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Useful Information

Standard time zone

Madrid is on Central European Time or CET, which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (UTC/GMT +1). From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October the difference is +2 hours.

Language

Spanish is the language spoken by residents in Madrid, although as it’s a multicultural city you can hear languages from all over the world.

Currency

The official currency is the euro. There are notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. The coins in circulation are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 euros.

Electricity

The power system operates on 220 V. The plug has two cylindrical pins. If this is not the same as in your country, before using an electrical device you’ll have to check the voltage and attach an adapter to the plug.

Retail opening times

In general, shops open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 20.30 and Sundays in tourist areas. Banks are open Monday to Friday from approximately 08.30 to 14.00. Museums are usually closed on Mondays. The Reina Sofía museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Tourist cards

These cards help you save money at some of the city’s most important attractions and avoid queues at several of them. You can combine them with the public transport network in the region of Madrid. www.madridcard.com

Safety

Madrid is a safe city, although as in any other capital you have to avoid poorly-lit empty streets at night. On public transport, in department stores and central areas, avoid crowds and keep an eye on your wallet or purse.

Religion

Although Spain is officially a non-denominational country, the majority of the population is Catholic and there are important religious minorities: Protestants, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Jews… Whatever your faith, you’ll be able to practise your religion during your stay. www.esmadrid.com/servicios-religiosos-madrid

Public holidays

Besides national holidays (1 and 6 January, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, 1 May, 15 August, 12 October, 1 November, 6, 8 and 25 December), in Madrid 2 and 15 May and 9 November are also holidays.

Information and emergency telephone numbers

If there is a medical or other emergency, call the free number 112. If you need help from the police, you can visit SATE (Foreign Tourist Assistance Service: www.esmadrid.com/informacion-turistica/sate. The free number 010 provides all kinds of information.