ALL THINGS SPAIN

Guide for Expats in Spain    Before Moving to Spain    Housing in Spain    Jobs in Spain    Banking in Spain    Health Care in Spain    Communications in Spain    Legal Issues in Spain    Learning the Language in Spain   Guide for traveling in Spain    Accommodation in Spain    Transportation in Spain    Safety in Spain    Health Care for Tourists in Spain    Emergency Numbers in Spain    Other Useful Info    Where to Buy Spanish Products    Books on Spain     See also: Madrid Restaurant Menus	Plugs and Voltage in Spain There are two types of Spanish plugs. Perhaps the most common Spanish socket is the "Schuko" plug (see a photo of the Schuko plug here). The other type of electrical socket in Spain is the European two-pin socket (see a photo of the two-pin European socket here). If you are bringing electrical appliances from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or the U.K., you will need to buy an adapter to use them in Spain. You can buy an adapter before you leave for Spain or buy an adapter in Spain (at El Corte Inglés or at a ferretería). Note that 120 volt electrical appliances from North America will require a transformer as well. Spanish electrical appliances run on 230 V / 50 Hz.     Tipping in Spain Every Spanish person I know has their own rules on tipping, but there do seem to be some general rules. Bars – some of my Spanish friends never tip in bars (if only ordering drinks). Others may leave 5 or 10 centimos. One of my Spanish friends insists that you must leave a tip if the bartender gives you free tapas with your drinks. If you leave a few centimos or not, it doesn't really seem to matter in Spain. As an American, even after several years in Spain, I find it hard not to leave anything, so I generally leave something small. Restaurants – The general rule on tipping in restaurants is about 5%. A little more or a little less – it doesn´t really matter. Spanish waiters and bartenders receive full salaries, so they do not rely on tips as a major part of their income. Taxis – you never have to tip taxi drivers in Spain. If the fare is 6,05 euros, that is what they expect to receive. I only tip taxi drivers if they go out of the way for me (e.g., taking a shortcut).
	Conversions Metric Conversions provides conversions for liquids, lengths, weights, temperature, and other measurements. Online Conversion provides conversions between European, U.K., U.S., and other international shoe and clothing sizes. XE provides online currency conversions for Euros, U.S. dollars, British pounds, and all other international currencies.   Some Basic Phrases in Spanish (Castellano*) These are the very basic phrases to help you get buy. Your best bet is to buy a good Spanish phrasebook before leaving, as many Spanish (especially elderly Spanish waiters, taxi drivers, etc.) do not speak English. Hello  =  Hola Goodbye  =  Hasta luego Thank you  =  Gracias You’re welcome  =  De nada Excuse me  =  Perdon Where is…  =  ¿Dónde esta… … the Prado museum?  = … el museo del Prado? … the metro station?  =  … la estación de metro? How much is this?  =  ¿Cuánto es? What street is this?  =  ¿Qué calle es ésta? What time is it?  =  ¿Qué hora es?   *See the section on language for information on the different languages spoken in Spain.   Add to del.icio.us | Digg this
	© Copyright allthingsspain.net 2008 ~ privacy policy ~ contact ~ site map