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 Guide
Quick Facts on Spain
Spain Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Spain Map
Spain Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
Spain Hotels & Flights
Travel Insurance
Spain Travel Videos
Quick Facts on Spain
Country: Spain
Capital: Madrid
Currency: Euro
Population: 43.8 Million
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 1,409bn (2010)
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 Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
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. 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.
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 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 (2012):
January 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Epiphany
March 19: St Joseph’s Day
April 6: Good Friday
April 8: Easter
April 9: 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
Please Note: Public holidays vary depending on the autonomous communities and regions within Spain.
Spain Map
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Related Resources
Spain Weather
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
