Sometimes it is hard to know exactly what to expect before one arrives in Spain. Here are some helpful hints that most travel guides forget to tell you about:
Fashion
Whatever your style in America, you´re sure to find
people to relate to. Styles range from "United
Colors of Benetton" to hippie to a return to the
80´s (don´t forget your leg warmers).
However, people do tend to "dress up" a lot
more in Spain than in the USA: you will note that most
Spaniards don't wear very casual things such as flip-flops/tshirts/sweatshirts,
but rather more formal attire such fashionable shoes
and nice tops for everyday life.
Clothes dryers are not used in Spain, so be prepared that your clothes might be slightly more wrinkled and stiff than usual.
Safety
Even though Spain is not dangerous, when travelling on the metro (for students studying in Madrid or Barcelona) or even walking on the street, make sure that you are always securely holding and watching your belongings. Ladrones will rob you even if it means snatching your bag right off of your shoulder or your phone right off of your ear!
The statistics accumulated from our incident reports reveal that the majority of students that are robbed were female and alone. A good way to avoid this is to make Spanish friends; thieves tend to target foreigners, especially Americans.
Calling Home
The best way to call home to the United States is with a local calling card. The two best calling cards that we have found are "Eurocity" and "Europhone" which can usually be found at newstands or Tabacaleras.
Going Out
Spaniards start their night out at 12 a.m. and keep it going until at least 5 or 6 when the metro starts up again. To make it a completely Spanish night, make a "chocoloteria" your last stop before going home and order "churros con chocolate".
Drinkers beware (or enjoy??) because Spanish bartenders tend to fill at least half of the glass with alcohol (in mixed drinks).
If you like to go out alot, talk with the bartenders, have one bar be your starting point every time, and besides forming new friendships, you will get cheaper (if not free) drinks!
Free publications (such as InMadrid) are great for providing information on things going on in Spain.
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Transportation
The "Abono de Trasporte" is definitely worth buying
(for students studying in Madrid). It costs 27.20 Euros
for anyone under 21 and 42.10 Euros if older for unlimited access
to public transportation. (Click here
for maps of metro in different Spanish cities)
Figure out the bus system for when you get tired of constantly being on the metro or if you want to learn the streets and positions of landmarks better. There are also night buses (marked N#of bus) which run certain routes during late night.
Money
Using your ATM card is the best way to exchange/get money in Spain: the rates are better and it is convenient. To exchange traveler´s checks, there is no commission at the American Express office (metro: Banco de España) but the rates aren't the best. Caja Madrid tends to give the best rates for cash, but if you can, exchange it elsewhere in smaller cities outside of Madrid where in general everything is cheaper.
When planning on how much money to bring or budget, be up-to-date on current exchange rates.
Travel
Take advantage of special travel packages advertised through your school. The earlier you plan your vacations, the better the deals you will find.
Day to Day
Carry little packets of tissues with you - many times you won´t find toilet paper in public facilities.
Don´t come to Spain with unrealistically high expectations - the cities of Spain are generally like any others.
Be open-minded to whatever "culture shocks" you might experience.
Take advantage of intercambios and/or free Spanish classes.
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