Location: Europe
Local Time: GMT+1
Mainland, Balearics, Ceuta & Melilla:
From 30 Oct 11 to 25 Mar 12 GMT +1
From 25 Mar 12 to 28 Oct 12 GMT +2
From 29 Oct 12 to 30 Mar 13 GMT +1
From 31 Mar 13 to 27 Oct 13 GMT +2
Canary Islands:
From 25 Mar 12 to 28 Oct 12 GMT +1
From 31 Mar 13 to 27 Oct 13 GMT +1
Capital City: Madrid
Population: 46.14 million
Area: 505,955357,021 square km, 195,349 square miles.
Language(s): Spanish (Castilian), Catalan, Galician, Basque
Dialling Code: 34
Emergency: Police, Fire & Ambulance: 112
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the right. EU Driving Licences are accepted, if not an International Driving Licence is required. Minimum driving age is 18, however minimum age for car hire is 21
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: EUR: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500
Coins: EUR: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0900-1400 Mon-Fri, 0900-1300 Sat (except during the summer)
Office: Times vary considerably
Shops: 0900-1300 & 1630-1930 Mon-Sat (1000-2000 department stores)
Public Holidays
2012
Note: *These holidays may be replaced by the autonomous communities with another date. Additional dates may be celebrated as regional public holidays and may vary from region to region.
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in Spanish, many executives speak French or English. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: Service charges may not always be added to the bill, although a cover charge may be applied. Tips of 5-10% are discretionary
