Spain Business Travel Guide

Spain Flag

The Spain Business Travel Guide contains a choice of travel tools and resources to help assist business travellers on their trips. The guide has some useful information such as business customs, culture, tips, visa information facts on Spain and more. Having an awareness of and understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can prove to be a great advantage for business travellers helping to create better understanding, avoid cultural misunderstandings and helping to create a successful business trip.

Spain is located in south western Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; the country has an advanced and developed economy with a number of business opportunities. It is one of the largest countries in Europe and a member of the EU, Eurozone, OECD, NATO and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Major trading partners include EU neighbours France, Germany, UK, Italy and Portugal. Spain is a multicultural, multi racial country and home to a number of ethic groups. Spain shares borders with Gibraltar in the south, Andorra and France in the north and Portugal in the west and north west.

The country has a variety of landscapes including the Pyrenees mountains, lakes, lowland regions and beaches across the coastline and a range of flora and fauna. Famous attractions include the Museo Nacional del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Royal Palace of Madrid, Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Cibeles, El Rastro de Madrid and Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande in the capital Madrid and Sagrada Família, Alhambra, Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, Park Güell, Alcázar of Seville, Casa Batlló, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) and Beach of La Concha.



Spain Guide

Quick Facts on Spain
Spain Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Spain Map
Spain Weather & Climate



Quick Facts on Spain

Country: Spain

Capital: Madrid

Currency: Euro (1 euro = 100 cents)

Population: 46.7 Million (UN, 2012)

Area total: 504,872 sq km

Languages: Spanish

Time Zone: GMT +1

Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late September

Electricity: 220V 50Hz

Dialling Code: 34

GDP: USD 1.358 trillion (World Bank, 2013)

Religion: Predominately Christian (Catholic) with Muslim and Jewish minorities.

Political System: Constitutional Monarchy

Internet Domain: .es


Spain Travel Advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Spain. You can find further details on entry requirements for Spain, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Consulate in Spain. The information is regularly updated making it a useful resource to get the latest travel advice and information on Spain for both business and leisure travellers. For more information please see: Spain Travel Advice


Visa Requirements

No visa requirement for national of EU member states. No visa need for US and Canadian nationals for visits less than six months. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Spain Embassy UK


Business Customs and Etiquette

Business meetings need to be arranged in advance, business attire is conservative and stylish. Business greetings are usually with a handshake, trust and the building of personal relationships is a key business requirement. Business cards are normally exchanged after introductions. It can take a few meetings to build up trust and understanding, with decisions often made at the top.

There is adherence to protocol so it can take some time to get a decision, patience may be required. Agreements will be looked at very closely to make sure everything is correct. Many business people speak English, translators are available if required. Some companies may have an extended lunch break usually between 13.30/14.00 to 15.50/16.00 however some companies especially larger ones and multi nationals may work through with the standard hour lunch.


Travel Advice and Tips

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world with many business trips and tourists visiting each year, the vast majority of these go ahead without incident. You should be aware of pick pockets and bag snatchers particularly in busy public places, ensure your valuables are not in public view. Bag snatchers can use mopeds to approach from behind, ensure your bay is worn across your shoulder and not hanging off your shoulder to minimise the chances of having your bag snatched. Ensure you are alert and vigilant at all times to your surrounds and environment to minimise the chances of being caught up in an incident.

Travel Checklist: See our Travellers Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.

Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for the latest advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please the NHS Fit for Travel website.


Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%

Hours of Business:

For Businesses:
09.00 to 14.00 then 16.00 to 20.00 Monday to Friday
Many offices open at 08.30 and close at 15.00 in the summer from the middle of June to the middle of September.

NOTE: It is usually best to avoid business trips from the middle of July to the end of August during the hot summer, many people are away on holiday and offices operate a skeleton staff meaning decreased business activity.


Public Holidays

Public Holidays (2015):

January 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Epiphany
April 2: Maundy Thursday
April 3: Good Friday
April 1: Easter Monday
May 1: Labour Day
August 15: Assumption Day
October 12: National Day
November 1: All Saints' Day
December 6: Constitution Day
December 8: Immaculate Conception
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day

Please Note: Public holidays vary depending on the autonomous communities and regions within Spain.


Spain Map

Map of Madrid, Spain


View Larger Map


Spain Weather & Climate

Spain's is located in southern Europe and includes varied geography results in a range of climates. Spain has a number of climatic zones across the country, the Oceanic Climate is found in the north of Spain characterised by warm summers and mild winters. The Mediterranean Climate is the dominant climate on the Iberian Peninsula and is characterised by warm to hot dry summers and mild to cool wet winters. The Semiarid Climate is found in the south east of Spain with long hot dry summers and a much longer dryer season. Much of Spain enjoys a pleasant climate ensuring it is a destination that can be visited throughout the year.

Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn in the summer months; can get very hot in summer, plenty of hydration, sunscreen and sun hat are needed. Mountain/Alpine wear clothing is required in the mountain regions throughout the year. Additional layers and warmer clothing is required during the autumn and winter months.










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