Need To Know

Before You Go

• Carry ID: By law, you must have official identification on you in both Spain and Portugal. A photocopy of your passport’s photo page usually suffices for day-to-day use; keep the original secure at your hotel.
• Cash & Coins: Cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry small change (€0.50–€1 coins) for public bathrooms, markets, and small cafés.
• Public Holidays: Many shops close on Sundays and during local holidays. In smaller towns, expect a mid-afternoon siesta break when some stores shut between roughly 2–5 pm.
• Language Basics: English is spoken in tourist areas, though a few words of Spanish (hola, gracias) or Portuguese (olá, obrigado/a) go a long way. 

Dining

• Meal Times: Locals dine later than Australians, English, Americans.
  Lunch is typically 1:30–3:30 pm and dinner from 8:00 pm onward, particularly in Spain.
• Tipping: It’s not expected but appreciated. Round up the bill or leave around 5–10% for good service in restaurants. Small coins are fine for cafés or taxis.
• Tap Water: Safe to drink in both countries. If you prefer bottled, “con gas” means sparkling and “sin gas” means still. 

Transport & Walking

• Public Transport: Reliable, inexpensive, and easy to navigate. Madrid and Lisbon have strong metro systems, and intercity trains (AVE, Alfa Pendular) are excellent for longer hops.
• Airport Transfers: Taxis and ride-share apps (Uber, Bolt, Cabify) are widely available.
• Walking: Old-town areas often have cobblestones and uneven surfaces. Supportive shoes with grip are a must, especially in hilly districts like Lisbon and Toledo. 

Day-to-Day Practicalities

• Bathrooms: Many public toilets charge a small fee; keep coins handy. Some older places may lack paper, so a small packet of tissues is worth carrying.
• Safety: Spain and Portugal are safe overall in regards to your personal safety, though pickpockets target crowded areas (metros, tourist sites). Keep bags zipped and valuables close.
• Dress Codes: Casual is fine, but modest attire is required in churches and religious sites — cover shoulders and knees.
• Courtesy: Greet shopkeepers or café staff with a quick hola or bom dia when entering and a polite gracias or obrigado when leaving, as it’s part of the culture.