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General information about Madrid
Payment: By euros (€)
Country code (phone): +34
In case of emergency (phone number): 112
Do’s and dont’s
In Madrid everyone greets eachother warmly with a handshake (and sometimes a knock on the shoulder). As in many Mediterranean countries here is the “Abrazo” (embrace) also common among the men. Women do the same, accompanied by a kiss on the cheek. Men and women just shake hands when they greet eachother.
Spaniards can push and pull in a row for taxis, phones, and other such situations. On the other hand, tourists are usually respected. If you are in the sight of others don’t yawn or stretch, that is very inappropriate. Spaniards make a lot of gestures with the hands, the arms and the head. Most gestures as we know it are also known in Spain.
ATM services in Madrid
Spain and therefore Madrid uses the euro as payment. There are plenty of ATMs. The post offices and banks have the following opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 08:30 h. or from 09:00 till 14:00. There are also post offices that are open on Saturday from 08:30 till 13:00. Sunday are the banks and post offices closed. At the larger petrol stations, car rental companies, hotels and larger restaurants, you can pay with your credit card. Always be aware of pickpockets. Never take too much money with you. Spare change is really only suitable for small purchases.
Safety in Madrid
Although you also need to watch your stuff in a city like Madrid, we also think that the city gives you the feeling that you don’t have to constantly watch them like if you walk in Barcelona, Rome or Paris. However, you should also be on your guard. Where tourists are, there are often also thieves. Don’t let valuable stuff lay anywhere and don’t take them with you when you are going out or going to busy places. Also use the fault in the hotel when it is there.
Public holidays of Spain/Madrid
Most shops and banks closed on public holidays. The public holidays of Spain/Madrid are:
| Date | Holiday |
| 01.01.xxxx | New Year’s Day |
| 06.01.xxxx | Epiphany |
| 19.03.xxxx | San Jose |
| 01.05.xxxx | Labour Day |
| 02.05.xxxx | Community Day |
| 15.05.xxxx | San Isidro |
| 04.06.xxxx | Corpus Cristi |
| 15.08.xxxx | Feast of the Assumption |
| 09.09.xxxx | Santa Maria de la Cabeza |
| 12.10.xxxx | Fiesta Nacional de España |
| 01.11.xxxx | All Saints Day |
| 09.11.xxxx | Almudena |
| 06.12.xxxx | Constitution Day |
| 08.12.xxxx | Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
| 25.12.xxxx | Christmas Day |
How late do the stores open and close
Who thinks of Spain also think siesta and so are most of the shops closed at noon.
Most shops in Madrid have these opening hours:
Monday: 9.00-14.00 and +/-16.30 – 20.00
Tuesday: 9.00-14.00 and +/-16.30 – 20.00
Wednesday: 9.00-14.00 and +/-16.30 – 20.00
Thursday: 9.00-14.00 and +/-16.30 – 20.00
Friday: 9.00-14.00 and +/-16.30 – 20.00
Saturday: 9.00-14.00 and +/-16.30 – 20.00
Department stores are open from 10:00 to 20:00/21:00.
At banks and post offices you can go from Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 2 pm.