Communications

How can you connect to the internet and check your e-mails?

If you want to connect to the internet, numerous establishments in Spain offer free WiFi connections: cafés, restaurants, kiosks… You’ll also find it in a number of airports, train and bus stations, and some shopping centres and hotels. You may sometimes need to ask for the password.What’s more, many venues offer free WiFi in public spaces like parks or squares.Remember that these connections have a maximum speed limit, so they’re mainly useful for finding specific information. You can also connect to the Internet via your mobile device. Another advantage is that in Spain you can enjoy extensive 4G mobile coverage. Remember to check your usual mobile phone operator’s conditions and rates before you travel.

How do I send a letter, fax or telegram?

You can send a letter from anywhere in Spain. To do so, you’ll have to buy stamps at establishments that sell tobacco, called “Estancos” , or at Post Offices.

To send a letter or postcard, you will need to put it in a letterbox. You’ll find these on the street, at stations or at airports. If your accommodation has a concierge service, you may be able to leave it with them to send it for you.

If you want to send a package, transfer money or send a telegram, you’ll have to go to a Post Office. These offices also provide fax and bureaufax services. You can also send a fax from most hotels.

How to call to and from Spain.

If you wish to make a call to Spain from overseas, you should dial +34 (the code for Spain) followed by the telephone number (9 digits).

If you want to call another country from Spain, then dial 00 followed by the country code and the telephone number. You can make calls from phone boxes. These work with coins or cards available from “estancos” (licensed outlets for tobacco/stamps).

If you wish to make national calls within Spain you should dial the number with no prefix. This number should comprise 9 digits, regardless of whether it is a landline or mobile.

To use your mobile in Spain you should be aware that coverage here uses GSM technology, meaning that it is incompatible with some countries such as the USA or Japan. In this case you need a tri-band mobile in order to call. If you have a compatible handset, you should get in touch with your mobile company to make sure that you can use your mobile in Spain (they will activate the international roaming service on your account). Once you have taken these steps at home, you will be able to use your mobile in Spain as if it were a Spanish handset: i.e. you should dial 00 + the country code to make international calls.