TRAINEES > ABOUT SPAIN > Useful to know

USEFUL TO KNOW

ELECTRICITY - THE TWO KISSES - NIGHT-TIME OPENING HOURS - HITCH-HIKING - TIPPING - CYCLING - REQUIREMENTS TO DRIVE

ELECTRICITY
Electric appliances in Spain work with 220 volts, CA. 50 Hz and plugs conform to the European system of round pins with two holes.

THE TWO KISSES
When you are introduced to someone and they kiss you twice at cheeks, don't be surprised, and don't take it the wrong way either. In Spain it's a common, friendly greeting as is considered, with slight variations, in other European countries.

NIGHT-TIME OPENING HOURS
One point about the night that you'll like to know well are the opening hours. You wouldn't want to arrive at the club too early an spend an hour turning around at your own dancing with the DJ! In Spain things start happening at about midnight. This is when everyone crowds into the bars and clubs for a drink. Nightclubs tend to start to fill up at two o'clock. Three till five, the best part of the night, is when pubs are crowded and it is easiest to meet people. Most clubs close between six or seven.

HITCH-HIKING
Hitch-hiking (autostop) in Spain is an uncertain and daring way to travel, but who can deny that it is the easiest on the pocket? Wheter you recommend it or not, tha fact is that finding someone who will give you a lift (as far as they are going) can be quite an adventure depending on the area you are in. If you try to hitchhike in metropolitan areas probably the only thing you get out ot it is a good dose of fumes from trafic, with some exceptions, obviously. On the other hand, in areas that are less densely populated and countryside, people are much more likely to stop.

TIPPING
Tipping is not mandatory; in all establishments in Spain, service is included with the price. However, tipping is a common practice at bars, restaurants, and taxis, depending on the total price or quality of the service, and on the generosity of the client. It is usually around five to ten percent of the total amount.

CYCLING
In many central European countries the bicycle is respected by drivers and is one of the most practical types of transport for young people. In Spain the habit has not yet caught on and moving around by bycicle might prove difficult. In large cities however, there are dedicated bycicle lanes, so it shouldn't be extremely dangerous.

REQUIREMENTS TO DRIVE

You must be at least 18 years old:
To drive in Spain you must be at least 18 years old. To rent a vehicle, you must be at least 21.
You must have a valid driver's licence:
If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein: all you need is your valid driver's licence. If you are other country, you will need an International Driver's Licence.