Everyday life

Getting a Spanish mobile phone plan

How to get a Spanish SIM or contract, and what to compare between providers.

Prepaid vs contract SIM cards in Spain

The practical differences between a prepaid SIM and a postpaid contract, and which suits newcomers best.

Best mobile providers in Spain

How to compare Spain's major carriers and virtual operators (MVNOs) to find the right fit.

Home internet and fibre broadband in Spain

How to set up home broadband in Spain, including typical fibre coverage and contract terms.

Mobile number portability in Spain

How to switch mobile providers in Spain while keeping your existing number.

Using public transport

An overview of getting around Spanish cities and between regions by public transport.

Transport cards and travel passes in Spain

How rechargeable travel cards work in Spanish cities, and what resident discounts are typically available.

Buying train and bus tickets in Spain

How to book intercity train and long-distance bus tickets, and how to get the best fares.

Taxi and ride-hailing services in Spain

How taxis and ride-hailing apps (VTC) work in Spain, and how the rules differ by city.

Cycling and bike-sharing in Spain

How public bike-share schemes work in Spanish cities, and the basics of cycling rules.

Travelling between Spanish cities

How to choose between train, bus and flights for longer journeys within Spain.

Enrolling children in school

How school enrollment works for foreign families moving to Spain.

Understanding the Spanish education system

An overview of Spain's education stages, from early years through to Bachillerato.

Public vs private schools in Spain

The differences between public, concertado (state-subsidised) and fully private schools.

Universities in Spain for international students

How foreign qualifications are recognised for Spanish university entry, and how the application process works.

Spanish language courses for newcomers

Where to find affordable or free Spanish classes, and how to choose the right level.

Supermarkets in Spain

An overview of Spain's main supermarket chains and how grocery shopping works day to day.

Shopping hours and public holidays in Spain

How store opening hours work in Spain, including Sunday and public holiday rules that vary by region.

Online shopping in Spain

What to know about buying online in Spain, including customs rules for orders from outside the EU.

Receiving parcels and deliveries in Spain

How parcel delivery works in Spain, including what to do about missed deliveries and building access.

Recycling and waste collection in Spain

How to sort household waste correctly using Spain's colour-coded street containers.

Opening a PO Box (Apartado de Correos) in Spain

How to rent a PO Box from Correos, and why it can be useful before you have a fixed address.

Postal services in Spain (Correos)

An overview of what Spain's national postal service offers, beyond just sending letters.

Changing your address in Spain

The full list of places you need to update when you move house in Spain.

Finding local public services in Spain

How to identify and reach the right local council (ayuntamiento) service for everyday needs.

Bringing pets to Spain

The requirements for bringing a dog, cat or ferret to Spain from inside or outside the EU.

Registering your pet in Spain

How to register your pet in your municipality's animal census, and the extra steps for certain dog breeds.

Finding a veterinarian in Spain

How to find and register with a vet in Spain, and what routine pet care typically involves.

Pet insurance in Spain

What pet insurance typically covers in Spain, and when it's required rather than optional.

Day-to-day living costs in Spain

A practical breakdown of everyday running costs once you're settled — groceries, transport, utilities and leisure.

Cultural etiquette and everyday customs in Spain

Everyday social norms in Spain that can surprise newcomers, from meal times to greetings.

Public holidays in Spain

How Spain's national, regional and local public holidays work, and why the calendar differs by location.

Emergency numbers and useful contacts in Spain

The key emergency and helpline numbers every resident of Spain should know.

Accessibility services in Spain

An overview of accessibility support available in Spanish cities, from transport to public buildings.

Support for people with disabilities in Spain

How to apply for Spain's official disability certificate and what benefits it can unlock.