The climate in Madrid ranges from 41 degrees (Fahrenheit) in the winter to 75 degrees in the summer. Spring and autumn are short but very pleasant. February, May, and November are the rainiest months. You will need a passport to enter the country, and visas are required from visitors of some countries. Visas can be obtained from embassies in your home country or from Spanish Consulates in other European countries.

The Spanish currency is the “peseta,” abbreviated as ptas. Banks in Spain accept cash and travelers’ checks as long as you have a valid passport. Bureaux de change locations keep longer hours than banks and will change money for you. Many hotels will also exchange money. Exchange rates vary and it is wise to shop around. Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants, and for many other services. Most banks have automatic cash machines where you can withdraw cash with major credit cards.

Telefónica is the main Spanish telephone company, although other companies have recently joined the market. Telefónica has several call centers in Madrid, where you can make a direct or operator-assisted call with cash or a credit card. Phonecards are likely the cheapest and easiest way to make calls. Most telephone centers, newspaper kiosks, and tobacconists sell phone cards. Spain’s country code is 34.

There are a few post offices in Madrid and the main post office, Palacio de Comunicaciones, is open 24 hours a day. Some hotels will offer a mailing service for their clients. The standard electrical current in Spain is 220v although some old buildings still run on 125v circuits. Outlets are the two round-pin continental type. The local water is good and safe to drink. There are no fixed rules on tipping although it is common to leave about five to ten percent for a server in a restaurant. It is also customary to tip hotel porters and taxi drivers. Madrid has a city tourist board (Patronato Municipal de Turismo) and regional offices (Comunidad de Madrid) which all provide basic information on events and attractions in the city and surrounding areas. You can also find basic maps here, although they do not provide accommodation services.