and Manners: Spaniards are generally quite informal and friendly. It is common to move quickly to a first-name basis after meeting someone. When greeting someone, a handshake is typical, and once a relationship is established, men may embrace and pat each other on the shoulder. Female friends often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks, starting with the left.
• Dress Code: Spaniards tend to dress stylishly and conservatively. When visiting religious sites such as churches, cathedrals, or mosques, it is important to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees.
• Tipping Culture: Tipping is not expected in Spain, but it is appreciated, especially if you receive good service. A small tip of around 5-10% is generally sufficient.
• Cash vs Card: Spain is largely a cashless society, and credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist hubs and major cities. However, if you do carry cash, make sure you have smaller bills and coins, as some establishments and taxi drivers may not have change for larger denominations.

Safety and security

Spain is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with millions of people visiting the country every year without incident. However, it is important to be aware of potential risks and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some key considerations and tips for staying safe and secure while travelling in Spain:

Terrorism

Spain, like other Western nations, faces a threat of terrorist attacks. While the rate of fatal attacks has decreased since the 1970s and 1980s, it is important to stay vigilant and keep yourself informed about potential risks. Monitor local media and official sources for updates, and follow the instructions and advice of local authorities. Be particularly vigilant in public places, especially tourist sites, shopping areas, and transport hubs such as airports and railway stations.

Theft and Scams

Spain, like any other country, has its fair share of theft and scams targeting tourists. Pickpocketing is common in popular tourist destinations and crowded areas such as public transportation, restaurants, bars, and hotel lobbies. To minimise the risk of theft:

• Avoid carrying all your valuables in one place.
• Keep only the essential items and money you need for the day.
• Be extra cautious in crowded areas and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Avoid looking like a tourist by not gawking at maps or appearing lost.
• Keep your wallet or phone in a secure, inside pocket of your jacket, rather than back pockets or backpacks.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night or in isolated areas.
• Be wary of anyone posing as plainclothes police officers and asking to see your wallet. Genuine police officers will only ask for ID and will carry official identification.

Personal Safety

• Be aware of cultural differences and local laws. For example, it is illegal to drink alcohol in public in some areas, and there are strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including beaches.
• Keep yourself and your belongings safe by being vigilant and using common sense.
• Avoid splitting up from your friends, and do not leave your drinks unattended.
• Save the location of your accommodation in a maps app on your phone, so you can easily find your way back.
• Be cautious when consuming alcohol or drugs, as they can reduce your vigilance and make you more vulnerable.
• Always use official, licensed taxis or reputable transport companies.
• Be aware of potential dangers in natural areas, such as strong undercurrents at beaches or hidden rocks. Follow local advice and warnings, especially at unmonitored beaches.

Emergency Preparedness

• Familiarise yourself with local emergency procedures and important contacts. The general emergency number in Spain is 112, and there is a tele-translation service available in multiple languages.
• Download the AlertCops mobile application, which allows you to quickly and discreetly notify law enforcement authorities of any crimes or security incidents. The app is available in multiple languages.
• Make copies of important documents, such as your passport, national ID, and driver's license, and store them securely in a place like Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Consider purchasing travel and health insurance before your trip to ensure you have the necessary coverage in case of any incidents or medical emergencies.

Entry requirements

Passports and Visas

Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement, which means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay and must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive. If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Travel Insurance and Funds

You may need to show proof of travel insurance and that you have enough money for your stay when entering Spain. The amount varies depending on your accommodation.

COVID-19 Entry Restrictions

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Other Entry Requirements

You may also need to show:

• A return or onward ticket
• A hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property
• An invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a 'carta de invitation' completed by your hosts

Minors

Spanish law considers anyone aged 17 and under to be a minor. If you are travelling with minors who are not your own children, you may need written notarized permission from their parents or guardians.

Local transport

Spain has a well-developed public transport system, which makes getting around the country very convenient. The country's public transport options include trains, buses, trams, and taxis.

Trains

Spain has one of the world's largest high-speed rail networks, second only to China. Trains on these high-speed rail networks travel at speeds of up to 310 km/h. The country's national rail company, Renfe, offers various types of train services:

• Larga Distancia (long-distance): These include high-speed services like AVE and intercity services that partially use high-speed routes (e.g., Alvia, Altaria, and Intercity).
• Media Distancia (medium-distance): These services travel between urban areas and are the second-fastest option.
• Local services: These include Regional Express trains that often stop at every station.

Renfe's train services are generally reliable when it comes to departure and arrival times, and the trains are clean and comfortable. However, there may not be WiFi on board, and food and drinks can be expensive. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, as prices can increase significantly close to the travel date.

Buses

Buses are a cheap and reliable way to get around Spain, with both national and city bus services available. Tickets can be purchased online or at bus stations, and it is advisable to book in advance for the best prices. City buses are usually cheaper, with fares ranging from €0.72 in smaller cities to €2.20 in larger cities like Barcelona. National and intercity buses are also a popular option for long-distance travel, as they are often more affordable than trains.

Trams

Several Spanish cities have tram networks, including A Coruña, Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Murcia, Sevilla, Valencia, and Zaragoza. Tram fares typically range from €1.20 to €1.50 for a single trip.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in all Spanish cities and can be hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks near major transportation hubs. Fares vary by city, but generally, there is a base fare of around €2-3, with per-kilometer charges of around €1-2. Credit card payments are accepted in some cities, like Madrid.

Other Options

For those looking for alternative transport options, Spain also offers ride-sharing services like Uber and Blabla Car, as well as bicycle-sharing schemes in some cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Additionally, domestic flights within Spain rarely take more than two hours, and there is an extensive network of fast roads and high-speed trains connecting major cities.

Frequently asked questions